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Top 10 Activities - Rome
#1. The Colosseum
When in Rome, you've simply got to visit the huge 4-storey Colosseum amphitheater. This massive ancient landmark is the largest venue built during the Roman Empire, capable of holding more than 50,000 people and taking 10 years to build. It's notorious for the infamous Gladiatorial contests, where the Romans fed Christians to the lions as a form of entertainment.
#2. Campanile
The gorgeous array of leather products available at the boutique store of Campanile is to die for. Featuring shoes, bags, clothing and more, there's also plenty of other designer fashion clothing available here. Steeped in atmospheric Roman style, this is a great way to spend a day enjoying the shopping.
#3. Vatican City
Perhaps the holiest place in the world and the home of the Pope, Vatican City is an independent state right in the center of Rome. The Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica are just two of the more prominent attractions here, but there's plenty more to see. The people in Vatican City speak Latin instead of Italian. Something you might miss if you're not looking for it is the ‘Angels & Demons' tour. This secret Vatican Scavi tour was inspired by the book.
#4. The Pantheon
This impressive building was originally a Pagan temple but was converted into a church in around 608AD. Sited within the Piazza della Rotonda, it's still a popular place to socialize in the evenings. This is one of the best preserved monuments of Imperial Rome and is said to have been in constant use in one incarnation or another for almost 2,000 years. It's a good idea to visit the Pantheon before visiting other historical sites around Rome simply to get a grasp on the grandeur of what the other ruins would have once looked like during their prime.
#5. St. Sebastian Catacombs
If you're not claustrophobic, then you should take the opportunity to visit the St. Sebastian Catacombs. These deep, dark tunnels were used as early burial grounds and they wind around in a massive underground maze. The tour is fascinating, from the lovely chapel above the tunnels right to the dark depths of the crypts.
#6. Cappuchin Crypt
There's something very creepy about visiting some chapels that are adorned with the bones of over 4,000 Cappuchin monks as a form of decoration. The Cappuchin Crypt is beneath the Santa Maria della Immacolata Concezione church, which is on the Via Veneto near Piazza Barberini and isn't the site of a gruesome slaughter. Originally, the crypt was decorated with bones simply due to the sheer number of people who requested to be buried on holy soil that had been shipped in from Jerusalem. Rather than fill the burial plots, the Romans decided to decorate the crypts with the bones of the dead.
#7. Italian Cuisine
The rich, incredible array for Italian food is enough to make anyone want to extend their visit to Rome. Keep in mind that most of the traditional Italian recipes are seasonal, based on what crops where ready at particular parts of the year. This means you can experience completely different types of dishes all year round and still be finding new things to try. There's also nowhere in the world where you can get real pizza and pasta that tastes this good – except maybe Milan.
#8. Circus Maximus
Spend some down-time relaxing at the Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo). This mass-entertainment venue is in the valley between the Avenine and Palatine hills and is sometimes used for concerts, but you can always see people enjoying picnics and generally enjoying the atmosphere here.
#9. Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is the most strikingly beautiful square in Rome. Dominated by the Fountain of the Four Rivers, it's surrounded by al fresco dining restaurants, bars and cafes and is the ideal spot for a bit of socializing.
#10. Trevi Fountain
In the picturesque Piazza di Trevi is the famous Trevi Fountain, standing 85 feet high and 65 feet wide. Originally the end point of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, it was built around 19BC. The traditional legend of this baroque fountain says that if you throw one coin into the fountain, you are guaranteed of a return trip to Rome. Throw two coins and you'll find a new romance and three coins will ensure a marriage. Tradition says to toss the coins over your shoulder with your back to the fountain.
Italian Cuisine
Insalata Caprese
Insalata Caprese is a basic Italian salad consisting of freshly sliced mozzarella, tomatoes and basil, then drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with fresh salt and pepper.
Pizza Margherita
Pizza Margherita is made with slice tomato, mozzarella, basil and extra-virgin olive oil.
Arancini (Risotto Croquettes)
Arancini are fried rice balls made with risotto style rice, coated with bread crumbs and stuffed with meat sauce, tomato sauce, peas or mozzarella.
Gelato
Gelato is Italy's version of ice cream. It's made with similar ingredients such as, milk, cream, sugar and flavored with fruits or nuts. It often will not contain eggs.
Best Time To Visit - Rome
Rome is at its magnificent best in the spring, during April and May, when the weather is warm and sunny. Summer can become quite hot through July and August, with temperatures climbing to higher levels around 86F (30C). While this is perfect beach-going weather, it can make sightseeing among the ruins a little uncomfortable. Wear a hat and take plenty of water to protect against sun stroke in summer.
Winter in Rome is quite mild, although you will find unpredictable heavy rain and icy winds from November through to February. Average temperatures through winter are around 55F (13C). If you intend to travel during winter, it's important to remember to pack shoes with a good grip as the stone roads can get very slippery when wet.
When you're searching for the best Italy travel deals, be sure to consider how the weather will affect your plans.
Travel Shopping - Rome
Rome is a wonderful place for shopping with a huge mix of designer stores and department stores dotted all over the city. The multi-ethnic mix of goods available is unparalleled anywhere else in the world.
Fashion:
If you're after some independent Italian high fashion designs, then you can't go past Via del Governo Vecchio for the best range of designer clothing and brand name labels. However for something a little more reasonably priced, try the Via Condotti.
Antiques:
With such an ancient history, the antique trade in Rome is unequalled. Statues, carvings, sculptures, paintings, furnishings, artworks of all descriptions and much more are available from the Via dei Coronari or perhaps even at the Via del Babuino.
Food:
To sample some of the most exquisite local cuisine and regional gourmet specialties then you can't go past the Castroni on Via Cola di Rienzo – Via Quattro Fontane. You can also sample some of the specific Roman specialties in Tricarico (Vicolo del Cinque) in Trastevere.
Shopping General:
The Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps) on Via dei Condotti are a central social hotspot as well as one of the best shopping streets in Rome. You'll easily recognize some of the biggest brand names on the planet here, as well as so many other stores and outlets that you'll find plenty to keep you amused.
Festival Events - Rome
Independent Film Festival:
In February Rome hosts the Independent Film Festival and showcases more than 40 films from more than 20 countries.
Roma Jazz Festival:
Throughout October and November, the international celebration of jazz is held at the Parco della Musica. Featuring performers and musicians from all over the world, the wonderful festival atmosphere at this time of the year is worth the trip.
International Urban Theatre Festival:
Every September performers bring drama and theater to the streets, transforming the Giardino degli Aranci into a performing arts spectacle. On street-corners and open-air venues you can enjoy performances free.
Italian Travel Phrases
Every September performers bring drama and theater to the streets, transforming the Giardino degli Aranci into a performing arts spectacle. On street-corners and open-air venues you can enjoy performances free.
Ciao - Hello
Buon giorno - Good day
Arrivederci - Good bye
Come sta? - How are you?
Parla Inglese? - Do you speak English?
Per favore - Please
Si - Yes
No - No
Quanto e' - How much is..?
Grazie - Thank you
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