TRAVEL TALES: A Roman Holiday
Posted by: Scott W. Graves | 11/16/2007 6:03 PM
By Nick Alpino
You are in for one of life's most enjoyable and educational experiences when you decide to visit Rome. My first visit to the "Eternal City" many years ago was part of a ten day holiday in Italy. We had only three days and two nights to explore this amazing city and we hardly scratched the surface. Fortunately, I tossed a coin over my shoulder into the Trevi Fountain with a wish to return. I have been very fortunate to have returned several times as a tour escort, an individual traveler, and an organizer of incentive tour programs.
The glory days of the Roman Empire carried Latin customs and lifestyle to what was then considered the four corners of the earth. Conversely, Roman lifestyle was refreshed and enriched with culinary delights, fashion, and knowledge gathered from the vast expanding Empire.
Today Rome is the capital of Italy and home to approximately three and a half million people, however, this extremely unique historical city was once the center of government for most of the known world.
A mild climate makes Rome attractive year round, however, July and August can be very hot and many businesses are closed. I have visited Rome in April and May and the weather has always been magnificent.
Hotels, Apartments, and Pensiones Everywhere
Rome offers a wide variety of attractive places to stay ranging from Five Star Deluxe to moderately priced accommodation. One of my most enjoyable stays was in a Pensione run by two very friendly Italians who did not speak one word of English. My wife got to practice her Italian and I had the opportunity to learn a few words on my own. Staying in a Pensione can best be described as staying with a relative who happens to have a very nice home. Bedrooms are uniquely decorated with rustic and/or antique furniture creating a most comfortable atmosphere.
Travel professionals are well equipped to assist and advise you on accommodation as well as other components for a perfect Roman holiday.
So Much To Do and See
We have all heard that "Rome wasn't built in a day", in fact, they have been building and repairing this spectacular city for over two thousand years.
We found a myriad of diverse attractions and were able to trace historical, religious, and cultural activities through the centuries. When I lead tours, I always advise my participants to pace themselves so as not to be overwhelmed and or exhausted by the abundance of sights and events.
In AD 72 Emperor Vespasian began the construction of the Colosseum. Inaugural events took place in AD 80. Over the centuries the structure has been damaged and repaired many times, but I was amazed when I learned that the original structure could accommodate 87,000 spectators. This is where condemned prisoners fought off hungry lions and gladiators met in mortal combat. I have walked through the public areas several times and felt a strange sensation as I imagined what the crowds must have been like almost two thousand years ago.
As you leave the Colosseum, a short walk down the piazza will lead you to the Roman Forum. The Forum was the religious, political, and commercial center of the Empire. With the decline of the Empire, the Forum lost its significance until the Renaissance period when it came to be appreciated as classical art and architecture. The ruins and stones of the Forum once hosted the most powerful seat of government on our planet, one that has had a profound influence on world civilization as we know it today.
One of my favorite historical sights in Rome is the Pantheon. Originally built about AD 128, the Pantheon was an ancient temple dedicated to all Roman Gods. Walking through this centuries old structure is like stepping back into historical Rome. The magnificent dome is one of ancient architecture's greatest achievements. The Rotundas at the University of Virginia and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello were fashioned after the Pantheon dome.
Rome is famous for its many fountains where you can fill your bottle with cool refreshing spring water brought in by an ancient Roman aqueduct. The most famous, largest, and best known is the Trevi Fountain. Three streets converge on the site of the fountain, thus the name Trevi. This Baroque work of art was completed in 1762 and has been a must see for all visitors to Rome ever since. As a young boy I sang "Three Coins in the Fountain" never imagining I would get to visit that legendary fountain one day. Don't forget to bring some extra coins and make some special wishes, I am told that many wishes have come true.
Vatican City
Officially Vatican City is the world's smallest independent sovereign city state. It is bordered or surrounded by the city of Rome. The Vatican is ruled by the Bishop of Rome, i.e. the Pope. All ranking state functionaries are clergymen of the Catholic Church.
The Pontifical Swiss Guards, the smallest and oldest standing army in the world, was founded in 1506. Swiss Guards are posted at all entrances to Vatican City providing security, protection and rich tradition. A photo with one of the Swiss Guards makes for a great travel souvenir.
