Rome, Italy

Rome guide

It is said by legend Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus in 753 BC. For over 400 years the Roman empire was the largest state in western Eurasia stretching from Hadrian's wall to the River Euphrates. In 476 AD the last Roman emperor in the west, Romulus Augustulus was killed. This has traditionally been seen as the end of the ancient world and the start of the middle ages. Throughout the rein of the Romans the city has been adorned with magnificent monuments to capture your imagination and take you back to ancient times. Every time you walk round a corner in Rome you will be mesmerized by another monument that has stood the test of time and can tell a story all of its own.

The Colosseum (Colosseo, in 'Piazza del Colosseo') is a huge gladiatorial arena started in 72 AD; built between the Palentine and Esquiline hills. In ancient times it was known as Flavian Amphitheater. This place is steeped in so much history that this short script will not do it justice. Over the years many thousands of animals and men have faced their death during 'ceremonies', 'games' and 'battles' that took place. The interior of the Colosseum consisted of an arena, a wooden floor covered in a bed of sand about 76 m by 46 m (* arena is the latin word meaning 'sand'). Most of the huge structure is still standing including 3 levels of seating. Now exposed you will also be able to see where trap doors flipped open from which beasts and gladiators emerged (queues to enter can be long however, if you tag onto a tour guide you can often jump the queues!). Rome is alive with the sound of fountains (you can drink the water from anyone of them) but probably the most famous is the Trevi fountain (Fontana di Trevi, in 'Piazza di Trevi'). This masterpiece was designed for Pope Clement XII in 1762 and is awash with sea horses. Go see the Trevi fountain at night when it is all lit up.

The Pantheon (in 'Piazza dello Rotanda') built by Emperor Hadrian in 125 AD is one of Rome's best preserved buildings. A 30 foot hole in the ceiling (the oculus) is the only light source. Inside, the walls are beautifully painted (*women ensure your shoulders and legs are covered otherwise you will be refused entry).

Flights to Rome

Aeroporto Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino) is around 30 km from the centre.

Aeroporto Ciampino is around 15 km south of the city (mainly budget and charter airlines).

To and from Rome's airports

Aeroporto Leonardo da Vinci/ Fiumicino (FCO)

Train - Leonardo Express runs to Termini mainline station; every 30 minutes; 5.50 am - 10.50 pm; around 30 minutes; 9 euro. Slow train; Fara Sabina; around 40 minutes; 5 euro. Buy tickets from the newsagents (tabacchi) or automated machines. N.B. you must validate them before stepping onto a train by punching them in the machine on the platform otherwise you may incur a fine.

Bus - night bus; every hour from Flumicino Terminal C to Tiburtina; euro 3.62.

Taxi - outside arrivals halls; around euro 45.

Aeroporto Ciampino (CIA)

Bus - COTRAL to Anagnina metro station then line A to Stazione Termini; euro 1.

Taxi - around euro 30. There are plenty of yellow and white cabs around the city or the transport system is called ATAC (orange buses).

Activities and sightseeing in Rome

The Vatican City, Fontana di Trevi (Piazza di Trevi), Foro Romano (Centre of the Roman republic, Piazza del Colosseo), Domus Aurea (Palace, Viale della Domus), Colosseo (Piazza del Colosseo), Circo Massimo (chariot racing venue, Via del Circo Massimo), Campidoglio (viewing area on top of Capitoline Hill), Musei Capitololini (art museum, Piazza del Campidoglio), Pantheon (dome-shaped temple, Piazza della Rotanda), Piazza Navona (square with beautiful fountains, Piazza Navona), Piazza de Spagna (famous artists hangout with fontana del Barcaccia and the spanish steps), San Pietro in Vincoli (church, Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli), Santa Maria del Popolo (church, Piazza del popolo), Santa Maria Maggiore (christian Basilica, Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore), Terme di Caracalla (Roman bathing complex, Viale delle Terme), Meseo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia ( Julius III's summer villa now housing art, Piazzale di Villa Giulia), Museo Keats-Shelley (Romantic literature, Piazza di Spagna), Museo Nazionale Romano (ancient art, Via delle Botteghe Oscure), Mercati di Traiano (ancient shopping mall, Via IV Novembre), Mausoleo di Augusto (graves of the imperial family, Piazza del Augusto Imperatore), Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea (national collection of modern art, Viale delle Belle), Galleria Borghese (art gallery, Piazzale Scipione Borghese), Galleria Colonna (art of the Colonna family, Via della Pilotta), Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica di Palazzo Barberini (priceless collection of 13th - 18th century paintings, Via della Lungara), Chiesa Nuova (church, Piazza della Chiesa Nuova), Castel Sant'Angelo (fortress, Lungotevere Castello).

Eating and drinking in Rome

There are many places to eat alfresco in Rome and Spaghetti is a traditional Roman dish but remember many italians wouldn't dream of eating out before 10 pm. Italians like to take a long time over their meals so do not expect 'fast food' anywhere. They are not big on breakfast and usually have just a cappuccino or a latte (they would normally not drink these after midday). Piazza Nuvona has some beautiful places to eat where you can also admire the fountains. However you will pay extra for the view; if you do not want to then Via della Croce has friendly and reasonably priced restaurants and bars for afterwards.