Rome, known as one of the top tourist destinations worldwide. Known for its mouth-watering cuisines, enchanting ancient history, and inspiring artwork, it has a little bit for everyone. But where to start? It’s hard to know when with the entire region swarming with sites and culture. Dip your toes in the essentials and work out how to make the most of the Rome holiday.

Things to know Prior to visiting

The Foot Traffic

Rome has had a long reputation for being a crowded city. Being the largest city in ancient times, home to over 1 million people. Nowadays, it has grown even more, with the urban area having a population of 3.8 million, and the metropolitan area around 4.3 million people. It’s not just the locals that make it crowded, with travellers visiting throughout the year, swarming the popular sites to cause staggeringly long lines and expensive tours.

Beware of the Risks

Due to the surplus of tourists, shady characters are drawn to Rome. Con artists and pickpockets are Rome’s most common unsavoury folk, hanging about in the busiest sections of the city. Make sure you watch out for your bag and belongings, especially in crowded trains, lines, and sites. As it’s easy for these pros to quickly snatch one of your most precious items without you realising until much later. Con artists can range in a number of shades. Restaurants can scam you by confusing you with their menu and prices, and citizens who ask you to sign a petition and for your personal details can also have a secret engender.

How to Plan your trip

When to Visit?

Before visiting, most will imagine Rome as a sunny city bursting with blue skies and glorious greenery. However, sadly sometimes, mother nature has other plans. Giving you freezing cold, cloudy days pouring with rain. Summer is undoubtedly the best time to travel in, guaranteeing beautiful sunny days and glorious summer nights. However, July and August equal extreme heat and humidity, turning your tour unbearable when walking from site to site. June, July, and August are as well, the peak season for tourists, the tours and entry to locations bump up in price, so the holiday can get expensive. Typically, between September and November, or between April to May are the greatest times to travel. With smaller crowds, cheaper tours, and sunny but not overpowering days.

Public Transport

Depending on where your hotel is will determine if you’ll need public transport around. The closest hotels to the attraction are obviously the priciest, so if you’d rather walk you may have to fork out more extra cash. If not, bus’, metro trains, and trams are all scattered about the area, with hotels close to at least one of these transports stations and stops. There are one-day tickets, weeklong passes, or even monthly to annual available depending on how long you are staying.

Where to Go

Colosseum

It is undoubtedly one of the most recognisable landmarks in the world, as well as being one of the most ancient. Rome’s Colosseum is an olden landmark from the Roman Empire period, with an extensive and gruesome history. Once hosting popular games and tournaments containing animals’ hunts, gladiator fights, and chariot racing. The landmark has stood the passage of time, created in 80 A.D. with the majority of it still intact.

Palatine Hill

The most famous hill in Rome, home to a vast amount of history and culture. It holds a vast amount of the city’s history, including significant buildings, stunning frescoes and ancient artefacts. Being one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods back in the day, it’s guaranteed to have quite a few stunning attractions nestled on top. Not to mention it has a breathtaking view of the city!

Roman Forum

Another historic attraction is the famous Roman Forum, once the ancient city centre of the Roman empire. Like the empire, this area fell, with only a few ruins remaining. However, walking the grassy paths to see the marble and stone structures can give you a great snapshot back in time. With a local guide detailing stories that breath these great moments back to life.

Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps have grown in fame over the years by appearing in many noteworthy films, books, and poetry. It is beautifully decorated in the Roman Baroque style, with both the stairs and the view holding great beauty. It is known as a hub for creation, with artists, musicians, and muse wannabes visiting to trigger their creative side. Hanging out on the steps is a popular past time for both locals and tourist, with interesting boutique shops, cafes, and look out points all littered about.

