Rome is one of the most historically rich cities in the world. Ancient ruins sprawl throughout the cityscape, contrasting and intermingling the old and decayed world, with the new and modern.

 

The beautiful bones of the Eternal City tell the story of the Roman Empire and creates the perfect harmony of history and culture that seeps through the city’s streets.

Influential art like Michelangelo’s masterpiece in the Sistine Chapel and stunning architecture like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps are home here. Nearly every corner you turn you’re faced with something awe-inspiring and breathtaking.

The popular idiom “all roads lead to Rome” expresses the magnitude of Rome and the Roman Empire. In historical context, all paths and activities emulated from Rome, making this city centre the most important place in Europe, and arguably at the time the world.

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Spending three nights in Rome was a rush. There is simply never a shortage of things to do in this city.

HIGHLIGHTS

SIGHTSEEING

  • Colosseum
    • Made a household name from movies like The Gladiator, the colosseum is easily one of the most recognizable buildings in the world and one of rome’s staples
    • This amphitheatre is the largest and oldest in the world and could hold an estimated 50, 000 – 80, 000 spectators
    • The colosseum was originally used for entertainment, including to watch gladiator combat, public spectacles, executions, and dramas
    • The iconic symbol on Imperial Rome is one of the New 7 Wonders o the World
  • The Roman Forum 
    • Situated beside the colosseum, the Roman Forum is characterized by it’s mismatched architecture from various years throughout the ages
    • The forum served as the city centre of Rome and the most important government buildings were situated within it’s boundaries — many of their ruins are still seen here today
  • The Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon
    • All within walking distance from one another, I suggest doing these three sites together
    • The Spanish Steps
    • The Trevi Fountain: there’s a popular legend that says if you throw a coin into the fountain using your right hand over your left shoulder, this will ensure you a trip back to Rome. The film “Three Coins in the Fountain” adds to this legend and declares that a second coin promises for a new romance and a third to the promise of marriage. Over €3,000 per day are thrown into the Trevi and pulled out by workers. The money collected here goes to funding a market from the less fortunate in Rome and the Italian Red Cross.
    • The Pantheon: This magnificent structure was previously a Roman temple dedicated to the gods of pagan Rome and is now a church. The architecture resembles that of the Parthenon in Greece.
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St. Peter’s Basilica

  • The Vatican: From the Sistine Chapel where you can view Michelangelo’s masterpiece to the beautiful St Peters Basilica, The Vatican is filled with gorgeous artwork and brilliant architecture. Just remember that when you visit you must be properly dressed — meaning no bare knees or shoulders. Entrance into the basilica is based on the opinions of the guards, to ensure you don’t get stopped for inappropriate attire also avoid crop tops or see-through garments. There are vendors surrounding the Vatican that sell sarongs in case you forget — like I did!

EATS

  • Klass
    • Best Pizza
    • Via in Arcione, 89, 00187 Rome RM, Italy
  • Ristorante Al Picchio
    • Best Pasta
    • Via del Lavatore, 40, 00187 Rome RM, Italy
  • Ristorante Vladimiro
    • Best Meat
    • Via Aurora, 37, 00187 Rome RM, Italy

 

Rome, I would say, is unarguably one of the world’s most beautiful destinations and extravagant cities with its vibe, art, and architecture. If you’re looking for more actives to do in the city as well as price range, check out www.viator.com  for some extra suggestions!

 

For more on travel, lifestyle, and culture visit us @HOLRMagazine 

 

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