Tips 1 - 10 of 11 Rome Things to Do
|
|
 |
Pantheon: Perfect Architecture
|
Tip Rating:   |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
I had always heard that the Pantheon was perfect. After seeing it, I must agree.
I was overwhelmed with its simple beauty. It is supposedly Rome's best preserved monument of antiquity, probably because it was transformed from a temple that honored all the Roman Gods of Mythology into a Christian church, honoring one God.
While viewing the Pantheon, I learned that the building is 142 feet wide and 142 feet tall. Once, the empty spots surrounding the portico contained statues of Roman gods, and animals were actually sacrificed in the center beneath the dome.
The coffered dome has an 18-foot hole called an "oculus" in the middle where light streams in. This is the dome that inspired Michelangelo's St. Peter's dome.
Marcus Agrippa built the Pantheon, but Hadrian later rebuilt it as a temple for all the gods. Most books refer to it as "an architectural marvel", and I agree.
It's open: Mon-Sat 9a.m.-6:30p.m.
Sun 9a.m.-1p.m.
Believe it or not, admission is FREE!
Even if you usually dislike tourist places, the Pantheon is really a must see.
Leave a Comment
Phone: 06-6830-0230
Address: Piazza della Rotonda
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Visiting Rome? Read reviews about Rome Hotels Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
|
|
|
Pantheon: The Pantheon, Part II
|
Tip Rating: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inside the Pantheon, you will note that sixteen monolithic granite columns support the portico. At one time, the ceiling of this portico was covered with bronze, which weighed about 450 pounds, but it was removed by order of a ruler in the middle 1600s. Then, Bernini used that brass for the high altar at St. Peter's. However, the bronze doors are original.
The interior measures the same in diameter and height. They had the oculus so that prayers could ascend to heaven. I found it so serene, and I think that is because of its simplicity. Don't get me wrong; there is a difference between simplicity and being simple. The Pantheon is anything but simple. The finest materials were used in perfect proportion, which adds up to perfection.
Before it was a church, when multiple gods were worshipped, statues of gods and heroes were in the seven niches which surround the portico. There are still antique yellow marble columns that are original, and they remind us of the original splendor.
There are many sovereigns and artists buried here. One of the most well known is Raphael, a popular artist. Another famous person is Victor Emanuel II.
Take some time to really look at everything and soak in the perfection, the beauty, the simple elegance of this masterpiece of architecture.
There are plenty of narrow streets around the Pantheon with a mixture of restaurants, cafes, and financial/political buildings, so try eating nearby. We ate outside facing the Pantheon one lovely afternoon. It's certainly a great place to people watch.
Leave a Comment
Phone: 06-6830=0230
Address: Piazza della Rotonda
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Colosseum: Flavian Amphitheatre: the Colosseum
|
Tip Rating: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
At the end of the Via dei Fori Imperiali, you will find The Colosseum, the symbol of the city of Rome. It's real name is Flavian Amphitheatre;however, it's always called the Colosseum.
On my first visit to Rome, I was very excited about seeing the Colosseum. As we walked closer to its location, and we actually saw it, I was somewhat disappointed. It was not nearly as large as I had imagined. The tourist gimmicks bothered me with such things as the fake guards dressed in period costume charging a good deal of money to have a picture taken with them and the hawkers trying to sell their tacky trinkets.
But then, I shook myself and realized that this might be my only time to view such an historical place. Once I focused on the positive, I discovered fascinating details.
I discovered that the Ludi Circenses were the favorite shows of the Romans (games that were invented in the last days of the Republic to develop a war-like spirit which had made them the conquerors of the world.)
Thus, the professional gladiators came into being, and they were trained to fight to the death. As time moved on, the kinds of animals the gladiators had to fight became more and more wild. It is said that "9000 wild animals were killed during the hundred days of festivity to celebrate the dedication of the Colosseum."
The area was also used to stage naval battles. In order to accomplish this, they would flood the arena!
Constantine and his successors did try to stop the gladiatorial fights but to no avail. The Romans would not give up their favorite form of entertainment. They changed the fights to an animal hunt about the 6th century.
I can just imagine how marvelous this amphitheatre was in its glory days. We are all lucky that at least some of this historical structure has endured and is still the pride of Rome and a must see for visitors to marvel at.