Centrale Montemartini

The city’s very first electrical power plant has now been transformed into one of the best galleries around. With ancient marble sculptures dating back to the 19th century scatter the factory floor. The difference between the leftover machinery and the marble sculptures create an inspiring contrast. With the coldness of modern machinery blending together with the detailed cultural artwork. The high glass windows of the factory produce a stunning light effect, with the concrete floors echoing everyone’s footsteps. Music events are also held here, which can be an enchanting and unforgettable experience.

Trevi Fountain

Make sure to bring some spare change on your trip for the Trevi Fountain. Water fountains were very popular back in ancient times, as it was once the only source of water in the city. The Trevi was the first fountain used for this, built in 19 B.C. However, in 1629, the fountain was redesigned by the artist Nicola Salvi, with large marble statues and stunning significant decoration. The tradition when visiting the Trevi fountain is to throw a coin into the water. If you throw one coin over your left shoulder from your right hand, it will ensure your return to Rome. If you throw two, you will begin a new romance, and if you throw three, you will guarantee marriage in your future.

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This post was originally posted on https://sightseeingtoursitaly.wordpress.com/2019/09/03/what-you-should-do-on-your-holiday-to-rome/

Villa Borghese

The Borghese Gardens are some of the most beautiful and intricate garden layouts you will find in Rome. A now famed attraction visited by many, the gardens sit on an area over 80 hectares of land close by to the Spanish Steps. These gardens are free to access so if you’re looking for a moment of quiet amongst the busy streets of Rome, this is it. The gardens began in 1866 by the Pope’s nephew Cardinal Scipione Borghese, however, it was given to the city in 1901 and was made into a public park in 1903. Now set in an English style garden, the beautiful grounds hold sculptures, monuments and a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Once a private vineyard, the Borghese Gardens is now the largest park in Rome and a central attraction in the heart of the city.

Pantheon

The Pantheon in Greece translates to ‘honour all Gods’, and this was what it once was for, as it had humble beginnings as a Roman temple over 2,000 years ago. Now a church, many are unsure how the Pantheon has survived several invasions and natural disasters over two millennia. It is known that Roman concrete was used to construct the building which is incredibly durable unlike the modernised version of concrete today. The Pantheon proudly boasts the largest unsupported dome in the world, with a giant hole in the centre of it that catches the light. It is also the resting place of Italian kings and notable figures. The most well-known person to be buried in the Pantheon is the master Renaissance artist; Raphael. Step inside the impressive structure and marvel at the grandeur of an intricate design that rivals even its own illustrious temple façade.

Spanish Steps

An iconic attraction in Rome, climb the 138 steps and you’ll be greeted with a stunning view of the street level below. A long-time meeting point since 1723, the Spanish Steps architectural beauty has been captured by many of the artists who made their way here to paint and sketch. Whilst models of the time tried their best to capture the attention of these artists, eager to be their muses. Named for the Spanish embassy that sits near the base of the steps, the location is in a prime spot for more attraction viewing. To the right of the steps, you’ll come across the Keats-Shelley museum, once the house of English Romantic poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. A close distance away is also the Trevi Fountain. Be prepared for crowds, as it is quite a favourite amongst tourists for photo ops, so if you make your way there bright early, you’ll have the quietest time alone.

Trevi Fountain

Next take a visit to the Trevi Fountain, the largest baroque style of its kind in the city. Begun in 1732 by Nicola Salvi, his death saw that the project wasn’t finished, so it was then picked up by Giuseppe Pannini in 1761. The fountain’s origins dates to the 9th century BC, however, it was updated over history to complement the style of art that was popular at the time. Another crowded touristy spot, around 7 million people come to Rome each year just to view the magnificent fountain. Don’t let this deter you however, for the fountain is said to have magical properties. With your back facing the fountain, toss a coin from your right hand over your left shoulder, this is said to ensure you will make a return trip to Rome one day, who would turn down another holiday to the gorgeous city?

