Rome
Rome was founded on seven hills - the Capitoline, Palatine, Celium, Aventine, Quirinal, Viminal, and Esquiline – from which various neighbourhoods resulted, each one with their its own characteristics and identity. The Vatican City, declared an independent state in 1929, houses St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, the Vatican Museums, featuring precious works of art such as the adjoined Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, and lush gardens. The area known as “Ancient Rome” spans from Via dei Fori Imperiali, where the Roman Forum stands, to the Colosseum, the Circus Maximus, and the Baths of Caracalla.
The area within the Aurelian walls is referred to as the historic centre. Masterpieces of the 16th and 17th century by Bernini, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio can be found here. Highlights in this area include Piazza Navona, Piazza Barberini, Piazza di Spagna, and Piazza Farnese. The Aventine is one of the most elegant areas in Rome and hosts the Basilica of Santa Sabina and the Church of Sant’Alessio, next to the orange gardens. The keyhole of the Maltese Embassy offers a wonderful view of St. Peter’s dome. Conversely, the area of Testaccio, between the Tiber and the Aventine, is where Caius Cestius’ Pyramid and the Protestant Cemetery lie. Trastevere is one of the favourite haunts for tourists and its residents call themselves the “real Romans.” Across the Tiber, the Jewish Ghetto houses one of Europe’s oldest surviving Jewish communities.
Various landmarks in Rome, such as the Basilica of St. Mary Major, the Trevi Fountain, and Trajan’s Market as well as the Quirinal Palace are hosted in the Monti district. Monti is also home to the elegant Via Veneto, made famous in Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita,” considered one of the most photographed streets in the world. Shopping lovers should plan a visit at Prati, behind Castel Sant’Angelo and next to the Vatican, while the Parioli area, north of Villa Borghese, is one of the most elegant and expensive residential areas in Rome.
Points of interest
Trevi Fountain, jewel of stone and water
indirizzo Fontana di Trevi, Piazza di Trevi, Roma, RM, Italia
indirizzo Fontana di Trevi, Piazza di Trevi, Roma, RM, Italia
The architectural wonders of Piazza Navona
indirizzo Piazza Navona, Piazza Navona, Roma, RM, Italia
indirizzo Piazza Navona, Piazza Navona, Roma, RM, Italia
The Mouth of Truth, immortal legend of Rome
indirizzo Bocca della Verità, Piazza della Bocca della Verità, Roma, RM, Italia
indirizzo Bocca della Verità, Piazza della Bocca della Verità, Roma, RM, Italia
St. Peter’s Basilica, heart of Christianity
indirizzo Basilica di San Pietro, Piazza San Pietro, Città del Vaticano
indirizzo Basilica di San Pietro, Piazza San Pietro, Città del Vaticano
Piazza di Spagna, the set of Roman Holiday
indirizzo Piazza di Spagna, Piazza di Spagna, Roma, RM, Italia
indirizzo Piazza di Spagna, Piazza di Spagna, Roma, RM, Italia
The Jewish Ghetto in Rome
indirizzo Tempio Maggiore di Roma, Lungotevere de' Cenci, Roma, RM, Italia
indirizzo Tempio Maggiore di Roma, Lungotevere de' Cenci, Roma, RM, Italia
Go on dreaming
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