Ah, the eternal city! Who hasn't dreamed of spending an Italian summer strolling through the ancient cobblestone streets of Rome, munching on delicious pizza, pasta and indulging in gelato? These beautiful photos will make you want to travel to Rome now.
Travel to Rome: Ancient Sites of Rome:
Rome is an intersect of many historical time periods, with ruins upon ruins hiding behind every corner. Ancient places like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, draw tourists back again and again.
Recently, the Colosseum made structural renovations to the center portion, later opening up the underground for a special tour of the inner workings of the ancient structure. The upper tiers were also opened to the public for a short time, but later closed again, requiring further security updates.
Near the Colosseum is the vast area of ruins known as the Roman Forum, where once stood several important government buildings of ancient Rome. In fact, many of the most important structures in the city were built on or near the Roman Forum. Today you can visit and tour the grounds, climbing up for a birds-eye view.
The Baths of Caracalla was the second largest public bath house in ancient Rome, understood to accommodate a daily capacity of 6000-8000 people. Today you can visit and walk through what remains of the beautiful buildings and their mosaic floors. Definitely worth the visit.
Travel to Rome: Art & Architecture: The Fountains of Rome:
One cannot walk the cobbled streets of Rome without noticing amazing works of art and architecture in the many forms. Rome specifically is known for its many piazzas with their impressive signature fountains. Standing near one of these beautiful fountains can also be respite from a hot Italian summer's day.
TIP: Do not try dip your hands (or feet) into the fountains, it is highly frowned upon yet many do so and are scolded by security. There are drinking fountains everywhere around Rome, where you can freshen up.
Travel to Rome: Art & Architecture: The Museums of Rome:
Though it can be difficult to imagine staying inside on a warm summer day in Rome, the many museums located in and around Rome are places that should not be missed. Some of the most spectacular treasures are waiting for you, in some of the most beautifully decorated buildings.
Many historical landmarks around Rome are now technically museums. Castel Sant'Angelo was first built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, later used as a military base for the Vatican, and is now a museum. The bridge across from it, Ponte Sant'Angelo is one of the most beautiful in Rome, with detailed angels adorning every post along the way.
The Vatican and its museums are technically not located in Rome, but Vatican City, a city state surrounded by Rome. Visiting the Vatican Museums is a must see for any art lover. It is room after room of gorgeous ceilings and floors, filled with spectacular art pieces. The photos cannot do these rooms justice.
Travel to Rome: Art & Architecture: Iconic Places of Rome:
It is difficult to speak of Rome without referring to some of the iconic gathering places around the city. The most famous being The Spanish Steps. A beautiful site featured as the backdrop in many films and fashion shows, it is was often a place where locals and tourists gather.
TIP: In 2019, Rome made it illegal to sit on the Spanish Steps. Visitors may stop to take photos, but no longer can people find a step and sit back.
One of the most iconic places in Rome is the stunning Altar of the Fatherland near Piazza Venezia. Conceived in 1878 after the death of Italy's first king, inaugurated in 1911, the Altar of the Fatherland , it is the symbol of the nation and its democratic values.
Travel to Rome: Roman Food: The Pizza of Rome:
Whether you prefer ancient ruins, museums or spending the day wandering the streets of Rome, you will inevitably have to eat. Naples may be famous for it's deliciously thin, wood oven pizza, but Rome has the equally delicious pan pizza. Made in long trays, this style of pizza is crispy and topped with anything you could imagine. TIP: Try the potato pizza (thinly sliced potatoes, cheese and olive oil) there is nothing like it!
Travel to Rome: Roman Food: The Pasta of Rome:
Italy is famous for it's Pasta, but every region has its specialties and Rome is no exception. Made with ingredients local to the area, Roman pasta is simple and rich. Our favourite is hands down: Caccio e Pepe. A simple yet complicated dish to master, made from Parmiggiano and/or Peccorino cheeses with rough black pepper. TIP: Best place in Rome for Caccio e Pepe: Ristorante Pancrazio.
Roman Food: The Gelato of Rome:
There is always room for gelato. No matter how stuffed you are, always, ALWAYS get a gelato. Simple and delicious, Italian gelato is bursting with flavour. Perfect for those after dinner walks on hot Italian summer nights. (or anytime really).
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The Secret Places of Rome and Where to Find Them:
Rome is packed tightly, with narrow streets that intersect at multiple points and buildings upon buildings, it is no wonder that places can hide. Beneath the ruins in the Largo di Torre Argentina is a non-profit cat sanctuary that houses and feeds no only the cats that live in the ruins, but cats that live in the community and special needs kitties that could no survive otherwise.
Hidden underneath The Trevi Fountain is a secret archeological site called Vicus Caprarius (the City of Water). Visitors can go underground and see the found artifacts, ruins and see the water from the aqueduct that still runs through it.
TIP: Be sure to book ahead and make a reservation, else you may be waiting for hours.
Hidden underneath Piazza Navona, are the ruins of Stadium Domitian (Stadio di Domiziano). Discovered in 1936, the ruins unearthed portions of the once large stadium and many fragments of Greek statues.
TIP: Be sure to take the exclusive tour, which includes special access to the most recently restored portion of the archeological site, deep underground.
Hidden beneath the church Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, are a series of small chapels with a unique and somewhat terrifying history. Arranged on the floor, walls and hanging from the ceiling are the bones of 3700 bodies believed to be the remains of the Capuchin friars.
TIP: Photos are not allowed inside the crypts, it is quiet and very dark.
Perhaps not so hidden, La Bocca della Verita (The Mouth of Truth) is tucked away behind a gated entranceway to Santa Maria in Cosmedin Church.
Iconized by the film Roman Holiday, today tourists line up for an opportunity to begrudgingly place their hand in the statues mouth (and hope it does not bite).
TIP: After visiting The Mouth of Truth, enter the Church and visit the catacombs below.
No matter what you choose to do, or see (or eat) while in Rome, you're bound to have a wonderful time. The pull of the eternal city will call you back again and again.
Stunning photos, and the food made me very hungry! This definitely inspires a trip to Rome :)
Your photos are spectacular! I've never been to Italy, but I sure want to go now. You captured the architecture beautifully.
I would love to try the cuisine of Italy and see the sights. But, as I am deathly afraid of flying, I will probably never get there. But a girl can dream :) Thank you for sharing.