Coliseum and other Rome, Italy Things to Do Tips

Nice to see it from outside, but what a disappointment to visit the inside!!!
Suggestion: it doesn't worth to buy a ticket to visit it!

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Very very interesting from an architectural point of view.
And also really nice to listen a mess on sunday morning.

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The southern end of the square marks the start of three major streets: V.d. Corso, which runs to P. Venezia; V.d. Ripetta on the right, built by Leo X for service to the Vatican; and V.d. Babuino on the left. Outside the Porta del Popolo (Bernini designed its southern facade) is an entrance to the Villa Borghese.

The church of Santa Maria del Popolo with its many works of Caravaggio, the twin baroque churches and the obelisque of RamsesII all contribute to the beauty and importance of this square.
However, this square has a more sinister past funtioning as a theatre for public executions in the 18° and 19° centuries

Just sit in the sun, under the obelisque you find in the middle of the square, and look around...it would be interesting!

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Address: Piazza del Popolo
Directions: Metro: A-Flaminio. Exit the station and pass under the city walls to the northern entrance to the piazza

I simply love this place!
The 137 steps were constructed from 1723 to 1725 to link the piazza with important locales above it, including the Pincio and the Villa Mèdici. The beginning of May heralds the world-famous flower show, when the steps are covered with azaleas and photographers, and each July an evening fashion show is held on the steps

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This is a truly monumental structure, dominating the whole piazza, dedicated to king Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of unified Italy. Officially known as the Altar of the Fatherland, it was constructed between 1885 and 1905 and changed the whole appearance of the area with its bulk. For all its mass the monument is looked on with ambivalence by many Romans: for some it looks like a wedding cake; for others a typewriter. One doesn't come away from it without an opinion... mine is definitely the TYPEWRITER! The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is also now housed in this structure, incorporated in 1921.Strange to find it surrounded by ancient roman rest...but don't stay in Rome without having a glance to it!
Inside there is a Museo del Risorgimento, very well organized, that explains in a good way a big part of the Italian history.

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Address: Piazza Venezia

The park of the Villa Borghese covers 6 sq. km north of the Spanish Steps and V.V. Veneto. Its shaded paths, overgrown gardens, scenic terraces, and countless fountains and statues are a refreshing break from the fumes and chaos of the city as well as a great place to spend time when everything else is closed for the afternoon.
In the park you can find Villa Giulia, home of the resplendent Museo Nazionale Etrusco. Villa Giulia also hosts outdoor classical concerts during the month of July. The park's other major museums are the Galleria Borghese, which houses one of Rome's finest sculpture collections as well as a gallery of Renaissance paintings, and the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna.

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Since the Lateran Treaty of 1929, the Pope has reigned with full sovereignty over this tiny theocracy, but he must remain neutral in Roman and Italian politics. The nation preserves its independence by minting coins , running a separate postal system, and having its own mayor. The Vatican is protected by the Swiss Guards, the world's most photographed military men.Although priests, nuns, and other official visitors are allowed in all areas, tourists are only admitted to the Basilica and the stellar Vatican Museums.

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Legend has it that the traveler who throws a coin into the fountain will have a speedy return to Rome. Proper form is to put one's back to the fountain and toss over the left shoulder with the right hand. As the funds increase, so do the rewards---the traveler who tosses two coins will fall in love in Rome, and after three coins the wedding bells begin to toll. Years of romantic hopes have taken their toll; the metal eats away at the travertine and stains the pool. Since the restoration, travelers have been advised not to follow the custom, but this hasn't stopped many.
In Fellini's La Dolce Vita, the uninhibited Anita Ekberg takes a midnight wade in the fountain. Squads of roving policemen and policewomen armed with whistles and attitude keep others from re-enacting the famous scene. Though we won't say how we came to know this, illicit bathing will cost you upwards of €500 and a stern talking-to in Italian. Impossibly buxom "model" Anna Nicole Smith tried to do her own Ekberg impression in 1997 and had to cough up the dough. Take the hint and cool down with gelato from nearby San Crispino instead.

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Address: Piazza di Trevi
Directions: M: A-Barberini or A-Spagna.
Or take a bus to P.S. Silvestro or Largo del Tritone.

You MUST see Cappella Sistina... is one of the master piece of Michelangelo...

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Address: Viale Vaticano
Directions: From St.Peters Square follow the Vatican walls

Rome has always been an important centre for italian cinema, both as scenario and as production centre.
And the most important production centre is Cinecitta', the so called the Italian Hollywood, built in 1937.
Many important movies borned here : Ben Hur, Cleopatra, Spartacus, Casanova,....

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Directions: Metro Red, Cinecitta' stop