Jewish Ghetto

The culturally rich Jewish Ghetto was established in 1555, and remains one of the oldest Jewish communities outside of the Middle East. The people of the Jewish quarter have had a tumultuous history with the city of Rome, in the 16th century, for example, saw the ghetto walled in and a Papal Bull written out by the Roman Catholic Church listing the jobs that the Jews were allowed to keep. Despite the mistreatment of the Jewish community, the people have still brought much culture with restaurants, synagogues and the Jewish Museum of Rome. It would be a shame to miss walking the streets of the enchanting quarter that is laden with ancient artefacts such as La Bocca Della Verita, a circular marble object with a man’s face carved into it, which is said to be a powerful lie detector.

Trastevere

This medieval neighbourhood lies only a stone’s throw away from the heart of Rome, just a short walk on a footbridge over the River Tiber. It’s easily one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in the area, where cobbled streets lead out to dainty shopfronts and fine dining. There are lots of free sites in the area, the most popular being the Piazza Santa Maria where locals come to people watch, meet up with friends or make their way to one of the hip bars that have popped up in contemporary times. The first square you’ll find yourself in after you cross the bridge is Piazza Trilussa, named after one of the neighbourhoods’ poets who was known for his love of alcohol and beauteous writing. There are many wonderful things about Trastevere and since it’s a less explored part of Rome, the perfect getaway from the crowds to walk through a truly authentic district.

Giancolo Hill

One of the best free activities you can treat yourself to in the city is a walk through Giancolo Hill all the way up to the top where you will reach Piazza Garibaldi, named after one of Italy’s greatest generals. Wonder up at the Acqua Paola fountain, a mammoth structure that was built in 1612, or Bramante’s Tempietto where 14th-century citizens believed that St. Peter was crucified. The walk along the hill alone is worth a visit as its picturesque greenery on both sides provides a stunning border for the stunning landscape that you will look out on to. In the distance, you will see the gardens of the Villa Borghese and the Colosseum.

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This post was originally posted on https://sightseeingtoursitaly.wordpress.com/2019/09/03/free-things-to-do-in-the-eternal-city/

The Roman Empire is a legendary civilisation, known for its iconic structures, inventive creations, and contemporary laws. It was once the most powerful civilisations in the entire world, controlling the majority of Europe and even two other continents. However, after nearly a thousand years ruling, the civilisation meets its end, known as the famous fall of Rome. But how did this once great empire collapse to its knees? There is not one defining reason, but a series of factors that triggered the downfall.

It’s Beginning and Success

Before the Empire controlled the land, the Roman Republic governed the land for 500 years. This was a government body that officially ruled, with people voting in their leaders. However, the control soon shifted, with the leaders of the military coming into power and popularity, in particular, Julius Caesar. His took his powerful opportunity to seize control, becoming the dictator of Rome, which slowly dismantled the government. His assassination was the last nail of the coffin that triggered the official start of the Roman empire. With this new empire, the military was strong, the land vast, and the wealth great. Creativity and originality blossomed, with the invention in engineering, technology, and ethical issues that are still used today.

Military Force

The empire was once known to have the world’s strongest army back during its time. Winning countless battles that gain control to a huge expanse of land. But with this grandeur, remaining in control for all outskirts of land became difficult. With an increase of land, the military became stretched too thin, using all their resources to defend their frontiers. Short on defence, they soon recruited foreign mercenaries in their armies. Unfortunately, these foreign soldiers were not loyal to the empire, and soon the officers turned against their Roman employers, with some even being a part of the final attack on the Western Empire.

Finance Weakens

This once wealthy empire crumbled under their debt, with their distribution of finance distorting their success significantly. With the threat of invaders on the horizon, the empire threw their money to boost the military defence, neglecting a lot of other areas within the empire particularly their infrastructure. Slavery was a key support in the empire’s finance, but soon the supply of slaves dried up, causing the empire to lose its control. As well, the empire suffered inflation after the reign of Marcus Aurelius. This was all due to the empire no longer conquering new lands, and there for the flow of gold ceased. A majority of the gold was being spent by the rich Romans, there was less gold to use in coins. With the amount of gold in coins decreasing, the coins became less valuable, and to make up for this, a rise in cost ensured.

