Long Weekend in Rome

[SantaClaus]

Errrm, did anyone mention shopping?

Wife + Rome = La Perla, Gucci and Prada

[DaveB]

Errrm, did anyone mention shopping?

Wife + Rome = La Perla, Gucci and Prada

Tell her you'll only pay for the La Perla

[Gibbon]

Another thing.

One of the best books for getting into Renaissence and Baroque Rome is "The Families who made Rome". It's not academic, but actually aimed at Rome the "second time around" after the big ten have been done. It takes you back to some of the big hits but with a more informed view of their context within Rome's development which will increase your enjoyment no end.

It's good as it gives walking guides and you can follow threads of these families or the artists they supported as you walk around.

Another place worth a visit is the Aventine Hill, it has two of the best views, one through a keyhole at the knights of Malta HQ and the other from the garden at back of San Sabina (good place to picnic). This Church itself is worth a visit, it has fantastic wood panelled doors with what is claimed to be the earliest representation of the Crucifixon in one of the panels; but also the inside is virtually unaltered since the 4th cen and you get a good insight into what a ancient Roman Basilica (Law Court) looked like.

HTH

[gingerjedi]

...Churches:- Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore is a must. The Athenian Columns inside are gorgeous....

This was the first place we visited after leaving the hotel, it was in the guide book but it wasn't on my list of places we must visit, jaw droppingly beautiful inside.

Has anyone mentioned the Farnese Gardens on Palatine hill? You get there via the Forum, of course you must do the forum first! We went in November and found the gardens practically deserted, great views and an oasis of calm.

Over 4 days we didn't bother with public transport at all, the entire place is like a living museum so we were happy to just amble around.

The only thing I'd do differently is book a taxi from Ciampino airport as the bus then train was a pain on a Sunday night, the bus conductor also charged me 10 Euro instead of the 5 everyone else paid.

[AlfredJPruffock]

If Church Crawling in Rome is you thing - and durng my years residence in Rome - I must have seen a good 200 Churches at least - do not miss the Chruch Santa Maria in Trastevere - it was the first legal Church opened in Rome by the Emperor Constantine in 200 AD- its rather small but amazingly beautiful inside.
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The other chuch worth seeing is the chruch of St Andrews - not far from the Piaza Argentina - some wonderful paintings - for thsoe whom dont know St Andrews is the patron Saint of Scotland .

Also Trastevere itsself - where I resided - is a magical area of Rome and not to be missed - many people hang out there and itsa graet muix of artists students bohemians travelers - its also where the Italian movie Director Fellini shot most to the movie Roma.

Have an excellent coffee in one of the wonderful cafes in Trastevere Square - ah - to think I once lived there - but I left- is there no way back ???

Va bene !

PS From Ciampino Ryanair have an hourly bus service which is cheap - but for a couple of Euros you can also get a metro train from Ciampino - though the Roman Metro can get a bit sticky in the summer !

[Incognito]

If Church Crawling in Rome is you thing - and durng my years residence in Rome - I must have seen a good 200 Churches at least - do not miss the Chruch Santa Maria in Trastevere - it was the first legal Church opened in Rome by the Emperor Constantine in 200 AD- its rather small but amazingly beautiful inside.

That's pretty impressive seeing how Severus was emperor (post 'Gladiator' era). Constantine didn't get his arse on the seat until 306 A.D.

[Platypus]

Thanks all for some excellent information !

Special thanks to Gibbon and MrRobin

[AlfredJPruffock]

That's pretty impressive seeing how Severus was emperor (post 'Gladiator' era). Constantine didn't get his arse on the seat until 306 A.D.

Goodness me - did I make a wee lTimeslip there - Constantine was he really around in 300 ad- if you say so - sometimes my sense of Time is - well - wibbly wobbly .


Yesterday today was
Tomorrow and Tomorrow
Today will be
Yesterday

[NotAllThere]

Thanks all for some excellent information !

Special thanks to Gibbon and MrRobin

Seconded.

[Paddy]

It appears thievery is rife, with the art of pickpocketing still going strong:
Rome travel guide - Wikitravel

On every occasion I have been to Italy; always I had problems with the car being broken into or some other theft or scam attempted. I no longer go there unless I have to.

Other scams to be aware.

Money exchange, even at the banks. They will count out the money and with slight of hand short change you.

Leather goods, loads of scams such as only one part of the garment is leather, the rest is vinyl.

The shops know you are a tourist so they gift wrap the article free, except they wrap a piece of junk instead.

It’s a legal requirement in Italy to have a receipt until at least you walk 100 meters from the restaurant or shop. You can be fined for not doing so or even be accused of theft.