Travel Destination: Rome
About Italy
One of Italy’s most visited destinations is Rome, its most populous and largest city with around 2.7 million residents. It is the seat of the Italian Government where the President’s and Prime Minister’s residences are found. The President of the Italian Republic stays at the Palazzo del Quiranale while the Prime Minister is at Palazzo Chigi.
Rome’s Renaissance and Baroque architecture are its main attraction which never fails to impress. Aside from being massive and opulent, it is also a reminder of its powerful past. As they say, when in Rome you instantly feel majestic just by looking at its palaces and squares which are usually punctuated with obelisks. Don’t miss the Renaissance masterpiece Piazza del Campidoglio of which a significant portion was designed by Michelangelo and the Baroque example, Fontana di Trevi designed by Nicola Salvi.
Ostentatious display of wealth and luxury are all around. Go visit the Palazzo Venezia (once a papal residence, served as the embassy of Venice and former office of Benito Mussolini), Palazzo Farnese (where the French embassy is housed), Palazzo dela Cancelleria, Palazzo Barberini or Villa Farnesina and you’ll be transported into the grandeur lifestyle of Rome’s aristocratic families. Some of the squares to explore are Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Navona and Campo de’Fiori.
As the locals say, "Roma, non basta una vita" (English translation is “Rome, a lifetime is not enough”). The expression basically sums up your expectations of this city. It’s so easy to lose track of time visiting churches, monuments and museums. There are also great shopping destinations and how can you forget the food which is authentic Italian no less.
One of the biggest and most popular churches in the world is the St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano) in Vatican City. Tourists should not miss this place if only for the architecture and its historical significance. You can even meet the Pope if you go there on a Wednesday, just secure a free ticket.
Other significant churches are Basilica dei Santi Apostoli (built originally in the 6th century) and Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura (third biggest church in the world built by Constantine in the 4th century). Small Baroque churches are also interesting to see like San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, Sant'Andrea del Quirinale and Santa Maria della Vittoria.
Rome is also known for its gardens and parks so if you want to take a walk, bike ride or jog, visit the Villa Borghese (Rome’s most popular park) and Villa Doria Pamphilj (Rome’s largest park). The manicured gardens of Villa Ada, Parco Savello and Orto Botanico offer respite to your weary feet so sit back, relax and enjoy the view.
Aside from admiring the beautiful cityscape, Rome still offers more things to do and see. Shop at their flea markets like Porta Portese which is open only on Sundays from sunrise to 1:30 in the afternoon where you can find a large selection of clothes, leather and interesting knick knacks. From Monday to Saturday (8:30 AM to 1:30 PM), you can go to Via Sannio where you can shop for shoes and clothes at bargain prices.
If your children are bored with the art and gallery stuffs, you can take them to the open-air Teatro di Pulcinella puppet theatre, Bioparco (a zoo that sits on an 18-hectare site) or Time Elevator (a virtual tour of Rome’s 3,000 year old history).
It’s alright not to see everything that Rome has to offer during your first visit because this place will make you come back for more anyway.