Rome Guide

December 29, 2017 - January 1, 2018

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

• Keep an eye on your bag and watch out for pick-pockets, especially at tourist attractions.

• Rome is a very easy city to navigate. However, the sidewalks are made of cobblestone and can be uneven, so wear supportive walking shoes (and if you're like me, remember your orthotics).

• Bring a water bottle while touring, especially if it's summer! You may end up waiting several hours to enter a site.

• We purchased tickets to the Colosseum through our tour guide a few weeks in advance.

FUN FACT

The letters SPQR are seen all around the city. They stand for Senatus Populusque Romanus, which translates to The Senate and the People of Rome.

Rome was the second city of our family vacation to Italy. I really enjoyed experiencing Rome in the winter. It is quite a busy city, with plenty to do and lots to see. The crowds were much smaller compared to high season and the weather was more comfortable for walking around. While a large city, the ancient center is quite concentrated and can easily be walked in a day.

We went on a tour with a private company that was recommended to us by a friend. I found this tour super helpful and it made Roman history less intimidating. We saw most of the historical sites, including the Colosseum, Chiesa di Sant' Ignazio di Loyola (Church of St. Ignatius), the Roman Forum, and the Knights of Malta Keyhole.

The first stop on our tour was the Colosseum. Our tour-guide had an "express pass", so we didn't have to wait in line, which was great.

This amphitheater is one of the Seven Wonder's of the World and is in great condition for ruins. Construction began in 72 AD, taking only 10 years to build. There are 80 entrances and the amphitheater could seat up to 80,000 spectators. The Colosseum was a place for entertaining Roman citizens, with gladiator combats or wild animal fights.

Beneath the Colosseum is a series of tunnels and corridors called the Hypogeum. These tunnels were used to transport wild animals, stage props or gladiators. There were also cages in the Hypogeum, likely where the animals were kept.

Just outside the Colosseum is the Roman Forum. This was the city center of Ancient Rome, an important site for politics, religion and socializing. The Arch of Titus is located in the Roman Forum. Built in 81 AD, this arch commemorates Emperor Vespasian and his brother's war victories. The arch is covered in ornate carvings. One of the panels appears to show men carrying treasures and the Ark of the Covenant (a gold covered chest, containing the Book of Exodus and the stone tablets of the Ten Commandments).

Unfortunately, we didn't have tickets to the forum and could not get close enough to see the panel clearly, so here's a photo I found on Google:

The last stop on our tour was to a lesser known site, the keyhole of the Knights of Malta. The property holds extraterritorial status and has an interesting history.

When you arrive to the property, you will likely see people squatting to look through a keyhole on green double-doors. You are able to see one country (Italy) and two nation-states (Malta and the Vatican), while having a perfect view of St. Peter Basilica.

On the other days of our vacation, it was fun to wander around Rome. We ended up stumbling upon the Spanish Steps. Built in 1723, the 138 steps connect the Piazza di Spagna with the church, Piazza Trinita de Monti. The Piazza di Spagna is a popular area for artists and musicians. We sat listening to the music one afternoon and ended up purchasing a CD from a violinist, Viktor Angelov.

Just 5 minutes away from the steps is the the Trevi Fountain. Making a wish in the Trevi Fountain has been on my bucket list since I saw Hilary Duff do it in 2004. I am happy to say, I fulfilled my childhood dream.

The fountain is located in the middle of the city and is predicted to collect $1.5 million annually. Apparently there are regular attempts to steal money from the fountain, but this is obviously illegal (so do not do this).

We spent a day in Vatican City, an independent city-state that is completely surrounded by Rome. With a 2-mile boarder, it is considered the smallest country in the world (only ⅛ the size of Central Park in NYC). The Vatican is governed by the pope, functioning as an absolute monarchy.

Vatican City is home to St. Peter's Basilica. This church features artwork by Michelangelo and is also rumored to be the burial site for St. Peter. More of Michelangelo's work can be found nearby is the Sistine Chapel, whose fresco ceilings are decorated in Biblical scenes. It took him four years to complete the ceiling. There is no entrance fee for the Vatican Palace but there is always an incredibly long line, with an average wait time of 3 hours.

In the Vatican's courtyard is a tall stone pillar, called an obelisk, originally from Heliopolis, Egypt. The Emperor Caligula wanted it for his mother's garden, located at the base of Vatican Hill. It was moved to St. Peter's Square in 1586, where it stands today. It also functions as a sundial.

If you have the opportunity, attend a professional soccer match. We saw AS Roma play at Stadio Olimpico. It was a great atmosphere and something different to do than site-seeing.

(In addition to your ticket, you will need to show identification, such as a passport, for entry into the stadium.)

The stadium was too far from our hotel to walk. We had no trouble getting a cab to the game, but we struggled finding one for our way home. I'm not sure if there is a great solution to this problem, but be aware you may have to wait awhile for a cab.