Rome: The Eternal City of Life for the Weary Soul

Friends, wanderers and travelers, lend me thy ears! This is the Eternal City, full of life, love and history. This is Rome, Italy. And no other place in the world will awaken one’s passion for life and the majestic wonders of the world other than Rome.

Twins Romulus and Remus, who were sons of the god of war Mars and were raised by a she-wolf, was in a struggle as to who would build and govern an empire. After killing his twin brother Remus, Romulus proceeded to establish and build Rome. But of course, contrary to the mythical belief, Etruscan Kings ruled Rome up to 512 BC. Then it was made into a republic. With the history of glorious emperors, Julius Caesar, Trajan, Hadrian and the unforgettable Nero, the glorious history of Rome lives beyond history books. With its power and formidable armies, Rome was one of the greatest empires of all time. The greatest poets, historians and philosophers are born in this country, further claiming its hold and contribution to the world.

But history and civilization has also molded Rome to become the focal point of religion, the Roman Catholicism. With its religious fervor, the Vatican, the seat of religious and political power of devout Catholics all over the world, oversees the world’s religious affairs as well as its call for peace amidst crises and conflict right in the center of Rome. Every year, during Holy Week, the Catholics manifest their faith as thousands journey to Rome as they make their pilgrimage every year to the numerous basilicas, to celebrate the life and death of the Lord Jesus Christ. During Good Fridays, a Procession of the Cross is held following the route from the Colosseum to the Capitoline Hill. Culminating on the Easter Sunday, the Pope addresses the thousands of devotees at the Vatican.

As it is the Eternal City, the youth and those who are looking for fun and excitement will not be disappointed. The Testacio is the venue for clubbing and partying till dawn. From concerts and parties these can all be found here. Nostalgic and cool jazz music can be also found at the Villa Celimontana. Known as the Estate Romana or Roman Summer, magic and revelry is woven all through the nights from June to September. Coffee-lovers and art enthusiasts will have a blast in September as Rome is on caffeine-high in celebration of the Notte Bianca or White Night. It is when museums, galleries and shops are open from early evening to the next day.

Not only is Rome (Italy) known for it being the center, the seat of the Roman Catholic church leaders but it, too, is the Italy’s largest and most populated metropolitan with about 2 million residents.

The city retained some of its ancient structures, those that were built during the old Roman Empire and still a few years past. One of the structures Rome (Italy) is known for is the Colosseum. Built in between 70 and 80 AD, the Colosseum was then the largest amphitheatre constructed during the reign of the Roman Empire. Basilicas built years back into Italy’s majestic history are highly attractive to first time visitors of the city.

The city is a significant center of music. Parco della Musica is one of the biggest concert venues in the world that host the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia which was founded back in the year 1585. Italians are notable for their concertos. Many classical singers are educated in the country. Therefore it is not strange to find a theatre for operas in a city like this. Teatro dell’Opera di Roma is known to host such concerts which locals and non-locals enjoy.

Rome (Italy) is also known as the center for film. Cinecitta Studios is the largest production facility in the entire continent of Europe. Here is where Italian films and international films are shot and created. The massive film studio was founded by Benito Mussolini in the year 1937.

When in the city, make sure to check into Ostia Antica. It’s said to be Rome’s ‘secret’ Pompeii. The underrated, unexploited little port town is rich with structures of the old Roman Empire. Some of the archeological sites have not yet been completely excavated on.

Because Rome (Italy) is often with visitors, there are restaurants that serve classic Italian dishes and international cuisine aimed to serve the interest of tourists. The city is one you cannot do without visiting when on a trip all over Europe. It is the city rich with history and beauty.

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Rome City Guide

With a history stretching back almost three thousand years "The Eternal City" is one of the cradles of Western civilisation.

Reminders of Rome's past importance are everywhere in a city that has impressive ruins from the Roman Empire, stunning art and architecture from the Renaissance, and is still the headquarters of the Catholic Church.

To this you can add a warm climate, wonderful food and wine and Italy's love of fashion - the attractions of a Roman holiday are not hard to fathom.

The basics

Rome is the capital, and largest city, of Italy and is situated on the west coast of the country. It has a typical Mediterranean climate, mild winters, hot summers and warm, sunny spring and autumn days.

