"La Dolce Vita" a Rome Travel Page by tvor

The first time i was in Rome was March 1977. Our school sponsored trip was actually to France but we flew in and out of Rome and we had enough time for a night drive around Rome and a day tour before taking an overnight train to Paris. I threw the obligatory coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure a speedy return to Rome. It took 19 years.

On that first trip, we saw the main sights, including St. Peter's Basilica but the restoration of the Sistine Chapel ceiling was underway and it was not open. At least not to us. When i returned in 1996 the chapel was recently finished and we saw it! More on this in the Must See tips.

Rome is quite the city. It's loud and noisy, the traffic is unfathomably insane, there are modern (i.e. less than 300 years old) buildings built around bits of ancient ruins, and it's full of tourists. The historic element of Rome is everywhere you look. Athens might be the cradle of civilization (or was that Egypt) but Rome wasn't built in a day either. Rome was an empire touching the far reaches of the known world in it's day. It was a center for religious and political power (historically one and the same). It should be experienced once but many may find themselves turned off by the legendary city that attracts tourists like flies. I'm glad i have seen it but i have no desire to go again though if the opportunity arises, i'm sure i will go and enjoy it as well. It would be nice to spend more time there and get to know the city rather than just visit the top tourist spots.