A Quick Guide to Rome

Rome is a city of squares (piazzas) and fountains (fontanas), of new styles and old ruins and architecture. It’s a city of great food and incredible gelato.
From narrow streets swarming with cars, vespas, tourists and locals to wide piazzas and parks, it’s a city that makes you fall in love with it at first site.

The weather is usually nice – sunny with a breeze and rarely cold. And people are friendly and hospitable. Italians have a great sense of humor and they are very talkative – just try to speak a little Italian and they will talk your ear off!

This city is over 3000 years old and is rich in history and vibrant with buzzing espresso-powered energy. If you are heading to Europe, you must see this town; you will never be the same again! Here are a few great spots for you to see.

Trevi Fountain

Though a touristy destination, it is such an architectural marvel – part building with the Neptune wall and part fountain – you should actually try to see it twice. After all, it is the largest of the Baroque fountains of Rome, according to Wikipedia.

Stop during the day and bask in the sun with the light just reflecting off the water. Stop at night and see the illuminated, more romantic version. Get a rose for the lady or buy a toy for your kids – there are plenty of street vendors wandering around. Plenty of gelato shops nearby will help you make this a sweet treat. It is a tradition to throw a penny over your shoulder for luck. If you haven’t seen Dolce Vita yet, watch it now just for the great scenes with the Trevi fountain.

Ancient Rome

You can’t come to Rome and not see where it began – the Roman Forum. This is what made the city what it is now. Walk around and imagine how things were… The legacy and grandeur of the Roman Empire can still be felt here just from the sheer size of the construction.
Not too far away, Colosseum is another part of Roman history. Outside, you will notice many holes – what was once precious marble and later taken or destroyed in an earthquake.
Inside were the battles, the gladiator games, which the Roman ruling clan had to organize. The dramatic structure portrays the spirit of chance, of life or death.

Vatican City

Vatican City is a state within Rome. It has its own government, guard (Swiss Guard), language (predominantly Latin), and it is both a museum and the catholic center of the world. Most people come to see the Sistine chapel with art from the great Italians – Michelangelo, Botticelli and others. The art is all around here, as the city is so well-preserved. Map room is absolutely astounding with a sweeping ceiling covered by various old maps of the world. Italian architecture is probably the first 3-D kind, as not only walls but floor and ceilings are covered with art – it’s an all-round experience.

Piazzas

Piazza di Spagna is a popular hangout, since it is the location of the famous Spanish steps always covered by students, locals and tourists alike. Just like in numerous little cafes and cars, people do a lot of people watching. Fountain of the old boat created by Bernini is a symbol of great travels and sits at the bottom of the steps. This square is also the beginning of several narrow streets including Via Condotti – an expensive but oh so stylish designer shopping destination.
Piazza Navona is a large gorgeous square surrounded by many restaurants and cafes. It is a Mecca for artists and in the past used to host many theatrical events.
On a nice sunny day this piazza will be all covered by easels. This square really comes alive in January during the Piazza Navona Carnival. Bernini’s fountain of Quattro Fumi is a favorite of pigeons (who love this square in general, perhaps due to generous restaurant helpings) and another architectural masterpiece.

Villa Borghese

Villa Borghese is a beautiful house that was once a party residence of the wealthy Borghese family (which incidentally included a Cardinal). The villa is now a museum – Galleria Borghese – and you can truly experience history as you walk around the rooms and see different architectural styles and wonder at how well this is preserved. Villa Borghese is located in a beautiful park – stroll through these gardens and really enjoy this other side of Rome.