When in Rome
June 11, 2015"A thousand roads lead men [and women] forever to
Rome." This Latin proverb still holds true two and a half thousand years later, as
millions of enthusiastic travellers continue to flock to the Eternal City,
relishing in its rich history, vivacious spirit and striking visual atmosphere.
Rome
is a treasure trove of ancient splendors, its epic story written on every stone
that shapes its legendary past. Historical sites such as the Colosseum, the
Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill, Castel Sant’Angelo, Circus Maximus, the
Pantheon, and the Aventine Hill - where Rome’s mythical birth and legacy began
-continue to draw thousands of spectators millennia later.
Dotted
with ruins both above and below ground, the former caput mundi (capital of the
world) is an open-air museum with celebrated works displayed at every turn. Beneath
Palazzo Valentini and steps from Piazza Venezia, history enthusiasts can explore
the archeological remains of Le Domus Romane - two ancient Roman houses that
provide a refreshing glimpse into underground Rome. At the Centrale
Montemartini museum, a collection of sculptures representative of the spoils
from several excavation campaigns are yours to enjoy. 
The
capital of Italy, famed for “La Dolce Vita”, is lined with cobblestoned paths
that lead to picturesque piazzas filled with cafès and trattorias that spill
onto its atmospheric streets. When in Rome, do as the Romans do! Sit back with
an aperitivo, and take in the artistic marvels displayed in Piazza Navona, Piazza
di Spagna, Piazza Campo dei Fiori and Piazza del Campidoglio. In Piazza del Popolo,
you can even gaze at two Caravaggio paintings that hang on opposing walls in
the Cerasi Chapel. The majestic Fontana di Trevi takes on breathtaking heroic
proportions when illuminated by night - don’t forget to throw a coin into the
fountain, as legend believes it will ensure your return to Rome!
While admiring the glorious beauty of Bernini’s colonnade in St. Peter’s Square and the Basilica, one cannot help but reflect on the past and the ambitious popes who left behind great artistic treasures, among them the spectacular Farnese Palace. Now the site of the French Embassy, it is one of Rome’s most impressive Renaissance Palazzi and home to the Carracci Gallery which houses marvellous frescoes. It reopens to the public this spring after undergoing an extensive restoration.
Built
during the height of the Renaissance, arguably the Golden Age of Italian Art
and Architecture, many of Rome’s stately palazzi are now the home of government
buildings such as Palazzo Chigi, Palazzo Barberini, Palazzo Spada and the Palazzo
del Quirinale; named after the hill on which it sits overlooking Rome.
The
city’s fabled seven hills provide magnificent panoramic views, though Rome is
home to many glorious hills and landscapes. Postcard-worthy spots include the
Giardino degli Aranci on the Aventine Hill that looks out to the dome of St.
Peter’s Basilica. The Janiculum Hill is the perfect place to overlook the city
at sunset, while the Capitoline Hill offers two impressive vantage points. On the
Alban Hills, in the Castelli Romani, visit the town of Frascati to sit at a
picnic table restaurant and dine on delicious porchetta and wine, while looking
over the valley towards Rome.
When
seeking respite from the city chaos head to the enchantingly beautiful Villa
Borghese – Rome’s most celebrated park. This beautiful oasis in the heart of
Rome stretches from above Piazza del Popolo to the end of the fashionable Via
Veneto, crowning Rome in a magnificent canopy of green. Art lovers will delight
in the collection of paintings and sculptures displayed in the Galleria
Borghese, Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna and the Museo Nazionale Etrusco all
located within the park. There is also an amphitheatre, cinemas, a bio park, a lake
and numerous fountains dotted throughout.
One
of the nation’s most important private art collections is housed in the Galleria
Doria Pamphilj which includes masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian and Velázquez.
Admission includes a charming audio guide narrated by Prince Jonathon Doria
Pamphilj that brings this 17th century splendour alive with intriguing tales of
his family’s history.
With
so many sights and things to do, Rome is truly a global city. It is also one of
the fashion capitals of the world, with some of Italy's oldest jewellery and
clothing establishments founded here. A stroll along Via Condotti and the
Spanish Steps will reveal celebrated Italian designer boutiques. For affordable
finds, head to Via Cola di Rienzo or Via del Corso that leads all the way to
the bustling Piazza Venezia with its impressive monument to Vittorio Emanuele
II, the first king to rule a unified Italy. If you get the chance, be sure to
visit the market in Campo dei Fiori.
Not
to be outdone by its historical treasures, one cannot overlook the delicious
food. The best and most enjoyable way to
emerge yourself into the local Roman culture is by eating and drinking, so when
in Rome, eat as the Roman’s do! From pizza al taglio (sliced), to classic
pastas such as Cacio e Pepe and Carbonara, to Saltimbocca alla Romana and
braised artichokes - Rome is bursting with great eateries with both traditional
and creative cuisine. When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, nothing beats
a delicious gelato artiginale (homemade)! Try the gelaterie Giolitti, I Caruso
or Come Il Latte. For a typical Roman dessert, try a Maritozzi.
Rome is a magical city, both magnificently mesmerizing and undoubtedly chaotic; yet it is so seductive that one’s final thoughts are surely, “Arrivederci Roma… until we meet again!”
Look for my article in the new issue of Panoram Italia Magazine.
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