Italy has often been described as many different things. The country of love and romance, of fashion and art, and of course, the country of food!
Italy is many things to many people, and for me it will always be known as the country of love.
Rome, the capital of Italy, is one of the first places my husband and I went on holiday together.
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One day we walked from the centre of Rome to Vatican City. There are so many beautiful sites to see along the way. It just didn’t seem right jumping in a taxi. We wanted to fully immerse ourselves in Rome, and for us that meant walking the streets, taking in all of the sights and sounds that Rome has to offer.
Yes, we got lost on a few occasions, but that’s part of the fun of exploring a new city! We always felt safe and the locals were nothing, but friendly and helpful, even offering up suggestions of the best places to eat.
As well as being home to the Vatican, Rome is also full of beautiful landmarks, art and ancient ruins. As you make your way through the streets, it won’t be long before you come across some ruins.
One of our favourite spots is the Fontana di Trevi. It’s the largest baroque fountain in the city and without a doubt, the most beautiful in the world. My husband and I loved nothing better after a long day of sightseeing, to just sit down with an ice cream next to the fountain and watch the world go by!
There’s also a lovely little pizzeria a short walk away up a side lane. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name of the lane or of the pizzeria, but its definitely worth asking around to find it! The pizza was amazing!
Of course, you can’t visit the Fontana di Trevi without throwing a coin into the fountain to ensure a return to Rome. There must be some truth to it, because my husband and I have since been back there!
Another popular tourist spot is the colosseum. It was nothing like I ever imagined it to be! This oval amphitheatre, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is in the centre of Rome. It is the largest amphitheatre ever built. I would recommend a guided tour so that you can fully appreciate it’s history in more detail. In addition a guided tour usually means quicker entry into the colosseum as you can enter using a special entrance with the guide.
Outside the colosseum, you’ll spot the Arch of Constantine, or ‘Arco di Costantino’ as it’s known by locals. This is a triumphal arch in Rome, situated between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. Erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine I’s victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312. Dedicated in 315, it is the largest Roman triumphal arch.
The Palatine Hill one of the most ancient parts of the city. Standing at 40 metres above the Roman Forum, looking down upon it on one side, and upon the Circus Maximus on the other.
Just a short 20 minute walk away from the colosseum, is the Pantheon. The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, that’s now a church. It can be found on the site of an earlier temple commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus.
Inside the Pantheon you’ll see the shape of a dome when you look up. Gilded to look like the heavenly sphere of all the gods that the name Pantheon evokes. The oculus, a round or eye-like opening or design like a circular window in the top of the dome, was an engineering gem of the Roman world.
It is the main source of light for the whole building and, as the earth turns the light flows in to circle the interior. The oculus was never covered which means rain falls into the interior and runs off the slightly convex floor to the still functioning Roman drainpipes underneath.
A quick 15 minute walk away from the Pantheon, and you’ll find yourself standing in front of the Castel Sant’Angelo, also known as The Mausoleum of Hadrian. This towering cylindrical building was initially commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. The building was later used by the popes as a fortress and castle, and is now a museum.
The Museum is divided into four sections, the history of Castel Sant‘Angelo is illustrated by vintage prints, scenic views and interesting reconstructions ideals of the monument. Castel Sant’ Angelo offers a birds eye view of the Vatican and the river Tiber. There’s also a lovely cafe at the top to relax in.
As, as you can see, Rome is a city full of wonderful, remarkable history. It’s one of my top city break destinations, and when our children are older, my husband and I, will definitely be taking them on holiday there.
Have you been to Rome? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this beautiful city.
