Rome Area
Rome ranks among the world's most historically interesting cities and is a bustling, lively place with something for everyone. While it may not be one of Italy's most tranquil cities, it can definitely be described as the most impressive, with its mix of ancient ruins, priceless works of art, and imposing structures. Within the confines of Rome you will also find The Vatican (considered a separate State) where Pope Benedict XVI currently resides. For those who appreciate the arts and ancient history, Rome is definitely a great place to visit.
Highlights of Rome
- The Colosseum
- Forum
- Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)
- Basilica of St Peter in The Vatican
- The Sistine Chapel in The Vatican
Historical Sites
The Colosseum
One of Rome's most recognizable structures is The Colosseum. This huge amphitheater was constructed in AD 80 and was built to hold up to 55,000 people. Countless numbers of men and animals were slaughtered here in the infamous gladiatorial and wild animal fights. Today, the tunnels where the prisoners and animals were kept are no longer concealed by the floor of the Colosseum and it's interesting to get a clear view of the structure and imagine what it must have been like during its gory, or rather "glory" days.
Forum
The Forum was the former business, religious, and social center of ancient Rome. Today it consists of a number of ruined temples, basilicas, and arches that were gradually built over a period of 900 years. Unfortunately, during medieval times, much of the marble was plundered as the area became less important after the decline of the Roman Empire. It is a great place to walk around and can easily take a couple of hours to explore. For more information, please go to: www.capitolium.org.
The Palatine Hill
For one of the best views of Rome, you should head up The Palatine Hill. Located just above the Forum, this area contains the two oldest public museums in the world, The Palazzo Nuovo and the Palazzo dei Conservatori. If you aren't into museums, maybe the amazing views of Rome's city-center will be enough to entice you.
Catacombs
An interesting and unique place to visit near Rome is the Catacombs. There are forty known underground burial chambers in the Rome area, all of which were built along Roman roads (Via Appia, Via Ostiense, Via Labicana, Via Tiburtina, and the Via Nomentana). In ancient times, Christians used to bury their dead in these underground chambers due to the belief in resurrection. Excavators eventually built vast systems of tunnels and narrow passages, some of which descend as much as four stories underground. A visit to the Catacombs is not for those who are prone to claustrophobia as they are dark and you will be surrounded by graves carved into the sides of narrow passage-ways. However, visiting the Catacombs offers an interesting glimpse into the past and is an unusual excursion you can enjoy while visiting Rome.
Pantheon
Originally built in 27 BC, The Pantheon, or "temple of all gods" was later rebuilt in 120 AD and is one of the best preserved buildings in Rome. Entrance to the Pantheon is free, and it's well worth a visit to see the striking dome inside which is said to be an architectural masterpiece. Just outside of the Pantheon, there is also a pleasant piazza which is a nice spot to have a drink and relax. Hours: Mon-Sat 8:30am-7:30pm, Sun 9:00am-6:00pm.
Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)
The Trevi Fountain is the most famous fountain in Rome, and not just for its enormous size. Built in 1792, the fountain gets its name from three roads that used to converge in that spot (tre vie means three roads in Italian). The water for the fountain is still supplied by one of Rome's ancient aqueducts and the sculpture depicts Neptune's chariot being led by one wild and one docile Triton to represent the changing moods of the sea. Don't forget to throw a coin over your shoulder while your there. It's said that if you throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain you will be ensured a return trip to Rome.
The Vatican
While The Vatican is in Rome, it is not a part of Rome as many would believe. The Vatican is actually a tiny sovereign state with its own government, the head of which is the current Pope Benedict XVI. Within the Vatican complex is the immense Basilica of Saint Peter, which was constructed in 1626 and covers an area of 23,000 m_ (5.7 acres). When entering the Basilica, make sure you look to the right for a view of Michelangelo's famous pietà, which is considered to be one of his finest works of art. The sculpture is of the Virgin Mary holding her dead son. When visiting Rome, this is a must-see.
The Sistine Chapel
For all of its fame, The Sistine Chapel is actually quite small. However, the beautiful paintings by Michelangelo make it a worthwhile stop. One of Michelangelo's most famous paintings, The Creation of Adam, can be found here. The fresco was painted on the ceiling of the chapel around 1511 and illustrates God reaching out his hand to impart the spark of life into Adam, who is, in turn, reaching for God.
