1 Day Itinerary: the best of Rome

Are you counting down the days until your anticipated arrival? Are you devouring information about the Eternal City like your life depends on it? Well, we’ve made it simple: we’ve come up with the perfect 1 day itinerary so if you dedicate just 24 hours to sightseeing and experiencing Rome by this quick-fire bucket list then you can rest assured that you will leave satisfied. Make sure you've had a hearty breakfast and got some good walking shoes on before you head to the cobbled streets... Morning: Head straight to Rome’s oldest and longest standing landmark, the Colisseum, and start your day on a high. This near 2000 year old building has seen its fair share of history and is one of the best places to learn about the importance of the Roman culture. From gladiator fights to miniature naval races (yes, who knew!) this building has been through it all – even destructive earthquakes that are partly to blame for its half crumbled state. Alongside the Colisseum is the impressive expanse of the Roman Forum where you can walk along the ancient cobbled streets and up the Palatine Hill to survey what used to be the hub of all Roman activity. As an old marketplace, the Roman Forum is one of the most transforming areas in Rome and you can really send yourself back in time as you walk along the marble pillars and ancient ruins. Mid-morning: Past the Vittorio Emmanuele monument (or the wedding cake as the Romans call it) and further into town you’ll get to another one of Rome’s most iconic buildings, the Pantheon. This building is free to enter and it will take your breath away as you marvel at the unique concept and religious history behind it. Built as a temple to the ancient Roman gods in 126AD it is one of the best preserved buildings in Rome and has been in constant use since the 7th century – and to this day it’s a place of worship and even marriage! It’s large opening, or oculus, is exactly 43m from the floor, and 43m in diameter – a mathematical feat and with no cover or window, it remains open all day, every day. Ever wondered what happens when it rains? There’s a small drainage system implanted into the mosaic flooring below. Definitely a sight to behold, and well worth a visit even if it rains to see it with your own eyes! Lunch: Next up are the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain so wind your way through the cobbled streets of bustling central Rome and just follow the crowds towards this resplendent urban oasis. Built in 1732 this Baroque masterpiece is one of Rome’s most picture-perfect landmarks with its turquoise water and contrasting marble façade. Designed by Bernini, Nicola Salvi and Pietro Bracci it is Rome’s largest baroque fountain – and without a doubt the most impressive. Legend has it if you throw a coin into the fountain you are guaranteed a return to the city. Did you know that as a prank, someone once added red food colouring into the water and turned the fountain blood red? Needless to say it didn’t go down very well with the state officials... A stone’s throw from the Trevi Fountain are the Spanish Steps – which boast the widest staircase in Europe and some say is one of Rome’s most romantic spots. Take a small picnic or find a café and get a take away panino and proper Italian coffee and go and sit on the steps to recharge and take in your surroundings. At the top of the steps is a viewing point where you can overlook the terracotta roofs of Rome and survey the stunning historic scene. Afternoon: Walk off lunch and stroll through the verdant Villa Borghese park, one of the most relaxing places in Rome. This heart shaped park is a quiet refuge from the vivacious Roman life, perfect if you want a bit of R&R. Within the landscaped lawns, sprawling greens and classic buildings is one of Rome’s best galleries, Borghese Gallery. A must-see if you’re an art buff and love a bit of Renaissance culture – and even if you’re not, there’s really nice restaurant where you can stop for a refreshing glass of wine should you need a pick-me-up. Mid-afternoon: Continuing in the realm of art appreciation, take it up a notch and head to St Peter’s Basilica, a masterpiece in itself, and it’s the perfect way to end your afternoon. The colonnade-lined square and the impressive marble façade doesn’t even measure up to what is beyond the huge bronze Holy Doors. Step inside this huge cathedral and be mesmerised by the sheer scale of gilt religious decoration, such as Bernini’s Renaissance architecture and the 30m high bronze pavilion, the Baldacchino. If you’re after a view to remember, you must go up into the Dome where you will get breathtaking views all across the city and into the Vatican. Evening: After that exhausting day, what better way than to reward yourself with good local cuisine and Italian wine. Walk along the Lungo Tevere to Trastevere one of Rome’s most trendy districts and chose from a selection of pizzerias to gelaterias. Take a seat in one of the tables in the piazza where you can watch the world go by and reflect upon the Rome you’ve just discovered! With the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card you can visit St Peter’s Basilica with a free audio guide and get VIP fast track entry to skip the long queues – a huge advantage in the summer! The Colisseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill are also included in the Roma Pass package and you can visit them as two out of your five free entitled entries. Want to find out more about how you can make your trip to Rome that extra bit easier? Click here.

