A Movie Lover's Guide to Rome

By Megan Hills

Have your own cinematic adventure with our movie lover's guide to Rome.

From adrenaline pumping chase sequences to delicate romance scenes, the Italian capital is a city that seems almost built for film with gorgeous architecture and charismatic streets on every corner. The likes of Audrey Hepburn, Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks have frequented its landmarks in memorable scenes, find out where some of them are and check them out for yourself with our movie lover's guide to Rome!

Castel Sant'Angelo

The Castel Sant'angelo with all its dramatic architecture and stunning religious iconography plays a backdrop to the heart pounding finale of Angels and Demons. Originally a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his descendants, it has since lived other lives as a castle, a fortress and is now a popular tourist attraction.

Villa Borghese

Elizabeth Gilbert's famous novel Eat, Pray, Love and its famous adaptation starring Julia Roberts is an autobiography about a woman who leaves everything she knows behind after a crippling divorce, setting off to see the best of the world. It's no surprise she stops at Rome and in a mellow scene, orders gelato and wanders the meticulous greenery of Villa Borghese.

Capitoline Museums/Roman Forum

After an incredibly tense and violent arc in the movie The Talented Mr. Ripley, a young Matt Damon takes in a hillside view of what remains of the Roman Forum from Capitoline Hills. He also ventures inside the Capitoline Museums, where the broken pieces of once great statues on display heightens the melancholy tone.

Wanting to be here right now. #spanishsteps

A photo posted by Ruben Torres Jr (@rubent334) on Feb 7, 2017 at 1:21pm PST

The Spanish Steps

It's hard to forget the sight of Audrey Hepburn, dressed in an iconic crisp white shirt and full skirt, wandering the Spanish Steps with a gelato in hand in Roman Holiday. It's no surprise these beautiful steps play the backdrop to an offbeat romance, with a reporter played by Gregory Peck chasing after Hepburn's Princess Ann to charm her into a news story that will make him rich.

Classic Rome (and photobomb by @styleconceptblog) #ThePantheon

A photo posted by David Brown (@davidbrown30) on Feb 4, 2017 at 8:49am PST

The Pantheon

The location scouts behind Ocean's Twelve went into overdrive finding the perfect places for the heist movie, with scenes filmed everywhere from Berlin to Illinois. With a number of scenes played out in Rome, a particularly early one includes a café in the Pantheon's Piazza della Rotonda where Brad Pitt makes a narrow escape while kickstarting a romance with Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Trevi Fountain

It's no surprise that the Trevi Fountain is a popular location choice for filmmakers, as it practically begs to be filmed with its Baroque details and flowing water. Starring in films such as the epic La Dolce Vita where Anita Ekberg seduces Marcello Mastroianni as well as lower brow movies such as The Lizzie McGuire Movie, where the titular character makes a wish in the fountain, it never fails to capture an audience's imagination.

Coliseum

It's only fitting that a place built for the purpose of spectacle plays a part in many films, including previously mentioned titles like Roman Holiday, Eat Pray Love and Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr's romance Only You. It only takes a quick exterior shot of this massive structure in a film to symbolise Rome and its grand history.
Megan Hills
Rome Travel Expert

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A Solo-Traveller's Guide to Rome