Although the winters are generally mild they are unpredictable and sub-zero temperatures are not unheard of. In August the heat can become stifling and many local businesses will be closed as the locals head to the beach or the country.

How to get there

Rome is well served by flights from the UK ranging from the plentiful supply of budget options to the less-frequent services of the flag carriers. The city is served by two airports, Fiumicino - which has a direct rail service to central Rome that departs every 15 minutes - and Ciampino, which is connected to the city centre by an airport bus.

Where to stay

Rome has a full range of hotels and accommodation. Classy boutique hotels, large chains and one-off gems rub shoulders in the central areas and there are plenty of budget options.

Getting around

Many of Rome's central sites are within easy walking distance of each other, however if you do need to cross the city quickly or go further afield you will find that public transport is cheap and plentiful.

The underground is limited to two lines as a consequence of the city's rich architectural heritage, but is still useful for getting around.

As well as the underground, there are plenty of tram and bus routes and although paying by the journey is fairly economical there is also a range of passes for use over one day or longer periods.

The sights

St. Peter's – Vatican

St. Peter's Basilica is part of the Vatican City, and is one of the holiest churches in the Roman Catholic religion. Set in a stunning piazza the domed basilica is recognised as one of the most stunning feats of renaissance architecture, numbering Michaelangelo amongst its many designers.

According to Catholic tradition St. Peter is buried under the church's altar, and the tombs of other popes, including John Paul II, are also located in the crypt.

The Vatican City is itself of great cultural significance. As well as St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Rafael Rooms, it is home to some of the most famous art in the world, including works by artists such as Botticelli, Bernini, Raphael and Michelangelo. The Vatican Library and the collections of the Vatican Museums are of the highest historical, scientific and cultural importance.

Top tip:

• Queues to enter the Vatican can grow very long; it is best to arrive early in the morning to avoid the worst of the crowds when visiting St. Peter's.

Roman Rome

Unsurprisingly for the capital of the old empire and the most important city of the age Rome is flush with Roman ruins. They literally pop up everywhere, on the way in from the airports aqueducts and ancient villas are visible in the countryside, whilst around the city you will see walls, cemeteries, baths and other buildings in all kinds of places.

The two must see Roman buildings for most visitors, the Colosseum and Pantheon, are covered below, but for those who wish to see more the Forum, with its arches, temples and marketplaces, and the Palatine hill, which houses the palaces of the emperors, are well worth walking around.

The Colosseum

Overlooking the Forum, the great amphitheatre still retains a splendour and grandeur all its own, despite being a shell of its former self. The 80 arched entrances used to allow 55,000 spectators in to watch gladiators fight to the death, Christians get fed to lions, and even sea battles.

Although the arena floor is partially missing and the walls have suffered over the centuries, Colosseum still towers over its surroundings and remains one of the most impressive Roman monuments in existence anywhere.

The Pantheon

The Emperor Hadrian's temple to all the Roman gods, which is now a church, is fronted by 16 huge granite columns and an enormous pair of bronze doors. Inside, its stunning dome roof with its oculus allowing in sunlight (or rain) has remained unchanged for over 2,000 years.

The front of the building retains an inscription dedicated to Agrippa, who built the original temple on the site. However the interior now houses the tomb of the renaissance artist Raphael, who has been laid to rest alongside Italy's kings and queens.

Piazzas and fountains

Trevi Fountain

The grandest of Rome's fountains was designed by Nicola Salvi and marks the end of a Roman aqueduct. The statues of Neptune flanked by Tritons are grafted onto the back of a palace. Custom dictates that you squeeze through the crowd and toss a coin into the water to ensure your return to Rome.

Do grab an ice cream from one of the surrounding parlours and find a good spot to admire the fountain flow over the artwork.

Don't give the countless hawkers the time of day.

Piazza Navona

Regarded by many as Rome's finest Baroque square the Piazza Navona is built on the site of the Emperor Domitian's stadium and retains that shape. Notable for Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers, and Borromini's church of Sant' Agnose in Agone.

Today it is packed with street artists, performers and traders, and the cafes that line its sides are an ideal place to stop for a drink while you admire the art or people watch.

