Romantic Rome

Our Local Expert Says:

The Spanish Steps area is the cobblestone equivalent to Fifth Avenue in New York City or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, with upscale shops and expensive cafes. Every spring, the steps are covered with bright flowers.

Description:

An incredible, almost theatrical square with the lovely Spanish steps leading up to the Chiesa di Trinità dei Monti. One of the most important fashion shows is held here, the steps being used as a catwalk. It is now an international meeting point. The fountain known as the 'Barcaccia' (boat) was commissioned by Urbano Barberini to commemorate the alliance made with the King of France, whose coat of arms can be seen on Trinità dei Monti. The square leads into several famous streets, Via Dei Condotti, Via Frattina and Via Borgognona with their luxurious boutiques, and Via Del Babuino with its antique shops.

Description:

This place has red-checked tablecloths and candles in Chianti bottles, but don't let that put you off. The food is incredible at this family-run trattoria. They have a particularly good specials list and feature interesting, out of the ordinary ragus.

Description:

This is Rome's most famous little boutique hotel. The deluxe Hassler is across the street but far removed in price and grandeur from this intimate, upscale B&B at the top of the Spanish Steps. This delightful little building -- only two floors are visible from the outside -- is nestled between much larger structures. The redecorated interior features small public rooms with bright print slipcovers, old clocks, and low ceilings. The decor varies radically from one guest room to the next. Some have low, beamed ceilings and ancient-looking wood furniture; others have loftier ceilings and more run-of-the-mill furniture.

Description:

The Forum was designed to be the centre of social, political and economic life in the city. The innumerable remains include the well-conserved triumphal arch of Emperor Septimius Severus, with reliefs depicting his victories and the base of the Temple of Saturn with its eight columns and their splendid Ionic capitals. The 'Rostrum' is the famous platform from which Mark Antony gave his oration in Shakespeare's play after Julius Caesar's assassination. The platform became the setting for many important events in Rome's history. It was named the 'rostrum' after the bows of the ships that form the decorative motif. The Temple of Vesta was the home of the Vestal Virgins, charged with keeping the sacred flame alight. The circular foundations still remain, near to a garden in which traces of the House of the Vestal Virgins can still be seen. The Basilica of Constantine and Massentius was used as the court, and the three remaining barrel-vaulted naves give an idea of its gigantic structure. The Arch of Titus celebrates victories in Judea, and in the reliefs you can see the spoils of war, including an altar and a seven-armed chandelier.

Description:

Just south of the Roman Forum and offering a stunning view of the ancient city, this area includes imperial and patrician residences including those of the Emperor Domitian. Originally the Domus Flavia had walls completely lined with polished marble - Domitian feared assassination and in this way he could see the reflection of anyone coming towards him. The courtyard still has its fine pavement in coloured marble. Close by can be seen a number of holes, made for the posts of huts, possibly dating from the 9th century BC. It is thought that these were Rome's first huts, attributed by legend to the hand of Romulus himself. The Palatine Hill is a top site in Rome.

Our Local Expert Says:

This arch is the largest of the three remaining arches from ancient Rome.

Description:

The Arch of Constantine is particularly interesting because it is like a jigsaw made up of other monuments. It was built using material from Trajan's Forum, from where the statues of the Dacian prisoners and the friezes representing Marcus Aurelius were also taken. The Arch was erected at the beginning of the fourth century in honour of Constantine, following the victory over Maxentius. It is considered one of the last great monuments to be constructed by the Romans. It stands beside the Colosseum in the huge square which in summer is the site for one of the events of the 'Estate Romana'. A huge screen is hung from the arch, onto which films and videos are projected.

Description:

No visit to Rome is complete without having seen its magnificent Colosseum, a vast amphitheatre with seating for 55,000 that was designed as a horse racing circuit and arena for animal fighting and gladiatorial battles. Upon its completion, spectacular 100-day celebrations were organized as part of the opening ceremony in 72 AD. Its name is believed to come from Nero's enormous statue of Colossus that stood close by.

Description:

Do not be put off by the noise in this central and very pleasant pizzeria. There are classic pizzas and traditional Roman cuisine such as Pasta Cacio e Pepe or the delicious Pasta al Amatriciana and a limited choice of side vegetables lightly cooked with a little hot pepper (in the Roman tradition. They have a good choice of wines to accompany your meal.

