Rome Holiday Information
Italy’s ancient capital of Rome is the most delightful location to spend a long weekend break exploring the many famous historic sites, relaxing with an Italian cappuccino whilst people watching from an al fresco cafe, and meandering through the ancient and modern streets unearthing quaint stores and boutiques for gifts to take back home.
Rome is divided vertically by the River Tiber with the east being the historic side of the city, and Via del Corso with the piazza Venezia to the south. Set within Rome is the world’s smallest city state the Vatican City which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and where the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Square are located together with the Vatican Garden and famous Vatican library.
When shopping in Rome, head to Via Del Governo for jewellery bargains and where in May and October the shops stay open until late for the antiques fair. A selection of art galleries and antique shops can be found in Via Giulia and Via del Monserrato as well as department stores, and at the bottom of the Spanish Steps, Via Condotti and Via Borgognona are where you will find top designer boutiques.
If your visit to Rome City is brief then make sure you stop at the Sistine Chapel, St Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. The Pantheon, temple of the Roman Gods was the first temple built for Rome’s commoners to worship and the architecture is spectacular.
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One of the many most photographed structures, The Roman Coliseum or Colosseum was originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre and is located in the centre of Rome; the largest in the world it was opened in 80 AD. A ghost of the structure if originally was, you can still however vividly imagine the shows and fighting gladiators in the Colosseum.
Head to Vatican City and St Peter’s Basilica and Michelangelo’s spectacular dome on St Peter’s Square and here you can visit the Vatican Museums, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms. Tickets to the Vatican Museums, and for an audience with the Pope which takes place on Wednesdays, should be obtained in advance where possible.