Walking Rome in a Day Part One PRINT.Cdr

Home , Colonna (rione of Rome), Column of Antoninus Pius, Fontana della Barcaccia, Fontana delle Api, Fontana del Pantheon, Palazzo Barberini

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!!!

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

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

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

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

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. Ÿ Great side road with restaurants and window shopping. Ÿ Try the Bar Frattina for a little al fresca and amazing gelato or dine at VyTA Enoteca Regionale del Lazio featuring seasonal Roman dishes and local wine. Ÿ High-end shops (Fauso Santinin ) and more practical ( Andrea Fabiani ) alternatives.

DIRECTIONS: Turn left (south/southeast) on Via del Corso until you enter an open square.

11 Colonna di Marco Aurelio aka Marcus Aurelius Column

ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION: Ko••••• low nah dee Mar ko Oh ree leo

This amazing edice must be seen in person. Make sure to bring a lens (camera or binoculars) to zoom in on all the detail spiraling around the column. Ÿ Truly spectacular 130-foot monument with a spiraling band of reliefs depicting imperial military campaigns. Ÿ The column was completed in 193 AD and, unlike many other columns in Rome, rests at its original location. Ÿ The column is hollow and contains a 200 step stairway ending on a platform at the very top.

DIRECTIONS: On the east side of the square is the beautiful century-old art nouveau Galleria Alberto Sordi.

Next: Galleria Alberto Sordi

12 Galleria Alberto Sordi aka Alberto Sordi Shopping Arcade ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION: Gal••••• a riah Al bur toe Sore dee

Even if you don't take advantage of all the shopping options available a stop by the Galleria is worth the visual appeal alone. Ÿ This art deco shopping center features Boggi Milano, Massimo Dutti, Bershka and many more. Ÿ Particularly stunning at Christmas time. Ÿ Stop in at the bar Vanni for some great fresh juices.

DIRECTIONS: On the south side is the Santi Bartolomeo ed Alessandro dei Bergamaschi.

13 Santi Bartolomeo ed Alessandro dei Bergamaschi aka Church of Saints Bartolomeo and Alessandro ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION: San••••••••• tee Bar to leh mayo ed Zalice and row deh Ber ga mass kee

This tiny church, literally stuck between two buildings, appears to be a relic from another time (in this case, it actually is).

Ÿ A very cool little 16th-century baroque church nestled in between a bank and a clothing store.

Ÿ Originally the church was the chapel for the Ospedale dei Pazzarelli, Rome's rst insane asylum.

DIRECTIONS: Continuing west, and just around the corner, is the Obelisco di Montecitorio.

14 Obelisco di Montecitorio aka Obelisk of Montecitorio

ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION: Oh••••••• beh lease ko dee Mon tess chee tour rio

The history of this Egyptian obelisk began in the 26th Dynasty of Egypt where it sat for 600 years before being moved to Rome. Ÿ Brought to Rome 10 BC by Augustus (see Popolo above) the Obelisk of Montecitorio was an ancient Egyptian obelisk made of red granite. Ÿ Over the 9th and 11th centuries, it collapsed and got buried until the late 18th century when it was restored using the granite from the Column of Antoninus Pius. Ÿ The obelisk originally served as a sundial.

DIRECTIONS: Turn south on the Piazza di Monte Citorio then right (west) onto Via in Aquiro. Turn left (south) onto Via del Pantheon till you get to the open square. To the right is the Fontana del Pantheon. Next: Pantheon

16 Pantheon aka The Pantheon

ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION: Pan•• thee on

A personal favorite and deserving of an exclusive page . . . by some miracle the Pantheon has remained intact and perfectly preserved throughout the millennia. Given its place in architectural annals it is actually quite tting.

Ÿ One of the true architectural wonders of the world, The Pantheon (converted into a church in 609 AD) was completed around 126 AD and features the largest unsupported concrete dome in the world.

Ÿ The diameter of the dome is 142ft (the US Capitol dome is 96ft) and its height and width are perfectly proportioned.

