Arguably one of the most iconic cities in Europe, ancient imperial centre, not to mention modern capital of arts and style, Rome is a classic. Whether on a romantic getaway or a family holiday, it is a city teeming with secrets to be unveiled, a masterpiece of Italian history, the epitome of the exciting travel destination. You could visit it one hundred times, and find something new on every trip. The following is merely a taster list, including some of the most iconic sights and monuments, as well as a few more obscure ones. A couple of pointers regarding food have also been included, because you can’t go to Italy and not fantasise about what you’re going to eat.
- Saint Peter’s Square
Designed to make the visitor feel the embrace of “Mother Church”, the Basilica of St. Peter is truly monumental. The best artists and architects of Italian Renaissance came together to create this symbol of Christianity, whose scale cannot quite be appreciated until seen in person. Interestingly, there is a point at the centre of the square, conveniently signalled by a stone set among the cobbles, from which the four rows of columns appear perfectly aligned: a little inside quirk placed by Bernini himself. What immediately catches the eye upon entrance to the Basilica is the Baldachin of Saint Peter. An exquisitely baroque four-posted structure, it is placed directly beneath the dome and signals the place where the saint himself lies at rest. It radiates particular beauty when flooded by sunlight. Proceeding out from the square down the huge boulevard Via della Conciliazione you arrive to the river and the imposing Castel Sant’Angelo, an angel-topped castle originally commissioned by Emperor Hadrian to be his mausoleum, then used by the Popes as a fortress before becoming a museum. Particularly bewitching at night, its lights reflected in the water of the river, it surely is a sight not to be missed.
- Pantheon
One of the best-preserved buildings inherited from the Ancient Roman past, this colossal cylindrical structure, topped with an impressive dome which opens up onto the heavens was commissioned by Consul Agrippa in 27 BC to be a temple to all deities past, present and future. After marvelling at the incredible ingenuity and architectural prowess of the founders of the city, why not make your way down to the river, and explore the marvellous Giardino degli Aranci. Nested on top of the hill is also the Palace of the Order of Malta, which offers a stunning secret viewpoint of the city by peeping through the keyhole of one of the gates.
- Fountains and squares
If you ever wish to return to Rome, you cannot miss tossing a coin in the magical Trevi Fountain, masterpiece of baroque creativity, a marble jewel nested in the winding streets of the Italian capital. If you enjoy sitting down and people-watching, you should also pay a visit to Piazza di Spagna, and take a rest on the impressive staircase leading up to the Trinità dei Monti church, which dominates the bustling road below, where you can admire the Barcaccia fountain, representing a sinking ship.
- Roman Ghetto
Also known as the Jewish ghetto, though originally created in the 16th century to separate the Jews from the rest of the population, it is now the heart of typical Roman gastronomy. To be tasted are the “carciofi alla giudía”, a Jewish specialty: artichokes cut into a rose shape and then deep-fried.
- Rione Monti
One of the more authentic areas of traditional Rome, this quarter is perfect for an afternoon spent wandering around. Shops, food, nightlife: lose yourself along its streets for a couple hours, and you’ll get a true taste of what it’s like to live the Roman way.
- Museo/Centrale Montemartini
Rome is a city full of museums and some of the greatest art collections in the world. However, if you prefer to keep away from the usual tourist haunts, why not visit this rather peculiar gallery? The setting is a disused power station, and the contrast of antique marble with modern industrial equipment is certainly unconventional.
- Church of Saint Ignatius
Hidden quirks and secret details tickle your fancy? Then you should definitely pay a visit to the church of St. Ignatius. Richly frescoed in the baroque style, it is a feast for the eyes; particularly the ornate dome. Interestingly, because the funds were not sufficient to build it, the dome is actually a trick: nothing more than a very skilfully painted trompe l’oeil!
- Parco degli Acquedotti
Not too far from central Rome lies a park that surprisingly still retains a rather rustic air. An excellent break if you want to get away from the busy life of the city, these grounds take their name from the age-old stone aqueducts that intersect it. Owing to its vicinity to the Roman film studios Cinecittà, the park has also featured in many a classic film.
- Walk along the Colosseum and Imperial Fora
A visit to Rome would not be complete without having admired the Colosseum and Imperial Fora. Though perhaps a bit of a cliché, to walk among such visible legacies of a distant past is an enthralling experience, enhanced by the sheer scale of the monuments. One cannot help but remain stunned into admiration.
- Explore the food
A crucial element of any holiday is the local cuisine. Try any “fraschetta” (dialectal term to simply denote a tavern) for a plateful of the original carbonara (nothing to do with cream or mushrooms, here’s your chance to sample the real thing), or a bite of Pinsa (the Roman take on pizza). For the sweet-toothed a trip to the historic ice-cream parlour Giolitti is a must, as are the Jewish pastries of the Roman Ghetto.
Our advise for you is to enjoy a segway tour of Rome with Italy Segway Tours! Italy Segway Tours is an official licensed Tour Operator based in Rome Florence and Milan. It has become the largest Segway Tour company in Italy and has been operating since 2005. Its mission is offering to the customers an unforgettable Five Star Experience. Furthermore, Italy Segway Tours is currently using renewable energy to power the 100% of its operations and actively supports scientific research against Duchenne (child muscular dystrophy) and research against the Cancer.
Italy Segway Tours
Address: Via di Santa Eufemia #15, Rome (Italy)
Telephone number: +39 055 239 8855
Official website: Italy Segway Tours
It is now time to book your holiday apartment in Rome!
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