What can I say about Rome? I so want to love it, but I just can't quite get there. I admire it and respect it but there is something that keeps me wanting to keep it at arm's distance. I picked up a book in my apt., left behind by a previous visitor and came upon this paragraph that eloquently describes my feelings:
"I had been to Rome several times before, and never much liked it. Italy is without a doubt one of my favorite countries in the world, perhaps my single favorite, but I've always found Rome grimy, congested, and despondent. Beautiful, yes --- Michaelangelo's Campidoglio, St. Peter's, the Villa Borghese, the Via Veneto, are all striking in different ways, ancient, luxuriant, opulent--- but overwhelming, threatening." - Joseph Finder, Extraordinary Powers
Whatever you say about Rome, it's a tale of many cities; the ancient, the modern, the Catholic, the poluted, the protected, the laid back, and the hectic..... There's a Rome there for everyone.
Rome is a city of monuments. Certainly Il Vittoriano, or the Victor Emmanuel Monument, takes the "cake". Ironically dubbed the "wedding cake" or "typewriter" (nicknames intended to be insulting) this edifice, completed in 1911 took 26 years to build.
- Pros:The incredible antiquities, the enormous monuments, the fabulous food.
- Cons:The frightening traffic, the sidewalk hawkers, the polution
- In a nutshell:Rome defies the nutshell. The energy, the history, the noise, the grime... it pours through every crack and cranny.
Reviews (28)
What Not to Wear
Local Customs
(1)
When I was a young girl, attending Catholic School, we were not allowed into the Church without our heads covered. A... more travel advice
When in Rome
Things to Do
(16)
Hang with a Roman Hunk Muffin or two! These guys are all over outside the colosseum. While some may advocate putting... more travel advice
School of Athens
Things to Do
(16)
This is one of my favorite paintings in the Vatican Museum. A study of the great philosophers, Rafael put the Masters of... more travel advice
The Pieta
Things to Do
(16)
No single work or art has ever affected me as much as Michaelangelo's Pieta. To me it is amazing that from a piece of... more travel advice
Callavetta's Related Pages
Rome Travel Guide
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- "R O M E"
- "To the Sources of my Culture and History."
- "Roma - Città Eterna"
- "Roma, una citta stupenda"
- "Rome : A Surpise Around Every Corner"
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Badges & Stats in Rome
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- 40 Forum posts
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Have you been to Rome?
Share Your TravelsLatest Activity in Rome
- Replied to leanneedwards's Travel Rome Forum Forum Question "Apartments"
- Commented on Tijavi's Rome Page
- Wrote a Review What Not to Wear about Signs, Signals & Superstitions in Rome Local Customs
- Uploaded a Photo to "What Not to Wear"
- updated a Rome Travel Page "When in Rome"
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Comments (29)
I like your Kleenex story!
Caro Cavalletta - See from ARoman what it took me time to learn. My beloved beseiged bella Roma - one either loves her or hates her - city of contradictions & extremes. Grazie, amica mia - Carol <(•¿•)>
Aroman knows whereof he speaks.
Hi Katherine! Hope to see Riome someday...will be in Milan though this Sept...but I want to wear what the Romak Hunk Muffins are wearing...you think I can rent those? Hehehe, greetings from Arizona, Norman
great page, terrific images of the forum area. i can't believe 2-3000 Euros ( not lire ) for buying knockoffs. Lest I forget, the wisteria and the forum is a world class image. And appreciate your smile for the etched in jello. N.
excellent page, can't believe i've not come across it before !
Hi,Katherine I also like Rome,Your Pagea is interst. Now I am making an album of Rome in my HP. I hope to see more of you.
I'll be in Hydra from 3rd July. In the mean time, Athens is sweltering in 45C+ temps! Too hot to go out and steam is coming up from the sea!:):)
Dear Katherine Thaks for dropping by my Rome pages - shouls have read yours earlier ! Check the link to see what I mean......! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Errr49tSFp8
Katherine, those are my feelings exactly. Maybe I'll need to go back a few times ...
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