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Explore Rome's Classical Music Spots

There’s something magical about listening to classical music – both old and new. The soothing sounds date back to the 1550s - 1900 when the genre was considered mainstream, however, historians now claim that it can even be traced back to the 11th century. Although the styles and traditions might have changed from its inception to today’s practice, the sentiments are the same. With notable periods like Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Romantic and Contemporary to consider, the genre is still one of the most respected of all the styles for its diversity and skill, echoed in the works of great masters around the world, from Bach and Beethoven, to Vivaldi and Verdi. Rome provides the perfect backdrop and soundboard for renditions of these great music pieces, and newer classical music brought to the fore. Considering Italy’s classical roots, we decided to look at some of the best places to enjoy classical music in Rome, from outdoor productions, to renowned academies of music. Teatro dell’Opera di Roma One of Rome’s original opera houses, the Teatro dell’Opera di Rome – formerly called, Teatro Costanzi – was once a stunning building complete with stuccowork, ornate decorations and a six metre chandelier. Over the years it has undergone many facelifts but has always been considered one of the best venues for a classical music performance, welcoming world-class acts since the 1880s. The auditorium is rated one of the best in the world for its acoustics and it can seat 1,600 fans from November to May. During the summer months the productions move outside, to the iconic Terme di Caracalla, where the ancient public baths, provide the backdrop for low lit performances of the greatest classical hits, from La Bohème to Aida and Tosca. Piazza Beniamino Gigli, 7 +39 06 481 60255 Istituzione Universitaria Concerti La Sapienza University, arguably the most prestigious university in Rome, has cultivated brilliant students and musicians for years – and has played an even more important part in Rome’s cultural shaping since the Second World War. After the prohibition of all concerts and musical events during WWII, it was the years 1945-46 that later saw a huge influx in efforts to revive this dormant tradition and appreciation. It was thanks to a group of young La Sapienza music students who breathed life back into the tradition of classical productions and so set up the Istituzione Universitaria Concerti to reopen classical up to the general public. Today it’s one of the best venues to go to see performances of Bach, Scarlatti, Beethoven and new ones-to-watch like Yundi Li. Lungotevere Flaminio 50 +39 06 361 0051 Villa Celimontana Another of Rome’s most famous outdoor music venues, open in the summer months only, is Villa Celimontana, up on the Caelian hill. This beautiful verdant oasis and public park lies just around the corner from the Coliseum and Baths of Caracalla. Famous for its gardens and fountains, it’s an unbeatable location for music performances. Every year it hosts the jazz festival from early July to mid-August, and this time it is championing all form of classical and jazz music, including a range of arts from theatre to dance, too. You’ll recognise some of the greatest pieces of all genres, and it’s hard to find a more impressive backdrop! Via Alessandro Poerio, 112 +39 06 583 35781 Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia Santa Cecilia, the classically devoted venue hosted inside Rome’s huge concert hall, the Auditorium Parco della Musica, boasts an impressive line-up of musicians and performances throughout the year. Performing a wide range of concerts every month, from the Youth Orchestra, to Verdi’s Requiem and Nikolai Lugansky, the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia is one of the most prestigious companies of singers and orchestras in the city. You can rest assured there will be something on that ticks every box to take you through the year and into 2016. It’s a great venue to start your first foray into the genre and offers a range of ticket prices – making classical music accessible to everyone, old and young. Viale Pietro De Coubertin, 30, 00196 Roma +39 06 8024 1281 Teatro di Marcello Teatro Marcello is an ancient open air theatre and among one of the most historic buildings in Rome. The theatre dates back to Julius Caesar, who commissioned the building, but it was later completed by Emperor Augustus in 13BC and named after his favourite nephew. The ruins of the Teatro di Marcello set the scene for stunning summer night events in the Estate Romana, held every evening from early June until October. Those with tickets to this memorable out door event can expect chamber orchestras, solo singers and classical composers performing your most loved operas and classical pieces of all time. Via del Teatro di Marcello, 00186 Roma +39 06 4561 5180 It’s evident that there isn’t a shortage of world-class classical music venues and performers in Rome, especially during the summer months. From academies, to ancient ruins, outdoor events and exclusive performances, Rome is a champion of classical music and will forever uphold the tradition and institution with pride. Image credit: mararie @Flickr
