Wedding Cake and other Rome, Italy Things to Do Tips

Although I wouldn't set out to "do" this building I did enjoy driving by it on a tour bus. The official name is Il Vittoriano or the Victor Emmanuel Monument, but it is commonly called The Wedding Cake because it is so white. It is the site of the Italian tomb of the unknown soldier. I've always respected that and so it meant something to me to see it.

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Address: Piazza Venezia
Directions: Piazza Venezia

Well, this was the first excursion on the tour of Italy trip I took. I actually had no idea what it was. Twenty-one year old American girl...I didn't know! I am glad I had a guided tour because I would not have known anything remotely about it. In fact, I had to look up the information for this post but what can ya do?

Turns out it was built 27 B.C. by Marcus Agrippa then reconstructed by Hadrian in the early 2d century A.D. It is actually the most complete ancient Roman building remaining today and one of its architectural wonders. Something about the dome...And, Raphael's tomb is here! Now, I am not that big on artists but I know he was a good one because a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle was named after him!! If that's not famous I don't know what is.....

You're thinking, "What a silly American girl with no brains..." Well, I have some gossip for you. Turns out, Raphael would spend all his fortunes on alcohol and prostitutes. OH NO, not female...male! It turns out he died of what we now know as syphalis, an STD (sexually transmitted disease)!

WARNING: I almost coin this as a tourist trap although with the facts it's hard to pass up. Please know, it is close to impossible to get a great picture. There are modern cafes all around the front and it is in a small piazza. Therefore, all pictures (unless you're really lucky) will have people's heads and faces in them. What can ya do? 27 B.C.!! Also, I went later in the afternoon and it was very dark inside. I'm not sure if it is that way at all times but make sure you have FLASH on your camera!

*Information about historical facts taken from 1000 Places To See Before You Die by Patricia Schultz.

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Phone: 39/06-6830-0230
Address: Piazza della Rotonda
Directions: Pizza della Rotonda (in a secluded area where no busses are aloud so wear walking shoes!)

Well, I was looking forward to stopping and walking around this area but I learned never to rely on the travel itinerary. However, I did get to drive by it...Not good photo opportunities though. Lots of trees in the way.

If you go, I would plan to at least walk around it (I believe it's a park now) and get the feel of the life that once lived there. If you do, feel free to let me know how it went :/ I'll get a second chance soon, though.

I mean JULIUS CAESAR ruled while this thing was operated 50 years BEFORE CHRIST...it just baffles me! It was NOT a real circus as we know it as though. It's more like an arena for the olympic-type games. The track is still outlined though and some of the gates are supposedly obvious? Not sure as I didn't really see it.

You can find more historical information at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circus_Maximus

*Side note: When I was actually there I took a picture of the ruins behind the actual arena thinking THAT was circus maximus :D I was young and had not done my studying up!!

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Address: I have searched for this and have come up empty...
Directions: handed. If you know the address of area please let me know.

I do know it's near the Colleseum

Oh, come on...I don't have to tell you to see the Coloseum. You know you have to!

It is really neat to come around the corner and then all the sudden it's there. You start wiggling in your seats or jumping up and down. You've waited so long and here it is!

Do be careful because some people have to wait a long while to get into the tours. Some people say they are not worth entering but I really wish I had. I love to see that sort of stuff. Some people things it's expensive. Ummm you're in Rome... splurge! If you pay over $1000 to get there with airfare why not spend $20 to go see the inside of one of the most famous ruins in the world?!? Also, don't forget to see my Coloseum Warnings!!

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While you are there don't forget to check out the Arch of Constantine right beside it. You can't get too close to it but you can definitely enjoy it.

More info at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arch_of_Constantine

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Phone: +39 6 700 4261
Address: Piazza del Colosseo
Directions: Neighborhood: San Giovanni - Termini - Colle Oppio - San Lorenzo
Website: http://www.museidiroma.com/colosseo.htm

I loved my journey to finding Trevi Fountain! We were walking through all of these old streets in Rome and you hear a faint sound of water running. As you walk it becomes louder and louder as your excitement rises. Then you turn a corner and OH MY GOODNESS this beautiful fountain is in the middle of this small plaza. There are people everywhere and there's not near enough room to get the entire fountain in your picture. However, it is beautiful and really neat!

If you can I would stay awhile and just enjoy it. There are a few cafes around if you wanna get something to eat/drink, although I'm sure the price would be high. There are people all over the steps so you can sit among them or walk up to the fountain.

Now, here's the deal with throwing coins in the fountain...if I can remember correctly.
If you throw in 1 coin you will be rid of your past love.
2) You will return to Rome.
3) You will find your true love.
There are different legends so they may not be the same. This is the one I've been told. Some just say to throw one in to return. However, don't forget: you should toss it over your shoulder with your back to the fountain.

It really a great thing to see. I would plan to spend some time here if only to people watch and enjoy Roma in a laid back atmosphere.

Additional info: http://www.italyguides.it/us/roma/trevi.htm

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Address: Trevi Square
Directions: Quirinale district
Website: http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/trevi.htm