All Roads Lead to Rome

All roads lead to Rome, and after my previous travels, there was an Italian shaped void on my checklist that needed to be booted off.

Sunset at the Vatican

Italy has long since been a country I want to explore in all its glory. From Venice to Florence, Naples to Milan, so many Italian cities evoke images of grandeur, history, romance and sun. Given the time (and the money) I would spend many months unearthing the treasures of this country, which certainly wasn’t built in a day.

The Eternal City needs no introduction; from its Roman heritage, to its religious significance, Rome is a living testament to centuries of human development.

Thankfully, this urban landscape packs an entire metropolis into a limited area, and so walking around Rome is one of the best ways to explore. Head to the Travestere district, west of the River Tiber, to get a sense of Rome from the local perspective. Here, the streets are a maze of restaurants, hidden churches and boutique shops and art fairs. The houses are all painted in different colours, and tiny cars from the 1960s and mopeds are actually out in force. Food is at its cheapest here, with pizzas from six euro, and pasta dishes not costing much more.

Visiting the Colosseum

For those looking to travel back to Roman times, the old ruins are all surprisingly close which makes for a great day hopping between reminiscing about gladiator battles at the Colosseum and imagining the bustle of a bursting Roman Forum, before visiting the most iconic of religious temples. Tickets to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Forum can be bought as a combined package for under 10 euro, but make sure to arrive at the Colosseum early should you visit during peak season, or on warm days.

Altar of the Fatherland

Other highlights include the “Wedding Cake” building, a monument to Victor Emmanuel, the first King of Italy, official called the Altar of the Fatherland. Its scale dominates the Piazza de Venezia, with its white marble screaming importance and decadence. The view from the top is well worth the extra expense for a central city outlook. The adjoining Capitoline Museums are also worth several hours of your time, housing a number of Italian sculptures and artworks, as well as monuments to Marcus Aurelius and Constantine and the remains of the Temple of Jupiter. If that doesn’t sway you, there is an excellent private terrace that overlooks the whole of the Roman Forum, for a picture perfect moment.

The view from St Peter's Basilica

The Vatican City is a must regardless of religious outlook or philosophy. From its art to its architecture, this is certainly an inspiring marvel, that is a testament to the skill of some of the most talented and enlightened individuals of history. The Vatican Museums will take a good three hours of your day at any time, but the history of the different rooms and the expansive detail in each work of art is so intricate that it merits more than a rushed photo. The museums give way to the Sistine Chapel, where photos are forbidden, but the real impressions are left from craning your neck back to admire the painstaking ceiling fresco that depicts numerous passages of scripture with dynamic realism, whilst leaving an air of the divine at play.

St Peter’s Basilica itself leaves any visitor in awe, and the peace that the basilica instils is tangible. From the scale of the building, there is sublime sense of being connected to a greater being, with light pouring in from high windows, and huge pillars leading to the dome. A view from the roof is also a must – but beware of the 550 stairs. Try to visit on a Wednesday if possible, when the Pope gives his weekly address.

Gelato in Travestere, Rome

For alternative Rome experiences, check out the Castel San’Angelo, close to the Vatican City. Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, it later became a castle and strategic defence and hideout for the Popes. To put a bang in your visit, don’t miss the midday cannon fire at the Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi. This free spectacle, with a complementary inspiring view across the city, is steeped in tradition, and was a signal for all the bell towers in Rome, which failed to accurately mark the passing hours. The cannon fire was introduced to keep time, and continues to this day.

Giolitti gelato stole my heart.

One last piece of advice: try as much gelato as is humanly possible whilst on your trip. Of course, this goes without saying – Rome is a food capital and you will be spoilt for choice. However, make sure you are constantly popping into different gelaterias for one scoop here and there to dabble in all the flavours. Some favourites were Grom, Roma and Giolitti, where I think I lost my heart to ice cream. Three scoops (slabs more like) of some of the most delicate and creamy gelato you will find, fresh cream, and a chocolate covered cone for under 3.50. More of this please.