The Ancient Modern Rome

Most people choose summer for their holiday adventures. But when it comes to Rome, a winter trip, when the city rests from its clammy, exhausting heat, is even more advisable. Sightseeing is calm and leisurely, and an evening in one of local cafes, like Tazza d'Oro by the Pantheon, is even more pleasant.

Having read a couple of guides on Rome you might feel a bit confused: the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Saint Peter's Square... Experienced travelers say that excursions around main attractions, when you see them one by one in the order they are mentioned in travel guides, are useless. Leisurely idle walks – that is the best way to make friends with Rome.

First thing a tourist is advised to do in Rome is to get the city map and find the nearest stop for trams 3 and 8, which go around the city demonstrating a great amount of attractions. They will of course take you to the Colosseum. It might sometimes be difficult to get inside, but after your visit you can go further to Via dei Fori Imperiali – a road rich in archaeological and historic attractions: the ancient market, Forum of Trajan, Basilica Ulpia etc. Various events often take place here.

You are then free to go anywhere you want – Rome is rich in churches, fountains, squares, museums, cosy streets and shops. On your way from the Pantheon to Piazza Navona (by the way, the famous Fountain of the four Rivers is located here) you will encounter a modern house standing on piles right above the ancient ruins. This is what true Rome is – full understanding between the ancient history and modern life.

Squares are almost at every turn in Rome. The best known of them, like Piazza di Spagna, Campo de' Fiori, Piazza Venezia and Piazza Navona, are always crowded with people. However, there are also spots that are rarely mentioned in standard guides. Piazza Mincio in the Quartiere Coppede is one of those – fountains, arches and art-nouveau roofs are definitely worth seeing.

A historic district concentrated around Campo de' Fiori also deserves one's attention. The place is full of narrow lanes, endless stores selling various goods, small shops selling vintage clothes standing side by side with Renaissance palaces and ancient ruins. Another district (or “rione” like they call them here) pleasant to walk around is the bohemian Trastevere, which greatly differs from other Roman districts. Time runs more slowly, and colours are unlike anywhere else in the city. Trastevere has some churches (basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, Santa Cecilia in Trastevere) and museums (Museo di Roma). The district is rich in cafes and restaurants serving wine and food. Trastevere still keeps its historic traditions.

As for spiritual traditions, one place that will remind you of those is the Vatican City. However, to enter it you will have to join a guided tour. And don't forget to observe Rome from the Janiculum Hill and Piazzale Garibaldi. An unmounted trip is the best way to get there – on your way you will see some beautiful houses and fountains. On the hilltop there is a green park. One of the most important local landmarks is the monument to Giuseppe Garibaldi

For the romantic persons I would recommend seeing the sunset from Circo Massimo (Circus Maximus), when the sun throws rays of light on the opposite Palatine.

Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Travel Destinations" article category.

People interested in the above article "The Ancient Modern Rome" are also interested in the related articles listed below:

The Indoor Water Park at Governor's Crossing Offers a Splashing Good Time

Wintertime in the Smokies looks just like a picture postcard with the beautiful combination of crisp, white snow and majestic mountains. During this time of year there’s a chill in the air and a number of exciting ways to enjoy the winter wonderland. Sometimes, though, freezing fingers and toes bring a longing for warmer weather and fun in the sun. Now you can break out your bathing suit and enjoy the best of summer in the middle of winter when you visit the indoor water park at The Resort at Governor’s Crossing. Located in Pigeon Forge, there are over 50,000 gallons of water that make up this aqua adventure including slides, water sports, hot tubs and saunas.

Blackwood Breakfast Variety Show in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

There's no better way to start your day in the Smokies! Every morning you can participate in a fun and exciting musical show complete with a home-cooked breakfast. The Smoky Mountains are famous for many things including beautiful scenery, fun theme parks, log cabins, home cooking and entertainment. When it comes to meals and entertainment, nobody provides a better combination than the Blackwood Family.

A Tourism Gem: Davao has it All for Visitors to this Fine City

Trying to find that perfect vacation hideaway for you and your family? Then come and tour and encounter Davao. Davao is a city that can capture the attention and curiosity of tourists. Its varied cultures and traditions as well as its mountains, hills, and valleys are a sight to behold. These lands are home to the waling-waling, the Philippine Eagle, and Mt. Apo, the country’s tallest peak. The harmony between its nearby provinces and the impact of its ethnic and cultural ties has made Davao the window of Mindanao.

Sydney Revisited

Even before the Sydney Olympics in 2000, the place was known to the world to be one of the most breath-taking and most beautiful cities. Taking aside the Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Bondi Beach, Sydney stands to be enchanting and in the top list of the most-visited sites in the globe. Read on to know more...

7 Strange Everest Facts

Everest, previously known just as Peak XV, was confirmed to be the highest mountain in the world in 1856. It was named after Sir George Everest (a previous Surveyor General of India) due to the fact that Tibet and Nepal were sealed off at the time, and so the local names couldn’t be discovered. From paraglider descents to weddings on the summit, Mount Everest certainly has some bizarre facts and stories associated with it. Learn more about seven of the strangest facts concerning the world’s highest mountain.

Europe Holiday by Car

Choosing to travel around Europe can appeal to tourists for many different reasons. Paris promises romance, Rome is brimming with ancient history, France tempts you with good food and wine and Germany has some spectacular scenery to offer.

5 Ideas for a Luxury Holiday to Egypt

If you’re looking for a theme for a luxury holiday to Egypt, you’ll be spoilt for choice. From spa resorts in Sharm El Sheikh to championship golf courses in Hurghada, diving in the Red Sea or cruising down the Nile, there are a huge variety of luxury experiences on offer - whatever your idea of a perfect luxury holiday is, it is likely you’ll find something to suit your tastes. Here are five ideas for a holiday in Egypt...