Description:

This is Rome's most famous little boutique hotel. The deluxe Hassler is across the street but far removed in price and grandeur from this intimate, upscale B&B at the top of the Spanish Steps. This delightful little building -- only two floors are visible from the outside -- is nestled between much larger structures. The redecorated interior features small public rooms with bright print slipcovers, old clocks, and low ceilings. The decor varies radically from one guest room to the next. Some have low, beamed ceilings and ancient-looking wood furniture; others have loftier ceilings and more run-of-the-mill furniture.

Description:

Based upon an architectural sketch by Michelangelo, items in this museum range from first century BC to 17th century AD.

Our Local Expert Says:

Piazza Campidoglio is where the city hall in Rome is located. All couples wishing to have a civil wedding ceremony must marry in the city hall.

Description:

Reorganisation of Piazza del Campidoglio began in 1539 as part of a plan undertaken by Pope Paul III. It was the first square created as part of a plan conceived by Michelangelo in which a space was created between Palazzo Senatorio and Palazzo dei Conservatori bounded by a new symmetrical building. The square is in the shape of a trapezoid with the Palazzo Senatorio on the longer side (the seat of the city council's administrative offices) and the Capitoline Museums on either side. Michelangelo also designed the monumental flight of steps that leads to the square on either side of which were the Dioscuri designed by Giacomo della Porta. Michelangelo also designed the pavement in the centre of which stands the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius which survived the Middle Ages as it was thought that it represented the Emperor Constantine, the protector of the Christian religion.

Description:

Here in the heart of Rome you can dine in a rustic tavern enjoying traditional Roman food more often found in the Latium countryside. The decor is informal, with wood-paneled walls and pop art, and on a good night the place seats 160 satisfied diners, both visitors and locals. Pasta is the house specialty, and it doesn't get better than the spaghetti with bacon and onion. Also recommended are maccheroni matriciana (a pasta that comes in a red version with tomatoes, bacon, and pecorino cheese; and a white version that skips the tomatoes). Some very tender and juicy beefsteaks are also served. A well-chosen wine list includes a house chianti.

Description:

On Good Friday this location is packed with pilgrims who perform penitence by climbing these twenty-eight wood-covered steps on their knees. According to tradition, these steps were trod by Christ when he was led to Pontius Pilate for his trial. St Helen, mother of Emperor Constantine, brought the steps to Rome from Jerusalem. Pope Sixtus V had them placed in their present position. They are covered in wood so that no foot can touch them, and this is the reason why the faithful climb up them on their knees.

Our Local Expert Says:

All year round, this square is filled with artists, circus acts and puppet performers.

Description:

During the Christmas season this square is packed with stalls selling toys, sweets and decorations for the Nativity scene or Christmas tree, making it a favourite spot for children. Its unusual shape recalls the time of Domitian, who built a stadium for equestrian displays here. The Fountain of the Rivers, with the obelisk, and the Fountain of the Moor, with the god of the sea, at the centre of the square, are both by Bernini.

Description:

This is a family restaurant and dishes like spelt soup hot from the kitchen will remind Romans, at least, of their childhood. There are of course also classical dishes like Pajata and Tripe, and innovations, such as Rissoles with spelt or duck with plum sauce. The interior is typical of old Roman trattorias and the air-conditioning is a welcome luxury.

Description:

This is Rome's most famous little boutique hotel. The deluxe Hassler is across the street but far removed in price and grandeur from this intimate, upscale B&B at the top of the Spanish Steps. This delightful little building -- only two floors are visible from the outside -- is nestled between much larger structures. The redecorated interior features small public rooms with bright print slipcovers, old clocks, and low ceilings. The decor varies radically from one guest room to the next. Some have low, beamed ceilings and ancient-looking wood furniture; others have loftier ceilings and more run-of-the-mill furniture.

Our Local Expert Says:

The word "Trastevere" combines two separate meanings: "tras" and "tevere" which translate as "beyond" and "tevere" since it is across the Tevere river from the bustling city center.

Description:

It is strange to think that this area of Rome was originally built to be a city port where storehouses held goods at the time of Augustus and continued to do so until the end of the 19th century. Trastevere then became a downmarket residential quarter and has now developed into a very desirable quarter. The heart of the district is Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere with its lovely church, a 17th century palazzo and a fountain in the middle which is probably Rome's oldest, having been designed by architects such as Bernini, Fontana and Della Porta. There are still some well-conserved medieval houses. On Sunday mornings, you can visit the 7th Corte dei Vigili in Via dei Salumi, and if you enter the guards' rooms, you will see grafitti on the walls written by Roman soldiers who served the emperors from Septimus Severus to Caracalla, in addition to notations of their guard duty.

