Rome was not built in a day… But you can see it in two!
Welcome to ‘Roma’: The city where la dolce vita came into realization. Boasting over two thousand years of existence, Rome is one of those unique places where culture and culinary blend seamlessly together. Art, architecture, abundant pasta, gelato, baroque churches and villas turned into museums are all synonymous with Rome.
Rome is renowned for its Colosseum, and frankly it is one of the landmarks which is unique to it. It has a long history, underlined by gladiator activity. It knows its inception in 80 A.D. with a hundred days of games which included battles between hordes of gladiators and wild animals. It is estimated that it could host around 50,000 people inside. It was then abandoned for centuries where it used to serve as a quarry. That said it remained well intact, boasting a number of its original features, and is visited by almost four million people per year.
Whilst admiring ancient landmarks, have a stroll at the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum. Walking through these ruins can help you envision what it was like for the ancient citizens of Rome walking through the streets whilst taking sacrifices to the temples. In this regard it would be ideal to have a guide who can help you to fully appreciate the history of these ruins. Following your visit to the Forum, do visit the Bocca della Verità, an ancient stone carving of a man with a bearded face. According to legend, it will bite off the hand of anyone that lies.
The Pantheon is also another majestic landmark which is the burial place of the Kings of Rome and other important figures. It was the world’s largest dome, up until the modern era. It is referred to as one of the world’s perfect buildings where you can enjoy the sunlight filtering within it as you enter and progress.
You can spend as much time as you please at the Vatican, enjoying the Piazza di San Pietro, St. Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.
If you would like to take a break from sightseeing, you can spend some time shopping at the Galleria Alberto Sordi. Its features containing stained-glass skylights and mosaic floors make it one of Europe’s most attractive places to shop. A bonus tip; enjoy an Espresso or two from Tazza d’Oro and Caffè Sant’Eustachio.
Obviously, whilst in Rome, do as the Romans do and indulge in fantastic food. Roman food specialities tend to be simplistic with little ingredients which have proven to be of immense delight over the years. Some delicious appetisers include fried artichokes and salt cod fillets and plenty of different cheeses. Different pasta dishes include spaghetti alla carbonara, tagliatelle cacio e pepe and pecorino romano. To enjoy these dishes in a casual setting head to La Carbonara in Monti. For more of a fine dining experience, visit the Michelin-starred Ristorante All’Oro.
“Rome is not like any other city. It’s a big museum, a living room that shall be crossed on one’s toes.” – Alberto Sordi.
Fontana di Trevi
Piazza di Spagnia
Piazza Navona
Castel sant’ Angelo
