All about Rome

Plenty if you ask us! Rome is one of the great European cities you have to see at least once in your life. Chances are, if you love it just as much as we do, you'll go back (especially if you tossed a coin into the Trevi fountain!).

Make sure you do your research to get the most out of your Rome adventure. This lens will take you through the basics and hopefully whet your appetite for more.

One thing you should really plan ahead is you Rome accommodation as many places will be booked month in advance.

For more travel information Rome, visit our website and read our Rome City Guide.

Rome has so many places of interest for all kinds of visitors. History buffs, art lovers, fashionistas and budding archeaologists will be in their element here.

Heres our top pick of the best sights in Rome that should top your "must see" list!

Rome's Colosseum stadium is undoubtedly one of Italy's most popular attractions. Some can't see past the ruins, but those with an imagination will surely appreciate the fact that such a mighty construction build as early as 72AD is still standing today! To view the Colosseum in person is an unforgettable experience.

Did you know?

> It could seat more than 50,000 spectators.

> The bloodiest games held in the Colosseum lasted for 117 days and saw the death of 9,000 gladiators and 5,000 animals.

> After being abandoned at the fall of the Roman empire, many exotic plants grew inside the protected structure, transported there in the dropping of the animals which were brought there to fight!

> After being damaged by many earthquakes over the years, stones from the Colosseum were used in the construction of other buildings such as the Palazzo Venezia, also in Rome.

If you could only see one example of Roman architecture in your lifetime, make sure it's the Pantheon. It was once a temple dedicated to the gods of Ancient Rome, but later in 609AD it was consecrated as a place of worship for the Christian faith. Today it remains a functioning Roman Catholic church.

Until the 20th Century, it was the largest concrete structure in the world and it's elaborate dome was the inspiration for Michelangelo's St Peters Basilica.

The Pantheon is open Monday to Saturday from 8:30- 7:30pm and Sunday 9am- 6pm, but closed on Christmas and New Years Day, and May 1st. It's free to visit.

Michelangelo's famous vault ceiling is a must-see when in Rome.

The ceiling was last restored between 1984 and 1994. It took a painstaking ten years to complete, when it took Michelangelo 8 years to pain it in the first place!

The reason it took so long was to ensure the restoration artists replicated the brushstroke and style of the work as closely to Michelangelo's original.

Many people don't realize that the original painting was so brightly coloured when it was first complete. Many photographs from history show the colours more pale and pastel- having faded over time.

The truth is that Michelangelo deliberately used bright colours so his work could easily be seen from the floor below.

Piazza San Pietro serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose at the entrance to Vatican City. With a capacity of 300, 000 it accommodates the predictably large crowds who come to hear the weekly papal address on Wednesday mornings.

The 13th Century Obelish in the centre of the square was a gift from Emperor Caligula from the Egyptian people. n the centre of the square is a red granite obelisk of 25.5 meters in height, dating back to the 13th Century. It was brought to Rome from Egypt as a gift by Emperor Caligula. It was originally erected on the south side of the Basilica but later moved to it's existing site in 1586.

On either side of the square are two sets of colonnades face each other, in a symbolic 'embrace' to visitors to the city. On top of each colonnaded are sculptured statues of 96 Saints and Martyrs.

This magnificent fountain was built during the Baroque period and stands at 25.9 meters high and 19.8 meters wide.

Ornately decorated, the fountain depicts the legend of Neptune, the god of the sea. He rides in a shell-shaped chariot, driven by two horses. One horse is wild and thrashes violently out of control, the other is calm, representing the shifting moods of the sea itself.

The relief above the statues depicts the legend of Agrippa, who saved the Roman army from death by leading them to a natural spring after battle where they could rest and recover.

Tossing a coin into the fountain is said to bring good luck and ensure that you will return one day to Rome.

Rome is a shoppers dream! Designer outlets, flea markets, department stores, everything and anything you wish to buy, you can! These are our favorite shopping spots in Rome, not to be missed!

PIAZZA NAVONA

Aan art lovers oasis. This gorgeos piazza is encircled by a range of art galleries and antique shops. Not many bargains to be had here but if you are a true antique lover you're sure to come accross a few gems in this area. Also worth a look is the cinema shop on Via del Governo. Movie buffs and collector will love browsing amongst movie memorabilia of Italy.