Description:

This is probably the oldest shopping centre in the world. Built by the Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century A.D, it consisted of 150 offices and shops selling food, flowers, jewellery and wool. The finest shops were decorated with mosaics depicting the merchandise on sale. Today the shops are intact, but empty, even though, when the wine-shops were rediscovered, they were full of amphors of wine. The offices on the floor above organised the distribution of free rations of corn to the citizens of Rome.

The recently opened Museum of Imperiali is nearby and a must see to get a glimpse into Trajan's offices. It is truly one of the top sites in Rome.

Description:

This small restaurant run by Margherita serves old Roman cuisine with Jewish influences. There are dishes that are fixed for the various days of the week, common in Rome, such as anchovies with endives on Mondays, Rome-style tripe on Wednesdays, cod on Thursdays and Fridays, and chickpea purée on Friday. Lovely home-made flans. Good Velletri wine by the jug. Open only at lunchtime.

Description:

A visit to this basilica is a fascinating journey through time. From the upper basilica, which dates from the beginning of the 12th century and whose apse boasts the mosaic 'The Triumph of the Cross', one passes into the 4th-century lower basilica, and, via a stairway, down to the roman constructions and to the 'mitreo', a 3rd-century temple dedicated to the God Mithra. Of particular interest are the frescoes in the chapel of St. Catherine, painted between 1428 and 1431 by Masolino da Panicale, possibly with the collaboration of Masaccio.

Description:

The lovely Villa Celimontana was originally a vineyard that was bought by the Mattei family to whom the new design of the gardens is owed. On the Celio hill, it has long attracted visitors with the beauty of the villa and the trees and ancient marbles in its gardens, including an obelisk from the times of Ramses II. It became the property of various foreigners until 1918 when it was confiscated by the Italian state. The last owner, Baron Riccardo Hoffmann, contributed to its expansion and added a small Neo-Gothic temple, which is now the home of the Italian Geographic Society. The villa is as beautiful as ever and a lovely spot to pass a few hours (or take in the talents of renowned musicians at the Jazz & Image festival).

Description:

This is Rome's most famous little boutique hotel. The deluxe Hassler is across the street but far removed in price and grandeur from this intimate, upscale B&B at the top of the Spanish Steps. This delightful little building -- only two floors are visible from the outside -- is nestled between much larger structures. The redecorated interior features small public rooms with bright print slipcovers, old clocks, and low ceilings. The decor varies radically from one guest room to the next. Some have low, beamed ceilings and ancient-looking wood furniture; others have loftier ceilings and more run-of-the-mill furniture.

Description:

One of the oldest bridges of Rome, it dates back to 109 B.C., although there is evidence showing that there was a timber bridge here for at least a century earlier. Known as 'Mollo' (springy) because of its elasticity, it has been used throughout the centuries to keep invaders out. Repeatedly restored from the 11th century, in the early 19th century, architect Giuseppe Valadier removed the two drawbridges and built two masonry arches. The last restoration came after Garibaldi's troops blew up part of the span in order to defend the city from the French troops.

Description:

This splendid Renaissance villa, built for Pope Giulio III, houses an important collection of Etruscan treasures found mainly in graves and tombs. The Tomb of the Newlyweds is one of the most famous pieces here, and was probably designed to contain the remains of a couple. There is a reconstruction of a temple in the garden, illustrating the Etruscans' love of detail. The water garden in front of the museum decorated with mosaics, fountains, and statues, and the frescoes inside the colonnaded loggia are worth noting. A recent piece is a 5th century terracotta relief, which shows the Grecian influence on Etruscan art.

Description:

This collection is housed in a building constructed in 1613 for Cardinal Scipione Borghese, one of Bernini's greatest patrons. In fact, this great sculptor has exhibited some of his most famous sculptures here; amongst them is the renowned 'Apollo and Daphne.' When one thinks of the Museo Borghese, the sculpture that immediately springs to mind is Canova's 'Pauline Borghese,' in which she poses as Venus, wearing just a drape around her midriff. There are six major pieces by Caravaggio in the Galleria, including 'The boy with a basket of fruit' and the 'Madonna della Serpe.' Titian is also represented with 'Sacred and Profane Love,' Rafael with 'The Deposition,' and there are important works by Correggio. The gallery can only hold 300 visitors at a time, so it is advisable to book in advance.

