Ancient ruins come alive against a soundscape of Italian chatter and buzzing mopeds. The smell of fresh pizza dough cooking in stone ovens tantalizes every passer-by, while iconic landmarks seem to be on every street corner. Welcome to Rome.
Building an empire
The centre of Rome is a playground for historians. Gaze up at the feat of engineering that is the vast dome of the Pantheon. This almost 2,000-year-old temple-turned-church is one of Rome’s best preserved ancient monuments, giving you a taste of times gone by.
The Colosseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, towers over the heart of Rome. Built in 72 AD, this architectural marvel seated around 70,000 spectators of all classes to cheer on the bloody demise or proud victories of gladiators.
The tourist route around the Colosseum now takes you through the underground labyrinth of corridors and cages where live animals and fearless warriors once waited to step into the ring. In peak season, lines can be long so book tickets online in advance.
All walks of life rubbed shoulders at the Roman Forum. Wandering the remaining columns and walls gives you a sense of what was once the centre of life in 10 BC. Temples, government buildings and a vibrant marketplace stood at this site.
Crossing borders
Step into the world’s smallest country by visiting the Vatican City in the heart of Rome. But while it might be small in size, you could spend days in its museums alone.
As well as Papal relics and religious iconography, there are surprising treasures to be found in the endless vaulted chambers, including Egyptian mummies and priceless works of art.
Of course, the biggest draw is Michelangelo’s iconic fresco adorning the ceiling above the Sistine Chapel.
Eat like a local
Thin and crispy pizza is the traditional food of Rome. Tuck into simple, tasty pizza at Da Remo in the Testaccio area.
This is a typical neighbourhood pizzeria where the food is good, the crowds noisy and the waiters entertaining. For something a bit different La Gatta Mangiona serves fluffy, doughy pizzas embellished with rare ingredients and edible flowers.
In the heat of the city grab a cooling scoop of gelato. Head to Il Gelato Fantasia, which offers classic vanilla and chocolate, or black sesame with orange and bergamot flavours for more adventurous taste buds.
Take your ice cream for a walk just around the corner at Circo Massimo, the impressive ruins of Rome’s largest chariot stadium.
Enjoy a Roman retreat
Leave the hustle and bustle of the city for a few hours and head to idyllic Tivoli, 30km from Rome. This town in the hills of Lazio was the Papal holiday retreat.
Grand holiday villas were constructed amidst lavish gardens, while the stone arches and tendrils of greenery set above cascading waterfalls is the stuff of fantasy novels.
With a centre full of ancient Roman sites, museums and pizzerias, Rome certainly wasn’t built in a day and it takes more than a day to explore.
If you run out of time, don’t worry, just drop a coin into the Trevi fountain and legend says you will return to the city. Car rental in Rome gives you the key to make the most of your trip to the beguiling Eternal City.
