Rome is simply iconic. Historic landmarks and world-famous artworks paint a thousand breathtaking pictures.
Rome, on
the river Tiber, is a city of living history and modernity – probably the most
fascinating city in the world.
Packed with
relics over two thousand years old, any visitor could easily spend a month here
and only scratch the surface. But it has much more to offer than museums and
grand architecture. Rome also overflows with culture, wonderful food and
fascinating people creating a vibrant and modern city.
All around
you Roman columns soar upwards next to medieval basilicas; fountains spew water
into the air in front of Renaissance buildings. The winding cobbled streets are
full of Romans browsing amongst the colourful market places.
The sight
of the incredible Colosseum brings forth thoughts of Gladiators, you can almost
visualise the Caesars of the past at the Roman Forum whilst the splendour of
the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel will leave you speechless. And as for the
Pantheon – there is so much to see.
The centro
storico (historic centre) is full of sights such as the stadium-sized
Piazza Navona, sweepingly romantic Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain.
But around
these visions from the past develops a modern city that is known for its
cutting edge fashion, cuisine and for becoming one of the most popular shopping
destinations in Europe.
A DAY IN ROME
Summer time
in Rome is uncomfortably hot with temperatures often exceeding 35°C at midday. Mid-winter
tends to be mild, the average temperature in December being about 13°C. The
best time to travel to Rome is in springtime when the weather is pleasantly
warm.
The average
monthly temperatures are:
|
°C |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Day |
12 |
13 |
14 |
18 |
23 |
27 |
30 |
30 |
27 |
22 |
17 |
13 |
|
Night |
3 |
4 |
5 |
8 |
11 |
15 |
17 |
18 |
15 |
11 |
7 |
4 |
It may not
yet be able to compete with Milan, but Rome is still a wonderful shopping
destination. For those with a large budget head for the area around Piazza di
Spagna which is home to numerous designers such as Valentino, Versace, Prada
and Armani. If you love designer clothes but don’t have the budget for the big
boys head for Via dei Governo Vecchio where you’ll find small boutiques selling
lesser known designer clothing, vintage clothes and jewellery.
Via del
Corso (from Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo) is where you’ll find High
Street fashion. Another great area (that won’t break the bank) is Via Nazionale
which offers a wide range of shops and is especially good for handbags and leather
goods. Of course the smart money (i.e. locals) goes to Cola di Rienzo which is
less crowded and is home to Rome’s most famous delicatessen, Castroni.
If you
don’t mind a drive, there are also two outlets just outside Rome in Valmontone
– Castel Romano Outlet and Fashion District.
Of course,
if you have an eye for a bargain there are always Rome’s numerous markets. Two
worth a mention here are at Piazza San Cosimato (not held on Sundays) where you
can pick up numerous Italian delicacies, and Porta Portese flea market in
Trastevere (every Sunday morning).
The Olympic Stadium
For sports
fans, there is only one place you must visit during your stay in Rome – the
Olympic Stadium. This where SS Lazio and AS Roma play. Who knows, there may be
a game on during your visit that you can attend.
Website
url:
As for music,
theatre, cinema and opera check out the listings in the magazine Roma C’e which is published every
Thursday. This will provide you with details of what’s on where.
Rome’s
nightlife is divided in to three main areas:
Campo di Fiori – great for pubs and bars
Trastevere – numerous pubs and bars
Testaccio – this is real club land
especially along via dei Monte Testaccio which is full of clubs/bars such as:
Plus in
Ostiense there is a variety of clubs including Städlin , Goa, Rashomon
Club and Elegance Cafè Jazz Club .
Every
Wednesday there is the Papal Audience that takes place throughout the year.
Below is a selection of other events that may coincide with your trip.
March/April –
Rome Marathon
The Rome Marathon is a fun day out and it’s normally held on the last
Sunday of March or first Sunday of April. Whether you cheer on the competitors
of choose to be one, it’s a wonderful occasion.
