Rome Guide

At a glance

Rome wasn't built in a day ... more like 2800 years actually. Legend has it that Romulus founded Rome on the 21st April 793. Today it is the capital of Italy and as such it is host to all the nation’s principal institutions (including the Embassy of Italy for the Vatican City!) but in its time Rome was the axis of the entire world.

Explore Ancient Rome from its historical center contained within the ancient preserved imperial walls. There is one spot in St. Peter’s Square from where every single column in the surrounding portico line up – the visual effect is underscored by a rich history. The area underneath the portico has done duty as a trendy racetrack in ancient times and a little later, a necropolis hosting the burials of both ancient Romans and Christians. St Peter’s and the Vatican Galleries and museum are where you find the world’s greatest artistic treasures from Renaissance Rome. (The museum and basilica are the only Vatican City buildings open to the public.)

Rome keeps delivering. Remarkable villas, museums, fountains, ruins and other historical buildings abound. Pack some comfortable walking shoes, hit the streets and explore ancient archaeology and a living museum of western art dating back 3 millennia.

Have a view?

You should prepare yourself for an opinion - It seems that few can resist speaking their mind about Rome:




A step back in time...
From the beginning of the Republic in 509 BC to the Octavian victory in 31BC marking the creation of the Principate, the doors to the temple of Janus were only closed twice – the entire remainder of the time Rome was at war. Octavian (also known as Augustus) ruled a victorious Rome. With an estimated population of a couple of million inhabitants Rome was the biggest city in the world. (Do note his quote above.)
Many famous and infamous stories have Rome as a backdrop. Julius Caesar ruled here until his assassination. The great fire that destroyed Rome during Nero’s reign was used as an excuse to redevelop and expand the city. At the end of the 2nd century the plague swept through Rome with even more determination – leaving 2000 dead in its wake every day. With the conversion to Christianity the Bishop of Rome became the most powerful religious and indeed political figure in Western Europe – this title was eventually changed to that of Pope and much of the senatorial aristocracy and local administration in Rome were simply absorbed by the Church. Rome is of course also the birthplace of our popular chronology based on the birth of Jesus. The Anno Domini system was brought into existence by Dionysius Exiguus.
The Pope can be a controversial figure – but whatever your religion; everyone credits the presence of Pope Pius XII in the Vatican City for the fact that Rome was not heavily damaged by bombs. (It was also the first capital of an Axis nation to fall!)
Rome has hundreds of churches and a large number of them are significant. The five major Basilicas of the Catholic Church are in Rome.

All roads lead to Rome?
There are two big airports serving Rome. Leonardo da Vinci (FCO) in the comune of Fiumicino 30 kilometres from the centre of town has five terminals within easy walking distance of each other. Ciampino airport (CIA) lies only 15 kilometers southeast of the city centre but is a little less accessible and most of the low cost airlines and charters land here.
Once in Rome you can do as the Romans do and hire a motorcycle or moped for the day. (The city is a touch too busy for comfortable push biking though!)
The centre of the Rome transport universe is the Stazione Termini and here you can catch a train to anywhere in Rome, Italy or indeed Europe! Rome also has a rather unimpressive metro boasting only two lines – this is by design and due to the fact that the earth under the city contains too many treasures to tunnel through!

Practical considerations
Rome is reasonably priced. Location is the most important factor determining accommodation costs. The hotels surrounding the centro storico are the most expensive. Museum admissions also vary – it is worth checking on current specials and various discount cards before you travel. The Euro is used throughout Italy and it also forms part of the Shengen alliance. Taxi drivers in Rome must be booked by phone or found in a taxi rank (note that the fare starts from the moment you telephone) It is generally accepted that the best way is to insist on a metered fare (rather than a set fare – unless you are coming from or to the airport) The night busses can be identified by their blue owl logos’. There is a 20% value added tax on most goods in Italy. Take bottled water with you. Consider buying your stamps from the tobacconists to avoid the post office queues… you could also go to the Vatican and use the Pope’s service to post your snail mail … to dodge Italy’s infamous sloth mail.

Top treats

The Colosseum: While elephants, lions, giraffes, horses and hippos did battle with 2000 gladiators in one year, one of the most astounding facts about the Colosseum is that its design allowed 50 000 spectators to be seated within 10 minutes....not long after Jesus was born!

The ruins at the Roman Forum – Reflect on mortality as you gaze up at the towering ionic columns that once housed the most powerful Roman senators.

The Vatican Museum – The Popes have done such a good job of collecting art that it is probably advisable to visit these daunting halls with a guide! A truly staggering number of people visit the Sistine Chapel every moment! It is advisable to bring binoculars and forget your camera as that is not allowed.

The Pantheon – The Pantheon was built to be a temple to all gods and is the final resting place for many famous people including the painter Raphael! Now - About the story that it is said that it cannot rain through the oculus – Not true!

St. Peter's Basilica – Rome’s most recognizable landmark, home to a couple of pigeons, Michelangelo’s only signed work and not surprisingly many tourists!

The Galleria Borghese – A staggering 9 km in circumference this villa was a private property until 1903. It was built to display the acquisitions of the nephew of Pope Paul IV.

Cucina povera – Roman cooking originates with the masses and you can indulge in a brave foray into the less common cuts like brains and intestines! The Jewish Ghetto has fantastic deep fried baby artichokes.

Ensure your return

Remember to toss a coin in the Trevi fountain – and you will visit again!