Posted by internetauthor on September 19th, 2011 — in Rome and Surrounding
Easily the most distinctive landmark in Rome, the Colosseum is truly iconic and is perhaps the most blatant reminder of the Roman way of life. Built between 70 and 82 AD, you’ll find the Colosseum in the same spot it’s been in since creation – directly in the heart of Rome. It’s one of the first stop on most tours of Roman landmarks and even if you’re trying to avoid the traps of a tourist in Rome, the Colosseum is a must-see.
The Colosseum Then
Thousands of years ago, the Colosseum was an arena large enough to hold most, if not all, of the citizens of Rome. They would pour into the Colosseum to see any number of contests including fights between gladiators, foot races and chariot races. At one time you could even visit the Colosseum and see a full naval battle when the floor was covered with water. It was a huge monument to the people and success of Rome. Entertainment was a way of life for the ancient people.
The Colosseum Today
Today the Colosseum is still just as impressive in size – it’s huge, but one of the most disconcerting things about it is the lack of floor. When you stare down into the impressive arena, (more…)
Posted by grazia on July 23rd, 2011 — in Italy, Rome and Surrounding
Roseto Comunale (Municipal Rose Garden)
The Roseto Comunale is one of the most romantic gardens in Rome, due to its location and to the abundance of one of the finest and most elegant flowers: the rose.
This lies at the foot of the Aventine and it is open only in spring to allow citizens and tourists to admire more than 1000 species of roses that fill with colour, elegance and fragrant scents the whole garden.
Walking through the garden is like walking into a fairy tale theme, where the delicacy of nature blends with the magic of the beautiful view of the Palatine and the Circus Maximus.
Parco Savello or Giardino degli Aranci (Savello Park or Garden of Oranges)
This is a small rectangular garden located in a castle that the Savelli family in the fourteenth century built on the Aventine.
The garden is still surrounded by the thick walls of the castle and it is famous for the splendid view it offers to tourists and visitors. From here you can embrace a very broad view of the city including the River Tiber and St. Peter’s Basilica. Savello Park is also known as the Garden of Oranges due to the orange trees planted by St. Dominic, who founded his monastery here.
Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese park is the most famous and popular of Rome. Even if it isn’t the largest (Villa Ada and Villa Pamphili are larger) it remains the most loved by Romans and the best known by tourists.
It is a green oasis in the heart of Rome and the Romans use it for running, walking, picnicking. But Villa Borghese is also rich in museums (the Gallery of Modern Art, the Etruscan Museum, the Carlo Bilotti Museum and the Museum and Gallery Borghese, rich in famous paintings and sculptures, including some by Bernini)
Inside the park there is also the Bio-park, a zoo housing animals of every kind, and the Globe Theatre, a Victorian-style theatre offering a major program in the summer.
There are also amusements designed for children, such as the recreation centre Casina Raffaello and the House of Cinema.
(more…)
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Posted by internetauthor on July 5th, 2011 — in Rome and Surrounding
If you had to pick only one museum in Rome to visit, many of us would have a hard time deciding between the Vatican museums and one that is slightly less well-known, the Borghese Galleries. After being closed for seventeen years, the Borghese Galleries were recently reopened and the collection of art, primarily paintings and frescos as well as the villa that houses the museum is absolutely breathtaking.
The Borghese Galleries
There are no walk-in visits to the Borghese Galleries. You have to have a ticket to get in, and even then you’ll need to play your hand carefully. Visitors with tickets are only allowed into the museum every two hours, so don’t be late – err on the side of early caution. Once you’re inside, you’ll be able to climb a beautiful set of spiral stairs to reach the actual art. (more…)
Posted by internetauthor on June 29th, 2011 — in Rome and Surrounding
It’s a funny thing about tourists in Rome – they are apparently the only ones in the city who are interested in many of the ancient historical artifacts you’ll find throughout the area. The residents of Rome are rather disinterested in many of the most important buildings and sites, at least according to Western standards, but there are a few areas of historical interest for the Romans. One of those is the most interesting is the former state prison and fortress – the Castel Sant’Angelo.
Visiting the Castel Sant’Angelo
When you visit the old fortress, the curators of what has become a fascinating museum help you understand what you’re seeing by setting up mannequins and displays of the sort of arms and ammunition that would be used during a particular time period. Even furnishings from the period of the Renaissance have been donated to the museum to recreate the feelings of this prison and fortress. With over 1800 years of history, the Castel Sant’Angelo can’t show every moment of the past, but it does an excellent job detailing important periods of the castle’s history.
Enjoying the Castel Sant’Angelo
To reach the castle, you simply cross the Pont Sant’Angelo Bridge. Along the way you can admire the statues that decorate the edges of the bridge – perhaps designed to bring home to the prisoners who would someday pass along that same bridge. (more…)
Posted by internetauthor on May 6th, 2011 — in Rome and Surrounding
Tucked away inside Rome you’ll find the Vatican – a small city state that is officially the home of the Pope. The Vatican is a must-see while you’re in Rome not just for impressive religious reasons, but because this is where you will find many of the world’s most diverse collections of artistic treasures. The various popes have been making their own collections of art over the centuries, and today the Vatican museums house these collections and are open to the public.
The Vatican Museums
Inside the Vatican you’ll find the museums as well as the Basilica of St. Peter. The size of two football fields, (more…)
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Posted by internetauthor on February 12th, 2011 — in Rome and Surrounding
We know that Rome is one of the most exciting cities in the world to visit, but not everything in Rome is really worth your time. While there are many parts that are just part of the experience, some would best be avoided, especially if you’re on a bit of a time constraint.
Taxis
Taxi drivers in Rome have a good game going. They especially like to drive tourists who aren’t too familiar with the Euro and the meter charges of the Italian taxi. It’s far more economical to get a Roma Pass when you arrive in the city and then use the public transportation instead. For 26 Euros, you’ll be able to hop on any bus or train in the city and even gain admission into some of the many tourist attractions as well. It’s straightforward to use the pass, and if you’re ever confused about the bus lines or trains, there are many friendly residents who don’t mind helping out.
Street Vendors
As fun as it is to browse the wares of the street vendors, avoid buying anything. (more…)
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Posted by internetauthor on February 6th, 2011 — in Rome and Surrounding
Looking for the best of the best? Italy is home to thousands of museums, and they are generally considered to be the best in the world. So which are the best museums Rome has to offer – they must be some of the most amazing in the world.
Museo Capitolino
The Capitoline Museum is just that – the home of many of the most important pieces of art in the world. Located at the Piazza del Campidoglio, which was laid out by Michelangelo, you’ll find endless treasures held inside this museum. (more…)
Easily the most distinctive landmark in Rome, the Colosseum is truly iconic and is perhaps the most blatant reminder of the Roman way of life. Built between 70 and 82 AD, you’ll find the Colosseum in the same spot it’s been in since creation – directly in the heart of Rome. It’s one of the first stop on most tours of Roman landmarks and even if you’re trying to avoid the traps of a tourist in Rome, the Colosseum is a must-see.
