Exploring the magnificent city of Rome

5
JUN
2015
Christmas Traditions and Festivities in Italy

A trip to the city of Rome in Italy is no less than a life- changing experience for all travelers. Whether you are visiting Rome with your family, friends or as a solo traveler, this city offers different levels of entertainment and experiences to everyone. The historical legacy of this city is known all over the world and people visiting any city in Italy make it a point to take out time from their busy schedules in order to experience the mesmerizing ambience of Rome.

Also popularly known as the “Eternal City”, Rome is known all over the world due to its collection of ancient Basilicas and churches, Roman palaces, graceful fountains, ornate statues as well as hundreds of historic monuments.

Probably the very first thing tourists notice about Rome is its finesse in art and architecture. The artistic heritage of Rome dates back to Etruscan times and till today, there are classical statues, amazing baroque churches as well as Renaissance frescos that can be found anywhere as well as everywhere around this Italian city.

A walk towards the central part of Rome will bring you face to face with some of the most stunning masterpieces from world’s renowned artists. These include frescos created by Raphael, sculptures by Michelangelo, fountains by Bernini as well as paintings by Caravaggio.

The best thing about roaming around this Italian city is that art is not locked up in museums or art galleries; rather Roman architecture and frescos is literally all around you in this city.

Some theories also claim Rome to be the center of the world since greatest civilizations, being the home to the Catholic Church as well as the birthplace of Caesar. Walking across the tourist trails in Rome is a real treat for people who are interested in exploring its historical ruins.

Moving around in Rome

There are several kinds of public transportation tickets available for tourists in Rome. There are time- integrated tickets known as Biglietto Semplice B.I.T which cost $1.30 and are supposed to be used within 75 minutes of issuing. Biglietto Giornaliero B.I.G is one- day tickets which cost $6 and are valid for the next 24 hours. 3 day tourist integrated tickets known as Biglietto per 3 Giorni B.T.I costs $15 and is valid for commutation for the next 3 days throughout the city of Rome. Similarly, tickets valid for 1 week are also available at $22 USD.

Rome

Accommodation in Rome

If you are running on a tight budget, there are campgrounds available for $13 USD per night. Hostel dorm rooms are available throughout the city for $25- 45 USD per night. During the off- season, these prices get reduced by $5- 10 USD. Even though private dorm rooms are available starting at $60 per night, it will be wiser to spend this money on a nice hotel room instead. Renting rooms from the locals is also gaining popularity in Rome. Hotel rooms are available at $50 USD per night and depending on the facilities, these can go up to $100 USD per night.

Top things to do in Rome

Visit the Vatican City

You can peacefully spend at least half of your day roaming around in the Vatican City. It is more like a ritual to visit the Home of the Pope as well as Vatican here. There is a collection of magnificent museums, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel worth visiting in Rome.

Enter into the Pantheon

A marvelous place to visit in Rome, the Pantheon looks exactly like what it looked some 2000 years ago. Considered as one of the best- preserved buildings in the world, it is associated with thousands of years old rich Italian history.
Explore the churches

Penthon

Rome is known for its huge collection of churches and you can spend some days exploring some of the biggest churches here, which are loaded with stained glass, decorations, sculptures and Italian art.

Wander around the Colosseum

One of the most popular Italian sights, the Colosseum is a must- visit place in Rome. It is Roman Empire’s largest amphitheater and dates back to more than 2000 years.

Visit the Catacombs

There are 3 sets of Catacombs that are open to tourists in Rome, namely the Catacombs of Praetextatus, the Catacombs of San Sebastiano, and the Catacombs of San Callisto. It is believed that some of its underground crypts are also adorned with frescos and Roman sculptures.

Take part in La Settimana dei Beni Culturali

This 10- day event takes place every year in the month of May and during this time, all museums, galleries, churches, government- operated landmarks and offices and archeological sites are offered free of cost without any admission fee, making it a great time to explore the vastness of Rome.

Visit the art museums

When in Rome, visiting the numerous art museums here is no less than a treat for all art lovers. Some of these art museums and galleries are ranked among world’s best collections of art.

rome-museums

See the Trevi Fountain

Undoubtedly the most popular fountain in the world, it is always crowded and is especially popular among couples who visit it at night for clicking pictures. The best time to visit Trevi Fountain is before lunch when it is comparatively less crowded. It is a common belief to throw 2 coins in this fountain, one for love and one for returning back to Rome.