Claiming the number two spot on the Cond Nast Traveler's 2004 Reader's Choice Awards Top Ten European Cities, Rome is home to magnificent antique structures and an impressive history. It has a population of 2.7 million people with a fairly predictable climate of mild to rainy during the winter seasons and dry and hot during the summer months.
Except for a few countries in Europe, a passport is required to enter Italy. A visa is not needed, though, if you are staying for ninety days or less. Travel during the off-season between October and March is recommended to avoid the overwhelming mob of tourists during the more popular travel times. You can choose internet law accommodations near or within the historic district (centro storico). The Hotel de Russie between the Piazza del Popolo and Spanish Steps is a fabulous Tmnet Streamyx Bill bringing you next door to these two attractions you will definitely want to see first.
You can best enjoy the city's treasures on foot allowing you to see the sights as you wish and taking side trips as you desire. However, it is still a good idea to list the sites you intend to visit so you can save cash. It can add up quickly. Guided tours are a great option to get around and see the sites and are available from your hotel concierge. The TramBus system is another convenient and economical choice. It travels around the city and provides a terrific tour of Rome.
Regardless of your tourist preferences, certain sights in Rome should not be missed. The most popular, or at least recognizable, sights are probably The Coliseum and the Vatican. You can join one of the hourly tours hosted by guides dressed as Gladiators, or tour on your own. Be sure to call ahead, though, as the operating hours vary during the different seasons.
After visiting The Coliseum, make your way across the street to The Roman Forum (Foro Romano) which was the civic center of Ancient Rome. It is here that the political, economic and religious activities occurred. Many columns are still standing among the ruins over 2000 years ago. Admission to The Roman Forum is free, though there are fees for the audio and guided tours of the premises.
The Pantheon is approximately 1,800 years old and stands basically unchanged. The Pantheon can be viewed as an example of how The Roman Forum would have looked if its buildings had not turned to ruins. The Pantheon, meaning "temple to all gods," was built around 125 A.D. featuring a nine meter opening providing the only lighting into the structure. The Pantheon is the burial place of many prominent individuals throughout history including Raphael, the Renaissance painter, and two kings of Italy.
Finally, you cannot miss The Vatican and its broadband and digital television promotion of books, paintings, sculptures and other artifacts portraying the history of the Catholic Church. You could very easily spend several hours at The Vatican and still only scratch the surface of the collection. Be sure you do not skip the Sistine Chapel famous for Michelangelo's painting on the chapel's ceiling.
Fred Ibenshaus repeatedly produces web pages on subjects relating to travel tips on Florence. Working on his writings, the columnist established his deep knowledge on information relating to Florence.
