by Sara Dudleymore
Let’s make your Italian experience something unique! Before booking your trip make sure to select the perfect location for your staing in Rome. Rome has many areas in the city center, each one with its own unique touch and style. Where should you start from? Here are some guidelines.
1)TRASTEVERE: narrow, irregular and winding streets are typical here. At that time there was very little space for carriages to pass, hence Trastevere stayed a maze of narrow streets and that is the way it’s known today.
The area of Trastevere is a major attraction for its movie theaters, restaurants, cabaret clubs, crafts artisans and picturesque maze of narrow cobbled alleyways.
During the evenings, cafe and restaurants tables spill out over to the pavement, one area in particular is around Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. During the morning hours, this friendly neighborhood of antique charm and unique narrow alleyways of Trastevere is better appreciated.
2)THE SPANISH STEP: it’s the area where the famous “Scalinata” (staircase) is and can be recognized by a rectangle like shape and the very famous water fountain called “La Fontana della Barcaccia” at the foot of the stairs (built in 1627-29).
This is a charming and very rich area, home of the most famous fashion brands (both italians and international). It’s also a meeting point and a top tourist attraction. From aside the square you can go for a romantic or scenic ride in a carriage pulled by a horse around Rome.
3)THE PANTHEON: built by the romans in 27 B.C, once the “Temple of all the gods” (by definition) it was turned into a church in 609. This perfect square rests on a cylinder and it measures 142 ft per 142ft high.
Very well preserved, probably the best preserved building of its age in the world today. It’s an incredible place to visit, The Pantheon worths spending an hour visit for sure.
Come get your Italian cappuccino, pasta or pizza in one of its many neighbouring restaurants and relax in front of this magnificent wonder of the world. Also many ‘curious’ and original souvenir shops and “Gelato” in Rome are popular here.
4)THE COLOSSEUM: for a long time it has been known as the “Flavian Amphitheater”, it has 55k spectators seats. Gladiators and wild animals fights were hosted here, under the emperor eye to entartain the romans.
It was ordered by Vespasiano between 70 and 72 AD but actually finished only in 80 AD by Domitiano, his son. Still impressive nowadays, well after its glorious days, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Rome.
The area itself is quiet, safe, rich of traditional trattorias, restaurants and cafes, grocery stores, artisans and souvenir stores of course. Very enjoyable and recommended.
5)THE VATICAN, St. PETER’S CHURCH: this is were the independent state of The Vatican is. Defined since February 11, 1929 it’s home of the Pope and were the impressive St. Peter basilica is. During each Sunday, the popes give out masses to the public.
The huge square in front of the Basilica fills up with people gathered from everywhere to listen to the words of the pope.
It also houses the best antiquity, artifacts, famous paintings and archeological finds in the world. People travel to Rome just to witness this place, it’s really worth it. Even though attracts many tourists, it’s still a calm, settled residential area to come and visit and very central.
6)TREVI FOUNTAIN: is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome located in the historic centre. It’s the largest standing and most ambitious of the Baroque fountains of Rome measuring 25.9 meters (85 feet) high and 19.8 meters (65 feet) wide.
Its name comes from its position which is at the intersection of “tre vie” (literally ‘three roads’). The building behind Trevi Fountain is called Palazzo dei Duchi di Polis, and its considered a modeled replica of the triumphal arch. The legend says that visitors coming to Rome and throwing a coin into the fountain will return to Rome again!
7)CAMPO DEI FIORI: during the day is conquered by many stand owners selling their freshly goods and vegetable products in its famous daily outdoor market. A charming location to have a quick bite to eat, wonder around, and people watching.
Many small boutiques are spread all over Campo dei Fiori and some souvenir shops are very nice. During the whole year you will notice people sit outside, hanging around the square and lots of outdoor Trattorias and espresso bars.
At night, the area tunrs into a very cool place for entartainment, music and social drinking, with an animated atmosphere where people get together and enjoy the evening. It’s by far the most popular tourist attraction in the summer nights together with Trastevere.
8)PIAZZA NAVONA: built over the oval structure of the “Domitian Stadium”, at the time of the ancient romans it used to be flooded with water to stage naval battle ships and it was seating 30,000 spectators.
Nowadays, 3 magnificent marble fountains decorate the square which was actually designed by Bernini and obelisk from Egypt is in the middle of the square. The narrow streets around Navona square are full of cool boutiques and souvenir shops.
From December 8th until January 6th Piazza Navona is the host of the event “Befana” (“Epiphany”) celebration, very popular and characteristic.
Tags: Arts & Entertainment by Sara Dudleymore
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