Urban Decay

The wealthy Roman citizens lived in a Domus, otherwise known as a house. These structures had marble walls, complex coloured tiled floors, and large glass windows. Sadly, most Romans could not afford these luxuries and instead lived in small, smelly apartment houses. These apartments housed six or more stories which covered an entire block. There is documentation that at once point there were over 44 thousand apartment houses within the city walls. The higher and more unstable the houses were, the cheaper they became. The houses began to collapse, as well as the renters unable to pay forced onto the streets, ensuring countless homeless people and crime to grow.

Public Health

The Romans although were brilliant in areas, did not possess the hygiene too is essential for long and healthy life. Hygienic kitchens, bathrooms, and streets were unknown, with washing hands after the bathroom or toilet paper non-existence. Blood and disease were spread easily throughout the city, particularly when the Colosseum was hosting games. The citizens were also being slowly poisoned by the water brought into their homes. This was due to the lead pipes used, which caused a much higher death rate.

Technology

The Romans have gone down in history as some of the best engineers, but unfortunately, their technology advancement was also their downfall. This was all due to the last 400 years being significantly limited in their scientific achievements. With their only triumphs in engineering and public services, building marvellous roads, bridges, and aqueducts. Their scientific systems mainly in medicine relied greatly on human and animal labour. As the empire was growing in population, the products made could not keep up, and they failed to invent any new machines to produce more efficiently.

Religious Change

All while the empire faced these issues, a new threat approach, in the name of a new religion; Christianity. The old religion saw the emperor as a god, with the focus on the glory of the state. However, Christianity disagreed with this, and soon changed the people’s mind in their religious beliefs. As the Emperor once had complete control because of his god status, the decrease in belief soon decreased the power the empire had over the public. Church leaders also took political roles within the governance, which created more power for the Christians.

Power Struggles

Government corruption, political dispute, and power struggle all became leading issues by the end of the empire. Being Emperor turned into a death sentence, with more than 20 men taking the role of Emperor that ensured on-going assassinations and replacements in the span of 75 years. This weakens the emperor’s status and complete ruling, with different emperors focusing on different issues in their small reign.

There are many more theorised factors that created the domino effect of the empire’s downfall, but what is known is that the Roman Empire took not just one day, but a series of years to completely crumble into ruin.

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This post was originally posted on https://sightseeingtoursitaly.blogspot.com/2019/09/what-are-reasons-for-fall-of-rome.html

Standing between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills in the centre section of Rome lies an ancient region. Jam-packed with crumbling buildings and early Roman stories which detail the past citizens of the city.

The beginning of the Roman Forum

The crumbling ruins of the ancient Roman forum date back all the way to the 7th century. It is thought that the city of Rome developed from a small area of huts nestled on the Palatine hill. This theory is supported by the evidence found at the forum today, with many different strata of ground layers beneath the buildings. It is also thought that the large city centre was created as a result of a deliberate landfill plan. Regardless of its beginning, the majority of the buildings remaining in the ancient city centre are from the Roman Empire era, with temples, arches, and buildings all detailing

The daily habits of the Forum

During the empire’s era, the Forum first served as a large marketplace. However, over time it developed into the main region for public affairs, being an economic, political, and religious centre for the Roman Empire. This powerful civilisation ruled for almost 1000 years, controlling not just Rome, but a huge portion of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The civilisation was extremely developed, being gifted in engineering, architecture, and technology. Because of this the buildings and architecture of the city were built in the classical Greek style, but in a highly industrialized and stable way, which is the reason why the buildings Forum still exists today.