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7 Must-Do Local Experiences in Rome

It’s so easy to get swept away in the tourist traps in Rome and forget about all the local culture and nuances unique to the city. Life in Rome is far more interesting than what meets the eye, and to live like a real local is to live a rich and authentic life, true to their roots. We’re encouraging you to put down the guidebook, go off the beaten track and try experience life as one of them. From where to have the best espresso, to the place where everyone hangs out, stay one step ahead and blend in like a true Roman with these 7 must-do local experiences in Rome. Get a real caffeine fix In true Roman style, coffees are taken standing up in a non-descript coffee shop-come-tobacconist. Very unassuming, these little holes in the wall offer up some of the most delicious coffee with no nonsense service and guaranteed cheap prices. You’re not paying for a table and you’re served in true local fashion: upright among the pastries and cigarettes. One of the best places to get your caffeine fix among the historic sites is Sant’Eustachio Il Café around the corner from the Pantheon. Order an espresso and never a cappuccino after 10am otherwise they’ll spot you a mile off. Food shop like a local Forgo the plates of pasta at every corner just for one day and head to one of Rome’s many mercati rionale (local markets). One of the best ones to go to for a mix of everything is the Nuovo Mercato Rionale Esquilino. It’s been around since the 1800s and traded even during the Fascist years, and thrived during the Second World War. Now, you can find everything from Chinese noodles, to unpronounceable locally grown vegetables, as well as all manner of tins and jars from around the world. Make sure you take loose change, get your bargaining skills up to scratch and can pack a picnic for lunch! Weekend with the Romans During the summer months, the city centre of Rome starts to thin out as tourists replace the locals. They know better than us and escape to the seaside where many of them have holiday lets and apartments in the coastal town of Ostia. In the ancient times, Ostia was Rome’s main port, now it’s a holiday destination for Romans to escape for some sandy beaches and warm seas. Simply jump on a local train from Piramide station, pack a towel and while away the hours under the hot sun. Ditch the water bottle Most people freak out at the thought of drinking from taps and unbottled sources. In Rome, it’s the other way around. You won’t see a Roman buying a bottle of Evian or imported water, instead they’ll head to a natural spring fountain down a back alley. There are hundreds of ancient fountains in Rome, spouting water through elaborate carved features, or fire-hydrant looking things, so the next time you get thirsty, here’s your answer. The water is pure, clean and comes straight from the reservoirs outside the city - and it’s cold! So if you have a bottle, make sure you refill it from a fountain and save that €1.50. Need for speed Rome is a city where taking taxi’s is not the done thing. It’s a big tourist faux-pas to hail a taxi in Rome and you’re more than likely going to be overcharged and be stuck in traffic for longer than you need to be. If you want to get around quicker than on foot, but don’t fancy the metro, then hire a Vespa. It’s the go-to vehicle in Rome and everyone has one. It’s a great way to nip between the cars and see the sights of Rome on your own agenda, plus you’ll get a real thrill experiencing Roman driving along the way. We recommend you wear a helmet at all times... Hang out with the locals San Lorenzo, around the corner from the main University (La Sapienza), is the go-to spot for young Romans to hang out in breaks between classes, or meet up after work. You’ll find the Piazza dell’Immacolata brimming with 20 and 30-somethings at all times of day, whether it’s sipping their morning coffee, having their panino at lunch, or sipping a relaxing Peroni in the evening. The area is full of bars, pizzerias and quirky book shops – the perfect place to really get to know how life as a young local is. Blend in with the crowd and sit out on the square steps after dark enjoying impromptu performances and live music. Pasolini’s place Pasolini is one of the best things to have come out of Rome and the iconic Italian intellectual had plenty of influence over Roman culture at the time, also leaving behind a real legacy. The city is littered with Pasolini hot spots, but one of the best places to visit to pay homage to this brilliant writer and director is Necci Bar in the Pigneto quarter. It was here that he cast for his film Accattone, whose scenes were mostly shot in the area. Pull up a chair at one of the outdoor tables, take it all in and really feel like a true Roman. Sometimes there’s nothing worse than being considered a ‘tourist’, so go undercover and blend in with the locals with these seven ways to experience the real local Rome. Spend summers with them out in Ostia, and haggle with them for locally sourced vegetables at the busy market. This way you’ll get to know what life is like as a true Roman – even if you are just a tourist!