Spanish Steps

The hourglass shaped steps are generally crowded with visitors but a climb to the top will give some space and quiet, as well as a great view over Rome. At the base of the steps is a Bernini fountain and the Keats-Shelley Memorial House where the poet John Keats died.

Piazza Barberini

Home to two more of Bernini's fountains, the square also marks the end of the Via Veneto, a wide avenue that is crammed with cafes and plush restaurants. It was the haunt of movie stars in the 1960s and still retains a starstruck allure.

Shopping

As you'd expect, Rome is packed with upmarket clothes shops boasting the latest designer labels. Via del Condotti and Via Babuino, which both lead away from the base of the Spanish Steps, are the streets to walk down for fashionistas – don't expect to find many bargains though – and the nearby Via Coronari is famous for antiques and jewellery.

Elsewhere, the morning market at the Campo de' Fiore has stalls covering everything from food and flowers to bargain antiques and art. The streets around the Piazza della Repubblica are great for those after second-hand books, clothes and retro fashions.

Eating and drinking

Although I can honestly say that I have never had a bad meal in Rome, that clearly doesn't mean it's not possible to find one.

Steer clear of the worst looking tourist places - the range of cafes, pizzerias and trattorias available should keep even the pickiest of eaters happy.

The back streets are crammed with quality eateries, while those overlooking the Piazza Navona or the Colosseum are almost bound to be over-priced and disappointing.

The streets behind the Trevi Fountain and around the Piazza Della Rotonda both promise a wide range of choices.

Top tips:

• If you are just getting a coffee and/or sandwich in a bar then standing at the bar rather than sitting at a table will halve the cost of your food and drink.
• The absence of a blackboard does not mean there are no specials on today – ask, you may be pleasantly surprised, particularly if you can get over the language barrier.
• Skip dessert, head for the Trevi Fountain instead for a late night ice cream.

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Castel Sant’Angelo: a medieval fortress in Rome city center

No great city could be complete without a castle. Rome has one too. Like everything else in Rome Castel Sant’Angelo has a long and varied history.

Originally built by Hadrian from 135 to 139 as a tomb for himself and his family. This then became a traditional burial place for the emperors of Rome. The last emperor recorded being interred here was Caracalla in 212.

In 401 it was then converted into a fortress and sadly, this and the two sackings of Rome, by the Visigoths in 410 and the Goths in 537, caused much of the tomb contents and decorative structure to be destroyed.

The popes then converted the fortress into a castle. Pope Nicholas the 3rd then had the Passetto di Borgo built. This was a fortified passage to the castle from the Vatican. The castle was also used as a prison and executions were also carried out on its premises.

The reason that the castle has its name is that legend says that an angel, Saint Michael, appeared to Pope Gregory on top and sheathed his sword as a sign that the plague had ended in Rome. A stone statue was then built on top of the castle but was later replaced by a bronze one.

The museum also houses many works of art and is also home to the Museo Nazionale Militare. The location of the castle is central and it’s easy to reach: if you’re staying for example at our favourite hotels Yes Hotel or Nice Hotel near the Termini station, you can just take the A line of the metro from the station and get of at Lepanto. Also the following buses, that go to Lungotevere Castello, take to to walking distance of the castle: 23 (from Piramide station metro B), 64 (from Termini), 87, 280. The tickets for the museum can also be reserved on line.

Another impressive structure located close to the castle is the Ponte Sant’ Angelo. It used to be the bridge used by pilgrims to get to Saint Peters. The most spectacular thing about this bridge are the sculptures of the ten angels that adorn it. They were designed by Bernini and each is a representation of the Passion of Christ.

The bridge also had another more macabre use. The bridge was also used for a long time to display the bodies of executed prisoners.

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Rome City Breaks

As capital of the Roman Empire, the Papal States and Italy, Rome truly is the " Eternal City". One of the world's most elegant capitals the layers of history and the city's sheer excess of beauty can prove overwhelming to the unsuspecting visitor.

City breaks in Rome are set to get a new 2,000-year-old attraction.

Nero's palace, the Domus Aurea, is to be reopened to the public after heavy rains made the ceiling unstable and led to it being closed.

