When in Rome and other Rome, Italy Things to Do Tips

Hanging with the Hunk Muffins

Hang with a Roman Hunk Muffin or two!

These guys are all over outside the colosseum. While some may advocate putting them in "tourist traps" or even "warnings or dangers", I think they are a must do for any tourist. They will hustle you, sure. Taking a picture of you with your own camera and then insisting you pay them for the privilege may seem like a hustle to some. Certainly, on my first trip to Rome I was ever vigilent for those people who I had been warned were going to try to take me for everything I had.

But, that said, my picture of my travel pal and I with these hunky gladiators may be the only souvenier I have from that trip. And I'm surely glad I have it!

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Address: Colosseum Area
Directions: I think these guys may be hanging around in other parts of Rome now too.

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Things To Do: Roman Insula

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Written by Callavetta

on Apr 20, 2004

Roman Insula

Next to the Victor Emmanuel Monument, on Via Del Teatro di Marcello, you will find these ruined apartment blocks, dating back to Imperial Rome. Looking rather like a comb of condos, it's amazing to see these ancient warrens.

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Campidoglio/Capitoline Hill: Piazza del Campidoglio

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Written by Callavetta

on Apr 20, 2004

Capitoline and Piazza Campidoglio

The famous piazza in the center of the Capitoline was designed by Michaelangelo. Climb the ramp stairway to the Capitoline, stopping to look back, over the city of Rome.

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Roman Forum: Il Foro - The Incredible Roman Forum

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Written by Callavetta

on Apr 20, 2004

The ancient Roman Forum

My single most incredible moment was walking behind the Capitoline and catching my first glimpse of the Roman Forum spread out in front of me. From that vantage point, I could see the entire forum with the Colosseum in the distance. It is such an amazing sight and I can't recommend strongly enough that this be your first look at the area.

In the past I have come into the Forum from the Colosseum end and the view is not nearly as dramatic.

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Santa Maria in Aracoeli: Santa Maria in Aracoeli

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Written by Callavetta

on Apr 20, 2004

The interior of Santa Maria in

Aracoeli

Before descending into the Forum, take a peek at Stant Maria in Aracoeli. There is a hard way to get into the Church and a "less hard way". (Either way, you gotta climb some stairs!) From Via del Teatro di Marcello, you can climb the 124 steep stairs to the front door of the stairs. Alternately, walk up the Cordonata, leading to the Capitoline, and catch your breath while you walk across the Campidoglio to the back of Palazzo Nuovo. There you will find a second set of stairs that take you to a side door of the church.

Considering the very stark facade of this 700 year old church, the interior is very very ornate. The 22 stone colonades are said to have been taken from various ancient buildings.

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Roman Forum: Walking in the Footsteps of the Caesars

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Written by Callavetta

on Apr 20, 2004

Santi Luca e Martina & the Arch

The Arch of Septimius Severus is one of the most complete structures at the west end of the Forum. Walking under this Arch was such a mindblowing experience for me. To think that I was following the footsteps of people 2000 years before me!

Santi Luca e Martina is next to the Arch and was built in 1635, replacing a midevil church.

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Roman Forum: Temple of Saturn

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Written by Callavetta

on Apr 20, 2004

Temple of Saturn

At the west end of the Forum, these 8 columns survive the ancient Temple of Saturn.

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Roman Forum: Detail on the Arch fo Septimius Severus

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Written by Callavetta

on Apr 20, 2004

Detail of engravings on the Arch

Walking through the forum is an extraordinary opportunity to get so close to the engravings, the details, and the antiquities. It felt amazing to be able to rest awhile on a piece of a column that was a couple of thousands of years old.

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Roman Forum: More Detail in the Roman Forum

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Written by Callavetta

on Apr 20, 2004

Detailed engravings

More engravings on ruins scattered about the forum.

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Roman Forum: Floral life in the Forum

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Written by Callavetta

on Apr 20, 2004

wisteria