The Keyhole of the Priorato di Malta

A keyhole might not sound terribly interesting, but the one in the arch-headed central portone of the Villa of the Priorato di Malta in Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta is well worth a look.  Peer through it and you’ll get a perfectly framed view of the dome of San Pietro, an effect seemingly intended by the architect, Piranesi.

St. Peter’s Basilica seen through a keyhole at the Villa Malta, Rome, Italy by AngMoKio

Centrale Montemartini

If you like your culture uncrowded, Rome can be a difficult place to be.  Not if you visit the Centrale Montemartini, however.  Here, you can wander around, unimpeded by camera-toting tourists in an ingenious exhibition space in the former Giovanni Montemartini Thermoelectric Centre, a remarkable example of industrial archaeology converted into a museum.  Closed Mondays.

The Porta Portese Market

The Porta Portese, near the end of Viale Trastevere, is a classic Roman flea market where you can pick up bargains in everything from jewellery to pottery, and kitchen implements to bicycles.  The market takes place every Sunday from 6.30 a.m., but you’ll have to get there early to snap up the best deals.

Porta Portese, Rome, Italy by Lalupa

Villa Doria Pamphili

It is one of life’s unsolved mysteries why tour groups do not flock to the Villa Doria Pamphili, but it is fortunate for us that they don’t because this delightful oasis in the Monteverde quarter of Rome is largely overlooked.  Stroll freely through Its French-styled garden (the largest landscaped public park in the city) among sparkling fountains and quirky statues and admire the enormous 17th-century villa.

Chiesa di Dio Padre Misericordioso

Even the biggest fan of religious buildings could suffer church fatigue in Rome, as it’s impossible to go far without stumbling into yet another flamboyantly ornate place of worship.  The Chiesa di Dio Padre Misericordioso is not your ordinary church, though.  Situated on Piazza Largo Terzo Millennio, it features three massive sail-like arches and a whimsical bell tower that certainly do not fit the usual ecclesiastical stereotype.  Visit at sunset, when the light floods the massive windows of this unforgettable landmark.

Municipal Rose Gardens

If you’re in Rome during May and June, and you’re struck by an incredible perfume emanating from Viale del Circo Massimo, you’ve found Rome’s Municipal Rose Garden (Roseto Comunale di Roma).  Home to more than 1,000 varieties from over 20 different countries, the Rose Garden makes a comforting stop after a visit to the historically brutal Coliseum nearby.  Look out for the the green-petaled Chinensis Virdiflora and the stinky Rosa Foetida.

Municipal Rose Gardens, Rome, Italy by Yannick Carer

Porta di Roma Shopping Center

One of Europe’s biggest shopping malls, the Porta di Roma is a 150,000-square-meter retail heaven off the GRA, the road that rings Rome.  Car hire is a good option for anyone considering a visit to this centre, which features more than 200 shops, numerous restaurants, four tennis courts, two football pitches, and an indoor gym with a swimming pool.  And you can save your feet for the Ancient City:  The mall is furnished with a series of moving sidewalks, escalators, and upholstered seating.

Ristorante-Caffe’ Lo Zodiaco

For one of the best views you’ll get of historic Rome, it’s hard to beat this charming cafe on Viale del Parco Mellini.  High above the city, it offers panoramic views but is a little off the tourist track.  It is particularly romantic in the evening, when meals are served by candlelight beneath the enormous windows that frame the cityscape.

Villa d’Este

If you weren’t convinced already, a visit to the Eternal City  illustrates just how comfortable the life of a Roman Catholic clergyman could be.  Villa d’Este is a testament to the the power and opulence enjoyed by the Church’s upper echelons.  Built in the 16th century on the order of Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este, this palatial estate encompasses some of Europe’s loveliest gardens in Europe and exemplifies Renaissance culture at its grandest.

Villa d’Este, Tivoli, near Rome, Italy by Mmxbass

Join the evening passeggiata

Masters of style, the Italians have turned their dinner amble into the premier social event of the day.  During the evening passeggiata (“little walk”) between 5 and 7pm, crowds parade the city streets to be seen fare la bella figura, (“cutting a beautiful figure”).  You may not feel suitably attired to take part, but you can always watch.  Via del Corso is passegiata central, but every locality has its own minor version.

Aoife O’Carroll is a staff writer for Nova Car Hire, a convenient website for arranging car rental in 26,000 locations worldwide, including Rome car hire.

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Fontana di Trevi, Rome / Photo by admin

Rome’s Main Attractions

During a first-time visit to Rome, there are a few main attractions that must be seen including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Trevi Fountain.

Luxury Boutiques

Step foot in Rome and one of the first things you will notice is how fashionable the locals are, even when out running simple errands. How could they not be with their streets lined with the likes of Prada and Dolce & Gabbana? The most prestigious place to do some shopping is along elegant Via de Condotti. Here you will find luxury boutiques from some of Italy’s most famous fashion designers including Versace and Armani. It is a real experience to walk into Bulgari or Fendi and make a purchase in the city where these brands were founded.

Upscale Dining

Many people plan entire trips to Rome just to eat. While other areas of Rome specialize in rustic dishes, restaurants in Rome are as refined as those in New York City — but with that distinct Italian flair. Beyond dining in the latest and greatest restaurants, Rome also offers the opportunity to engage with food and wine. If you’re interested in cooking, how about signing up for a cooking lesson with a local chef? If you want to expand your wine knowledge, there are many tastings (some paired with food) that will be both educational and fun. There are also many walking tours led by local experts focused on traditional Roman food.