Website: https://www.maratonadiroma.it/?!a/=/home-en/
March/April –
Via Crucis procession led by the Pope (Good Friday)
On Good Friday the Pope leads the Stations of the Cross, or Via Crucis
close to the Colosseum. This procession marks the fourteen stages of Christ’s
passion. During each stage the Pope reads a meditation in different languages,
and in full view is the enormous cross with burning lights. This is a very
touching and unique experience during the Easter period in Rome, even for those
who are not religious
Website:
http://www.italia.it/en/travel-ideas/religion-and-spirituality/italys-easter-celebrations.html
April – Week
of Culture
During culture week certain Italian state museums and historical sites
are open for free with entrance fees being waived. This includes: Colosseum
tickets/tours, Borghese Gallery and Rome Cards. Reservations may still need to
be made, however there will be no fee.
April/May –
ATP Masters Series: Rome
Here the world’s best tennis players gather and contest their skills on
clay. Not only is this purely tennis, but an overall entertainment experience.
With fantastic fashion, delicious food, lots of shopping and not forgetting
special celebrity musical performances. This is what makes the Rome leg of the
APT tour so fabulous.
Website: http://www.atpworldtour.com/en/tournaments/rome/416/overview
May –
Concerto di Primo Maggio
This is Rome’s first big festival in spring and takes place in May. At
the heart of the festival is a concert that erupts in front of the San Giovanni
in Laterano. It features some renowned Italian pop and rock bands and has also
included the occasional international guest
Website: http://www.primomaggio.net/
June-September
– Estate Romana
The Estate Romana (Roman summer) is a wide variety of events that take
place in the center and outer districts of Rome all through summer. They
include music, film, arts and lots of other cultural offerings. Some of the
stand out features include, the stalls and bars that pop up along the banks of
the river Tiber, with the Isola del Cinema an open air cinema located on Tiber
island a great place to catch a film.
Website: http://www.estateromana.comune.roma.it/
September –
Arts, Crafts, and Antiques Fairs
There are a number of arts and crafts fairs that take place throughout
September in Rome. You will find one along Via Margutta, an area acquainted
with fashionable high art studios. Starting half way through September and
lasting around a month, there is a marvelous antiques fair in Via dei Coronari.
In the final week of September, a craft fair opens in Via dell'Orso near Piazza
Navona.
September-December – Roma
Europa Festival
This unique art and performance festival runs from September to
December. It showcases hundreds of artists from music, theater, dance, the
contemporary circus and the visual arts. These events are held at some of the
city’s most beautiful sites.
Website: http://romaeuropa.net/
November-January – Christmas
Markets
Like most of Europe, Rome hosts Christmas markets. You can find them at
the Spanish steps, Fiera di Roma, Mercatino di Natale and the most notable of
them all is found at Piazza Navona. Here you will find all sorts of
decorations, gifts, food and performances from juggle and dance troupes. All in
full view of the fabulously lit fountains and Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone.
December – Midnight Mass
Vatican City is the center of Christmas celebrations in Rome. With a
huge tree erected in St. Peter's Square and a life size nativity that is
showcased on Christmas Eve and stays up until Epiphany January 6th.
Also on Christmas Eve the Pope presides over Midnight mass (starts around 10pm)
in St Peter's Basilica. Tickets are required for the mass and are free, you can
also view the mass on a large screen in St. Peters Square.
Website: http://www.papalaudience.org/papal-mass
January
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Although
there are many things to see in Rome itself you may want to make the most of
your time in this beautiful part of Italy and explore further afield. Your
hotel will be able to provide you with details of local excursions but below
are a selection to get you started.
Ostia
Some of the most fascinating ruins are found just outside Rome. The
Ancient harbor city of Ostia is such a place. Here you can get a snapshot of
how people lived their daily lives, all those years ago, from the various
ancient homes that have stood the test of time (well sort of). There is also a
wonderful amphitheater from the time of Augustus that is a must see.