The palace will now be reopened to allow the public to see the renovation works going on.

Rome's superintendent of architecture Angelo Bottini told the Italian news agency ANSA: "Once the roof is safe from leaking water people can come back in.

"They'll be able to see the repair work for themselves. We're thinking of putting up a special visitors' route amid the scaffolding."

Much of the notorious emperor's golden palace was preserved as his successors buried it in an attempt to wipe his memory from history. As a result the palace's frescos are said to be some of the most vivid outside Pompeii.

It is currently uncertain how many of the palace's 30 rooms will be opened to the public, although attractions such as the eight-sided Sala Ottagonale where Nero opulently entertained his guests and the chalks marks left by Renaissance masters, such Raphael, after they visited to admire the murals will be on show.
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Rome, Italy

If you wait long enough, a city will show you its heart. I waited outside the Colosseum 30 minutes before nightfall. I wanted to take photographs. I stood on the huge cobblestones laid by slaves more than 2,000 years ago. Today the stones are rounded from crown to seam. When you walk on them you feel their hardness with each step. The cracks want to hold onto your shoes. I saw many trips and a few falls today walking along the via di San Gregorio between Circus Maximus and here.

Soon the lights within the Colosseum turned on. Purple and amber lights. The darkening sky framed the ancient military playground and death arena. The rising moon gave the backlighting I wanted tonight. I took some test photos with my back against the fence that surrounded the Roman Forum. There was no way to get the entire Colosseum into the frame.

Few people lingered in this courtyard. Gone were the crowds, gone the buses belching tourists, gone the men dressed as Roman centurions who mugged for your camera in exchange for euros, gone were the five or six souvenir stands selling the very same items—plastic Colosseum replicas in four sizes; keychains; photographs of Pope Benedict; calendars where “the most eligible bachelor priests” posed in their vestments.

No one—or thing—replaced the people. What remained was the aura of Rome. It was on the streets, it surrounded me, it moved through the Colosseum arches and echoed off the bricks in the Forum. The city’s history, if you let it, will bring you back to its day with only a little imagination. Sure, today modern buildings rose upward just across the street. The balconies of an apartment building overlooked the Colosseum. That morning I had stood on the curb outside the “Colloseo” metro station and wondered how much one of those apartments cost, and, “Had ancient Romans lived on that spot and talked of how nice life was with such a great view?” Why not? Life wasn’t so different as it is today: people worked, raised children, traveled if they had money, retired to the country even, and then they died.

When I was a teen I had read Ben-Hur, seen Sparticus at the cinema, and Julius Caesar performed on stage. Rome was in all of them, therefore I had been to Rome long before I set foot on these stones. The city has that kind of rapture when you use art to smooth the cracks running across its ancient façades. Art and history are intertwined, and this perhaps is no better evident than in Rome—or any of the ancient cities which yet stand.

Twilight hid the faces of the people who walked by. The moon seemed to sit on the Colosseum’s shoulder. The light was perfect now. I began to take pictures to record this perspective of the great building. Inside, music began to play. There was a twilight performance that I could have attended, but that would have only brought me closer to the present, where I did not want to be back to just now.

Rome Museums and Sites
Rome has dozens of museums, but I think the best by far is the Vatican Museum. It takes you through long (looooong!) halls with paintings and sculptures from Rome’s earliest history to modern works. The galleries are so large there is actually four colored-coded itineraries to chose from. Along the way you’ll find book stalls featuring coffee table books detailing that particular section, the whole of the Vatican, or the Sistine Chapel. Whichever route you take, the end point is the Sistine Chapel. I first saw the frescoes in 1982, long before the restoration process began. I felt at the time as though someone had painted over the walls with maple syrup, that was how dirty and grime covered the walls and ceiling had become. Today that brown layer has been lifted, and you can see colors found nowhere else in art. Don’t waste time trying to take photographs because they simply don’t come out well (even if you don’t get yelled at by one of the circulating guards); instead, buy a coffee table book—softcover versions are less than $10 and tell the Sistine Chapel story and the story behind the frescoes.

