Rome Things to Do Tips by ATLC

Domus Augustus/Colosseum/Palatine/Forum

You can walk through the Colosseum, Palatine hill and forum in even one morning. But then you won't really know what you're looking at. That's where you need a good guide (either in person, a history teacher perhaps, or a printed guide) to appreciate these places. Otherwise yes... you would think it's a pile of old stones.

Last October, I visited all 3 sites with my friend who is a Latin and Classics teacher. Once he started telling the stories, the whole place comes alive. It's so mindblowing how modern these Romans were 2000 years ago.

People all make a photo of themselves in the Colosseum on the same spot, which is quite funny.

The Palatine hill is where Emperor Augustus lived. There is MAJOR news about this.
Earlier this month, the house of August on Palatine hill opened to the public after some 40 years of restoration. I wouldn't be surprised if this will be a world heritage site before long, it is that unusual.
You'd be so lucky to be among the first to see this some 2 millennia after it was made.

You can google this or start by reading this article:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7286305.stm

San Clemente church Catacombs Review

This church is not what it seems. Because below the church there are catacombs. Rome is built in layers over the centuries and streetlevel today is much higher than it was before. This church is built upon another church. Which you would now consider catacombs. But wait, below that lower church is a Roman house!
This tip is about the newest church, dating from the 12th century A.D. You can find a load of information about it in the link below.
What struck me about the church is that it feels real. Not touristy. There is a wall painting of St. Paul with a square halo. This is very unusual. Usually these are round. But square means 'alive'.
On a practical note: on entering the courtyard in front of the church, there is a toilet on your right hand side. Might just come in handy!

Address: Via Labicana 96, Roma

Directions: Metrostop Colosseum, then a 10 minute walk east.

Website: http://www.basilicasanclemente.com