It’s hard to find somewhere so steeped in history as Rome. It is said
that history is written by the winners (and the Roman Empire certainly
left its mark on Europe) but nothing can compare to the stunning city
itself.
Thought to have been founded in 753 BC the architecture shows the city’s
rise and fall through the time of the Roman Empire to the Renaissance
and its continued development into the thriving city we know today.
We can still see much of what was built in the times of ancient Rome.
Many monuments stand in and around the city such as the Mausoleum of
Augustus and the Arch of Titus. But more well known and stunning are the
Pantheon, Roman Colosseum and Roman Forum. Being around the area is
certainly a humbling experience, considering the length of time these
marvels have stood.
Moving on to Renaissance architecture and artwork in Rome is once again
just as stunning as viewing the ancient buildings. During the
Renaissance in Italy, the papacy wanted to match and surpass the other
cities in Italy and went on a campaign of constructing ever more
impressive churches, bridges and squares. There are literally hundreds
of works of art in the city, from artists including Michelangelo,
Raphael and Botticelli. Works that shouldn’t be missed include St.
Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Square, Piazza Navona,
the Trevi Fountain and the network of galleries that make up the Vatican
Museums. It is worth noting that most of the religious sites in Rome
and the Vatican City won’t let you in wearing shorts or sleeveless tops
so go prepared, bearing in mind at the same time that Rome can be very
hot in the summer.
Bridging the gap between the ancient and modern worlds somewhat is one
of the most recent tourist attractions in Rome; Angels and Demons tours.
There are several tours running around the city, both private and
public. You will pay extra for a private tour but if you have a fair
group size already (5 seems to be the golden number) paying the group
price may work out only a little bit more expensive than the larger
tours. Bear in mind though that most tour prices won’t include the costs
of admission. You could of course go independently and eavesdrop on
some of the other groups which will be going round.
If you’re planning to go in the summer, temperatures are high, often
hitting 38oC/100oF, so it’s a good idea to take refreshments regularly.
The Grattachecca is worth a try; thought to date back to Quintus
Fabius Maximus some 2000 years ago, it’s literally a taste of history.
If you bear the heat in mind, Rome has a huge amount to offer and is
definitely worth considering this summer.
Rhino guide to Rome