Heading out on your own? Here's a solo-traveller's guide to Rome to help you along. Rome is a city that rewards travellers taking on its incredible sights and culture on their own, with so much to see and do. It always helps to be prepared before heading anywhere new however and we've put together a little solo-traveller's guide to Rome for anyone aspiring to their own Eat, Pray, Love adventure below. Getting Around Rome has a pretty advanced public transport system, though walking is the best way to see the city and really get a feel for the infectious atmosphere of the place. With public buses running 24 hours across the best tourist attractions, tourists can buy tickets that cover rides on the buses and metro (which isn't that extensive, with only a few lines). Taxis are also a popular way to get around, however mind that some drivers are known to scam unsuspecting tourists so keep an eye on the metre as you zoom through the streets. If you want to see the sights without the stress of navigating the city, there's a great Hop On Hop Off bus tour that departs from Termini Station and St. Peter's Basillica. Spanning places like the Coliseum, Circus Maximus and Piazza Navona, it's an easy way to explore the city and the ride also provides audio commentary on the key landmarks you'll pass. Staying Safe While Rome is generally safe, tourists are routinely subject to scams and pickpocketing so it helps to be vigilant when travelling. Make sure you know where your valuables are at all time, especially around big tourist sites and in busy crowds. As mentioned earlier, sometimes taxi drivers will try for a little more money than they should by adjusting metres or using other scams so it's worth keeping an eye out for that. Cultural Stops Rome overflows with culture and history, with stunning works of architecture and rich museums adding splashes of colour to the diverse city. Religion and art are closely intertwined in the capital and it's no secret that the Vatican City frequently tops every tourist's list, with Michelangelo's stunning frescoes at the Sistine Chapel and the towering structure of St Peter's Basilica set to amaze. Diving even further back into the city's past, travellers can trace the legacy of ancient Rome at places like the Coliseum and the Capitoline Museums providing a glimpse of its glorious past. Culinary Experiences If you're travelling to Italy, foregoing that no-carb diet is a given. Cheesy pastas are a must when coming to Rome (which happens to be the birthplace of carbonara) and particular dishes include bucatini al'amatriciana, a kind of pasta which is hollow all the way through and cooked with tomatoes, peppers and pancetta, as well as the simple comforts of a plate of cacio e pepe, a Pecorino Romano cheese and pepper dish. Other unexpected treats include deep fried artichokes, popularised by the city's Jewish community, and the city's predilection towards offal - a delight for adventurous eaters. Wine connoisseurs will be absolutely at home in the capital, with numerous high quality bottles stocked at every restaurant and wine tastings available for those looking to hone their knowledge. Looking for some culinary inspiration for your trip? Check out our Top 10 Rome Foods you must try!
Megan Hills
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Landmarks and Ruins in Rome

You can’t help but be awed by the famous landmarks and historical places you can see all over Rome. Thanks to its ancient Empire, the city has a wealth of history and culture to explore. You'll learn about everything from the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon to the Roman Forum. It's not surprising, then, that the city is one of the most well known for landmarks and monuments. Get your fix of history and heritage at these famous Rome monuments and ruins and make the most of your time in the city with the Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass. Colosseum Packed with ancient history, the Colosseum is one of the most recognized landmarks and ruins in Rome. Dating back over 2,000 years it was once the ground for legendary gladiator contests that would entertain the masses. These brave gladiators would fight in the arena in front of thousands, often against wild animals and those with weapons far greater than theirs! Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of this ancient landmark during your stay in Rome. Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Rome Metro: Colosseo (Metro B) Roman Forum Did you know the word 'palace' comes from Palatine Hill after Emperor Augustus established the tradition of building palaces on the hill? The Roman Forum was the political epicenter of the evolution of ancient Rome and it played a crucial role in the growing trade and commerce of the city, including the historic ruins, arches, churches, and pillars still standing to give you a real feel of what the city was like 2,000 years ago. Address: Via di San Gregorio, 30 – 00184 Rome Metro: Colosseo (Metro B) St Peter's Basilica St Peter’s Basilica is one of the most famous churches in the world and is the site of many pilgrimages every year – so you know it’s a landmark worth visiting. The beautiful architecture is one of its most impressive features; with Bramante, Bernini, Michelangelo and Maderno all having left their mark on the building, both inside and out. See the huge dome, intricate décor, baroque Baldacchino and huge obelisk in the square. Address: Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City Metro: Ottaviano-S.Pietro-Musei Vaticano (Metro A line) Castel Sant'Angelo This famous Rome landmark and important historical site sits on the northern bank of the River Tiber overlooking the city as it has for the last 2,000 years as its role as a fortress. Protecting the city, Castel Sant’Angelo, or Hadrian’s Mausoleum as it’s also called, is the tomb of the former Emperor and has a rich history and a wealth of priceless historic artifacts within its museum. A visit to this historic landmark will uncover the Papal Apartments, Courtyard of the Angel and even the secret passageway into the Vatican… Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50 - 00186 Rome Metro: Lepanto (Metro A) or Ottaviano (Metro A) Trevi Fountain The Trevi Fountain is a must on everyone’s bucket list who visits Rome. Set within the winding cobbled streets of central Rome, this huge baroque fountain is considered one of the best in the world and has embellished the streets of Rome since 1726. The Trevi Fountain’s intricate sculpture and marble draw in over 3.5 million tourists a year thanks to the efforts of Bernini and Salvi who are credited with creating this baroque masterpiece. Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma Metro: Barberini (Metro line A) Piazza Navona Piazza Navona is one of the most famous squares in Rome and has been a space of commerce and trade since the 15th century when the local market was moved there from Campidoglio. During this time the square underwent considerable improvements and a stunning baroque facelift, to what we still see today. In the square, you can see the baroque fountain by Bernini, the Obelisk of Domitian and many other churches surrounding it, as well as Pamphili Palace around the corner. Address: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma Metro: Spagna (Metro line A) Altare Della Patria Just down from the Roman Forum and across from the Imperial Forum is the eclectic Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, aka Altare Della Patria, aka the 'wedding cake' as the locals like to call it. Not to everyone’s taste, this grand building at the center of Piazza Venezia is an imposing landmark you can’t miss. The monument in Rome's very center is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with the eternal flame burning, as well as a stunning viewpoint right at the top of the landmark. Address: Piazza Venezia, 00186 Roma Bus: Piazza Venezia Pantheon Ever wondered what happens to the rain that falls through the large oculus in the roof of the Pantheon? Learn more about the history of the ancient – and one of the best-preserved – landmarks in Rome. The Pantheon dates back to 118 AD and is believed the building was completed by Emperor Hadrian. Now, it’s still a working church so whether you’re visiting for prayer or for pleasure, you most certainly won’t be disappointed by this impressive Rome landmark. Address: Piazza Della Rotonda, 00186 Roma Bus/Tram: Largo Argentina Spanish Steps The Spanish Steps are some of the most romantic steps in the world and are a site of many selfies and picture-perfect moments. Whether you sit and watch the world go by, or bring a picnic, these steps are a great location to rest and recover during a busy day of sightseeing. The 135 steps date back to 1725 and were designed by Francesco de Sanctis and have been an iconic landmark of Rome ever since. Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma Metro: Spagna (Metro line A) St John in the Lateran St John in the Lateran is the official seat of the Pope and is home to the Scala Sancta, a site of pilgrimage throughout the year. The church is also one of the oldest churches in Western Europe, dating back to 324 AD, and has been decorated in a Cosmatesque style with a 14th-century Gothic Baldacchino. Don’t miss the stunning cloister, deemed one of the most beautiful in Rome, embellished with delicate mosaics and friezes. Address: Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, 00184 Rome Metro: San Giovanni (Metro line A) Make sure to explore these treasures on your very own Roman holiday, and so much more, with an Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass.
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Our Favourite Coliseum Facts

