Visiting Rome, the essentials

I had the chance a few years ago to visit Rome. This city left me with a lot of memories. Its history and its monuments make it one of the essential cities for globetrotters. Rome, capital of Italy, has 2,7 million inhabitants. It is famous for its many ancient monuments like the Colosseum. I will therefore present to you the main things to see there.

Visiting Rome, the essentials

Trevi Fountain

What to see in Rome

Place de la République and Place Navonne

Rome is a very large city, rich in monuments and squares. Let's start our visit with the Republic Square. This square was built on the site of the Baths of Diocletian. Its fountain, the Naiades fountain, makes it special. Four women with sea animals and a sculpture of a man triumphing over nature.
Another square in Rome, one of the most famous in the city, Piazza Navona. Indeed this square is the largest square in the city, and one of the most beautiful. On it you can find the fountain of the Four Rivers by Gian Lorenzo Bernini or the church of Sainte-Agnès en Agone. This square was built on the ruins of the stadium of Domitian. It was elected, in 2005, the third most beautiful square in the world.



Visiting Rome, the essentials

Place Navone, Rome

Visiting Rome, the essentials

Republic Square

Place du Capitole and Place de la Minerve

Let's continue to visit Rome by heading to the square of the Capitol, another of Rome's magnificent squares designed by Michelangelo. This square is located on the hill of the capitol, it is reached by the Cordonata, a road connecting this square to the place of Aracoeli. This route has the particularity of being stepped.
Another place, the Piazza della Minerva, or Place de la Minerva. This square borders the Pantheon of Rome, there is also the Basilica of Minerva and the Church of Saint Mary.



The Roman Forum

Let's now go to the Roman Forum. The Roman Forum or Forum Magnum is located on the most important archaeological site in Rome, between the Capitoline Hills and the Palatine Hill. The forum was the most important place in ancient Rome. This is where weddings, religious ceremonies and gladiator fights were celebrated. This place can be compared to the Agora of Athens. To visit this site count a good half-day and good shoes. For easy access, I recommend the Colosseo Metro station.

Visiting Rome, the essentials

Roman Forum, Rome

Coliseum

Famous for its gladiator fights, the Coliseum and the emblematic monument of Rome. It is located near the Roman Forum, and will undoubtedly be part of your visit to the city. It was built in 70 AD and could hold up to 75 people at its maximum capacity. Currently under renovation, the Coliseum would cost the Italian state a small fortune. You can visit it, at the risk of being disappointed by the very damaged interior.

Visiting Rome, the essentials

Colosseum, Rome

Trevi Fountain

La Trevi Fountain is also one of the must-see places on your visit to Rome. Impressive fountain located in the very center of Rome, this fountain was built in the XNUMXth century. The tradition is that each person going to Rome stands with their back to the fountain and throws two coins into it. One with the left hand means that you will return to this city, and the other with the right hand means that the fountain fulfills your wish. This tradition is made by many tourists to such an extent that each year the city of Rome redistributes nearly one million euros to charities, directly from this fountain.



Visiting Rome, the essentials

Trevi Fountain, Rome

Palatine Hill and Circus Maximus

According to Roman mythology, it was on this hill, the Palatine Hill, that the city of Rome was founded. During its history it has seen the construction of many monuments, temples, imperial residences thanks to its central position in ancient Rome. The hill borders the Roman Forum to the north and the Circus Maximus to the south.
Le Circus Maximus or Maxime circus is a huge public area where chariot races took place. Located between the Palatine and the Aventine, it was the largest hippodrome in Rome.

And many others…

Since the aim here is not to present all the monuments of Rome to you, I have presented to you those which have marked me the most. Here is the list of other important monuments of Rome, which are also worth seeing. So you can go see the Caesar's Forum as well as the one d'Auguste. I also advise you to go and see the hadrian temple and the Montecitorio Palace.


Accommodation in Rome

Rome, like all big cities, has a very large hotel base. Prices are quite comparable to other major European capitals, ranging from 40 euros per night for the first prices, to several hundred euros.
Another solution available to you, guest rooms. This solution is more and more appreciated because you are in contact with the local inhabitants, but also the local food. On the price side, this is quite similar to a hotel.
To travel economically, you will always be able to opt for youth hostels. Very economical solution especially in groups. Breakfasts are often extra but this leaves you all the more freedom.


Getting around Rome

For your trip to Rome, the plane is, of course, the most reasonable way to reach the city, and perhaps even the most economical. Indeed you can find Paris-Rome flights from 39 euros on some sites (80 euros return). The trip from the airport to Rome train station will cost you 11 euros. You can always make the road by car, count between 15 to 20 hours of road. To get around Rome, the metro will be very useful, count 4 euros per day and per person.

Practical tips for visiting Rome

Don't wait

Little advice to visit Rome as pleasantly as possible. First of all, I advise you to bring a Roma Pass when you arrive. This will allow you to have unlimited bus and metro access for 3 days as well as free entry to the first 2 museums in Rome, discounts and a city map.

Visiting Rome, the essentials

Rome Pass

When to visit Rome?

If you are planning a trip to Rome, make no mistake about the period. As for the climate, Rome enjoys a rather pleasant climate. Admittedly, the summer is sometimes very hot, although bearable, and the winter is often mild. Average temperatures of 26 to 28 degrees in summer and between 8 and 10 in winter.
Another factor to take into account: Catholic holidays. Indeed Rome is the world capital of Catholicism. A few dates to avoid, therefore, because Rome is literally invaded by the faithful:
Epiphany (January 6), Easter (between March and April), Ascension and Pentecost (both in May), Assumption (August 15), All Saints Day (early November), and Christmas. That's a lot, but there are plenty of other weekends left to visit Rome in peace and above all at the best price.

In this article I did not speak to you about the Vatican, it is not an oversight, I devote an article to it. Visit the Vatican

Location

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