Relax at the Spa

Part of the pleasure of Rome is strolling through Campo dei Fiori or Piazza Navona after dark, soaking in the architecture and atmosphere. After all that walking, you’ll probably be ready for a serene spa day. This capital city has a range of decadent spas to choose between, including Cavalieri Grand Spa, De Russie Wellness Zone, and Hassler Roma Spa. Do a little investigating before your arrival and you could plan a spa day that includes a romantic couple’s massage. These spas are very popular and in demand, so be sure to make your reservations in advance online to ensure an appointment on the day and time you desire.

Rome’s Little Pleasures

It’s easy to fill your days in Rome with so many museums, shops, and boutiques. But part of the fun in Rome is slowing down to enjoy the city’s little pleasures. Instead of rushing to dinner, how about sitting down in a square for an aperitivo? For a little culture, you can get dressed up for an evening at the Orchestra Sinfonica di Roma. The Italians are known for their sweets, so after dinner or the theater, why not stop into Gina, a restaurant known for its dolci? After a few days, you might start thinking like an Italian, beginning your day with an espresso and joining in on the daily evening stroll.

Rent a Luxury Apartment

If you really want to see how the Romans live, step into their shoes. Rent a luxury Rome apartment and explore the local neighborhoods. Here you can take fashion inspiration from the locals, discover off-the-beaten-path boutiques for shoes and handbags, and linger of a glass of wine at lunch in a local ristorante. A luxury apartment will provide generous living space and a kitchen for stocking healthy snacks and drinks. When researching, keep your eye out for rentals with special touches such as a soaking tub, a balcony with views, or rooftop access.

Regardless of where you stay and what you do, there’s nothing like a trip to Rome.  Take your time and enjoy it!

About the Author
Joseph Miller is a writer and analyst for HomeAway’s Travel Ideas site. He has lived in California, Oregon, Florida, Texas and Tokyo and enjoys a good cruise now and then.

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Rome

The Eternal City is near the top of every traveller’s list – a city with a cultural, architectural and historical legacy that is the envy of the world. There is so much to see and do in Rome, it’s a city that should be visited more than once – which is a good reason to start any tour with a trip to the Trevi Fountain. Tradition has it that anyone who throws a coin in this spectacular Baroque fountain – which depicts the Roman God Neptune driving a chariot led by seahorses – will one day return to Rome.

Roman History

Located in the centre of the city, the Roman Colosseum is a remarkable feat of architecture and engineering, and one of the iconic symbols of Rome’s ancient and imperial past. The very first gladiator fight took place in 82 AD, the beginning of a bloody tradition that pitted man against man – and beast – in a fight to the death, with crowds inside the forum reaching 50,000. Visit the Arch of Constantine, built in 315 to mark the famous battle victory of Constantine over Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maxentius.

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Architecture

The Pantheon was built to the orders of Marcus Agrippa in 27 BC and later rebuilt in the 2nd century by the emperor Hadrian. Originally designed as a temple to the gods, it was later converted for Christian worship and, after the Renaissance, became a burial site for the city’s elite and most famous sons, including the painter Raphael. The striking design, with its imperious columns, has inspired many imitators, but nothing compares to seeing the real thing.

The Vatican

The Vatican City is an independent state with its own currency, flag, stamps and militia, the Swiss Guard, which protects its 800 citizens, including the Pope. Out front is the magnificent St. Peter’s Square, while the Vatican Museums house a large collection of Italian masterpieces by artists including Raphael, Fra Angelico and Michelangelo.

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Art

Located in the sprawling gardens of the Villa Borghese, the Galleria Borghese is a must for fans of the Italian masters. Marvel at the Bernini sculpture of Apollo and Daphne, as well as works by Rubens, Correggio, Raphael and Caravaggio.

The Ultimate Travel Company have paired up with the Tate to offer Tate Travels.  They have created a program of art and cultural tours across the world to visit some of the most exciting art destinations.  To see a full list of the upcoming art and cultural breaks, visit The Ultimate Travel Company website.

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Trevi fountain / Photo by admin

The city sees between seven and ten million visitors annually. On holy years, this number can more than double to well over twenty million tourists. Last year alone, the Colosseum was vested by more than 4 million people while 4.2 million people made their way through the various museums of the Vatican. One of the biggest years in recent history was 2005 when more than 19.5 million visitors from all over the world made their way to the city.

For hundreds of years, the city of Rome has maintained its position as one of the most visited cities in the world. From the days of the vast and powerful Roman Empire to the rise of Christianity, billions of people have stepped foot in this most ancient of cities. However, there was a time when Rome did see a fall in tourism; during the revolutions of the 1870s.

Pantheon, Rome, Italy / Photo by admin

The Vatican Museums are considered to be the 37th most popular destination in the entire world today. The Colosseum on the other hand is ranked at number 39. St. Peter’s Basilica is perhaps the next most visited place in the city. Then of course there is the Pantheon, Forum Romanum, Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain which are well-known hot spots in Rome. Many visitors also stop by the Piazza Navona, Castel Sant’Angelo, Quirinal Palace as well as the Lateran Palace while they are in the city.

There is something romantic about having the opportunity to see some of the oldest manmade structures in the world; some dating back several thousand years.

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