Rome: A Guide to the Eternal City
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Rome, Italy: Travel and Tours of the Eternal City
Few cities in the world evoke as much awe and wonder as Rome, Italy. Once the capital of the vast Roman Empire, the city of Rome is a sprawling, amazing collection of historical ruins, incredible artwork, glorious churches, beautiful people and delicious food. Rome is a city which will catch you by surprise, no matter how much you thought you knew about it or were prepared for her beauty before you arrived. Of course, Rome is so large, and full of so many attractions to see, that a visit to the city requires careful planning - and the knowledge that you will simply have to return in the future to see more of what you will have missed the first time.
Read on to learn more about the unique sites, scenes, tastes and adventures to be found in Rome, Italy, a city like no other place on Earth. Whether you will be on a tour of Rome for one day or staying in Rome for a week or more, you'll find information to make the most of your visit.
(Photo: The Roman Coliseum at night. This image, and all others in this article unless otherwise indicated, were taken by the author, sockii. Please do not use elsewhere without asking permission first.)
Read on to learn more about the unique sites, scenes, tastes and adventures to be found in Rome, Italy, a city like no other place on Earth. Whether you will be on a tour of Rome for one day or staying in Rome for a week or more, you'll find information to make the most of your visit.
(Photo: The Roman Coliseum at night. This image, and all others in this article unless otherwise indicated, were taken by the author, sockii. Please do not use elsewhere without asking permission first.)
Contents at a Glance
- Touring Rome, Italy: Plan and Be Prepare...
- Cheap Flights to Rome? Try Orbitz!
- The Latest Travel News from Rome, Italy
- Top Tourism Guides to Rome, Italy
- Dining Out in Rome, Italy
- Museums You Must Visit in Rome, Italy
- Sculpture in Rome, Italy
- The Best Rome Travel Links
- A Great Book to Read Before Your Tour of...
Touring Rome, Italy: Plan and Be Prepared
How to Make the Most of Your Rome Travel Experience
Rome can be intimidating, frustrating and challenging to the unprepared tourist. There are many scam artists out there on the city's streets, ready to con you out of your travel money - especially near top tourist destinations like the Colosseum. Some museums require advance ticket purchases, others are closed at odd hours and days of the week, and the same is true for many of Rome's historic churches. You need to make a definite itinerary before visiting Rome and be ready to face certain challenges. Check out my detailed 10 Travel Tips for Enjoying a Roman Vacation article and you'll be well on your way to enjoying a great visit to the city. Cheap Flights to Rome? Try Orbitz!
Find Flights to Rome Today
I always book my flights through Orbitz, where I can compare rates on different airlines and take advantage of the Orbitz airfare guaranty. See what kind of rates you can get on flights to Rome right now!
The Latest Travel News from Rome, Italy
Heading to Rome Soon? Don't Miss the Most Recent Headlines
- Divers in Italy report finding 4 more ship bodies
- Travel news, tips and your contributions. Email us: travelsmart@pbpost.com The Associated Press ROME ? Divers searching the capsized Costa Concordia cruise ship found four more bodies Wednesday, including that of a missing 5-year-old Italian girl, ...
- Italy steps up push to free marines held in India
- | ROME Feb 21 (Reuters) - An Italian government official set off for India on Tuesday and Rome announced that Foreign Minister Giulio Terzi would travel there next week as Italy stepped up efforts to free two Italian marines accused of killing two ...
- Italy, India Clash Over Ocean Shooting
- The standoff comes amid increasing concern among ship owners and Western governments about piracy, especially from Somalia-based operations, that has led many of them to travel with armed guards. Some countries, including Italy and France, ...
- Foden vows to put Italian nightmare behind him
- A hard-hearted sort would bracket the full-back Ben Foden with the outside-half Charlie Hodgson as England's leading scorer of the Six Nations to date, on account of the two "own tries" he donated to the Italians in Rome a dozen days ago.
