Magnificent city living the dolce vita (Rome)

Member Name: iallan

Product:	Rome
Date:	23/10/09 (87 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: so many things to see & do; great food and wine.

Disadvantages: none

Rome is a very european city that inspires great enthusiasm, its breathtaking beauty is steeped in history with a surprise around every corner. The city's glorious and often decadent past has shaped modern day Rome with it's magnificent architecture, outstanding cuisine and dolce vita.

The hard part of a trip to Rome is fitting it all in with so many sights to see and restaurants to dine in!

Some fo the top sightseeing opportunities include:

Vatican City & Sistine Chapel - A city within a city the vatican is residence to the Pope and the heart of the catholic church. Its many historic buildings and sites include the impressive St Peter's Square, the Basilica of St Peter, the Sistine Chapel where the world famous Michelangelo's fresco is painted on the ceiling and the many Vatican museums. You also have the chance to post a letter from the Vatican Post office and see the Swiss Guards on security detail. Irrespective of your religion this is an impressive and interesting place to visit.

Pantheon - a domed temple built by Hadrian it is one of the best preserved remains of ancient Rome. well worth a visit - also make the time to sit in one of the cafe's outside to soak up the atmosphere and if you like Roman ice cream and who doesn't one of the best ice cream gelateria's in Rome is at the side of the Pantheon called Cremeria Monforte the chocolate orange is particularly tasty.

Trevi Fountain - made famous in the the film La Dolce Vita when Anita Ekberg cooled off in the fountain. It is very impressive but also very busy never a quite moment to be had there.

Colosseum - one of the most famous sites in Rome and built in AD 72 it hosted gory battles between gladiators and slaves, prisoners and animals. Large areas are open to the public and it is an impressive if not slightly disturbing site to think what went in there.

Spanish Steps - this is the most Italian of sites the Spanish steps main function seems to be a viewing gallery for some of the best people watching as well as being a great seat and one of the most photographed sites.

Villa Borghese & Gardens - if you want to escape the city buz and buzz take a walk though the Villa Borghese Gardens you will find it hard to believe you are in the middle of a city and will walk past many roman ruins along the way. Take a walk to the balcony overlooking the Piazza del Popolo for some magnificent views of the city.

Romans are serious about their food and we found eating out to be a fabulous experience with everything from inexpensive pizza made in a woodfired brick oven to some pretty spectacular restaurants with the best Italian food ever. Try the cacio e pepe pasta a roman speciality of cheese and black pepper pasta - yum.

Second to food for Rome is the shopping with all the best designers having stores in the cities as well as a host of unique boutiques. One shop near the Spanish steps and famous is Sermoneta Gloves - all they sell is gloves but boy do they sell fabulous gloves, this is where all the celebs come for their gloves and it is worth buying a pair of beautiful leather gloves in all colours and styles!

Rome is a wonderful city that impacts on you at first sight you almost expect to see Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in Romand Holiday round each corner. Definitely worth a long weekend visit and if you have the time make it a week i guarantee you will not be bored although you may gain a few pounds in weight thannks to the great food. Enjoy.

Thanks for reading.

Piazza Navona - this is possibly on of the nicest piazza's in rome with several fountains decorating it and cafes surrounding it, a great people watching place. Take the time to explore the backstreets surrounding the Piazza Navona and find the real Rome.

Summary: Fabulous city to visit.