Our Local Expert Says:

Make sure to request a map of the park as there are many hidden sights and museums.

Description:

Design of the villa began at the start of the 17th century when Pope Paul V Borghese was elected. Its style resembles that of city villas from 100 years earlier. The gardens were especially cared for - aviaries were added to house exotic birds and areas of the gardens were stocked with peacocks, ostriches, gazelles and even lions. Over the years, the garden was altered into an English-style space designed by Jacob Moore. One of the park's loveliest areas is the Lake Garden, which is enclosed by a railing that emphasises the lake's irregular shape. In the centre of an artificial island, a temple was built dedicated to Aesculapius. The famous Square of Siena has been the scene of horse-jumping and carriage-racing competitions since it was first built.

Description:

We've never found better or fresher seafood than what's served in this 15th-century building. Don't be put off by the rough-and-ready service; just enjoy the great food. Alberto Quinzi and Anna Gabrieli earned their reputation on their simply cooked and presented fresh fish, such as sea urchin, octopus, sole, and red mullet. They're also known for their raw seafood, including a delicate carpaccio of swordfish, sea bass, and deep-sea shrimp. The house specialty is spaghetti with lobster. In summer, French doors lead to a small dining terrace.

Description:

This is Rome's most famous little boutique hotel. The deluxe Hassler is across the street but far removed in price and grandeur from this intimate, upscale B&B at the top of the Spanish Steps. This delightful little building -- only two floors are visible from the outside -- is nestled between much larger structures. The redecorated interior features small public rooms with bright print slipcovers, old clocks, and low ceilings. The decor varies radically from one guest room to the next. Some have low, beamed ceilings and ancient-looking wood furniture; others have loftier ceilings and more run-of-the-mill furniture.

Description:

The Vatican is among the most important historical sites in the world. The seat of the Holy Roman Catholic Church, The Vatican is also the home of the Pope. As the smallest state in the world, the Vatican has figured in key events throughout history. Occupying about one half kilometer of Rome, The Vatican is further significant because of its fabulous architecture, religious, and artistic treasures. It was Pope Julius II della Rovere in the 16th century who commissioned Michelangelo to paint the history of creation on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Among countless other notable events in the history of this important city are the convening of the College of Cardinals, at the death of a reigning Pontiff, for the purposes of electing a new Pope. No visit to Rome is complete without an excursion to The Vatican, a place so steeped in history and tradition that you will never forget it.

Our Local Expert Says:

Lines to enter the museum are inevitable throughout the entire year. The only way to be sure to avoid them is by booking or joining a tour as the tickets are pre-purchased.

Description:

This unique art collection is exhibited in surroundings of unparalleled beauty. The magnificent Raphael Rooms are among the masterpieces of the collection, where each room is decorated with frescoes by great artists. The best known is The School of Athens, in which contemporary artists appear as classical characters (Leonardo da Vinci, for example, appears as Plato). The Sistine Chapel is the museum's finest treasure, and features Michelangelo's famous Last Judgement. He was one of many artists including Perugino, Botticelli, Ghirlandaio and Pinturicchio who contributed to the chapel.

Description:

Visiting Rome for the first time, visitors must experience the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican structure with 50 million monthly visitors. The Chapel was built between 1477 and 1481 by Pope Sixtus IV. From 1480 to 1483 the walls were decorated by famous artists of Renaissance, such as Botticelli, Perugino, Ghirlandaio. After twenty years, Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to decorate the ceiling in 1508. Today, after the restoration, tourists can visit the chapel and see Michelangelo's 'Last Judgement'. The Vatican has placed its enormous art collection on the Web in hopes that it will attract more tourists. The site allows visitors to take a virtual reality tour of some of the dozen museums and galleries that make up the Vatican collection, viewing Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel with a three-dimensional video. At the Chapel, you will invariably find it crowded with hundreds of tourists, so be prepared. The best way to see it is to go to the Vatican Museums early, so that you're among the first in line when they open. Silence should be observed and photography is not prohibited.

Description:

People come by the millions each year to receive the Pope's blessing, traditionally given on Sundays at noon. St Peter's has undergone many transformations since the original Constantine basilica of AD320. The top of its majestic dome (designed by Michelangelo), provides the best vantage point from which to marvel at Bernini's magnificent colonnade surrounding the square, the gilded bronze canopy above the altar and Michelangelo's Pietà. Bramante, Pietro da Cortona and Canova are just a handful of the many other artists who worked together on this monumental basilica's decoration and design.

