A return to the Roman era.: Foro Romano and other Rome, Italy Things to Do Tips

The Roman Forum: With Athens' Acropolis, Gizah's Pyramids and Sphinx, the Roman Forum is a member of the Holy Trinity of Antiquity remains. It best viewed first from the overlook of the Campidoglio, where Rome?s city hall is located. If you go behind the building, you will have a complete view of the Forum and further away, the Colliseum. And it is huge. I guess that everybody looking at it is imagining how it must have looked like at the time of Rome's splendour. It was the center of Roman life, a place of trade, discussion and worship. The first thing you notice is the Temple of Saturn, whom according to the myth, after being banished by his son Jupiter, found a haven in the area, and offering its help to the king, made the city so rich that period was to be called the Golden Age and was remembered during the Saturnals, a wild holiday time for Romans. You can also see the Basilica Julia (dedicated by Emperor August to Julius Caesar who was his adptive father), the arch of Septimus Severus. The remains of the temple of Vesta (easily recognized by its round shape) where the flame of the city was kept alive by a cast of virgin priestresses, the arch of Titus where his campaign against the Jews and the sack of Jerusalem is recorded in stone. The list just goes on and on...
If you want to visit the ground, go down the hill and the entrance is on Via dei Fori Imperiali. The entrance is free but if you want a guided tour, it's 3.50 Euros.

Leave a Comment

Address: Entrances at Via dei Fori Imperiali and Piazza del

This Piazza is schizophrenic! By day, it is the seat of Rome’s flower market (as the name indicated) and it’s really worth seeing as it is the more “traditional” face of the Campo. By night, it’s a meeting point for Roman youth and tourists and the Campo manage to be even more cramped that the Porta Portese market at peak hour! So much that some resident are really, really not happy about the loud and rowdy crowd invading the Piazza every night. Although, it’s a lot of fun… let’s admit. But don’t hang out there for too long as you might become dizzy or claustrophobic. Although a lot of good bars are located here (if you can find a seat!). Usually, people make a meeting point of the statue that’s in the middle of the square. The bent and cloaked head of Giordano Bruno, Dominican priest, philosopher, mathematician and scientist, who dared contradict the Church about the infinity of the universe (Galileo was more lucky, he publicly renounced his theory under the pressure while still believing it). He is represented with his hands tied up, ready to be taken to stake where he would be burned alive by order of the Inquisition. A reminder of darker times, but also of courage in the face of adversity and the power of Enlightment.

Leave a Comment

Perhaps the most beautiful piazza in the city, Piazza Navona used to be a Roman circus (that’s why its shape is elliptical). This elegant area, surrounded by beautiful houses, the Church of Sant’Agnese and adorned by three of Bernini’s fountains is a Roman trademark. And of course, let us not forget the mandatory obelisk! I recommend you take a moment to sit down and enjoy a coffee while looking at people passing by… very relaxing and enjoyable. The main fountain is La Fontana dei Quatro Fiumi (1651) or Fountains of the Four Rivers. The fountain was so big that Bernini didn't sculpt the figures himself but had his scholars do it. Claude Poussin sculpted Ganges, the Nile was done by Giacomo Antonio Fancelli, the Danube by Antonio Raggi il Lombardo and the Rio de la Plata by Francesco Baratta. Ordered by Innocent X after many intrigues between arch-rivals Bernini and Borromini, this was such an exensive piece of works, taxes had to be levied on bread (which prompted such reactions from the Romans: We need something else than spires and fountains. We want bread: bread, bread, bread).

Leave a Comment

Address: Junction of Via della Cuccagna, Corsia Agonale,

Now, the face of the allegoric figure of the Nile is veiled and it’s been subject to different interpretations. One of them is that, at the times, no one knew where the source of the Nile was. The other has to do Bernini’s career. Borromini, who designed the Church of Sant'Agnese was his rival . Bernini had been rumoured to have stolen the project from Borromini who was Innocent X's protege. A smaller monument had to be built but Bernini via the Pope's sister-in-law, Olimpia, convinced the pontiff to be the architect. The Nile and Rio della Plata figures were designed to shield their eyes from the church, as a sign of disdain. If you look at the statue of Sant'Agnese on top of church, you'll notice her gaze goes way over the piazza. Right back at ya, Bernini! . Although this part of the story doesn't seem likely because the fountain was finished before the construction of Sant'Agnese began. ....
You will find a lot of street vendors will sell their fares (fake soccer jersey, fake bags…). If you really, really have to have one, don’t forget to barter or you’ll be ripped off.
And don't hesitate to wander around the narrow streets behind Sant'Agnese with their little courtyard and cobblestones... It's a delight.
I recommend Via del Governo Vecchio, they have lots of nice Vintage clothes stores.

Leave a Comment

Another meeting point. The first thing that strikes you: The Pantheon. This jewel of Roman architecture just dominates this charming place. Very busy, filled with terraces, restaurants and bars (and Mc Donald's handling tourists), this cool little piazzas a also a nice place to stop and relax along your journey through Rome’s streets. In the middle of the square, is another fountain, this time, by Giacomo della Porta(and another obelisk). As you may or may not know, most of Rome’s fountain water is drinkable and you’ll probably notice those little “nose”-like fountains you can find almost everywhere in Rome (and it’s most welcome with Rome’s hot summers). Put your finger in the nose and the water will spring from a little hole on top so you don’t need to use some acrobatic positions to refresh yourself. Explore the streets around, especially on the right side of the square, turning your back to the Pantheon where you will find little jewelry and vintage clothes stores. And oh, don’t forget the Pantheon!