Activities
I Bike Rome
One of the best ways to see Rome is on the back of a bicycle. I Bike Rome has bikes for rent and is located at Via Veneto 156 (phone: 06 3225240). Those with an ISE Card will receive a discount of 20% off of bike rentals and 10% off scooter rentals.
Alien Disco
One of the hottest Disco's in Rome, Alien Disco is a great place to have fun after a long day of sightseeing. The Disco is open Tues-Sun and closed on Mondays. The entrance fee is only €2.58 with an ISE Card. More information may be found at their website: www.aliendisco.it.
Piper Club
Another great night spot is The Piper Club located on Via Tagliamento 9 (phone: 06 8555398). The Piper Club is open Fridays and Saturdays from 11pm to 5am and ISE Cardholders only have to pay €2.58 to get in.
Places to Stay
Bed and Breakfast Italia
Hundreds of 3 crown Bed and Breakfast hotels all over Italy offer a special rate to ISE Cardholders. Staying at a B & B is a great way to meet and interact with local residents. The discount for those with an ISE Card is 10% off (Must reserve by phone or via website, mention code: R1009, User ID: ISE, Password: WORLD). Additional information as well as contact phone numbers may be found at www.bbitalia.it.
Hostels
There are a wide variety of hostels in Rome. To search for hostels online with full descriptions, photos and availability features, please click here. The $2 reservation fee will be waived when booking through this site.
Places to Eat
In Rome, it won't be difficult to find a good place to eat. Below are a few restaurants that we can recommend to ISE Cardholders:
Ristorante "Il Valentino"
Via della Fontanella
06 3610880
15% off for ISE Cardholders
Scoglio di Frisio
Via Merulana, 256
06 4872765
10% off for ISE Cardholders (when paying with cash)
5% off for ISE Cardholders (when paying with credit card)
Il Tinello
Via di Porta Pinciana 16b
06 486841
10% off for ISE Cardholders
Mario's Ristorante
Via del Moro 53-55
06 5803809
5% off for ISE Cardholders
Getting Around
Walking
Rome is an ideal city for walking. The historic city center is relatively small and the best way to really appreciate the sites is on foot.
Car
Anyone who has driven in Rome will tell you that the traffic is terrible and can be quite dangerous if you are on a motorbike or scooter. Most of the city center is closed off to normal traffic anyway, so it's probably best to find an alternative mode of transportation.
Metro
If you are not in the mood to walk, a convenient way to get to many of Rome's sights is to take the Metro. There are two lines which both go through Termini station.
Bus
Bus tickets in Rome are also valid for the city's metro and train services. From Ciampino airport (southeast of Rome), you can take the COTRAL bus to the metro that connects with Termini station.
The name of the bus company for Rome is ATAC, and most buses end their routes at a station just outside of Termini station. There are maps of all available bus routes at Termini.
Train
From Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) airport, it is probably best to take the train into the city. There is a direct train service to Termini Station (Stazione Termini) which usually leaves every hour. There are also trains to Trastevere, Ostiense, and Tiburtina from this airport.
Taxi
If you have some money to burn, there are plenty of taxis available. One strange practice is that when you call a cab, the meter is turned on from the time you call rather than from the time you are picked up!
Air
Rome's primary airport is Leonardo da Vinci (also known as Fiumicino). The other is Ciampino, which handles mainly domestic flights. Most cities in the world have flights to Rome, so flying in should not be a problem. There is a departure tax, but it is usually included in the price of your airline ticket.
Moving On
Bus
Bus tickets can be purchased at tobacco shops, newsstands, or in vending machines. Make sure you don't travel without one, as you will be heavily fined. The bus company that services trips to other European destinations is called Eurolines. Euroline's buses depart from the station opposite Tiburtina.
Train
If you go to Termini station (northeast of The Palatine Hill and the Forum), you should be able to find a train servicing all of the major cities in Italy as well as destinations in Europe. This is an excellent way to travel as the trains are comfortable and fast.
Air
This is the quickest way to travel, and access to and from Rome is excellent. Leonardo da Vinci airport is the best bet for most flights, both nationally and internationally.
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