Top Tourism Guides to Rome, Italy
Books You Shouldn't Leave for Rome Without
Although the internet is a great resource for learning out tourist destinations like Rome, there are still many reasons to purchase at least one or two travel books to take with you. Having a good pocket guide to museums, historical sites, and handy maps will make your life easier when you can't get internet service or don't want to pay high wifi fees! These are some of the best books on Rome to take with you on vacation.
Dining Out in Rome, Italy
Enjoying the Restaurants and Food of Rome
Because Rome is such a popular destination, it is easy to get suckered into eating less-than-stellar food in overpriced tourist traps throughout the city. But that would be a true shame as Rome has much to offer from a culinary perspective, if you know where to look for it. The city is well-known for its pasta, Jewish Italian cuisine, and creative uses of organ meats. For more information, check out my guides to Authentic Dishes to Enjoy in Rome and Dining Out in Italy. Your stomach will thank you for it! Museums You Must Visit in Rome, Italy
Top Destinations in Rome for Art and History
Rome is full of fantastic museums, palaces and historical collections of art, sculpture, and archaeological artifacts. These are some of the museums and galleries to put near the top of your itinerary list.
- Vatican Museums
- Line up early to get first entry into the Vatican Museums. Speed to the Sistine Chapel, but then take your time exploring the rest of their impressive collection of art and sculpture.
- Borghese Gallery
- Be sure to purchase tickets in advance to visit the Borghese Gallery, home to an incredible collection of art and sculpture including great works by Caravaggio, Titian and Bernini.
- National Museum of Rome
- The National Museum contains some of the most amazing archaeological artifacts and exhibits in the world. Marvel at ancient sculpture, jewelry, mosaic artwork and coin collections.
- National Gallery of Modern Art
- Rome is also home to an impressive modern art museum. Visit and see important works by artists including De Chirico, Guttuso, Kandisky and Cézanne.
- Giorgio and Isa de Chirico Foundation Museum
- For lovers of surrealist art, the home of Giorgio de Chirico is a must-visit when in Rome. See his studio and home preserved just as it appeared when he died, with many original works of art on display (advance reservations required.)
- Villa Farnesina
- Art lovers should be sure to visit this 16th century villa built for Agostino Chigi. Decorated with frescoes by Raphael, Baldassare Peruzzi and Sebastiano del Piombo it is a stunning work of art, and home to a unique "perspective room" sure to delight if you can discover its secret.
Sculpture in Rome, Italy
Important Works of Sculptural Art Worth Seeing
Rome is an amazing city for experiencing truly incredible sculptural art. Even if you have never really appreciated sculpture as an art form, you will be amazed by the work you see on display in this city's various museums, churches and public piazzas. Be sure to check out my guide to 10 Sculptures You Must See In Rome, Italy for a list of some of the most important works on display in Rome. The Best Rome Travel Links
Tour Rome Prepared with the Best Information
Get the most out of your Roman holiday by exploring the resources and information available at these sites. They will help you find the best deals and city tours, as well as information on how to see Rome as the Romans themselves do.
- Roma Pass
- Save money and skip wasting time in lines getting in to some of Rome's most popular attractions. Buy a Roma Pass in advance and get included admission to two included museums, reduced admission to others, and free use of the city's public transportation for a limited number of days.
- rome.info
- This great web hub will get you information on everything you need to know to maximize your visit to Rome.
A Great Book to Read Before Your Tour of Rome, Italy
Four Seasons in Rome: On Twins, Insomnia, and the Biggest Funeral in the History of the World
Amazon Price: $0.01 (as of 02/23/2012)
This non-fiction book is an easy read which will give you a flavor and taste of Rome before visiting the city. The author spent a year in Rome, experiencing the city through all four seasons and while raising newborn children. It's also a fun read AFTER you visit Rome, as you will be familiar with the streets, sights, areas and way of life in the city.
