Getaway Weekend In Rome

Rome, as a millennium-long centre of power, culture and religion, have been the centre of one of the globe’s most powerful and greatest civilizations ever, exerting a tremendous influence over the world in its c. 2500 years of existence.

With astonishing palaces, millennium-old churches and basilicas, grand romantic ruins, opulent monuments, ornate statues and graceful fountains, Rome possesses an immensely rich, unparalleled historical heritage and cosmopolitan atmosphere, making if one of Europe’s and the world’s most visited, famous, influential and beautiful capitals. Rome is also often seen as a shopping heaven, being highly regarded as one of the fashion capitals of the world.

GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Two words of caution. First, unfortunately, pickpocketing is ravaging in the city – so be vary of not carrying too much cash with you and holding on to your purse around motorcyclists. Second, download a “sights map” of Rome from online images, it will help you greatly in navigation between the sights.

DISTRICTS

The city can be divided into 9 districts with the so-called “historical centre” (centro storico) being quite small, covering only around 4% of the city area.

The Modern Center district is a place of many of the hotels, as well as a shopping and dining galore. It is home to such sights as the Quirinal Palace, the famous Trevi fountain, Barberini, Castro Pretorio, and a must-see Piazza della Repubblica.

The Old Rome district is the center of the Roman Renaissance period. It features beautiful squares, cathedrals, the Pantheon, and plenty of laid-back dining. It includes Piazza Navona, Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, and the Jewish Ghetto.

The Vatican is the Papal City State with endless sights, relics, and museums, as well as the surrounding Italian neighbourhood.

The Colosseo is the heart of ancient Rome. It features the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Forum of Augustus, the Forum and Markets of Trajan, the Capitoline and its museums.

The North Centre in the north part of Rome contains Villa Borghese, the Spanish Steps, and two elegant neighbourhoods: Parioli and Salario.

The Trastevere to the south of the Vatican is full of narrow cobbled streets and is arguably the centre of Rome’s artistic life.

The Aventino – Testaccio features off-the-beaten path neighbourhoods of Rome, filled with plenty of surprises waiting for interested travelers, as well as some truly spectacular food.

The Esquilino – San Giovanni is south of Termini, has an indoor market, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II and the Cathedral of Rome – Saint John.

The Nomentano neighbourhoods feature a vibrant night life.

GET AROUND

If you’ll be staying in Rome for at least 3 days, consider purchasing the Roma Pass, which will entitle the owner to full access to the public transport system, free admission to the first two museums and/or archaeological sites visited, and reduced tickets and discounts for the following museums and sites visited, as well as exhibitions, music events, theatrical and dance performances and all other tourist services.

For getting a car there is one advice: do not do it. Roads are more intuitive than logical, and signs are few. Once you’re in the center, and for many parts of Rome, you are best off on Rome. To navigate between the sights use the metro. Rome has two metro lines which will get you within walking distance of all sights.

SEE

There are plentiful of sights in Rome and Italians are very fond of their landmarks, and many of the main attractions are free. The sights provided below are the main ones, an excerpt of the plethora of sights to see. Get a “sights map” to get a complete understanding of what to see.

Ancient Rome

The main area for exploring the ruins of ancient Rome is in Rome/Colosseo either side of via dei Fori Imperiali. It starts from piazza Venezia and heads towards the Colosseum. The Roman Forum will appear on your right, the Trajan’s Forum and Market on the left. To the right of the Colosseum is the Arch of Constantine and the beginning of Palatine Hill, which will eventually lead you to ruin of the Flavian Palace and a view of the Circus Maximus.

In Old Rome, you must see the Pantheon, amazing well preserved for a structure dating back to 125 AD.

Catholic Rome

There are more than 900 churches in Rome, with about one third being well worth a visit! There are four major churches, or basilicas, built by the IVth Century. These are: St. Peter’s, St. Paul’s Outside the Walls, Santa Maria Maggiore and San Giovanni. There are three more churches which all pilgrims to Rome are expected to visit: San Lorenzo fuori le ura, Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, and the Sanctuary of Divino Amore. Several good examples of early Christian churches are San Clemente and Santa Constanza.

Please be vary that churches in Rome deny admission to people dressed inappropriately. Bare shoulders, short skirts, and shorts are officially not allowed, but once reaching just above the knee should generally not be a problem.

The Seven Hills of Rome

If you want to explore the Seven Hills make sure to get a map, as they may be hard to identify. The one you should surely visit is the Palatine Hill which looms over Circus Maximus and is accessed near the Colosseum. Take a walk on the Hill in good weather and have a good time.

Just walking around

Much of the attraction of Rome is in just wandering around. You can quickly escape the major tourist routes and sometimes even feel like you are in a small medieval village, not in a capital city. Take a stroll if you have the time, you will not regret it.

Rome is one of the most spectacular places one can visit. With magnificent ruins, tremendously beautiful basilicas, astonishing piazzas, and vibrant city culture, Rome is a must-visit for all tourists of Europe. The optimal number of days to spend in Rome would be about 5. These provide sufficient time to walk through the city and view all of the main sights. The Vatican deserves a day on its own out of these five. No matter the time allocation, one thing is guaranteed – you will enjoy it!

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