trip to Rome, the Eternal City.
Where to start ...
Arm yourself with a map of the city - you can either buy one before you travel from any good bookstore, or most hotels in Rome have a fairly comprehensive and compact map of the city centre.
Remember ... never take your eyes off your belongings and do be wary of pickpockets.
Taxi's - Everything in Rome is within walking distance and apart from the beauty you see as you walk, you also get to discover places and shops you never would have gone to otherwise. So in short, you really don't need a taxi. However, if you really can't walk any more (or you have too much shopping to carry) and need to take a taxi, make sure that you line up at an official taxi line. Otherwise, you will unfortunately encounter taxi terrors charging you ridiculous prices and also being quite pushy.
Driving - in Rome ... DON'T! Not unless you are used to the hustle and bustle of Rome. Walk instead. I can also recommend hiring a Vespa on a Sunday (no one is on the streets on a Sunday). This way you also get the Italian Vespa experience.
Weather - May to September is Europe's summer, October to April is Winter.
*Note. August is holiday period for most Italians, so many shops close up or open quite late (sometimes at midday). Whilst there may not be many locals in August, rest assured that the number of tourists more than make up for it!
Now Lets go to ...
Villa d'Este
Piazza Trento 5, Tivoli
Villa d'Este is just outside of Rome in the Tivoli Region. Although you can take a train, followed by a bus to Villa d'Este, it is much easier to take a day tour. Your hotel can give you the names of many tour companies that can take you to Villa d'Este (usually starting with a stop at Villa Adriana). When you first arrive there, it seems strange that a place that is revered for its thousand fountains, many sculptures and stunning art rooms, could possibly exist in the cities' Piazza. However, once you walk through the foyer and down the corridor, you are hit with one of the most beautiful and serene views ever known. The tour costs around $AU80 per person, and is worth every single cent. The photos I have do not do it justice, so visit the official website.
http://www.villadestetivoli.info/
Vittorio Emanuelle - Victor Emanuel Monument
Corso Via Vittorio Emanuelle II
Quite obviously, this monument was constructed in honour of Victor Emanuel the second, the first King of unified Italy. An extremely controversial monument, apart from the likings to a wedding cake, most Italians (when asked) are bitter towards Victor Emanuel's reign. Once you get past that, from the moment you walk up the first few flights of stairs, you are simply stunned at the sheer size of everything. The columns, the statues, the building itself ... everything. Inside is full of art and memorabilia from Victor Emanuel's reign.
Unless you enter the museum itself, there is Nil Cost for entry.
Musei Capitolini - Capitoline Museums
Corso Via Vittorio Emanuelle II
Around the corner from the Vittorio Emanuelle Monument, the museum is set up high on Capitolini Hill. Full of art, sculptures and even mosaics, the Capitoline Museums are a worthwhile visit. Sit on the steps, have a sandwich and enjoy the peace and beauty around you. Don't miss a trip up to the Terrazzo. Apart from experiencing one of the best coffee's in Rome, you will also get to experience a spectacular view of Rome.
Cost of entry is approx $AU15.
*Note, the museums do have free entry for students undertaking research as well as discounts for various groups.
http://www.museicapitolini.org/
Campo dei Fiori - Field of Flowers
off Corso Via Vittorio Emanuelle II
Brilliant for lovers of fresh food markets. The markets run every Monday through Saturday mornings. You can also find leather goods, souvenirs and hand made trinkets. More importantly, for us shoe lovers, you can find one of the largest selection of leather shoes in the one spot. This is where I would visit to stock-up on fresh fruit and vegetables as well as the odd fresh fish, to cook back at the apartment.
On Sunday's, when there is a rest day for market people, it gives you a chance to see all the little quaint shops that surround the Piazza. Because of the buzz of the markets, you often miss the true gems lining the streets.
Bocca della Verita' - Mouth of Truth
Piazza Bocca della Verita'
Located at the entrance of a church - Santa Maria in Cosmedin, the Mouth of Truth is a large marble sculpture believed to be one of the first Lie Detectors invented. Fable has it that if your hand was placed in the mouth of the marble sculpture and you lied, your hand would either be bitten off or crushed (I am assuming that this would depend on the severity of your lie)? Anyone that has seen Roman Holiday starring Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn, will remember the sculpture as an integral part of the film. Apart from a wonderful photo opportunity, La Bocca della Verita' is a great story piece.
Nil Entry Fee.
Via Vittorio Veneto
off Piazza Barberini
Whilst 'just' a street, you can take a stroll down one of the most expensive streets in Italy. Home to so many exclusive Hotels, including the Westin Excelsior, this is also where many actors come to dine and drink. You may catch a glimpse of someone famous (if that is your thing) or you may even bump into James Bond - given that this is where the House of Brioni is. All you James Bond fans will know that Brioni is the choice of suit for 007.
Cost - Nil. ... for the walk!
Piazza di Spagnia - Spanish Steps
Piazza di Spagnia
A Roman Ritual to meet up with friends on the Spanish Steps to gossip about love, life and family. The men usually can't help but eye off the ladies and the ladies hope that the men notice them. It is another great photo opportunity and a great experience. Take special note, if you are coming down the Spanish Steps off Via Sistina, make sure you take great care as the steps are narrow and very slippery.
Cost - Nil.
Fontana di Trevi - Trevi Fountain
off Via del Lavatore
Rome's largest fountain and most famous, the Trevi Fountain brings with it the hope of lady luck. Rumour has it if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain and make a wish, your wish will come true soon. I tried a thousand times and still ... I am waiting. I'm not sure how long it takes before the wish comes true? But seriously, the Trevi Fountain is not a wishing well. The theory is that if you throw a coin in the fountain, it guarantees your return to Rome.
The Trevi Fountain is truly spectacular both by day and by night. Try and get there early as once the hoards of tourists arrive, your photo opportunities become extremely limited. Not far from the Trevi Fountain is also a great Internet shop where you can also call home, photocopy papers and hire scooters. The fountain is also surrounded by great eateries, cafe's and gelateria's. You also can't miss the shopping.
Cost - Nil.
Santa Maria Maggiore - the St. Maria Church
off Via Cavour
Some of the most impressive mosaic work you will ever see, is right here in Santa Maria Maggiore. The Church would be of interest to anyone that enjoys art, sculpture and of course, mosaics. Once inside the Church, you are blown away at the sight of such splendor and you can truly appreciate the amount of time, blood, sweat and tears that would have gone in to creating some of the finest and most magnificent works ever seen. Santa Maria Maggiore was designed for Pope Paul V who is now buried in the Church. A truly impressive visit.
Cost - Nil, however, donations are appreciated.
Of course you will still need to visit the super famous attractions of Rome such as:-
St. Peters Basilica;
Vatican Museums;
Sistine Chapel;
Raphael Rooms;
The Colosseum;
Castel St Angelo;
Pantheon; and
Piazza Navona
*NB. Remember, when entering any church, including St. Peters Basilica, there is a dress code. You will not be allowed entry unless you are appropriately dressed. Ie. No shorts, No bare arms and shoulders and definitely no skirts or dresses above the knee.
So those mini's are an absolute No-No!
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