In the centre of the forum sat the Via Sacra, which was known as the main city street. Rome was famous for its roads, building the finest road system the world had ever seen of that time. The Via Sacra street was no exception, being large enough to fit all the citizens and visitors leaving/entering the Forum, as well as being linked with a number of religious and political landmarks. The road was so big it hosted a number of celebrations for Roman war victories, triumphal marches, and festival events.

The massive temples and political monuments were displayed on Via Sacra, not just for convenience but for a reason. Essentially establishing the religious faith of Rome and the political power to any newcomer.

How the Roman Empire fell

After the Roman Empire fell into disarray, the Roman Forum soon fell as well.
It was not just one definite reason why this once great empire fell, but a number of events and issues that lead to the collapse. The mains ones included military issues, financial debt, religious change, and power struggles.

For the military issues, the army of Rome started from the most legendary and strongest army ever formed, into a vulnerable and defeated militarily group. The grandeur of the army was stretched too thin with the more land the empire conquer, with regions vulnerable to take back. The empire hired more soldiers, but due to them being loyal to their pay-check, they followed their officers more than the Emperor, which made the officers particular powerful. One of the most famous officers was Julius Caesar, who took advantage of his power and popularity to seize control.

The financial debt was linked with the military as the majority of the empire’s money was going into the army and nowhere else. This led to a neglect in a number of areas, most particularly their infrastructure. Slavery became key support in the empire’s finance, but soon the supply of slaves dried up with the empire losing control on invading new regions. The decrease in invasions also caused the money of Rome to become less valuable. This was all due to the new invading areas providing a large amount of gold to the empire. With the decrease in gold accumulation, less gold was put into the Roman coins. With less gold in them, they became less valuable, and there for a rise in cost ensured which the citizens could not afford.

As well the new religion Christianity emerged in the empire, with many citizens turning to its new style of belief. The old religion of the Roman Empire saw the emperor as a type of god, which deflected any rebellion. However, Christianity said another thing, stating the emperor was no more than a mortal man, and that even the lowest class citizen was important. Creating the poorer citizens to rebel against the empire.

As well, one of the remaining main factors on the Empire’s fall was the political corruption and rebellion with the Roman officials and the emperor. With the backstabbing, assignation, and traitorous behaviour crumbling the strong structure of Rome.

What became of the Roman Forum

The ancient buildings and streets of the Roman Forum were destroyed around 410 A.D. by invaders. During the Middle Ages, the land was reduced to a pasture for grazing animals, known as the grassland ‘Campo Vaccino,’ translating to the Cow Field. The buildings and ruins remaining were extensively plundered, with the restoration of the ruins not beginning until the 18th century.

What Remains today

Despite the majority of the city crumbled into nothing, there is a large part of the forum still standing tall. With the few sights remaining filling the area with a sense of history and giving a hint to the grandeur of this lost empire. Important historical sites not worth missing are the Temple and House of Vestals, the Funeral Altar of Julius Caesar, as well as the Arch of Titus.

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This post was originally posted on https://sightseeingtoursitaly.blogspot.com/2019/09/what-was-roman-forum.html

Visiting Rome during the summertime can be bittersweet. On the one hand, you get to visit the city when it’s most alive, but you’ve just got to deal with the heat! As most locals take the summer period off and head to the seaside, the months of June and August see a lot of shops and restaurants closing, however, there is still a range of activities and events to keep you entertained! In a city as ancient as Rome, you’ll always have something to do whether it be a walk through a museum or visiting one of the city’s many rooftop bars. Make your way to Rome in summer and you won’t be disappointed by the floral and lush greenery you’ll find hidden around the city and have your very own Roman Holiday.

Summer Events

The great thing about summer in Rome is that there really is an event for everyone. With theatre performances, open-air concerts, ballet and live bands, here’s your chance to live it up in the Roman summertime. Rock in Roma brings music lovers to venues across the city in their 11th edition of performances that began in 2009. Previous acts have included the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers as headline acts. This year British singer-songwriter James Black and iconic band 30 Seconds to Mars will make their way to Rome to an adoring and united crowd of music fans.

