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Rome City Guide 2021

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ROME CITY GUIDE - THINGS TO SEE AND DO See inside for details about getting around, sightseeing, shopping, nightlife and more The ancient Romans called Rome the “Eternal City”. They were of the belief that regardless of what happened in the rest of the World the city of Rome would always remain standing. Rome is the third most visited city in Europe and the fourteenth worldwide. People visit from all over the world to discover the city’s impressive monuments and archaeological sites; not to mention its excellent cuisine! Explore the Colosseum and imagine how the gladiators fought for their lives in the arena, cheered by the crowd. In Circus Maximus picture the chariots smashing into each other to be first in the race and in the Roman Forum you can see what the Roman public life was like. There is so much to see in this fantastic City. Moving around – Transportation Rome Metro (open every day from 5.30 a.m. until 11.30 p.m. and until 1.30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday Since it opened in 1955, the metro has grown very little and currently only operates 37,3 miles (60 km) made up of three lines. Take line A (Orange) to get to some of the city's most important landmarks such as the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St Peters Square and St peters Basilica. Take line B (Blue) to visit the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Tickets can be purchased at the metro stations, at news-stands and in most corner shops. If you are planning to use public transport regularly we recommend that you buy a few tickets at a time or buy a travel card. Rome Buses As the Rome Metro is rather limited you will need to use the public bus transportation system to get to various parts of the City. It may not be the most comfortable or punctual form of transportation. Nevertheless, to get to certain monuments and museums it is essential to use the bus. Currently, Rome has 338 bus lines that run throughout the day, 22 night buses and 8,260 stops. As traffic is an important issue in Rome, do not get impatient if the buses are delayed or if you get stuck in traffic jams, as it is most likely to happen and at any time of day. In Rome there are many types of lines, here are the most popular: • Urban lines (U): The large majority. They start between 5 am and 6:30 am and finish at midnight. • Night buses (N): These lines operate while the urban lines "rest", that is to say, between midnight and 5:00-6:00 am. • Express (X): These lines are for the outskirts of Rome, for longer journeys. • Exact (E): These lines link the centre with the surrounding neighbourhoods. They run on fixed timetables. How do I catch a bus? Rome’s bus routes are possibly the most complex of Europe. The most important information is found on each bus stop. This includes the bus’s route, the first and last bus and its timetable. Many bus stops now include screens with the number of the bus and when the next is due to arrive. Where to buy a bus ticket? Bus tickets can be bought in any metro station, news-stand or convenience stores. If you are planning on using the bus regularly, we recommend you buy a few at a time or get a travel card, which might be a better option. Always validate your ticket Although it might seem like nobody in Rome validates their ticket, that is because they have monthly passes which don’t require to be inserted into a machine. However, tourists must insert their tickets in a validation machine. Rome Trams Rome’s trams are usually cleaner than the buses and are also considered by many more romantic. Nonetheless, the trams six lines are small and as it doesn’t get to the city centre this makes it less appealing for visitors. Hop on-Hop off Bus Tours: Another way to both plan your own sightseeing tour and travel easily between all of Rome's major attractions, including the Colosseum, St Peter's Basilica and the Spanish Steps, is to take one of the many Hop on-Hop off bus tours that are available in the City. You can enjoy the views from your comfortable double- decker bus and learn more about the city as you listen to your audio commentary on board. Make the most of your time in Italy's capital, exploring its historic monuments and vibrant atmosphere with a hop- on hop-off bus ticket. Admire the architectural magnificence of the city from the deck of the bus, or hop off at any of the world-renowned attractions, such as the Colosseum, Spanish Steps and Vatican. The route is designed to ensure you don't miss its most iconic landmarks. Choose from 13 languages and learn more about Rome's ancient history and timeless beauty via your own set of complimentary headphones. Stops along the route include the Circus Maximus, Tiber Island, and St. Peter's Basilica Not to be missed Colosseum: Known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Roman Colosseum is one of the capital's most remarkable monuments. Every year over 6 million people visit it. The Colosseum is the main symbol of Rome. This imposing construction has almost 2,000 years of history and will take you back in time to discover the way of life in the Roman Empire. The construction of the Colosseum began in the year 72 under the empire of Vespasian and was finished in the year 80 during the rule of the emperor Titus, who inaugurated the Colosseum with 100 days of games, which took the life of more than 2,000 gladiators. The Pantheon:The Pantheon of Agrippa, also known as the Roman Pantheon, is one of the architectural masterpieces of the Italian capital. It is the best preserved building from ancient Rome. The current Pantheon was built during the reign of Hadrian, in the year 126 A.D. The name ‘Agrippa’ comes from the place in which the current building is built, which was previously occupied by the Pantheon of Agrippa, which was built in the year 27 B.C but was destroyed in a fire in the year 80 A.D. At the start of the 7th century the building was donated to the Pope Boniface IV, who transformed it into a church, which it still is. Go inside the Pantheon to see the tombs of numerous Italian kings and a multitude of art works. The best- known person who can be found buried in the Pantheon is, without doubt. the painter and Renaissance architect Raphael. Outside the Pantheon is usually full of people at all hours, either photographing the imposing building or having a traditional supper in some of the terraces of the Piazza della Rotonda while they enjoy the shows put on by different street artists. The Roman Forum: The Roman Forum was where religious and public life in ancient Rome took place. The Forum and the Colosseum, are the greatest signs of the splendour of the Roman Empire that can be seen today. The Roman Forum is one of the most beautiful and interesting places in the city, Visiting Rome without walking around the Forum is like going to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. As you travel along the Via Sacra, close your eyes and imagine it as it was more than 20 centuries ago, when Julius Caesar walked there. St. Peter's Square is one of the largest and most beautiful squares in the world. It is located in Vatican City, at the feet of St. Peter's Basilica. The dimensions of the square are spectacular: 320 metres long and 240 metres wide. St. Peter's Square has held more than 300,000 people. Construction of the square was completed in 1667 by the famous Italian sculptor and architect Bernini, with the full support of Pope Alexander XII. The most impressive part of the square, besides its size, are its 284 columns and 88 pilasters that flank the square in a colonnade of four rows. Above the columns there are 140 statues of saints created in 1670 by the disciples of Bernini. In the centre of the square the obelisk and the two fountains, one of Bernini (1675) and another of Maderno (1614) stand out. The obelisk, which is 25 metres tall, was carried to Rome from Egypt in 1586. Shopping in Rome If shopping is important, Rome offers plenty of options. In Italy’s capital, you’ll find a wide variety of small shops selling traditional products, high streets, department stores and top international designer boutiques. It’s a well known fact that Italians love fashion and Rome has some of the best designer boutiques in Italy. To discover these shops, head to Via del Corso, where the most prestigious boutiques are located, or to the streets surrounding Piazza di Spagna, especially Via dei Condotti, where you’ll find Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton or Armani. Then walk to Via Veneto, where there are other stores of the same standard. If you’re looking for counterfeit products, especially bags, you’ll be surprised at how many are available on the popular streets of Rome. It is possible to purchase a Gucci replica bag for €10.00! Souvenir shops and street stalls are found in Rome’s most important tourist spots. If you are good at bargaining, you will be able to get the typical figurines and other souvenirs for great prices.
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