| Rome
BY: Allison Drexel
Rich in history and culture, Rome
is intriguing and romantic. The
city's charming cobblestone streets and inviting sidewalk cafes
stand out in stark contrast to the imposing remains of the Colosseum
and the Roman Forum.
Romes historical attractions, magnificent architecture, and excellent
dining made it a must-see for me during a recent trip to Europe.
It is hard to pick a place from which to begin your discovery
of Rome, as every corner of the city is home to a special attraction.
I found the Vatican City to be a perfect starting point. St. Peter's
Square, St. Peters Basicilia, the Vatican Museums, the Vatican
Gardens, and the Sistine Chapel are all located within the Vatican
City. The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are truly amazing;
you could easily spend your entire trip exploring these areas.
I discovered that it is important to arrive early when visiting
the Vatican City. We arrived around ten in the
morning and were subjected to long lines and overwhelming crowds,
which made it difficult to truly appreciate the spectacular art
around us.
From the Vatican City I traveled southwest, across the Tiber river
and into Ancient Rome. In this part of the city you can find three
major attractions: the Arch of Constantine, the Roman Forum, and
the Colosseum.
These ruins date back to the 4th Century BC and are in outstandingly
good condition. There is an excellent free tour outside of the
Colosseum that is loaded with information on the history of the
ruin and the gladiators who fought within it. There is no cost
to enter the Forum and you are free to roam about the ruins as
you please.
North of Ancient Rome is the hip, cosmopolitan part of the city--this
area is marked by the Spanish Steps, the Trevi fountain, and the
fashionable Via Veneto and Piazza Barberini. Although it is the
most expensive part of the city to dine and shop in, it is definitely
a fun place to be. I found several enjoyable restuarants in this
part of Rome. Also located in this area is Villa Borghese, a beautiful
park to stroll or jog through. The park is huge and green, and
is a nice distraction from the bustling urban energy of Rome.
I found this to be the best part
of Rome to stay; there are several nice hotels in the area ranging
from modest accomodations to the most deluxe. I recommend the
Golden Rooms, located at Via del Tritone 82. This hotel is modestly
priced and is centrally located between the Spanish Steps, Via
Veneto, and the Piazza Barberini. The rooms are attractive and
comfortable, and the staff is
english speaking and extremely helpful. A wonderful breakfast
was
included in the price of the room.
There are some important things to know when visiting Rome. Remember
to bring a comfortable pair of shoes; most of the city can be
explored by foot and you will be standing and walking much of
the time. A map of Rome is essential, as the layout of the city
is complex and can be confusing. Maps are inexpensive and can
be purchased at the train station and at cambios and souvenier
shops throughout the city. In addition to a map it is helpful
to have a guidebook. There are many things to see in Rome and
a good guidebook will list them and provide an explanation of
each.
Also, I found it helpful to educate
myself on the history of Rome before I traveled. Having an understanding
of the past seemed to enhance my experience of the city. Rome
is about 2,500 years old and was once the most powerful city in
the world; that knowledge alone seems to make it more exciting!
If you are interested in history, it is definitely worth it to
travel to the ancient city of Pompeii, which is about a two hour
drive from Rome. There you can find english speaking guides, whose
services are expensive but well worth it, as they provide a wealth
of information about the city and its demise. Finally, remember
to indulge yourself! Everything in Rome is wonderful--the food,
the wine, the arts, they are all magnificient.
If you are traveling in Europe,
Rome is a city that you should not miss. We here at James TravelPOINTS
303 442-2340, look forward to sending you on the perfect European
vacation.
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