Cool off at the beach

When the weather gets really hot, it’s best to do what the locals do and make your way to the beach. A day trip out of Rome might be just what you need to get out of the sweltering heat and into the cool water and it’s surprisingly easier than you think. A 30-minute drive out of Rome will you find you in Ostia, contently sitting on a sunbed or splashing in the water. This ancient seaside town dates back to the Bronze age and offers great seafood restaurants serving up fresh local produce.

Lungoli Il Tevere Festival

This festival is celebrating its 17th edition along the River Tiber where trendy pop up bars and exhibition line the riverside. Running from June to early September, there’s also live music and restaurants to venture to on a warm summer’s night. Try your luck at table football, a feature of the festival that the locals seem to love or grab a fruity slushy while the sound of live music reaches your ears.

Explore Trastevere

This medieval town is just a stone’s throw away from Rome after you cross the pretty Ponte Sisto bridge. It’s become quite a hotspot for the local young people to meet up in the piazza before they make their way down cobbled laneways to hidden bars. The Basilica di Santa Maria dominates the Trastevere skyline, a 12th-century basilica supposedly built on the site where a sprig of oil rose from the ground on the day Chris was born. The area is lively and becoming a real hub for foodies, try bar Freni e Frezioni for apertivo, or the Osteria da Zi Umberto for the best of classically Roman pasta. If you’re after a pizza fix, Trastevere is also home to one of the best pizzerias in Rome; Pizzeria Ai Marmi. Make your way here for starters of fried zucchini flowers and traditional thin crust pizza bases.

Take a walk in the gardens

If ever you need to escape the sometimes-chaotic bustle of the city, head to the Borghese Gardens as it’s conveniently located in the centre of Rome. The Eternal City might be known for its antiquated architecture but it’s also one of the greenest cities in Europe. The Borghese Gardens are the most famous in Rome and the third largest of its parks. It was established by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in 1606 and features artworks by Raphael, Caravaggio and Raphael in the on-site museum. Some features of the garden are a large lake, temples, statues and fountains.

Villa Doria Pamphili is Rome’s largest park, built in the 17th century by a papal family. The gardens are landscaped in a distinctly 17th-century manner and are the site of an art gallery featuring the private artwork of the Doria Pamphilj family.

The perfect summer dessert; Gelato

The best way to cool off in summer is always with ice cream, right? Well, what better way to satisfy your sweet tooth than to have a gelato in the birthplace of this icy delight in Rome. It might be overwhelming at first when you see just how many gelaterias there are in the eternal city, however, there are a couple tips you should follow to find the best gelato in Rome. The first is don’t be afraid to step out of the city centre to find good gelato, the best ones are usually those who have finely tuned their craft and aren’t inundated with tourists lining up for the first ice cream shop that they see. The second rule of thumb is that stick to gelaterias which only use fresh and natural ingredients. If you see a fruity gelato, don’t go for the one that’s bright and unnatural in colouring. An apple doesn’t remain bright green when it’s blended, so opt for those that look truer to form.

Il Gelato di San Crispino is an institution in Rome, so much so that though they don’t give out cones, serving only in cups so that you can fully savour the taste of the gelato. It’s located next to the Trevi Fountain and was first opened in the 1990s, now known for their artisan gelato. There are three sections for you to select from cream to sorbet and even meringues.

Rome’s oldest gelato shop opened in 1890 and has been extremely popular in the years since. Gelato Giolotti was once the suppliers of the royal Italian family, so if that isn’t a good enough reason to visit, then what is! It’s conveniently located near the Pantheon so after you’re done exploring the Pantheon’s intricate dome ceiling, head over for a perfect scoop of lemon gelato.

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This post was originally posted on https://sightseeingtoursitaly.wordpress.com/2019/09/20/a-summers-guide-to-rome/