More Books About Rome and Tourist Guides to the City
Further Recommended Reading Materials
Top 10 Rome (Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guides) by Reid Bramblett, Jeffrey Kennedy
DK Eyewitness Top 10 Guides make any destination accessible more...0 points
Lonely Planet Rome (City Travel Guide) by Duncan Garwood, Abigail Hole
Lonely Planet RomePeer through a keyhole for perfectly more...0 points
Rome with Kids: an insider's guide by J.M. Pasquesi
Scrambling around ruins; exploring underground excavations; more...0 points
Fodor's Rome, 8th Edition: with the Best City Walks and Scenic Day Trips (Full-color Travel Guide) by Fodor's
Fodor's RomePlan your Perfect TripFull-color guide more...0 points
Food Wine Rome (Terroir Guides) by David Downie
Food Wine Rome is a tightly focused guidebook and traveler's more...0 points
Rome (City Travel Guide) by Duncan Garwood, Abigail Hole
"Walk around Rome and without even trying, you'll more...0 points
Time Out Rome (Time Out Guides)
Written by local experts, Time Out Rome provides extensive more...0 points
Let's Go Rome, Venice & Florence: The Student Travel Guide by Inc. Harvard Student Agencies
Welcome to Italy, the laid-back land of Roman majesty, more...0 points
Frommer's Rome Day by Day (Frommer's Day by Day - Pocket) by Sylvie Hogg
These attractively priced, four-color guides offer more...0 points
Rome Sights 2012: a travel guide to the top 50 attractions in Rome, Italy. Includes three walking tours. (Mobi Sights) by MobileReference
This illustrated Travel Guide is a part of the Mob more...0 points
The Secrets of Rome: Love and Death in the Eternal City by Corrado Augias
From Italy's popular author Corrado Augias comes t more...0 points
Rome For Dummies by Bruce Murphy, Alessandra de Rosa
The history of the Eternal City is permanently recorded more...0 points
Café Life Rome: A Guidebook to the Cafés and Bars of the Eternal City by Joe Wolff, Roger Paperno
The cafe is indisputably central to Roman life. Ca more...0 points
The Rough Guide to Rome (Rough Guide. Rome) by Martin Dunford
"The Rough Guide to Rome" is the ultimat more...0 points
A Catholic's Guide to Rome: Discovering the Soul of the Eternal City by Frank J. Korn
Internationally recognized expert and veteran of fifty more...0 points
The Smiles of Rome: A Literary Companion for Readers and Travelers
Take a Roman holiday with some of the world's greatest more...0 points
Travel Rome, Italy 2012 - Illustrated Guide, Phrasebook & Maps. Includes three walking tours (Mobi Travel) by MobileReference
This illustrated Travel Guide is designed for opti more...0 points
The Churches of Rome, Italy
Seeing Rome's Religious Sites Beyond The Vatican
Everywhere you turn in Rome, you will be confronted by stunning churches, both large and small. Go on and step inside, whether you are religious or not. These churches are worth visiting for their beautiful architecture and artwork, from stunning ceiling frescoes to elaborate marble tombs. Important religious artifacts can be found in many of Rome's churches, and they provide an important perspective on life in Rome, particularly during Renaissance times.Keep in mind, please, that there are certain rules of courtesy and etiquette to follow when visiting historic churches. Dress modestly and be mindful of those who are there to worship, not just to sight-see. Sant'Ignazio and San Pietro in Vincoli are just two of Rome's churches worth a visit.
News about Vatican City
The Captical of the Catholic World
- Timothy Cardinal Dolan receives red hat in Vatican City
- New York's Timothy Dolan was elevated to cardinal inside St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Timothy Cardinal Dolan was elevated by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome Saturday. ROME ? Timothy Cardinal Dolan is bringing New York a gift back from Rome ? his ...
- Cardinal Dolan back in NYC for Ash Wednesday
- VATICAN CITY -- Newly elevated Cardinal Timothy Dolan said Wednesday that his new status was unimportant compared to the plight of poverty-stricken New Yorkers. "The fact that I'm wearing red amounts to a hill of beans," Dolan said as he distributed ...
- Catholic Church needs "creative strategy": NY's Dolan
- By Philip Pullella | VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - The Roman Catholic Church needs a "creative strategy" to bring religion back in nations that were once a bedrock of faith, New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan said in a major address at the Vatican Friday, ...