Tour guide Website: http://www.ostiatours.com/
Tivoli
This was a summer retreat for the ancient Romans and the rich of the
Renaissance age. Tivoli is a hilltop town and is custodian of two Unesco World
Heritage sites. One being the Vila Adriana, the famous Emperor Hadrian’s vast
estate. The other site being the 16th century Villa d’Este, a villa
of the renaissance period with its illustrious gardens and grand fountains.
Tour guide website: http://tivolitours.net/
Rieti
Rieti is a province in Lazio, central Italy, situated on the slopes of
the Sabini and Reatini Mountains. A highly regarded focal point since ancient
times, there is evidence of both Roman and medieval movement in the area. This
region is rich in things to see and do, with protected oases, castles,
fortresses and sanctuaries of special orders. There is the splendid Riserva
Naturale dei Laghi Reatini (Reatini Lakes Nature Reserve), which includes the
Lungo and Ripasottile Lakes, not forgetting the flora and fauna which is in
fact protected, as well as specific species of bird like the Herons and Little
Grebes.
Naples
This ranks as the third largest city in Italy and also the oldest. It is
a very artistic place and the food in heavenly. The historic center of Naples
is a Unesco World Heritage site and the ancient treasures this city holds are
world renowned. With its many palaces, castles and churches, it can hold its
own in comparison to what Rome has to offer. With fertile volcanic soils and
the sea at its doorstep, Naples Cuisine is simply delicious. This is where you
will find the finest pizza, pasta and coffee in the whole of Italy. Add to that
the notable sea food dishes that are served up, and you will find that this is
a foodie’s dream city.
Tour
guide website: https://www.viator.com/tours/Rome/Naples-and-Pompeii-Day-Trip-from-Rome/d511-2390GRET15?pref=02
Pompeii
The somewhat eerie ruins of ancient Pompeii, is a site that will take
your breath away. Here is an archaeological treasure trove, of a town that has
been frozen in time and this is why it garners so much attention. Not only was
this town obliterated by Vesuvius in AD 79 (Volcano), it was also buried under
meters of volcanic ash and pumice. This resulted in that moment in time being
remarkably preserved and therefore visitors today can get a real glimpse of
ancient life.
Tour
guide website: https://www.viator.com/tours/Rome/Pompeii-Day-Trip-from-Rome/d511-3731VESUVIUS
Capri
This island in the Bay of Naples is most certainly easy on the eye.
Famed for its rocky landscape, white-washed stone buildings, all the way down
to the fabulous bars, restaurants and high end shopping. Then you have its
natural beauty, with the likes of The Blue Grotto. This is a dim cavern, in which
the sea glows and gives off this vivacious blue colour, due to sunlight
traveling into an underwater cave. The coastline is also beautiful to behold
with the various yachts that visit in the summer.
Tour
guide website: https://www.viator.com/tours/Rome/Capri-Day-Trip-from-Rome/d511-2390GRET14?eap=touropia-blog-15260
Frascati
Situated in a region in Lazio is Frascati. It’s a very popular place to
visit for the day, as it’s so close to Rome. It’s a quaint hill-town with a lot
of history. A great place for a change of scenery, where you can enjoy some
fresh air, amazing food and a wine tour to get those taste buds going.
Tour guide website: https://darkrome.com/rome-tours/frascati-wine-tasting-tour
Assisi
This picturesque hill town, has seen pilgrims flock from all over to
visit, the Basilica of San Francesco (where St. Francis is buried) and the
Basilica of Santa Chiara (to see the tomb of St. Clare). It’s a calming place,
where you can be at one and find a bit of solitude from lively Rome.
Tour guide website:
http://www.stefanorometours.com/tours/assisi/
The tap
water is safe to drink throughout Italy. There is a reciprocal health agreement
with certain EU states which means dental and medical costs can be received at
a reduced rate upon presentation of a valid EHIC (European Health Insurance
Card). However medical insurance is still vital as costs can be very expensive.
Crime is
relatively low but incidents of pick pocketing and petty theft do occur.
Therefore you are advised to take the usual precautions with your valuables
when in crowded areas.