Gladiators, tournaments, Nero and more - here are some of the best Coliseum facts! This distinctive structure hearkens back to ancient Roman times, and more specifically to 72-80AD when Emperor Vespasian commissioned it to win favour with his subjects. With a colourful history spanning hundreds of years, it's racked up a few interesting stories and some great facts, check out our favourite coliseum facts below! The biggest events held at the Coliseum were free Major public events like big gladiatorial tournaments and performances were open to the public, subsidised by the emperor to gain favour with citizens. With a capacity of over 50,000 spectators, that was no small feat - especially when you consider food was often free too! The Coliseum derives its name from the statue that used to stand nearby A gigantic statue of Emperor Nero, named the Colossus of Nero, was a part of Nero's Park and stood beside the gigantic Flavian amphitheatre. Its name is an homage to that statue and to Nero's reign. Citizens used to be shaded by the Velarium, a retractable marquee Italy is notorious for its burning sunshine and back in ancient times, a retractable shade would cover spectators during performances and was held up by 240 brackets. Since then, its been eroded and modern day visitors will have to brave the summer sun to explore the coliseum. The Coliseum has become a symbol of resistance against capital punishment In an act of redemption for its bloody gladiatorial past, the coliseum's lights shift from white to gold for 48 hours whenever a death sentence is commuted or overturned. It has also become a site of protest against capital punishment and its golden lights were last lit in 2012, when Connecticut abolished the death penalty. Lions weren't the only animals killed in the Coliseum Hundreds of thousands of animals were slaughtered in the bloody games at the Coliseum, shipped in from every corner of the Roman empire. Aside from lions, other animals included jaguars, hippos, elephants, hyenas, rhinos also made appearances and were held underground in pens underneath the Coliseum. The Coliseum has a diverse range of flora and fauna, which has dwindled in recent years The Coliseum once had an important place in the plant kingdom, with hundreds of rare species of plant growing amongst its stones. It was a popular place for botanists and horticulturists to do research, however many plants have died out with the change in climate and in recent years the Coliseum is regularly cleared out of plantlife to make way for visitors. Materials from the Coliseum were used to construct monuments such as St. Peter's Basilica Rome has a tradition of recycling materials from structures to build new ones and the Coliseum wasn't impervious to this. As it fell into disrepair, its marble facade was repurposed for St. Peter's Basilica on the Pope's orders which is now also a famous Roman tourist attraction.
Megan Hills

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