Rome
The eternal city.
I really don't know where to start when talking about Rome. It is like a second home to us. We have been in Rome almost every year for the past 35+ years with rare events keeping us away. COVID was one of them. On our early trips our time in Rome was much like that of others. Going to see places. We used to stay in hotels, now we rent apartments and stay for a week at a time. Where before we measured the day on what we saw, now we measure the day about how we felt about being in Rome.
There was at one time a standard wall. We would make our way to the Trevi Fountain, and that meant a walk through the Galleria Sciarra Colonna and then to visit our friend Marco Parascenzo at Novelli Pen. Of course we would work our way at one point to the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona. Over the years the areas to visit have expanded to include areas around the Ponte Sant'Angleo, Plazza Vittorio Emanule II and the list just keeps expanding.
Sadly in the last few years we find ourselves now avoiding some of what were our "regular" spots. Lately, over the past couple of years, If I don't vist the Trevi Fountain before 7:00 am or after 10:00 pm it is not a place I want to be. It, like the Pantheon and the Piazza Navona are suffering from tourism overload.
But despite the negative aspect of the crowds we still enjoy being in the city, we just booked again for this year!
Getting Into Rome
If you fly into Rome you can take the Leonardo Express train or a taxi. There are plenty of signs to the train station which is located in the airport. The train is vastly cheaper but depending on the amount of luggage you bring, can be a bit more work. The Leonardo Express will take you to the Termini train station, and from there you can hop a taxi to any part of Rome at a reasonable cost.
Staying in Rome
There are various neighbourhoods of Rome but to really enjoy your time, stay in the centre of Rome so that you can easily walk to restaurants, or go out and enjoy the city in evening. On one of our earlier trips to Rome we stayed at a hotel outside of Rome and took a bus in, an experience never repeated. Don't think of your hotel as just a place to sleep. If it has a patio or ourside area where you can enjoy your morning coffee and cornetto (the Italian croissant) you are going to enjoy your experience in Rome so much more.
How to Describe Seeing Rome
Seeing Rome depends on if you are there for your first time, or if you have revisiting the city. For anyone's first visit the challenge is to see the essential classic sights and try to mix in some time in the neighbourhoods of Rome so that you get a feel for the city rather and only the feeling of line-up!.
Colosseum - amphitheater was site of gladiator battles and other public shows. A massive structure, giving real sense of being in Rome. Walk the passageways and levels. Karen and I remember our first visit - we walked up and into the Colosseum. No gates, no tickets, no crowds except for the cats. Flash forward: line-ups, tickets, crowds, but it is still impressive. A few years ago I thought I just had to have another Colosseum hit and got in line with everyone else. Enjoyed it again.
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill - incredible ancient ruins give you the Rome experience. The Forum has temples, basilicas, and remnants of once magnificent structures. Palatine Hill has panoramic views of the city. I have gone through the Forum more than once and enjoyed it each time. They also have opened new exhibits and areas to see.
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel - a vast collection of art and historical artifacts. The Sistine Chapel, adorned with Michelangelo’s famous frescoes, is a true masterpiece. These are not part of the St Peters and you do not enter from the main piazza. Go on-line and order tickets. We visited the Sistine Chapel on one of our earlier trips to Rome. I remember it was packed, felt that we were just shuffling down long hallways with the crowd - yes that is the way it was and still is. Once in the rooms of the museum it is more spread out and comfortable. You will be asking yourself how the Roman Catholic church could acquire such a vast treasure.
St. Peter’s Basilica - the largest church in the world. Impressive architecture and art. Do climb to the top of the dome and the roof top for breathtaking views of Rome. This is a pretty regular stop, I am always in awe at the sheer size of the church and beautify of its architecture. Once through the line-up and security check, it is not that crowded in the massive church.
Capitoline Hill (Campidoglio) and Capitoline Museums - well how could Glenn Marcus visit Marcus Aurelius each year and say hi! The square, designed by Michelangelo, is beautiful, the two museums are very interesting. The passageway on the right leads to a beauiful view that overlooks the Roman Forum. If you are unable to have time to visit the Forum, then do yourself a favour and see it from here.
Pantheon - probably my favorite building in Rome, and it has always been a stop on our trips to Rome. In 2023 they implemented tickets to get in. Go in, it is worth it. It is the oldest Roman building Rome. A marvel of ancient Roman architecture. The massive dome with an oculus (open hole) at the top just captures your eye. This building has been in constant use for almost 2,000 years.
Trevi Fountain - except for the last two years, when we could not get close to the fountain, every year for 30+ years we have tossed a coin over our shoulder and the wish of return to rome came true. The fountain’s intricate sculptures and flowing water create a magical atmosphere. Crowded as it will be, this is Rome.
Piazza Navona - every year it is a walk through this piazza. The fountains by Bernini are impressive. Lined with cafés, street artists, and musicians there is a great vibe. A few times we have had drinks in a cafes on the piazza - but you can do better elsewhere on that acitivity. In 2005 we planned a group get-together where we would each walk into the piazza via a different entrance and meet at the centre fountain. Too bad a thunderstorm took its toll on that plan. But we did meet and then headed inside to a restaurant just outside the piazza.
Ponte Sant'Angelo and the Castel Sant'Angelo - this location is near the top of the list with photographers when in Rome. The Castel was originally a tomb for Emperor Hadrian. Later it became a safe house for the Pope with an elevated passage from the Vatican. Emperor Hadrian had the bridge built in the 2nd Century. It is now pededstrian only (and lots of them) and is lined with marble angel statues, each holding symbols related to the Passiion of Christ. Inside the Castel is interesting and at the top, an incredible view of Rome.
Altare della Patria, also known as the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II or simply the Vittoriano, is a colossal monument in Rome. Walk through and see the military museum and enjoy the impressive architecture. It is massive inside. Then go outside and take the elevator to the roof top. Best views of Rome.
Spanish Steps are on the essential list as so many people make a point of going there, including us onour first trips to Rome. The staircase connects the Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church sat the top. It’s a popular meeting spot and offers views of the city. But now it is over crowded, and for a while the police would sound a whistle if you sat on the stairs. Get up before the sun comes up and you can really enoy the beauty of the stairs.
Trastevere will give you a break from the big monuments, although this is a very popular neighbourhood to visit so you will not be alone. Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome, has hudge columns taken from previous Roman buildings and wonderful mosaics. Wander the cobblestone streets, take in the ochre-colored buildings and the Roman atmosphere. Lots of choices in restaurants and cafes.
Seeing even more of Rome
But of course there is more to see and experience in Rome beyond what could be a first hit list. The list was just a starting, and I am sure there are gasps - what no mention of "x". Well more is to come. See Rome p2
