Weekend in 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:

Tradition has it that throwing a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain guarantees a swift return to the world's most beautiful city. Anita Ekberg's dip in it was immortalized in Fellini's 'La Dolce Vita', and Italian actor Toto even sold it to an American, passing himself off as its owner. Earlier it was the setting for the award-winning "Three Coins in the Fountain" motion picture, ensuring its popularity worldwide. Designed by Nicola Salvi for Pope Clemente XII, it was completed in the second half of the 1700s. The statues in the centre represent Neptune supported by Tritons on either side while rococo-style Poli Palace provides the perfect backdrop.

Description:

The wonderful view of Rome, pleasant live music in the background, highly professional service and chef Enrico Derflingher are the elements that make this an excellent restaurant. The cuisine is mostly based on typical Mediterranean cooking, particularly the macrobiotic menu and traditional Roman cooking. However, there are some original touches - for example, Maccheroncini (a kind of short pasta) with artichokes, pistachios and duck sauce, potato and spinach gnocchi with cress and smoked ricotta, and slices of salt-roast bass with black olives, oregano and bacon. The desserts and wine-list are excellent.

Description:

Since its 1889 opening, this hotel, about a 10-minute walk east of the Spanish Steps, has reigned over one of the world's most stylish shopping neighborhoods. Hemingway, Callas, Ingrid Bergman, Fellini -- all checked in during its heyday, and the hotel still retains its former grandeur, coupled with the new amenities that its government-rated five-star status calls for. The Eden's hilltop position guarantees a panoramic view from most guest rooms; all are spacious and elegantly appointed. Try to get one of the front rooms with a balcony boasting views over Rome. The hotel's restaurant, La Terrazza, is one of Rome's best.

Description:

Commissioned by Marcus Agrippa, restored by Domitian, and subsequently rebuilt by Hadrian (who added the dome) before being turned into a church in the early 7th century by Pope Boniface IV. The building's sole source of light is the opening at the dome's apex (the oculus); according to popular legend, this formed the base for the bronze pinecone that is now in the Vatican's 'Pigna' courtyard, where it is used as a fountain. Many famous Italians are buried in the Pantheon, including Renaissance painter Raphael and King Vittorio Emanuele I.

Description:

Strong coffee is liquid fuel to Italians, and many Romans will walk blocks for what they consider to be a superior brew. Caffè Sant'Eustachio is one of Rome's most celebrated espresso shops, where the water supply is funneled into the city by an aqueduct built in 19 B.C. Rome's most experienced espresso judges claim the water plays an important part in the coffee's flavor. Buy a ticket from the cashier for as many cups as you want, and then leave a small tip (about 1€/$1.60) for the counter-person when you present your receipt. It's open Sunday to Thursday 8:30am to 1am, Friday 8:30am to 1:30am, and Saturday 8:30am to 2am.

Description:

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

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.

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:

This is one of Rome's best-stocked wine bars. Also a wine shop, the interior is elegant, and the courteous, professional service makes it a pleasant spot to unwind. There is a huge assortment of wines and a fine choice of food, including cheese canapés, Swordfish with Oranges, and Camembert stuffed with black truffle.

Description:

This restaurant specializes in cuisine from the Marches region of Italy. When the ingredients are in season, you will find Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms and various dishes seasoned with the white truffles of Acqualagna. Friday is fish day - expect dishes such as Baked Anchovies with Artichokes. During the rest of the week there are Fusilli with vegetables, Shin of Ox with Red Wine, or Spring Lamb offered simply with Parmesan cheese. The wines are all Italian with a wide selection from the Marches. The interior is attractive and fitted with air conditioning and the family-run atmosphere is friendly.

Description:

Since its 1889 opening, this hotel, about a 10-minute walk east of the Spanish Steps, has reigned over one of the world's most stylish shopping neighborhoods. Hemingway, Callas, Ingrid Bergman, Fellini -- all checked in during its heyday, and the hotel still retains its former grandeur, coupled with the new amenities that its government-rated five-star status calls for. The Eden's hilltop position guarantees a panoramic view from most guest rooms; all are spacious and elegantly appointed. Try to get one of the front rooms with a balcony boasting views over Rome. The hotel's restaurant, La Terrazza, is one of Rome's best.

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:

This is one of the most acclaimed restaurants in Rome -- and one of the very few to have a coveted Michelin star. Its 16th-century building is a classic setting in pristine white with accents of wood. The Troiano brothers turn out an inspired cuisine based on the best and freshest ingredients at the market. Start with caramelized tuna fish with chestnut honey, ginger, green pepper, rosemary, and green apple purée. Other tantalizing menu items include spaghetti with a ragout of sole, artichokes, and tuna roe; breast of guinea fowl in a mustard crust; and salt cod confit with tomatoes, spring onions, olives, Jerusalem artichokes, and eggplant.