Leave a Comment
Directions: At the end of the Via dei Fori Imperiali
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Colosseum: The Underbelly of the Colosseum
|
Tip Rating: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
I took this photograph while touring the Colosseum. It shows the underbelly of the Colosseum where the animals were kept (the ones who fought with the Gladiators).
Back then, there was a moveable wooden floor that was covered in sand to soak up the blood! This subterranean area hid the animals and the mechanical lifts. Also, a net encircled the area so that the wild animals could not escape.
There were two gates at the Colosseum: one gate was for the victors, and it was called the Gate of Life. The other gate was for the losers, and it was called the Gate of Death. How morbid.
Although anyone could view the combat in the Colosseum, the seating arrangements were by social class and power.
Of course, the poor people sat on the wooden seats at the top; whereas, the emperor and other politicians sat on the podium, which was on the lowest level.
I've often read and also heard a tour guide say that there is an 8th Century Prophecy that said, "While the Colosseum stands, Rome shall stand; when the Colosseum falls, Rome shall fall; when Rome falls, the world shall fall."
One guide that I heard talking to a tour group told them, "This quote was truly believed, so the often- neglected and plundered Colosseum was finally restored." From the looks on the tour member's faces, they were amazed, as was I.
Don't get the idea that the Colosseum is exactly the way it used to be. From what was left, they restored that part. I visited the last time in 1999, and I've been told that it has been restored even more since then.
Leave a Comment
Address: At the end of the Via dei Fori Imperiali
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For many , the 1st thing they think of when Rome is mentioned is the sumptuous Trevi Fountain They only know of it from movies seen or books read.
They have probably heard the legend that whoever drinks the water or throws a coin into the fountain, that person will, no doubt, return to Rome.
What they might not know is that Agrippa brought the water for this fountain, which is Virgin Water, to Rome by means of an aqueduct. It is thought that soldiers of Agrippa were looking for water in the country, & they met a maiden who showed them the source of this pure water (hence, it is called Virgin Water.)
On the right side of the Fountain is a bas-relief that represents this story. Now, the bas-relief on the left shows Agrippa explaining to Augustus his plan to bring this pure water to Rome.
n 1991, Trevi Fountain went through a complete restoration & supposedly has been brought back to its original splendor.
I did not know until I saw it that the fountain is really a facade of a large palace that is decorated with bas-reliefs on heaps of rocks with statues scattered about as water rushes & gushes from almost every part of this facade.
I love the figures on this fountain such as the Roman God, Neptune & his Seahorses. The Trevi Fountain supposedly represents the two sides of the sea: Serene & Tumultuous.
On the lower level of the fountain, a young girl can be seen, and her name is Trivia. Most historians think that the Fountain was probably named after her; thus, The Trevi Fountain.
This fountain is very difficult to photograph unless you have a widescreen lens. That is why my photo is only a portion of the entire fountain. Another problem is the crowds of people who are also trying to take photographs.
Allan & I made sure that we saw this famous fountain both in the sunlight & the moonlight.
By the way, it's way more romantic &much less crowded by moonlight!
Leave a Comment
Directions: It is located to the right of the famous street called Via del Corso and in the Via delle Muratte.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Visiting Rome? Read reviews about Rome Hotels Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are two buildings (palaces) facing each other with a courtyard between them. These are now the Capitoline Museums. These buildings were designed by Michelangelo. One is called Palazzo Nuovo, and it contains many Greek and Roman statues. I loved this section because of the knowledge I possess from teaching Greek and Roman mythology for 30 years.
In addition, there were mosaics, needlepoint wall hangings, and The Hall of the Philosophers (these are really Roman copies of Greek politicians, poets, and scientists.) I liked the Bust of Saturn. These busts came from the private homes of wealthy Romans. My favorite statue is a copy of a Greek work of the third century BC called "Dying Galatian" or Dying Gual. The photograph on this page is of that statue. It is difficult to take pictures inside, especially with the people viewing so closely.
The second museum across the large courtyard is call Palazzo dei Conservatori. There are more sculptures here, but also fine paintings. The paintings are kept on the second floor. My personal favorite is called "The Rape of the Sabine Women" It is by Pietro da Cortona, and if studied closely, it is frightening, but all the literature states that he made the mass kidnapping (which is what "rape" meant then) seem not so horrid.
My favorite sculpture is Esquiline Venus. When you see it, you will recognize it as quite famous.
