Known for its history and romance, Rome is one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit, with its exquisite architecture, art, ancient history and modern elegance, Rome is a paradise for many travelers, here are ten of the must see places in Rome.
1 – PALAZZO MASSIMO ALLE TERME
Largo di Villa Peretti 1, Tel: 39.06.399.67700
Outside of the Vatican museum, this collection of art and ancient treasures is a must see, when visiting Rome. The museum houses ancient Greek and Roman statues, frescos and mosaics. The palace is restored Jesuit high school that was created in early Roman baroque style. On the upper floors rooms have been recreated to resemble their original palatial grandeur with furnishings and art in the style of a palatial residence.
2 – DISCOVER LA PACE
West of the Piazza Navona, is a upscale neighborhood, named after the Santa Maria della Pace church, this is Rome’s hottest new neighborhood with outdoor cafes, shopping and night clubs, this area is frequented by Italian movies stars and notables.
3 – OVER ROME AT SUNSET
The view of Rome at sunset is legendary and glistens with golden spires and ancient cupolas. Take a balloon ride over the city and experience its majesty and grandeur from above. Balloons travel every 15 minutes from 9:30 am to sunset or you can see this grand site from the platform on the Villa Borghese park off of Via Viento.
4 – VISIT THE CATACOMBS
The catacombs are burial sites under the streets near Rome, that house tombs and sarcophagus from the 2nd century onward and represent entombment of the dead from pagan, Jewish and Christian religions as a way to save space and fulfill religious obligations to bury the dead discretely. Best known as a the burial site for martyred popes, the catacombs are a treasure with the frescos, imperial seals and sarcophagi that fill the damp underground burial site.
5 – TRASTEVERE STROLL
Located on the west bank of the Tiber River, the Trastevere is an old medieval section of the city that still look much like it did during the medieval times. Originally the home of working class Romans the Trastevere has become a hot spot among artists, musicians and trend setters. Not the posh locale most tourist seek to explore the Trastevere is a fun place with coffee houses, unique narrow streets and take away pizza and ice cream shops that make a day in this fun part of the city a treat. The central area is the Piazza de Trastevere, centered around the Cathedral de Trastevere where one can find interesting outdoor dining, shops and bars, make sure to keep your eyes open and be ready for adventure, because most of the businesses are unique and tucked amid the midlevel architecture.
6 – IL PALAZZETTO
Vicolo del Bottino 8 Tel 39.06.699.3410000
Near the Spanish Steps, Il Palazzetto is an exquisite villa that holds the famous Palazetto restaurant within. The restaurant is home an amazing wine bar that has over 400 different wines to chose from where one can sit outdoors under generous umbrellas and take in the local flavor and experience.
7 – GALLERIA BORGHESE
Piazzale Scipione Borghese 5, Tel: 39.06.328.10
The 17th century is home to some of the most beautiful pieces of art in Italian history. The collection is displayed on two stories in 20 rooms. Some of the artwork in the gallery are Bernini’s “Apollo and Daphne” works from Rubens, Raphael, Caravaggio, Botticelli’s “Madonna con Bambino S. Giovanino e Angelo” and Raphael’s “Rittrato di Giovane Donna con Unicorn.” Visitors are allotted 2 hours per visit, so plan ahead before your trip.
8 – PASTA MUSEUM
Piazza Scanderbeg 117 Tel: 39.06.699.1119
The museum is near the Trevi Fountain and is a celebration of pasta and all things pasta related, including photographs of celebrities eating pasta, ancient pasta making tools, pasta recipes, art and books. The museum shows examples of pasta being eaten long before Marco Polo brought Asian inspired noodles from China.
9 – ROMAN GARDENS
Via Bocca di Leone 14, Tel: 39.06.69.981
Near the Piazza di Spagna there is the Hotel d’Inghilterra within the hotel are the Roman Gardens where local Romans enjoy a cosmopolitan lunch and an exceptional menu that changes each season. A wonderful place to spend the afternoon the Roman Garden restaurant has a beautiful frescoed ceiling which is vaulted and has the feel of a British pub as it was originally a stop for Englishmen on their Grand Tour.
10 – REFRESH AT SPA’DEUS SPA
Centro Benessere Spa’Deus Spa, Via Le Piane 35, Chianciano
Tel: 30.05.78.63.232
Rome can be exciting, exhilarating and exhausting. One often will need to escape the city to relax and rejuvenate. The Spa’Deus is a Californian styled spa two ours outside of the Rome that offers a tree-lined countryside to rest and relax as well as Pilates classes, underwater exercise regime, hot mud and bath treatments, hot stone massage and every other exotic treatment for health and beauty one can imagine. There are luxurious accommodations as well as health conscious dining prepared by the spa’s chefs.
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
