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Knowing Rome, Italy

By: Matteo Cellini


Posted Wednesday, September 16, 2009

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The 2500 year old metropolis of Rome and the city state of the Vatican inside it is surrounded by 7 hills and is located on the banks of the Tiber. It is the capital of Italy and referred to as the 'Eternal City', founded by the mythical Romulus and Remus who were said to be reared by wolves. The Mediterranean Sea is close by.

The Vatican and area called Old Rome adjoin the Modern Centre of Rome with its famous rome hotel, shopping arcades and restaurants. All the beautiful architecture of the medieval and renaissance periods is found in the former 2 zones and the Colloseo area is the heart of ancient Rome, with its Forums and the Colosseum. Among the 5 other zones, the North Centre comprises the largest area while the suburbs, extend on all sides from Central Rome.

The weather being warm and humid in summer, most Romans take a 2 week holiday in August, when a lot of establishments remain closed and a lot of services are minimal or lacking. Winter is cool and pleasant. A nearby port for cruise ships, 2 main airports, one main terminal rail station with 4 other smaller stations brings in the visitors to Rome. As they say, 'all roads lead to Rome' - which is really true as there is an excellent road network to the city. However using a car inside Rome is highly frustrating, so bus rides, cycles, scooters and walking are the best options. Trams and a 2 line Metro are other options, but on specific routes. Tourists are advised to purchase various types of travel cards for economic travel on public transport.

Rome is famous for the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, numerous palaces (both standing and in ruins), Circus Maximus, various ancient markets and numerous baths. Other sites to visit are the Pantheon, Appian Way, aqueducts, St. Peters Basilica, Vatican, Villa Borghese, the numerous galleries and museums as well as the Piazzas dotted all over central Rome. The best views of the city are to be had from the mountains all around three sides of the city. Those interested in other activities can visit the numerous operas, or attend the Roman Summer Festival and White Night festival in September.

Good Italian food is available all over but value for money requires a person to do some research as food is more expensive in the central zones and tourist areas. Pizzas, gelatino, coffee and original Italian food is found in even the smallest trattorias and most of the dishes are really mouth watering! Spanish and English is understood and spoken by most Italians, though Italian is commonest. Accommodation to suit all pockets are available, from the cheaper hostels around the Pantheon, service apartments to the more expensive 3, 4 and 5 star rated hotels the latter located mostly in the very heart of Rome. Haggling and shopping go together in the lower end stores around the Pantheon, while the expensive boutiques are found near the Via Condotti where the top brands have their stores.

Matteo Cellini writes for the Venere Blog about travel, lifestyle, hotels, food, and so on. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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