City of World History

Amongst ageing medieval and renaissance structures, the chaotic streets and the calm cooling splashing of fountains; the heart of the Roman Empire still beats. With a history that covers an astounding two and a half thousand years, it comes to no surprise that the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Italy’s most visited destinations.

St. Peter's

Rome really lives up to its reputation as Italy’s capital city. It’s modern and progressive and yet at the same time it retains its awe inspiring history, crawling in romantic ruins, sacred temples and secret pockets of timeless beauty.

Such magnificence can be found in its grand Colosseum, the largest existing site of Roman history. Upon standing in this great amphitheatre, one can really imagine the roar of the crowds as bloody gladiatorial battles ensued.

Rome also contains the Vatican City, an independent state which is run solely by the Catholic Church. Within is St Peter’s Basilica which has the largest interior of all the Christian churches in the world with works by the grand masters Michelangelo and Bernini.

As well as being high on history and culture, Rome also possess a wonderful collection of restaurants, cafes, lively streets and a buzzing nightlife, making this a must see metropolis for all.

People today take shorter holidays and need to be able to maximize their time by seeing more sights in a shorter period of time. That's why I thought the solution to this was to create a new way of touring Rome. With a lifetime of experience living in this great city I knew I could provide an extensive and knowledgeable tour of Rome by minibus, from the Vatican and the enterprises of Michelangelo, to the water fountains of Bernini (one of the most famous is the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona), to the sparkling squares of Rome or the Roman Forum. And thus Rome-Tours.org was born.

I will meet you for your private tour of Rome at your hotel, at the airport, or at the docks of Civitavecchia. Together we will customize your tour to include the sites that are most important to you, so that you don’t waste time and money on sights that are of little interest to you. As we tour Rome you will relax in my luxurious Mercedes touring van. No matter where you sit, the Mercedes is very comfortable, is great fun to ride in, and will give you an absolutely unforgettable experience!

Being an English speaking driver guiding visitors through Rome is an easy job for me because I absolutely love what I do, and Rome is my greatest passion.

They say that Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it’s true, but people visiting Rome for a day can gain an understanding of how life was lived in ancient Rome; from the time when Popes ruled the Papal States and transformed Rome, to the artists who created the astonishingly beautiful masterpieces we can still admire today. Rome is a bustling city; crowded, busy, but always unforgettable, the most fantastic and memorable of all the Italian cities.

Booking with Rome-tours.org any transport service you will need coming to Rome for your holidays (Fiumicino airport transfers from and to your hotel or from and to Civitavecchia port, half day or full day tours of Rome with VIP Vatican guided visit or without, Rome by night tours and surroundings of the Eternal City, full day tours to Florence and Pisa and to Pompei and the Amalfi Coast until its pearl Positano from Rome - your hotel or any other place in which you stay - or doing shore excursions from the cruise port of Civitavecchia, Naples or Livorno) means that you will have at your disposal more than one benefit.

Landing to Rome exhausted by a long flight, you will be in good hands: Rome day tours and transfer services will be done with all air-conditioned and non-smoking Minivans and Minibuses from 2, 4, 6 or 8 people or up to bigger groups than 50 people, in 54 seats De Luxe motorcoaches, being picked up by the company's owner Filippo or by one of his collaborators who will be waiting for you carrying a panel with your name for any transfer to your hotel or to your cruise ship.

Rome-tours.org private tours and transfers will also allow you to have more time at your disposal visiting the city of Rome or the countryside localities around the Eternal City, having the permission to drive on special express lines.

No stress or worries with buses, taxis or trains, from and to your cruise port or airport: with Rome-tours.org you can be sure to get to your destination in time, relaxed and before the departure either of your ship, or of your plane.

The most important thing for us is that once you come back home, you will remember for long time your constructive experience and the flavour of what you lived: we hope that our passion will communicate and transmit the nicest feelings and the wish to coming back to Rome and our other cities.

Believe me when I say that the capital of Italy deserves noble sentiments, love and passion from all of us. By the end of our time together, I’m sure you will love this great city as much as I do. You will surely have more information visiting our web page about services and rates, with a reservation form at your disposal.

I look forward to meeting you soon in Rome to escort you personally through the magnificent sights of our Eternal City.

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