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The Life of Gladiators in Rome

Roman gladiators are some of the most iconic characters in history and they have defined how we think of entertainment in ancient Rome. Their portrayal in films and through stories have turned them into archetypal legends who faced death on a daily basis – certainly something not to be taken lightly. The expectations of gladiators are incomparable to anything we see or do today, making their lives even more fascinating and yet inconceivable. We tend to associate gladiators with an image of blood, gore and brutality but we wanted to give them a bit more credit and explore the real history behind these characters to learn about what ‘being a gladiator’ was really like. The term gladiator is derived from the Latin gladiatores in reference to their weapon the gladius – short sword. Many historians believe the tradition of gladiator fighting dates back to the Etruscans who hosted the contests as part of religious rites of death. However, it’s been disputed that the contests were also to commemorate the deaths of distinguished aristocrats and wealthy nobles, forcing condemned prisoners to fight, with the act of combat and bravery representing to the virtues of those who had died. The sport of gladiator fighting ran for over 650 years – a proof of its popularity! Spanning throughout the Roman Empire it was a fixture in the Roman entertainment calendar from 105 BC to 404 AD and the games mainly remained unchanged bar a few small rules. Early on, most gladiators were condemned prisoners and slaves, who were sacrificed by their Emperors. Later, when the Coliseum opened in 80 AD, being a gladiator proved a lucrative career move and thanks to this change in trend, gladiator schools were set up to train these volunteer fighters, enticing free men with the hope of winning a stake of the prize money and ultimately, glory. These new fighters included retired soldiers, warriors and desperate men looking to make a living. Some were even knights and nobles who wanted to prove their pedigree and show off their fighting skills. Rome had three notable training schools, Capua being one of them for the calibre of gladiators it produced. Agents would scout for potential gladiators to try and persuade them to come and fight for their honour. These gladiator schools offered both safety and captivity, comparable to a prison with its gruelling schedule, yet offering the comfort and security of three hearty meals a day and the best possible medical attention. Although these men were free men, they had to live in shackles and were not allowed to speak at mealtimes but they were allowed to keep any rewards and money if they won a fight. Their diets consisted of protein and carbohydrates like barley porridge and cereals – with no option of wine, water only. Although the gladiators were fighting fit, most of them were a little on the round side as it was preferable to have some extra padding around the midsection to protect them from any serious damage from superficial wounds. Gladiators were an expensive investment for those who ran the gladiator schools, so it was preferable that the fighters did not die on the field – meaning they had to be strong enough to last more than one fight. Contrary to popular belief, not many gladiators actually fought to the death. Some historians say 1 in 5 died in battle, others 1 in 10, yet most only lived to their mid-twenties which compared to today’s average is shocking! However, it was also common place at fights held at the Coliseum for the Emperor to have the final say as to whether the combatants lived or died – often invoking the opinions of the audience to help decide on the matter. So whether you fought well or not, your fate could lie ultimately in the hands of your ruler. When we think of gladiators in ancient Rome we tend to stereotype and think of men; warriors or slaves. But interestingly female slaves were also forced into the pit to fight alongside their male counterparts, or as Emperor Domitian preferred, to face them against dwarves for his particular entertainment. Women fought in gladiator fights for 200 years until Emperor Septimius Severus banned their participation from these blood thirsty games. The brave, strong gladiators not only had their strength to bring into the pit but also their swords. The type of armour and weapons they fought with depended on their social ranking as a gladiator. There were four main classes of gladiator: the Samnite, Thracian, Myrmillo and Retiarius. The Samnites were equipped with a short sword (gladius), rectangular shield (scutum), a graeve (ocrea) and a helmet. The Thracians fought with a curved short sword (sica) and a very small square or round shield (parma). The Myrmillo gladiators were nicknamed ‘fishmen’ as they wore a fish-shaped crest on their helmets and also carried a short sword and shield, like the Samnites, but their armour consisted only of padding on arm and leg. Finally, the Retiarius were the most exposed of all, with no helmet or armour other than a padded shoulder piece, and whose defence included a weighted net used to entangle the opponent and a trident. Although gladiators may have seemed well equipped, the strength and courage it must have taken to step into battle and face death on a regular occurrence is unfathomable. We can be grateful that this brutal form of entertainment came to an end in 404 AD thanks to the Emperor Honorius who closed down the gladiator schools, years before. Who knows when this diversion might have ended had he not have stepped in and called it a day? Learning that the majority of gladiators weren’t actually slaves, but free men who had volunteered for a slice of glory and winnings, makes gladiator fighting seem all the more bizarre and barbaric; opting into a blood battle over traditional forms of trade and commerce. However, it doesn’t take away from the pedestal on which we will always place them – venerating those who survived as heroes and legends of their time. But in the context of the 21st century, I think it’s safe to say that this is one sporting game we’re glad hasn’t come around again!
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