PIAZZA DI SPAGNA

One of the most fashionable streets in Italy and a great shopping destination. Designer boutiques including Armani, Verace, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana are all here. You used to hae to pay just to get through the door, but thankfully, entry to these exclusive stores is free nowdays and well orth a squiz, even if you're only window shopping!

VIALE MARCONI AND PORTA PORTESE

Not exactly a central location but well worth the fifteen minute tram ride to reach Viale Marconi and Porta Portese. This is the place to head if youre a lover of sale time! During the first week of July right up until the end of August, the summer sales will be in full swing.

The Porta Portese is a fantastic flea maket which takes place every sunday from 8am onwards. Most shops will start packing up at around 2pm so make sure to get there in the morning!

VIA DEL CORSO

This pedertrian strip will be buzzing at any time of the day. Popular with both tourists nd locals theres always something to see and plenty to buy! Famous novelty stores like the Ferrari flagship store, the Messaggerie Musicali records and Swarowvski Crysal stores can all be found here.

Don't just "see" Rome, EXPERIENCE it!

It's not all about art and history. When you feel like you've seen one too many ruins, take a break and check out our suggestions for the top experiences you can enjoy in Rome. No history lessons required- we promise!

The humble cup of coffee is an Italian favorite, and the locals have made enjoying a steaming cup of caffine goodness a real art form. Make sure you sample a real espresso in Rome.

So many variables have to be controlled to achieve the perfect cup of coffee: You need, as a bare minimum: fresh beans, a good blend variety, evenly pressed, clean and well maintained machine. The temperature and mineral makeup of the water used to make coffee can also alter the taste.

Did you know?

ESPRESSO is NOT spelt with an X!

People who say "expresso" are falling victim to a cheesy marketing campaign thanks to corporate giants McDonalds who dubbed their perculated (not espresso) coffee "Expresso". Its ESPRESSO!!

Barista is the Italian word for bartender

And does not apply only to expert coffeemakers!

Coffee aint coffee!

Espresso is a thicker, more emulsified consistency that is different to drip coffee.

the first thing you're likely to notice in Rome is all the noise from the thousands of scooters buzzing along the roads!

A cheaper and quicker transport solution compared to a car, the relative ease in finding a parking spot, not to mention the thrill of the wind in your hair are some of the reasons scooter riding has become so popular in Rome.

You don't have to be a local to experience the thrill of riding a scooter. There are plenty of companies which rent scooters to tourists, and those that even organize guided tours and riding lessons.

There are many different types of accommodation in Rome for you to choose from.

One very important thing to consider when making your choice is how your Rome accommodation will enhance your experience of the city. or even if it will at all....

Location, cost, atmosphere, value for money, comfort and convenience are all things you should consider when doing your research.

The option we recommend that will fulfill all of the above, is that you look for holiday apartment in Rome.

Renting an apartment will give you privacy, independence and allow you to connect with the community around you. You can save money if you book as a group, and you'll be much more comfortable in private surroundings, your very own, home away from home.

Would you rather have a room to yourself in a noisy hotel located in the city centre? Or would you prefer something more laid back, and have the option to cook a meal to share with your travel companions?

Rent a rome apartment and experience the positive difference it will make to your stay.

Central Rome Apartment

A spacious and beautifully presented apartment for seven guests with private lift access and high speed ADSL WIF, Angels House is located in the very city centre of Rome, opposite the Angel Bridge, which leads directly across the Tiber River to St. Angel's Castle.

Family apartment in Rome San Lorenzo District

A charming one bedroom apartment for five guests, this rustic country style apartment is located close to Termini train station, offering the perfect balance between a central location and a quiet neighborhood.

Rome holiday apartment Close To Vatican City!

Alexandra House is a spacious 3 bedroom apartment for six guests, located just a few blocks to Vatican City and close to the Metro train network. The ideal apartment for those that want to explore rome by foot.

Do as the Italians do! Enjoy your holiday in Rome in style!

The Angels House is one of our luxury apartments Rome located right in the city centre near the glorious St Angels Castle!

If you would like to travel to Rome, let Get Ready Rentals help you take care of your accommodation in Rome.

The short term holiday apartment rental experts, we also offer great travel Rome advice and information on our Rome City Guide.

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