Ÿ The hole (oculus), 7.8 meters in diameter, is the only source of light and serves as the connection between the temple and the gods above.

Ÿ Though rain occasionally falls through the oculus, the oor is slanted and drains the water eciently into the sewer system (another invention of the Romans).

DIRECTIONS: Head east on Via dei Pastini. Turn right (east) onto Via dei Pastini until you enter the Piazza di Pietra and to your right (south) is Il Tempio di Adriano. Next: Il Tempio di Adriano

17 Il Tempio di Adriano aka The Temple of Hadrian

ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION Ill Tim•••• pio dee Ey dree ah no

Though only a fraction of what it once was, the Temple façade still impresses and stands in stark contrast to the more modern surrounding buildings.

Ÿ Amazing façade of a Roman temple from 145 AD with 11 Corinthian columns still standing.

Ÿ Originally had (38) large Corinthian columns, each 50’ tall.

Ÿ Today the remains of the structure serves as the Borsa Valori di Roma, Rome's stock exchange.

DIRECTIONS: Continue east on Piazza di Pietra toward Via de' Burrò and continue on this road until you reach the Fontana di Trevi.

18 Fontana di Trevi aka The Trevi Fountain

ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION Fawn••• tan ah dee Treh vee

The infamous Trevi Fountain is one of the rare places on earth that improves as it becomes more crowded . . . great energy! Truly a marvel for the ages.

Ÿ The Trevi Fountain was nanced by the Roman Lotto run by Pope Clement.

Ÿ The fountain is mostly built from travertine stone, the same material used to construct the Colosseum.

Ÿ The fountain is 85 feet tall and 65 feet wide and uses approximately 2,824,800 cubic feet of water every day.

Ÿ Just in case you're looking for a keepsake, or a cheap thrill, be aware that stealing coins from the Trevi Fountain is illegal.

DIRECTIONS: Head east on Piazza di Trevi, which becomes Via del Lavatore, then cross the street veering slightly left (north) onto Via del Serviti. In a block turn right (east) onto Via del Tritone until you enter the Piazza Barberini.

Next: Piazza Barberini

19 Piazza Barberini aka The Barberini Square

ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION Pee••••• ah za dell Bar bah ree nee

This busy plaza is highlighted by Bernini's Triton Fountain but has lots more to enjoy with quaint cafes, sculptures, pubs and more.

Ÿ The square features the stately Palazzo Barberini (Barberini Palace), which now houses the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica (Museum of Ancient Art).

Ÿ Most foot trac frequenting this square come to see the famous Bernini's Fontana del Tritone (Triton Fountain), built in 1643. Even if you’ve never heard of it you have probably seen it several times in movies such as Roman Holiday or Europe ‘51.

Ÿ If you’re curious, there is another Bernini fountain, Fontana delle Api (Fountain of the Bees) located near the Piazza Barberini, right at the foot of the Via Vittorio Veneto.

Ÿ Be wary of trac in the square.

DIRECTIONS: Continue east on Piazza di Pietra toward Via de' Burrò and continue on this road until you reach the Fontana di Trevi.

20 Chiesa di Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini aka Our Lady of the Conception and of the Capuchins ENGLISH PRONUNCIATION: Key••••••••• eh sah dee San tah Mah ree ah dell ah Con since cee oknee day Cap••• pu chee knee

Aside from an interesting front staircase, this church doesn't look like much from the outside . . . don't be deceived.

Ÿ Unique 17th century Catholic Church featuring oors made of tombstones.

Ÿ Under the church, the crypts contain thousands of bones of Monks arranged in an artistic and somewhat creepy manner (no kidding).

Ÿ Several noteworthy authors have visited and written about the crypt including Mark Twain, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and the Marquis de Sade.

DIRECTIONS: Head north on Via Vittorio Veneto. It veers left and eventually gets you back to Porta Pinciana.

Next: Porta Pinciana