Cradling one of the greatest civilizations ever, the Eternal City, Rome sprawls in history for the past 2800 years as a center of power, culture, religion, and art. Situated along the shores of the Tiber river, Italy’s capital is a mix of haunting ruins, succulent history, and awe-inspiring art. By plane, train, car or cruise, all roads lead to Rome, which is one of the world’s most romantic cities.
- Whether in Rome for 3 days, 3 weeks or 3 months, this largest city of the Lazio region will romance you with its photogenic sites. A typical Roman Holiday would feature in the depths of April/May or late September/October. An ideal weekend here could commence within the heart of the city at the Flavian amphitheater better known as the Colosseum. An iconic symbol of Imperial Rome built as an entirely free-standing oval structure, it is the largest amphitheater that hosted gladiatorial contests, mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions and dramas and is also regarded as the site of martyrdom by Christians.
- The best and easiest way to traverse through the relics of historical upheaval and artistic heritage is to take the beaten path by foot. The Palatine Museum on Palatine Hill houses a collection of incredible archaeological artifacts dating to the Paleolithic era. The Palatine Hill on which the Palace of Domitian dominates is the centermost of the seven hills and an archeological site open to the public that looks down upon the Roman Forum upon one side and the Circus Maximus, the first largest chariot racing stadium in ancient Rome, on the other. Called the teeming heart of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum is the nucleus of commercial affairs is the most celebrated meeting place in the world, and in all history. Along with statues and monuments that commemorate the cities, great men, it is also a location of the oldest and most important structures like the Regia, Temple of Vesta and complex of Vestal Virgins. Surrounding archaic shrines include the Umbilicus Umbris and Vulcan.
- A short distance from this is the Pantheon, the world’s largest unreinforced dome. It is one of the best preserved of all ancient Roman Buildings and has been built and rebuilt followed by a series of Christian modifications. This influential style of architecture can be detected in many government and public buildings. Adjacent to this is the Piazza Navona featured in many art films including Dan Browns Angels and Demons.
- Visit Rome is incomplete without a tour of The Vatican Museums located within the boundaries of the Vatican City. The next monument of importance is St. Peters Basilica which ingrains a lot of contribution from Michaelangelo. The entire interior is lavishly decorated with marble, reliefs and architectural sculpture.
- Big and small pubs, bars and coffee shops adorn the nightlife in Rome. Eating out is one of Rome’s great pleasures and the combination of romantic alfresco settings and the superlative food is a guarantee of good times. A truly Roman meal leads the way to a boisterous pizzeria or convivial neighborhood trattoria.
- Few cities can rival Rome’s historical legacies and artistic heritage. A tour here would also comprise a visit to The Galleria Borghese housed in Villa Borghese which is devoted to classical antiques and sculptures.
- Influenced by the Baroque style of architecture are the Spanish Steps with its irregular butterfly design and the Trevi Fountain which is one of the most famous fountains in that served to supply water to Rome for over 400 years. The fountain is also famed for coin throwing and recorded an average collection of 3000 euros in a day.
- Analogous to other historical relics is yet another edifice, the Trajan’s column with overflowing significance and a reflection of architectural innovation that unfolds different scenes continuously in its wave. Other noteworthy edifices in and around the space include the Forum of Augustus, Basilica of San Clemente Laterano and Altare Della Patrica.
- A must visit tourist attraction in Rome are the Baths of Caracalla that served as inspirations for many other notable buildings including the Baths of Diocletian, Basilica of Maxentius, the original Pennsylvania Station and Chicago Union Station. Artworks recovered from the ruins include famous sculptures such as Farnese Bull and Farnese Hercules. The ancient Catacombs of Rome are underground burial places which elevate the significance of Roman cultural history. The city is also bedecked with countless churches and chapels, the most prominent ones being Santa-Cecilia and Santa-Marina in Trastevere and Sistine Chapel.
- Rome bursts with countless historical visages. Other than the ones mentioned, the Bocca Della veritas, Palazzo Spada, Savello Park, Roma sotterranea, Campidoglio and Capitoline Museums are among the top sites in Rome.
- No tour is complete without a handful of shopping and a collection of memories to cherish. The best artifacts to collect would be those that reflect the true spirit of the city. And in the right season at the right time, one can experience events like the Rome Film Festival (October), Roma Europa Festival (September-November), Estate Romania (June-October), Pasqua (good time to glimpse the Pope) and the Rome Marathon.
- The result of 3000 years of ad hoc urban development, Rome’s cityscape is an exhilarating spectacle.
Weekend guide in Rome, Europe Photo Via pexels