Description:

International critics consider la Pergola the best restaurant in Rome for its outstanding menu by Heinz Beck and its superb view of Rome, from the precipice of Monte Mario. Nouvelle cuisine which changes seasonally and to Beck's whim caters to the glitterati of gastronome elite. The atmosphere and setting is elegant-- tromple l'oeil, marble, and masterpieces, and service is beyond exemplary. According to Frommers, the staff functions so beautifully they've been compared to a Viennese orchestra.

Though the menu changes seasonally, the water menu does not. Take a look, its definitely worth the wait.

Description:

This is Rome's most famous little boutique hotel. The deluxe Hassler is across the street but far removed in price and grandeur from this intimate, upscale B&B at the top of the Spanish Steps. This delightful little building -- only two floors are visible from the outside -- is nestled between much larger structures. The redecorated interior features small public rooms with bright print slipcovers, old clocks, and low ceilings. The decor varies radically from one guest room to the next. Some have low, beamed ceilings and ancient-looking wood furniture; others have loftier ceilings and more run-of-the-mill furniture.

Description:

The splendid fortress of Castel Sant'Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian in 139 AD. In the 10th century AD it was transformed into a castle, then, 500 years later, into the elegant residence of Pope Alexander VI Borgia. Michelangelo designed the marvellous main court for Pope Leon X and many of the rooms inside are decorated with frescoes of great beauty. It's also been used to house prisoners, including the sculptor Benvenuto Cellini. The terrace offers a fine view of the river Tiber and opera lovers will know that this was where the final act of Puccini's opera "Tosca" took place. The building is now a museum with a fine collection of suits of armour.

Description:

This church was built at the beginning of the 16th century for the Florentine community in Rome. A competition was held by the Medici Pope Leo X and Jacopo Sansovino was declared the winner. The work continued by Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane, who built the foundations, and then by Giacomo Della Porta and Maderno, who built the dome. Michelangelo submitted a design but it was never used. This church holds many works by famous artists: an altar-piece by Salvator Rosa depicting the saints Cosma and Damiano, frescoes by Pomarancio, and a lovely sepulchral monument by Borromini who is buried in this church together with his relative Carlo Maderno.

Description:

Tradition says that Campo dei Fiori was named after the woman loved by Pompey, Flora, but it is more likely to have come from something a bit less romantic: in the 14th century, Campo dei Fiori was a long-abandoned field filled with flowers. In the second half of the 19th century the square was used for a colourful market that has been held each morning since then. It was also the scene of many executions, most notably that of Giordano Bruno, the philosopher who was burned here in 1600. The statue dedicated to him replaced a fountain that was moved to the nearby Chiesa Nuova square, and a reproduction of it was moved to the side of the Campo dei Fiori.

Description:

Tiberina Island is linked to the banks of the river by two bridges, the Fabricio and Cestio. Today, in order to protect Tiberina from the current, the 'bows' have been extended right up to one of the pillars of the Garibaldi bridge. Some ancient buildings can still be seen, like the Caetani tower dating to the Middle Ages, and the church of San Bartolomeo that was built on the site of the temple of Esculapius. Unfortunately nothing is left of the 10th century church as it was almost entirely rebuilt in the 17th century.

Description:

In good weather the garden and the lovely square are used to seat guests who face Trinità dei Monti. The speciality is Penne Alla Rampa with Gruyère and Speck, and the dishes are mostly traditional like the Ravioli filled with Spinach and Ricotta Cheese and the Tonnarelli with Mazzancolle. The pasta is made on the premises. The meat dishes are very good such as the Escalopes with Calvados, Carpaccio and Ossobuco to name but a few. The desserts are made on the premises and there is a good choice of wines. The furnishings are traditional but not overly so, the tablecloths are crisp and fresh, and in summer the air-conditioning reduces the heat. The tables are well arranged so that even if the restaurant is full you can still eat comfortably.

Description:

This is Rome's most famous little boutique hotel. The deluxe Hassler is across the street but far removed in price and grandeur from this intimate, upscale B&B at the top of the Spanish Steps. This delightful little building -- only two floors are visible from the outside -- is nestled between much larger structures. The redecorated interior features small public rooms with bright print slipcovers, old clocks, and low ceilings. The decor varies radically from one guest room to the next. Some have low, beamed ceilings and ancient-looking wood furniture; others have loftier ceilings and more run-of-the-mill furniture.