Walking Rome in a Day Part One PRINT.Cdr
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WalkingWalking ROMEROME inin aa DayDay -- PartPart OneOne This route covers a wonderful, and easily accessible, walking portion of the Eternal City. It’s a lot of ground to cover so you could certainly split it into 2 days, spending more time at each stop, if you wish. As you follow the map please check out the inside pages for some fun facts about each of the stops. There are also written Directions to the next area of interest. Most of all . Have Fun!!! © 2019.2019. TheGloveTrotters.com.TheGloveTrotters.com. WalkingWalking ROMEROME inin aa DayDay -- PartPart OneOne First, just a few words . they say that some of the most memorable things in life just happen, unexpectantly. One of those for me was Ramie's and I's trip to Rome for our 2nd honeymoon. We had just checked into our hotel and crossed the street to do our currency exchange. Unfortunately she was disappointed in the rates we got and, in her disappointment, missed the last of a series of steep stairs. The end result . a badly sprained ankle. She spent the rest of the week either lying in bed with her foot elevated (that actually lasted only a single day), in a wheelchair or on crutches. While not ideal this accident unexpectedly led to a series of pleasant benets during the week, but that's a different story. For the rst day, when she was laid up, she insisted I go out and enjoy myself. That is where the following itinerary came from . no specic planning, just having a sense of what I wanted to see and walking where I wanted to go at a pace I enjoyed. I'm not suggesting you try and do this all in one day as I did but do try and visit each of the stops. Each, in its own way, is part of what makes Rome my favorite city in the world. Part 2 is in the making… 84 minutes 4.3 miles © 2019.2019. TheGloveTrotters.com.TheGloveTrotters.com. WalkingWalking ROMEROME inin aa DayDay -- PartPart OneOne 1 Porta Pinciana aka The Pincian Gate ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION: Poor••• tah Pinch awe na Porta Pinciana was built in the 5th century as one of the Aurelian Wall gates built to protect the city of Rome. Ÿ Originally it was also called Porta Turata or "Plugged Gate", since it was partially closed. Ÿ In the 17th century it served as the primary entrance to the Villa Borghese but was closed in favor of the Porta del Poplo. Ÿ Today the Porta Pinciana serves as a main entry into the nearly 200 acres of the Villa Borghese. Villa Borghese aka The Borghese Gardens ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION: Vill• a Bore • geese or Bore • geeza Rome’s largest public park, the Villa Borghese, is lled with walking paths, a botanical garden, fountains, lakes, an amphitheater, museums and even a zoo. Ÿ The Villa Borghese, designed by architect Flaminio Ponzio, is the third largest public park in Rome (just shy of 200 acres) . Ÿ In the early 17th century the Borghese family converted a vineyard into a vast garden. Ÿ In the early 20th century the gardens were converted into the public space it is today. DIRECTIONS: Head thru the Porta Pinciana gate along the Viale San Paolo del Brasile to the Piazzale delle Canestre where you will see the Tempio di Esculapio. 2 Tempio di Esculapio aka Temple of Asclepius ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION: Tem••••• pea oh dee Escue la pea oh A highlight of the Villa Borghese, this relaxing area features a temple, a calm lake and a bevy of swans. Ÿ The Temple, at the foot of a small lake, was built in the Iconic style toward the end of the 18th century. Ÿ You can rent a boat to take on the small lake allowing you a better look at the façade of the Temple. Ÿ Asclepius was the Greek God of Medicine. DIRECTIONS: Head southwest thru the Fontan di Esculapio then along the Viale Giorgio Washington. After you exit the park turn left on Piazza del Popolo until you arrive at the plaza. Next: Piazza del Popolo © 2019.2019. TheGloveTrotters.com.TheGloveTrotters.com. WalkingWalking ROMEROME inin aa DayDay -- PartPart OneOne 3 Piazza del Popolo aka Popolo Square ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION: Pea•••• ah za dell Paw poe low One of the more popular squares in Rome has become more accessible since they banned cars from driving in the interior. Ÿ The Porta del Popolo (gate) was so popular it caused the Porta Pinciana to be closed for several centuries. Ÿ The centerpiece of the square, The Obelisk, is actually Egyptian and was brought to Rome by Emperor Augustus in 10 BC, to honor the Roman Empire's conquest of Egypt. Ÿ Piazza del Popolo translated literally means “the Peoples Square”, but the name originally comes from the word “populous”, which is the Latin name for a type of tree. Ÿ In the piazza is the famous cafè Rossati where it is common to see famous Italian movie stars and celebrities. DIRECTIONS: On the northeast section get on the Viale Gabriele D’Annunzio and wind your way around a few curves heading southeast. If you want you can scoot up the Salita del Pincio, turn right on the Viale Valadier, to enter the . 