We set off from Salzburg to Rome, excited to see what the eternal city has to offer. Arriving in Rome, we checked into our hotel, ready for the adventures ahead and were told that our hotel room was still being prepared.
Although we were unable to check into our room, we decided to make the most of our stay in Rome and begin exploring the city immediately. Our first stop was the tourist centre, where we picked up tickets we had reserved for various sightseeing tours and transportation around Rome. With our tickets in hand, we were ready to explore the streets and iconic landmarks of Rome, as well as its rich history and culture.
Rome is filled with ancient wonders, a rich history, and culture. It is known as the āEternal Cityā and boasts iconic landmarks such as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. Rome is a journey through time, from the beautiful art in the Vatican City to the old buildings on the streets. The region is known for its great cuisine and is a destination that seamlessly blends the past and the present.
Where We Stayed
We chose The Hall Tailor Suite in the Flaminio neighbourhood. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality by the staff, who went above and beyond to ensure our comfort at the hotel.
The hotel was great. It had everything we needed, looked nice, and made us feel like we were at home. The hotel was very well-maintained, from the comfortable bed to the thoughtful amenities.
The Hall Tailor Suite was a great place to stay because it was near some of Rome’s most famous landmarks. We were able to explore the city with ease and convenience, with easy access to public transportation.
In general, our experience in The Hall Tailor Suite was good. The combination of excellent service, stylish accommodation, and an unbeatable location made our time in Rome truly memorable.Ā
Where We Visited
The Papal Basilica Of Saint Peters:
Getting into the place meant waiting in long lines and going through security checks. Despite the strict prohibition on camera and mobile phone use, many visitors couldn’t resist taking photos and videos. It’s a must-see for the historic, religious, and iconic vibe this place exudes.
The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter is a famous Renaissance church in Vatican City. It’s also called Saint Peter’s Basilica. The church is one of the most famous and significant in Christianity, and it’s a major destination for Catholics around the world.
Saint Peter’s Basilica is dedicated to Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and considered to be the first Pope. Saint Peter’s tomb is believed to be contained in the basilica, which is built over the traditional burial site.
Well-known architects like Michelangelo, Donato Bramante and Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed Saint Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican’s massive dome, designed by Michelangelo, is an iconic symbol of the Vatican skyline.
The basilica’s interior features beautiful artwork, including Michelangelo’s PietĆ and Bernini’s Baldacchino, a huge bronze canopy over the papal altar. There are numerous chapels, papal tombs, and relics of saints in the basilica.
The principal church of the Catholic Church is Saint Peter’s Basilica, which hosts important religious ceremonies and events, including papal Masses and the election of new popes during conclaves. Millions of visitors come to admire its architectural splendour and spiritual significance each year.
The Vatican Museums:
On the day of our arrival in Rome, we visited the Vatican Museums, completing our day with an unforgettable exploration. Entering the museum felt like entering a treasure trove of history, exceeding all my expectations. It’s not a place you can simply breeze through in a matter of minutes; in my opinion, a minimum of two hours is necessary, but even that feels insufficient to truly absorb the wealth of historical wonders within.
The Vatican Museums are a complex of art galleries and museums that house a large collection of artworks and historical artefacts. The museums are among the most extensive and frequently visited cultural institutions globally, attracting millions of visitors annually.
The collection of the Vatican Museums covers various disciplines, including classical sculpture, Renaissance art, religious artefacts, and ancient Egyptian relics. Some highlights include the Saintine Chapel, the Raphael rooms, the Gallery of Maps, Laocoƶn and his sons, Apollo Belvedere, and the Cabinet of Masks.
Visitors to the Vatican museums can explore a vast array of galleries, halls, and corridors, each offering a unique glimpse into the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the Vatican and the wider world. The galleries provide a thorough overview of art history, spanning ancient cultures to the Renaissance and beyond, making them a must-visit for art lovers and academics alike.
Palatine Hill And The Colosseum:
The Palatine Hill and the Flavian Amphitheatre are two landmarks in Rome that have a rich history. Our second day in Rome was spent exploring them. We chose a guided tour to learn more about the rich history and stories told by our knowledgeable guide. The experience was truly inspiring, spanning two hours within the Flavian Amphitheatre’s walls. We spent another two hours exploring the area and finding other important landmarks.