You could spend so much time in these two museums because they are filled with some of the most famous (you'll recognize them from history and mythology books) pieces of art in the world.
There are grand gigantic statues outside the museums that you will have an opportunity to peruse before you enter.
Open at these times:
9am-1:30 on Tue-Sat
9-1 on Sun
Mondays closed
LAST SUN. OF MONTH FREE!
Leave a Comment
Phone: 06-67-10 20 71
Address: Piazza del Campidoglio
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hadrian's Mausoleum was the biggest, most magnificent tomb Rome had ever seen. We cannot tell today what it looked like, but a Byzantine historian of the 6th century did leave a description. From the description, most historians feel that only the Colosseum surpassed it in splendor.
Where that Mausoleum stood, the St. Angel's Castle stands today. It's quite ironic that this castle has angel in its name because it is steeped in lots of bloodshed.
Samples of the bloodshed are the murder of a cardinal, and Pope Clement VII was locked in this fort (a prison really) and watched [through the windows] the awful Sack of Rome by the Constable of Bourbon.
The castle is quite interesting to visit. The photograph shows rock cannonballs stacked in the courtyard.These cannonballs are extremely heavy, and I have a wild imagination so I can just picture the damage one of them could do!
You are able to walk to the top of this circular castle; the views of Rome are excellent. (It's also a great place to photograph the Sant'Angelo Bridge which you just crossed in order to reach here. You can find literature on the history of the castle in the gift shop.
Anyone who is interested in history and architecture, will certainly enjoy touring Sant' Angelo Castle.
Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
After spending time in the Basilica of St. Peter, Allan and I stepped out into the sunshine and heard the most beautiful music. We followed the sound and were suddenly surrounded by quite a crowd of people.
Unbeknown to us, the Pope was speaking that day in the Piazza San Pietro.
We kept inching closer to the platform where he was standing. We took so many photographs, but could not get close enough to take a really good picture.
The one I've chosen gives an idea of the size of the crowd and the beauty of Piazza San Pietro.
Note: The photo is Panoramic so CLICK to see the entire spectacle.
St. Peter's Square was designed by Bernini. The the very center is an obelisk by Domenico Fontana.
The two fountains on the right and left certainly harmonize well with the obelisk in this vast square. Bernini also designed the 140 statues of saints that adorn the top of the two large wings that open like half circles from the church.
It's an incredible sight, especially when the Pope is giving his blessings to the massive crowds as on the day we "stumbled" upon his presence.
Hearing him speak was a spiritual event. He spoke in five different languages and blessed all of us, our families and friends.
How lucky could we be.
Being naive sometimes pays off.
Leave a Comment
Address: Piazza San Pietro
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Piazza Navona: The Beautiful Oval Shaped Piazza Navona
|
Tip Rating: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
My very favorite Piazza in Rome is Piazza Navona, which is oval in shape because it was built to be used for athletic contests, chariot races, as well as other sporting events. It stands above the remains of the Circus of Domitian and preserves its original form.
There are three beautiful fountains in this Piazza. The one I like best is officially called Fontana dei Fiumi by Bernini. Most people call it the Fountain of the Four Rivers. It serves as a base for the Egyptian obelisk brought to Rome from the Circus of Maxentius.
Those rivers of the world are: the Nile, the Plate, the Ganges, and the Danube. Sculptured Figures are seated on rock ledges, and each figure represents one of the Rivers.
It's difficult to take a photo that encompasses the entire fountain. The photograph is of a section from the Fountain of the Four Rivers
Another fountain (also by Bernini) is called Fontana del Moro or (Fountain of the Moor). The one in the Piazza is really a copy.
The third fountain is called Fontana di Neptuno (Fountain of Neptune).
The Piazza is filled with artists. While there, we purchased four watercolors (The Pantheon, the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain), representing four important places we visited and enjoyed. The street artist did wonderful work as evidenced by the framed works that we have hanging in our Great Room here at home.
Something is always going on here in Piazza Navona with sidewalk cafes and beautiful palaces to view.
I strongly recommend Piazza Navona.
Leave a Comment
Address: In the center of Rome (centro storico)
Directions: Corso Rinascimento is the main street. The main bus arteries are: Corso Vittorio, Emanuele II, Largo Argentina, and Corso Rinascimento.