4 Terrazza del Pincio aka Terrace of the Pincio ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION: Tear•razza dell Pin•choh Possibly the best view of Rome, the terrace serves as an observation deck over the heart of the Eternal City. Ÿ Features an amazing vista view of Rome's landmarks including St. Peter's Cathedral and the Vittorio Emanuelle II monument. Ÿ Denitely one of the best locations in all of Rome to watch the sunset. DIRECTIONS: After viewing simply continue going south, the opposite way you entered, and you will eventually merge onto the Viale della Trinità dei Monti. Along your way, on your left, up on the hill is the . 5 Casina Valadier aka Valadier Restaurant ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION: Kah•••• seen ah Val a dear If you make an advance reservation for a terrace table, this view is rather spectacular as well. The food is also excellent . Ÿ Beautiful neoclassical style designed and built by Roman architect and urban planner Giuseppe Valadier in the early 19th century. Ÿ During WWII it was occupied by rst German, and then British, ocers. Ÿ Noted as a favored venue for large weddings. DIRECTIONS: Continue along the Viale Gabriele D’Annunzio (which turns into Viale della Trinità dei Monti). At the curve, to your left is the beautiful Villa Medici. Next: Villa Medici © 2019.2019. TheGloveTrotters.com.TheGloveTrotters.com. WalkingWalking ROMEROME inin aa DayDay -- PartPart OneOne 6 Villa Medici aka The French Academy in Rome ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION: Vill••• a Meh dee chee This beautiful Renaissance palace and grounds is ideally located between the Borghese Gardens and the Spanish Steps. Ÿ Remarkable renaissance palace & gardens (tours available) that today serves as the French Academy. Ÿ Has gone through numerous architectural changes over the centuries commissioned by Emperor's and the great builders of the day. Ÿ A major expansion occurred under the sponsorship of Ferdinando de' Medici (1549-1609) who became a cardinal at the age of 13. DIRECTIONS: Continue southeast along the Piazza della Trinità dei Monti. 7 Trinità dei Monti & Obelisco Sallustiano aka Trinity of the Monti ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION: Sallustian Obelisk Trin•••••••• knee ta deh Mon tea & Oh beh lis co Sallis tea ano This French church is one of the highest churches in Rome and it certainly has the best view perched above the Spanish Steps. Ÿ Beautiful church and monument at the top of the Spanish Steps. Ÿ The church was originally commissioned in 1502 by Louis XII of France to celebrate his successful invasion of Naples. Ÿ The hieroglyphic inscription on the Obelisco Sallustiano was copied from the obelisk in the Piazza del Popolo. DIRECTIONS: Turn around and look down to the Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti. 8 Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti aka The Spanish Steps ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION: Scah• lee • nah • ta dee Trin • knee • ta deh Mon • tea Among the most famous steps in the world, spring brings the azeleas and sunsets provide a perfect end to any day. Ÿ The Spanish steps comprise of three main viewing levels, and an additional six lounging areas covering 135 steps. Ÿ The steps are famous for their ower arrangements and as a resting place for visitors. Ÿ It is as common to sit, as it is to walk, on the steps. Ÿ The steps were originally built to link the Spanish Embassy and the Trinita dei Monti Church. DIRECTIONS: Walk down the steps into the Piazza di Spagna. Next: Piazza di Spagna © 2019.2019. TheGloveTrotters.com.TheGloveTrotters.com. WalkingWalking ROMEROME inin aa DayDay -- PartPart OneOne 9 Piazza di Spagna aka The Spanish Square ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION: Pea••• ah za dee Spawn yah At the base of the Spanish Steps is a square that provides a beautiful view looking upward and a gateway to the rest of Rome. Ÿ In the 18th century the Spanish embassy was located in the square at the base of the steps, so the plaza became the Piazza di Spagna (“Spanish Square”). The name then carried over to the steps. Ÿ The Baroque fountain named Fontana della Barcaccia or “Fountain of the Ugly Boat” was built in the 17th century by Pietro Bernini ( the famous artist's father). DIRECTIONS: Proceed south along via Propaganda then take a right on Via Frattina. 10 Via Frattina aka Frattina Street ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION: Vee••• ah Frah teen ah A fantastic street for window shopping, dining and unique boutique shops.