Rome
My visit to Rome is part of a three-city euro trip which including Dublin, Ireland and Barcelona, Spain. I recommend bringing comfortable shoes that will last the whole day as this is a walking city. Trevi Fountain, The Vatican, and The Colosseum are just some of the must-see places. As you walk throughout the city, you will see an endless variety of plazas, food vendors, and amazing cafes.
There is no shortage of Gelato shops. For example, close to the Pantheon is Gelateria Della Palma, https://www.dellapalma.it/ . This place caught my eye because of the long line outside. I tried the Limoncello gelato. It is so good and very refreshing but with 150 flavors to choose from, you can’t go wrong.
Trevi Fountain
There’s a photo that I took that is one of my favorites, and it’s of none other than Trevi Fountain. This stunning masterpiece is one of the top attractions in the city and is always bustling with tourists. However, to capture a photograph with no one in it, you’ll have to plan ahead and get up early! That’s right, you’ll need to be at the fountain first thing in the morning (waiting at first light) before the crowds arrive.
The best part is that it is situated in a prime location, just a short walk away from landmarks like the remarkable Pantheon. So, be sure to take in all the sights while you’re there and enjoy all that this remarkable city has to offer.
The Colosseum
The Colosseum is a fascinating piece of architecture and a historical marvel. Additionally, that was ingeniously designed and constructed during the reign of Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD. It boasts of being the largest ancient amphitheater ever built and even today, it still stands as one of the most iconic structures in the world.
Visitors around the world are drawn to the beauty and grandeur that the Colosseum offers. While exploring, you can choose to purchase an additional ticket which gives you access to see all the different layers. The history behind each layer is captivating and the view from the top is absolutely breathtaking.
Once you have finished the Colosseum, take a stroll over to the surrounding ruins which have a lot to offer. The Arch of Constantine is a great example of ancient Roman architecture and it’s just a stone’s throw away. If you are looking for adventure and excitement, the Domus Aurea is worth a visit as well. It’s beautiful ceiling frescoes and stunning architecture are truly unforgettable.
The Vatican
Vatican City, established by the Lateran Treaty on February 11, 1929, is an independent state located inside the city of Rome. It consists of 49 hectares (121 acres) and has a population of 800-900 people. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, even in December, had a long line to get in. The wait was approximately an hour, and it was off season. I didn’t realize that the Apostolic Palace where the Sistine Chapel is located is in another building. Walking to the Apostolic Palace (where the pope lives) takes about 10 minutes.
Apostolic Palace
The Apostolic Palace requires a ticket which you can purchase in advance. To view the Sistine Chapel, you will be crammed into the respective room and be told multiple times that pictures are not allowed. On the way out, you will pass through the “Gallery of Maps”. This 120-meter-long hallway is painted with maps of Italy. Ordered by Pope Gregory XII, Ignazio Danti with the help of Girolamo Muziano and Cesare Nebbia, completed the project in three years. https://www.thesistinechapel.org/tickets-sistine-chapel.
Castel Sant'Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo is a highly recommended destination that is close to The Vatican. This museum makes for an excellent visit for anyone looking to further explore the rich historical and cultural heritage of the area. Known also as The Mausoleom of Hadrian, Castel Sant’Angelo boasts a magnificent entrance that can be found at the very end of the picturesque St. Angelo Bridge.
One of the most striking features of the bridge are the five arches that are all adorned with a stunning collection of angelic sculptures. These sculptures, made from the finest travertine marble, will truly take your breath away! As you leisurely walk across the bridge, you’ll be treated to unrivaled views of Rome and The Vatican, as well as the marvelous Tiber River – a sight that you really can’t afford to miss!
Piazza Del Popolo
If you ever get the chance to venture near the famed Spanish Steps in Rome, I recommend taking a short stroll up the road to Piazza Del Popolo. Once you arrive at this bustling square, you’ll discover a fascinating ancient Egyptian obelisk of Ramses II at its center. This incredible landmark is just one of the many historic monuments that can be found throughout the city of Rome.
Additionally, while you explore the various plazas of this captivating city, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to browse the unique and exciting offerings of the many cart vendors and small nik nak stands that line the streets. In summary, there are few cities in the world that can match the rich cultural and historical abundance of Rome.
