Rome
Every stone of the pavement had been brilliantly polished through 2000 years of the city’s existence. This is a living history book that everyone should read. This is Rome. When somebody mentions the Eternal City, it’s impossible not to recall Caesar, gladiators, Colosseum, Pope, and the tiniest country in the world, Vatican City. You can’t keep thinking of grandiose ruins, ancient Pantheon, the powerful Roman Empire that gave us almost all domestic items we use nowadays, philosophy, art, and literature. Rome is not just an average city and the capital of Italy. It became a sacred place where you can trip 2000 years back in history and see how everything had begun.
Municipiums of Rome
However, Rome has informal districts in addition to the official division. The informal ones are located on the territory of several municipiums. The most popular districts are Campo de' Fiori, Esposizione Universale di Roma, Laterano, Monte Mario, Monteverde, Ponte Milvio, Ghetto.
Rome
Attractions
The whole center of Rome is under the protection of UNESCO. Therefore, every building here is an attraction. Even one month is not enough for visiting this unique city. We will tell you about the most iconic places that every traveler should see.
Population
Modern Romans don’t hurry anywhere, enjoy their lives, and are considered to be European long-livers. The average longevity of men is 74 years and of women is 82. Mind, that people here treat siesta seriously. Therefore, all banks, shops, and restaurants are closed from 1 PM to 3 PM.
A brief history of Rome
Traditionally, tour guides start their telling the history of Rome from the Palatine Hill. According to the legend, the famous brothers Romulus and Remus that had been fed by a she-wolf, live here. As time went by, brothers had more and more argues and fights. As a result, Romulus killed Remus and became the first ruler of Rome. Scientists put forward several dates of the city’s foundation: 753 BC and the I century AD.
The temples of Janus and Vesta were built in this period. According to the facts and calculations, around 80 thousand people lived in the city. There is one interesting fact. Rome had a catastrophic lack of women. Therefore, citizens stole ladies from neighboring settlements. Moreover, relations between men were not only considered to be regular but were a mandatory condition for every normal Roman.
Rome faced monumental changes in its development under the rule of Gaius Julius Caesar. He had an idea to build up the Campus Martius. Many buildings and temples including the magnificent Pantheon were constructed in that epoch.
The decay of Rome coincides in time with the fall of the Roman Empire. The city was damaged greatly after the invasions of Vandals and Visigoths in the V century AD. Since that time right up till the papacy, Rome had been falling into decay headily. If it was not for Popes, we could have had lost the majority of the buildings we have today.
The power of the Pope weakened when Napoleon came. However, after the defeat of the French Emperor, the situation and the power of the leader of the Catholic Church were restored. After that, Rome survived several destructions but would gradually begin to restore and develop.
Trip budget
Before the trip, you should calculate the approximate budget that you will require for the travel:
Hotels | Apartment | Taxi | Gasoline |
Average bill | from 67 €/night | from 101 €/night | Start - 4.01 €, 1km - 1.41 € | 1.58 €/liter | 55 € for 2 person |
|---|
The best time to visit Rome
Useful notes
Take care of your safety. Even though Rome is considered to be a safe city, pickpockets here are renowned for their artistry and virtuosity. They have many faces: a child or a respectful citizen, an educated grandad or a priest. Be attentive during street performances (frequently, actors work in pairs with pickpockets) and while talking to strangers. Hold your bag closed and over your shoulder. When you are in a crowd, hold it in front of you so that you are aware of what’s going on with it. And don’t bring with you the documents and big sums of money.
If you arrive at Rome–Fiumicino International Airport "Leonardo da Vinci, you can take a map of Rome at the Information desk for free.
A ticket to Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill is the same. It’s active for two days i.e. you can visit Colosseum in the evening, and explore the Roman Forum on the next day.
You don’t have to buy bottled water in Rome. There are more than 2000 fountains with crystal pure water. Local citizens drink it and recommend it to tourists.
You can buy a ticket for public transport at any cigarette kiosk. Don’t forget to punch the ticket as you enter a bus. Otherwise, it will be considered to be invalid.
People in Rome tend to greet everyone and everywhere. When you enter a cafe, restaurant, hotel, or shop, greet a barman or a waiter. In return, you will get lots of positive emotions and a better level of service.
Just as any city in Italy, Rome faces the problem of toilets. Almost all public lavatories are paid (1-2 euros). You can use a restroom in a cafe or restaurant only if you have ordered or purchased something. So, here are some hints on where to find free lavatories: in McDonald’s, in almost every big mall (they are typically on top floors), in some cathedrals, basilicas, and other attractions in Rome. Experienced travelers advise to enter any hotel in case of emergency - there’s always a restroom in the lobby.
If you want to check the weather forecast in the city, go to any website of the meteorological service in Italy and choose the Lazio region. In Italy, all forecasts are distinct in their hourly accuracy. So, you can fully trust them.
What should a tourist in Rome do?
- Visit Colosseum. It’s the oldest amphitheater and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. If you want to have a tour, we highly recommend choosing evening programs. Colosseum looks especially magnificent in the lights.
- Ascend one of the seven hills in Rome to see the Eternal City from the bird’s-eye view. The Palatine Hill is the oldest one. Its museum complex has extant Temple of Vesta, House of Livia, the Stadium of Domitian, Domus Severiana, and ruins of the Domus Augustana.
- Have a tour with a guide to the Roman Forum and Trajan's Market. If you don’t have an opportunity to hire a guide, download the audio tour. You will be surprised by the magnificence of the historic places you see around.
- Throw a coin to the Trevi Fountain and make a wish. Throw it over the left shoulder. One coin means that you will come back to Rome one more time; two coins mean you shall meet the love of your life; three coins symbolize a wedding; four coins will bring you wealth. All the money that is taken from the fountain at the end of the year is used for charity.
- Wander around Trastevere and feel that extraordinary flavor that will make you fall in love with Rome forever. Enter into the spirit of traditional narrow streets on via dei Giubbonari, via del Governo Vecchio, Piazza Farnese. If your visit is in April or May, look for a secret yard on via Margutta that is drowning in greenery and flowers.
- Buy the traditional Italian ice cream called gelato and go to the Spanish Steps where Audrey Hepburn also ate gelato in the “Roman Holiday” movie.
- Visit the Pope and greet him personally. Every Sunday, the pope comes out at the balcony of the Apostolic Palace and says grace “The Angelus” and wishes. The prayer starts at 11.50 and lasts for 20 minutes. The event is free to attend.
- Enjoy traditional Roman appetizers and dishes: classical Carbonara, Roman-style artichokes, Caprese salad, prosciutto with melon, Tiramisu dessert, and, of course, pizza. You can do this in literally every cafe or restaurant.
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