- Leaked Vatican documents stir controversy
- By Andrea Anderson In this picture made available by the Vatican newspaper Osservatore Romano, an unidentified Cardinal puts ash on Pope Benedict XVI's head during the celebration of Ash Wednesday mass at the Basilica of Santa Sabina, in Rome, ...
The Protestant Cemetary and Pyramid Cat Sanctuary of Rome, Italy
A Unique Tourist Destination Off the Beaten Path
Do you need some quiet, peaceful time when exhausted by the tourist crowds in Rome? Spend a reflective afternoon in the tranquil beauty of Rome's Protestant Cemetery, located in Rome's Testaccio district. Beautiful grounds await visitors here, where several notables are buried including poets Percy Bysshe Shelley and John Keats.Visiting the cemetery is also a must for cat lovers as the grounds are the home to the Pyramid Cat Colony. Cats have come to the Cemetery and nearby Cestia Pyramid for shelter since around 1850, and today the colony of nearly 80 cats survives on volunteer care and donations from visitors.
Check out this slideshow for pictures of some of the cat colony residents in their serene abode!
Recommended movies to watch before visiting Rome
Get a taste for the city by checking out some of these classic and recent releases before your trip.
Is a Holiday in Rome in Your Future Plans?
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Christmastime in Rome
What's in the News This Holiday Season in Rome?
- 'A Funny Thing' ridicules ancient Rome in Titusville
- Equity actor Patrick Ryan Sullivan performs in and directs the Stephen Sondheim musical, which stars fellow Equity actor Steven Heron as Pseudolus in the slapstick comedy set in ancient Rome. Both proclaim the show will have a lot of leg and a lot of ...
- Irish wary of bullish Italians
- The Azzurri slipped to a narrow 19-15 defeat to England in their last outing after surrendering a strong position but O'Connell believes the will still take confidence from that showing in Rome. "Italy's belief and confidence will have grown after ...
- WWII Veterans Reconnect After Nearly 70 Years
- He would mention North Africa, Italy and France, but he had never volunteered any details and I felt that my questions weren't particularly welcome. But during a pre-Christmas visit this past December to the 92-year old and his family at their Green ...
- Marian Bradley, traveler, storyteller 'firecracker' dies at 89
- She knew about the Bradleys in Ireland and her mother's family in Italy. She could tell family stories that kept listeners enthralled - at great length. "She would get you listening after the first two sentences and have you laughing after five," said ...
Photo Credits for "Rome: A Guide to the Eternal City"
All photographs on this webpage were taken by myself during an October 2009 visit to Rome. For more photos from my Roman vacation - over 1,000 of them - check out my Rome Flickr photoset. Please do not use these images elsewhere without asking my permission first. Thank you! When in Rome...?
Please let me know if this guide has been helpful to you in planning a trip to Rome - or remembering one you've already enjoyed!
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PoorPinoy
Mar 12, 2011 @ 5:41 pm | delete
- very detailed of Rome. Hope i can go to Rome and see all the places..
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sockii
Mar 13, 2011 @ 11:27 am | delete
- Thank you and I'm glad you enjoyed it! I'm working on my guide to Venice now :) I love Italy...
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by sockii
sockii
I'm a self-proclaimed Jane of All Trades who has written for numerous sites on-line including the Yahoo!Contributor Network, Demand Studios and Suite101.... more »
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Rome on DVD
Get a Taste for Ancient Rome
Rome: The Complete Series
Amazon Price: $58.50 (as of 02/23/2012)
Prepare yourself for a visit to Rome with this wonderful series on life in Ancient Rome. Engrossing, beautifully filmed and acted, "Rome" is a true visual treat. Watch this series first and then step foot into the ruins of the Roman Forum and picture emperors, senators, slaves and gladiators walking those very same paths in the past.
Knopf Guide to Rome
A Great Tourist Guide
Knopf Guide: Rome (Knopf Guides)
Amazon Price: $16.52 (as of 02/23/2012)
For lovers of art, culture and history, the Knopf Guides are some of the finest you can buy before a visit to any great world destination. Their guide to Rome is no exception, full of detail and full color illustrations.