However, only the minibus 119 can run along the narrow streets within this area.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fortunately, we visited Rome in the Spring because the famed Spanish Steps are decorated with colorful flowers, usually azaleas.
It's a fun place to visit because it is jam-packed with tourists, locals, backpackers, lovers, and Roman teenagers. It's quite festive.
If you read the history of the steps, you will find that at one time, it was not so festive. It was Spanish Territory, and people who used the steps at night would sometimes disappear. Actually, the Spanish had "impressed" them into the Spanish Army!
The real name of the steps is Scalinata della Trinita del Monte because these steps lead to the Trinita del Monte Church. That's the church tower that looms above the steps.
The fountain, The Fontana Barcaccia, was placed at the bottom of the steps because of low water pressure.
The picture was taken in late April of 1997
The narrow streets around Piazza di Spagna (where the steps reside) is one of the most exclusive areas in Rome. It is filled with elegant shops on Via Condotti. Famous coffee shops abound. And, the best part of all this is that all this beauty, activity, and history is FREE.
Leave a Comment
Address: Piazza di Spagna
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | 1 | 2 |  |
|
Join a Discussion 10 year old girl in Rome in August...What side trips? What to do in Rome?
(1 replies, Saturday, Jul 4, 2009, 10:07 PM UTC) gate in the Aurelian Wall?
(10 replies, Friday, Jul 3, 2009, 10:33 PM UTC) I have photos of places in Italy from 1968
(5 replies, Friday, Jul 3, 2009, 11:50 AM UTC) Be the first to reply to these questions Roman Candle Tour company in Rome
(no replies yet, Friday, Jun 5, 2009, 11:26 PM UTC) Rome during Champions league final
(no replies yet, Saturday, May 23, 2009, 1:57 PM UTC) Buying SIM cards in Rome
(no replies yet, Sunday, May 3, 2009, 12:32 PM UTC) » All Rome Posts
» Ask about Rome
- Motel Salaria
Via Salaria 1256, Rome
- Bettoja San Giorgio Hotel (61 Via G Amendola.)
61 Via G. Amendola, Rome
- Hotel Aldobrandeschi (Via Degli Aldobrandeschi 295 )
Via degli Aldobrandeschi 295, Rome
- Hotel Medici
Via Flavia 96, Rome
- Scalise
Viale Giulio Cesare 151, Rome
- Hotel Delle Muse Roma
Via Tommaso Salvini 18 Parioli District, Rome
- Cortorillo
Via Principe Amedeo 79/A, Rome
- Anfiteatro Flavio B And B
Via dei Serpenti 130, Rome
- Hotel Primus Roma
Via Giovanni da Empoli 11 - 13, Rome
- Casa Franci Bed And Breakfast Rome
Via Della Stazione di San Pietro 22, Rome
- Nova Domus Hotel & Suites
Via G. Savonarola 38, Rome
- Deste
Via Carlo Alberto 4/B, Rome
- Casale delle Mimose
Via Fosso degli Arcacci 102, Rome
- Hotel Diocleziano
Via Gaeta 71, Rome
- Center Three
Via Achille Grandi 7, Rome
|
 Comments for deecat about Rome | | | | |
jillzi Tue Jun 23, 2009 20:57 UTC
What a great page about Rome. Sjo honest, and helpful. The tourist trap tips are especially good. Love the culture information, warning, and history. | hopang Wed May 27, 2009 14:17 UTC
Colosseum, Pantheon, Fontana Di Trevi, Castel Sant' Angelo, Piazza Navona and Spanish Steps are certainly great tourist attractions in the city of Rome. Bring back fond memories of our trip to that city several years ago. ~ho & pang | craic Mon May 18, 2009 10:44 UTC
i was homesick for rome but your page didn't help - it made me more homesick | Yaqui Fri May 8, 2009 19:57 UTC
Looking at your pages is always a wonderful personal tour! I bet the sights, sounds, and smells are fabulous here. Thank you for all your wonderful informative tips! |
|
Best Rome Travel Deals
Leon's Place
Exquisite, Posh, Gorgeous, Stylish! if you want a special stay in Rome.
Rome Hotel Deals
Up to 70% Off Italy Hotels. Prices Include Breakfast & Taxes!
Colosseum Tour
Colosseum & Ancient Rome Tours. Small groups and NO LINES
Sponsored Links |
email me
add as friend
on May 11, 2005
