If you are planning a vacation in Rome, here are five things that you must try while in the region.
1. Visit Vatican City - Irrespective of whether you are Roman Catholic or not, the Vatican City is a treasure chest of historical monuments alongside artistic and architectural wonders. Vatican City is home to the Pope, who is the head of the Catholic Church. Places to see within Vatican City include St. Peters Square, St. Peters Basilica and the many museums that are housed within Vatican City. It is advisable to go on a guided tour, rather than try and find your way around yourself, so that you do not miss out on any of the more important places that you could visit.
2. Put the Coliseum on your agenda - The Coliseum is one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions and has a rich history. Over 2000 years old and with a colourful history that includes gladiators and wild beasts, the Coliseum is a must see for any tourist. Look at ways of buying your tickets beforehand, so as to minimise the time you wait in line to enter. Men dressed as Gladiators walk alongside waiting tourists, and make great company in a photograph taken outside the Coliseum.
3. Visit the Roman Forum - The Roman Forum is an absolute must see, having once been the centre of the Roman Empire. Some of the sites to see in the forum include the temple to Saturn, Venus and Roma, dating back as far as 135 AD.
4. Visit the Pantheon – This is a structure that has been standing since 125 A.D and is still extremely well preserved and is also still in use. In the time of the Roman Empire, the Pantheon was a temple to all the Roman gods. When Christians and the Pope took over and began governing Rome, the Pope at the time, converted it into a church and called it “The Church of Mary and the Martyrs” to keep it from being destroyed. He succeeded in preserving it, but failed with the new name, as the structure is still referred to as the Pantheon by one and all. Known for its huge dome that provides the only source of light to the whole building, the Pantheon is a haven for most on hot summer days, when it remains comparatively cool.
5. Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain – This is the largest fountain in Rome and has featured in many a movie including Roman Holiday. Throwing a coin in the fountain, with your back turned toward it, is said to guarantee a return to Rome.
Orson Johnson writes for Holiday Velvet, a website providing Rome holiday apartments and Vacation rentals accommodation.