Palatine Hill:
The Palatine Hill is one of Rome’s Seven Hills and is thought to be one of the oldest parts of the city. It is believed that Romulus founded Rome on this site, which has immense historical and archaeological importance. In ancient times, the Palatine Hill was the most desirable part of Rome, where emperors, aristocrats, and wealthy citizens lived. The remains of imperial palaces, extravagant gardens, and ancient structures provide valuable insights into the lifestyle of ancient Rome.
The Colosseum:
The Flavian Amphitheatre is one of the most famous symbols of ancient Rome. It was completed in 80 AD and could accommodate up to 80,000 spectators. The Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests, public shows, and other entertainment events. It is one of Rome’s most visited tourist attractions, despite centuries of neglect and damage. Visitors can explore the Colosseum, marvel at its architecture, and learn about its history through exhibitions and guided tours.
The Palatine Hill and the Colosseum provide a glimpse into the grandeur and legacy of ancient Rome. They remind people of the city’s rich past and culture, and millions of people from all over the world visit each year.
The Imperial Forum:
The Imperial Forum, also known as the Imperial Fora, is a group of massive public squares or fora that were constructed in ancient Rome. These fora were built during the Roman Imperial period, between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, and served as centres of political, commercial, and social activity.
There are several individual forums within the Imperial Forum complex with their own unique features and historical significance. The Forum of Caesar, Forum of Augustus, Forum of Trajan, and Forum of Nerva are some of the most important fora within the complex.
The fora were connected by roads, walkways, and monumental arches, creating a grand complex of public spaces in the heart of ancient Rome. They had statues, columns, and other architectural elements that showed how rich and powerful the Roman Empire was. Today, the Imperial Fora is a popular tourist attraction in Rome that shows the city’s past as an imperial power.
Galleria Borghese:
On our third day in Rome, we went to the Borghese Gallery. We had an early morning appointment set for 9 o’clock. We toured the gallery with a great tour guide. Over the course of two hours, we looked at artworks and sculptures that each told a story of artistic brilliance. The Borghese Gallery was a treasure trove of masterpiece paintings. If you’re in Rome, you should definitely go to this famous gallery. It will take you on a journey through history and help you appreciate art more.
The Gallery Borghese is an art gallery located in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana. The museum houses one of the most impressive collections of art in the world, particularly renowned for its extensive collection of sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and paintings by Caravaggio.
The Galleria Borghese features an art collection, a villa, gardens, a reservation system, and guided tours.
The Galleria Borghese is a must-see for art lovers and history enthusiasts. It offers a rich cultural experience among the beauty of Renaissance and Baroque art and architecture.
The Pantheon:
Visiting the Pantheon was a unique experience for me that I’ve never had before. This was prompted by my partner’s recommendation, and I can honestly attest to its worthiness. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in the Eternal City, I urge you to make a point of stopping by the Pantheonāit’s a must-see.
The Pantheon is a famous ancient Roman temple in the heart of Rome.
The Pantheon was built by Emperor Hadrian between 118 and 125 AD. It is well-known for its amazing design. The building has a circle shape with a top made of concrete and an opening in the middle that lets in natural light.
The Pantheon has served as a Christian church dedicated to St. Mary and the Martyrs since the 7th century. The building is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings in the world and a symbol of Rome’s architectural and engineering prowess.
The Pantheon stands as a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of ancient Roman builders and is one of the most iconic landmarks of Rome.
Fontana Di Trevi:
The fountain impressed me with its beauty and grandeur. But the sheer number of people around it took away from the experience.
The Fontana di Trevi, or Trevi Fountain, is one of the most famous and iconic fountains in the world and is located in the heart of Rome.
The Trevi Fountain was designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi in 1762. The fountain is at the back of Palazzo Poli and has a great design.
Circus Maximus:
On our last day in Rome, we explored this unique landmark that resembles a racecourse, but with its own unique charm.
Circus Maximus is a place where ancient Romans raced chariots and had lots of fun. Circo Massimo is a big and old sports stadium in ancient Rome that dates back to the 6th century BCE. It was originally used for chariot races and other public spectacles and could hold up to 150,000 spectators.
Circo Massimo is a famous building that was important in ancient Rome’s culture and social life. Its size, grandeur, and significance make it a must-see destination for anyone interested in Roman history and architecture.
Piazza Venezia:
Piazza Venezia is a square in the centre of Rome.
The building is near many significant roads and is easy to find in the city centre. It is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Visitors to Piazza Venezia will be amazed by its beautiful architecture, cultural significance, and amazing views of the city’s famous landmarks.