Leave a Comment

The Pantheon is without a doubt the best preserved Roman monument. It is also one of the most copied piece of architecture in the world. People who know Washington DC will see similarities with the Jefferson Memorial and if you look at the ceiling of Union Station, you’ll notice it’s the same motif used in Pantheon's dome! The original building was ordered by Agrippa, one of emperor’s August most trusted general and was build in 26 AD. In fact, it is the Emperor Hadrian himself who designed the building we see now and had it built almost a century later but he preserved the heritage of Agrippa as you can read his name on top of the building. It is a temple dedicated to all the gods (Pan-Theos, in Greek means all-the gods). It used to be covered in shimmering marble, decorated with numerous statues and it has a huge bronze door. In 605, it was converted as a Christian Church (it still today) as Santa Maria ad Martyram. The Pantheon was stripped of most of its riches partially by order of Pope Urban VII who had the door stripped and melted the metal to make the canopy for the high altar of the Basilica of Saint-Peter, partially to make cannons for the Castel Sant'Angelo. The first thing you notice are those huge pillars and when you get in, the dome with its center hole designed to let the light flood in is striking. As a whole, the Pantheon is just impressive in its simplicity and the purity of its lines. You will also find the graves of different kings (Umberto I and Vittorio-Emmanuelle II) of Italy but also the genius painter Raphael who died really young. There is also the grave of queen Margherita (after which the famous -and patriotic- pizza is named after).

Leave a Comment

Address: Piazza della Rotonda

You've heard it all. You know the scene with the luscious Anita Eckberg in Fellini's "La Dolca Vita"... Blah, blah, blah... I can only add platitude about the Trevi Fountain. This huge sculpted 18th Century fountain by Nicolo Salvi is a landmark. It represents Neptune, god of the sea and his court. It's beautiful, it's big, it's theatrical in all its rococo splendour. it's packed with tourists of course who are all dutifully casting their Eurocent in the water. To do it properly, turn your back on the fountain, put your coin in your right hand and throw it over the opposite shoulder. Throw it once and you'll come back to Rome, throw it twice and you'll fall in love in Rome, throw it thrice and you'll get married to a Roman.

Leave a Comment

Address: Piazza di Trevi

This church is located on Piazza della Minerva, 5 minutes away from the Pantheon. There is a sculpture by Bernini (again) of a small elephant supporting an obelisk (another one). One of the cutest and most surprising of Bernini's sculptures. Santa Maria is built on the site of a Roman temple wrongly attributed to Minerva, goddess of wisdom. You can visit the crypt where the ruins are for a small fee. Built by the Dominicans in the earkly 13th century, it is the only gothic style church in Rome (although the facade has been rebuilt i the 19th century), it is complete with the typical gothic stained glass window. The ceiling painted in night blue with golden stars gives it a mystical vibe. It is also the home of one of Michelangelo’s earliest works. A sculpture of Jesus Christ the redeemer who is represented with his cross. The remains of St-Catherine of Sienna, one of Christianity's most fanous saint, are also here. Look in the Carafa Chapel and you'll find a beautiful fresco representing the life of St-Thomas Aquinas. And talking of painting, Fra Angelico is also buried there.

Leave a Comment

Address: Piazza della Minerva
Directions: southeast of the Pantheon

It's a beautiful Sunday, by chance, you woke up early, why not drop by the Porta Portese Market? Located in the Trastevere neighbourhood, it's a huge flea market where you can find anything (provided you go there early enough). It's packed, noisy,and utterly Roman. You'll find everything from Football jerseys to beach towel, from antique (or antique-looking) religious painting to genuine old books, from faux Gucci bags to real vintage Gucci bags.
Don't forget to barter though. Having a "banchinna" at Porta Portese is a sign of prestige for vendors and if you want to have a good deal (and gain their respects, which will help lower the price), don't get too impressed by their bartering abilities.
Try to get there before 9 am, at 10, it's really, really busy and most of the good deals are gone. The market is open until 1:30.

Leave a Comment

Address: Near the end of Viale Trastevere

Yes, Rome is full beauty, its always one visual pleasure after the next... until you get to Piazza Venezia. In fact, you can't miss it because it is a central point in Rome and a good geographical reference to see the sights along the way. It starts OK with the Venetian palace, Palazzo Venezia (it used to be the Venitian Embassy to the Pontifical states). Pope Paul II, who was from Venice, had it built when he was still a cardinal. It truly represents the architectural style you can find in the Canals City. Mussolini had his offices there and was adressing the crowd from the balcony. He also had Via dei Fori Imperiali built so he could see the Colliseum from his office. Via del Corso, a central axis, runs from there all the way to Piazza del Popolo. And then, you turn around towards the south-side an bam! The collosal Monument to Vittorio-Emmanuelle II, a white stone building most commonly known as "the wedding cake", a turn of the century structure that his now the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A sore sight for many Romans and travelers' eyes alike, you can't deny that it's impossible to forget the Monument and you can see it from afar, which helps while walking on your droman discovery. Traffic is chaotic at this huge square and you will often find a policeman on its pedestal directing the traffic and looking like an angry orchestra director!
It's also a hub for many bus lines.

Leave a Comment

Address: Piazza Venezia