For one week, usually in May, access to all of Rome’s many historical sights is free. Of course, that means they’re very crowded, but they very often are anyway.
The Aventine Hill
Close to the center, serene and a beautiful place to visit on a sunny afternoon is the Aventine Hill, one of the seven hills on which Rome has been built. Just south of the Circus Maximus you can walk up the hill by taking the V. Valle Murcia, which shortly after becomes Via di Santa Sabina. After fifteen minutes you will find on your right hand side the entrance to a little park. Originally called the Parco Savello, this park is commonly known as the Giardini degli Aranci, or ‘Orange Gardens’. The tree-lined paths lead you to a beautiful view over the center of Rome and the Tiber river. In the summer, the park hosts theatre and musical performances. When walking further up the hill you will come across the Santa Sabina church, a fifth-century church which has essentially been unchanged from its original layout and interior. Following the Via Santa Sabina will make you end up at the Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta. On the right hand side of this square is the Priory of the Knights of Malta, a military order. Though the Priory is not open to the public, the ornate keyhole of the gate will offer an impressive and surprising view on the Vatican and the cupola of Saint Peter’s Basilica, which will leave only few uncharmed.
Coliseum
Piazza del Colosseo
Rome 00184 Italy
(06) 700 4261
http://www.italyguides.it/us/roma/colosseum.htm
A vast amphitheatre with seating for 55,000 that was designed as a horse racing circuit and arena for animal fighting and gladiatorial battles. Upon its completion, spectacular 100-day celebrations were organized as part of the opening ceremony in 72 AD. Its name is believed to come from Nero’s enormous statue of Colossus that stood close by.
Fontana di Trevi
Piazza di Trevi
Rome
Tradition has it that throwing a coin over your left shoulder into the fountain guarantees a swift return to the world’s most beautiful city. Anita Ekberg’s dip in it was immortalized in Fellini’s ‘La Dolce Vita’, and Italian actor Toto even sold it to an American, passing himself off as its owner. Earlier it was the setting for the award-winning “Three Coins in the Fountain” motion picture, ensuring its popularity worldwide.
The Pantheon
Piazza della Rotonda
Rome 00186 Italy
(06) 6830 0230
The pantheon is one of the most recognized, and oldest monuments still standing in Rome. Originally built as a temple to all of the Roman gods, the Pantheon (originally built around 27 BC) was torn down and rebuilt by emperor Hadrian around 120 AD. That structure is the same as the one you will see when you visit today. The Pantheon is the oldest intact structure still standing from the Greco-Roman world, and has been used completely throughout history.
Piazza di Spagna
Rome 00187 Italy
(06) 488 991
http://www.aviewoncities.com/rome/piazzadispagna.htm
An incredible, almost theatrical square with the lovely Spanish steps leading up to the Chiesa di Trinità dei Monti . One of the most important fashion shows is held here, the steps being used as a catwalk. It is now an international meeting point. The fountain known as the ‘Barcaccia’ (boat) was commissioned by Urbano Barberini to commemorate the alliance made with the King of France, whose coat of arms can be seen on Trinità dei Monti.
Roman Forum
Largo Romolo e Remo
Rome 00186 Italy
(06) 699 0110
The Forum was designed to be the centre of social, political and economic life in the city. The innumerable remains include the well-conserved triumphal arch of Emperor Septimius Severus, with reliefs depicting his victories and the base of the Temple of Saturn with its eight columns and their splendid Ionic capitals. The ‘Rostrum’ is the famous platform from which Mark Antony gave his oration in Shakespeare’s play after Julius Caesar’s assassination.
Trastevere
Rome 00153
In the evening, the neighborhood of Trastevere – just across the Tiber river – is one of the most popular places to go for both tourists and Romans. But the area is also a great place to visit at daytime, before the crowds arrive. Stroll through the narrow streets, packed with little bars, restaurants and shops, until you arrive at the neighborhood’s main square, Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, named after one of Rome’s most splendid churches, located in the square’s northwest corner. Then go for lunch at one of the typical Roman restaurants, such as Casetta de’ Trastevere on the small Piazza de’ Renzi, for great Roman dishes. For a good walk after lunch, follow the Vicolo del Cedro which will lead you to the foot of the Gianicolo Hill. Follow the Via Garibaldi further up until you reach the large statue of this 19th century father of Italian unification on the Piazzale Garibaldi. Here you will be able to enjoy a magnificent panorama over the roofs of Rome.
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