What To Do When In Rome
In Rome, there’s a lot to do, see, and eat. Here’s what you can do in the Eternal City:
Visit famous places in Ancient Rome like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill to learn about the history of the Roman Empire.Ā Look at the beautiful buildings that have stood the test of time.
Visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.Ā Admire works of art and architecture, including Michelangelo’s famous frescoes.
See the Trevi Fountain, which is one of Rome’s most famous landmarks.Ā Legend says that if you throw a coin in the fountain, you will return to Rome. Make a wish and take a picture to remember the moment.
Walk around Piazza Navona, a pretty square with beautiful buildings, fountains, and outdoor cafĆ©s.Ā Look at Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers and enjoy its lively atmosphere.
Enjoy authentic Italian food in local trattorias and ristorantes.Ā Try traditional dishes like pasta carbonara, pizza Margherita, and gelato. Don’t forget to have a glass of Italian wine with your meal.
The Pantheon is an ancient Roman temple dedicated to all the gods.Ā See how amazing and beautiful this famous building is.
Go for a peaceful stroll through the Vatican Gardens.Ā Enjoy the views of Rome while admiring lush greenery, fountains, and sculptures.
Visit the Campo de’ Fiori Market and enjoy the lively atmosphere. People sell fresh food, flowers, spices, and souvenirs.
Go up Gianicolo Hill to see Rome’s skyline and beautiful sunsets. Sit in the pretty park, listen to street musicians, and enjoy the beauty of the Eternal City.
Take a day trip to places like Pompeii, Florence, or Tuscany that are close by. See how different and beautiful Italy’s landscape and culture are.
Where And What We Ate
While we were in Rome, we ate at some great restaurants that were different from each other.
Hostaria:
We had a great meal at Hostaria. It was cosy and had authentic Italian food. We ate delicious Roman food like pasta carbonara and cacio e pepe that were made perfectly and had lots of flavour.
Ginger Sapori:
Ginger Sapori’s innovative take on Italian food made for a memorable dining experience. The food was good, from creative appetizers to delicious main courses.
Ivo A Trastevere:
Ivo A Trastevere was very nice and had good food. We had a good pizza with good sides and good Italian wines.
Osteria Nannarella:
Nannarella had an enjoyable mix of old and new Italian food. They had lots of pasta, pizza, and meat dishes on their menu. We enjoyed generous portions of classic Roman favourites with a modern twist.
We found out that the Trastevere area has countless cool restaurants and trendy places to eat. It’s a great place to enjoy superb food.
Pros And Cons
Pros:
Rome is home to landmarks like the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon, which offer a glimpse into ancient history and the glory of the Roman Empire.
The city has great museums, art galleries, and beautiful buildings. Some of these buildings were made by well-known artists like Michelangelo or Bernini.
It’s a great place to eat delicious Italian food like pasta and pizza, gelato and espresso, and wines from the area.
The city is lively and has many places to explore and enjoy its culture. It has beautiful buildings like St. Peter’s Basilica, the Trevi Fountain, and the Spanish Steps that have been around for a long time.
Cons:
Rome is a popular tourist destination year-round, which leads to overcrowding at major attractions, long lines, and trouble finding accommodations, especially during peak tourist seasons.
The traffic in the city can be chaotic and there aren’t many places to park your car. There may also not be enough buses or trains for tourists to use, which can make it hard for them to get around.
Tourists may encounter small crimes like pickpocketing and scams in tourist areas. It’s important to stay alert and take precautions to protect valuables. The cost of living is high, with expensive places to stay, eat, and have fun. This can be a problem for people who don’t want to spend too much money.
Rome has hot summers, with temperatures often reaching 30 Ā°C (86 Ā°F), which can make sightseeing or outdoor activities uncomfortable for some visitors.
In general, Rome has many interesting things to do, like culture, history, and food. However, tourists should be prepared for plenty of people, traffic, expensive things, and the chance of getting into trouble or being stolen from, especially during busy times. If you plan and know what to do, you can have a great time in the Eternal City.
Conclusion
We had a wonderful time in Rome. It is a city with many beautiful buildings, art, and Italian hospitality. We walked in the footsteps of emperors at the Colosseum, saw the greatness of the Vatican, and learned about the history and culture of Rome.
But our trip was really about more than just famous places and things to see. It also meant learning new things. Each experience has left a lasting impression on our hearts.
As we say goodbye to Rome, we carry with us cherished memories and a deep appreciation for its beauty and resilience. Although our trip ended, Rome will always be in our hearts. Thank you, Roma, for a wonderful adventure.
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