Visitors have the opportunity to see some of the world's greatest art, architecture, and wonders within the city walls. It is hard not to feel the magic in the air as you enter Vatican City.
St. Peter's Basilica is the center of the Catholic world and without a doubt the most impressive church in existence. My wife and I have waited in long lines to enter, but the wait was always well worth our time. Michelangelo designed the magnificent dome and the sheer size and scale of the structure is mind boggling. As a comparison, the Statue of Liberty would fit within the dome with room to spare. You might spend days in and around St. Peter's and never get to see all there is to see and experience. One of the world's greatest art galleries featuring the exquisitely decorated Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo is housed within St. Peter's.
Your travel professional can provide you with a wide selection of existing successful tours visiting Rome. When you decide to visit, I suggest you allow extra time to experience all that Rome has to offer. History, art, culture, cuisine, magic and La Dolce Vita await you in The Eternal City.
Nick Alpino is a Tourism Specialist, Group Organizer, Seminar Leader, and an Independent Consultant to the Travel Industry. Readers may contact him at: alpino@earthlink.net
EXTRA: Must See!
Private tours of the Vatican Museums, the Jewish Ghetto, and the Sistine Chapel are available through ItalyWithUs.com. Please visit their website at www.italywithus.com or contact Brenda Bohen (Brenda.Bohen@gmail.com) for additional information. Another valuable resource that offers private walking tours of Rome from a Jewish perspective is available at www.romeforjews.com.
You are in for one of life's most enjoyable and educational experiences when you decide to visit Rome. My first visit to the "Eternal City" many years ago was part of a ten day holiday in Italy. We had only three days and two nights to explore this amazing city and we hardly scratched the surface. Fortunately, I tossed a coin over my shoulder into the Trevi Fountain with a wish to return. I have been very fortunate to have returned several times as a tour escort, an individual traveler, and an organizer of incentive tour programs. The glory days of the Roman Empire carried Latin customs and lifestyle to what was then considered the four corners of the earth. Conversely, Roman lifestyle was refreshed and enriched with culinary delights, fashion, and knowledge gathered from the vast expanding Empire.
Today Rome is the capital of Italy and home to approximately three and a half million people, however, this extremely unique historical city was once the center of government for most of the known world.
A mild climate makes Rome attractive year round, however, July and August can be very hot and many businesses are closed. I have visited Rome in April and May and the weather has always been magnificent.
Hotels, Apartments, and Pensiones Everywhere
Rome offers a wide variety of attractive places to stay ranging from Five Star Deluxe to moderately priced accommodation. One of my most enjoyable stays was in a Pensione run by two very friendly Italians who did not speak one word of English. My wife got to practice her Italian and I had the opportunity to learn a few words on my own. Staying in a Pensione can best be described as staying with a relative who happens to have a very nice home. Bedrooms are uniquely decorated with rustic and/or antique furniture creating a most comfortable atmosphere.
Travel professionals are well equipped to assist and advise you on accommodation as well as other components for a perfect Roman holiday.
So Much To Do and See
We have all heard that "Rome wasn't built in a day", in fact, they have been building and repairing this spectacular city for over two thousand years.
We found a myriad of diverse attractions and were able to trace historical, religious, and cultural activities through the centuries. When I lead tours, I always advise my participants to pace themselves so as not to be overwhelmed and or exhausted by the abundance of sights and events.
In AD 72 Emperor Vespasian began the construction of the Colosseum. Inaugural events took place in AD 80. Over the centuries the structure has been damaged and repaired many times, but I was amazed when I learned that the original structure could accommodate 87,000 spectators. This is where condemned prisoners fought off hungry lions and gladiators met in mortal combat. I have walked through the public areas several times and felt a strange sensation as I imagined what the crowds must have been like almost two thousand years ago.
As you leave the Colosseum, a short walk down the piazza will lead you to the Roman Forum. The Forum was the religious, political, and commercial center of the Empire. With the decline of the Empire, the Forum lost its significance until the Renaissance period when it came to be appreciated as classical art and architecture. The ruins and stones of the Forum once hosted the most powerful seat of government on our planet, one that has had a profound influence on world civilization as we know it today.
One of my favorite historical sights in Rome is the Pantheon. Originally built about AD 128, the Pantheon was an ancient temple dedicated to all Roman Gods. Walking through this centuries old structure is like stepping back into historical Rome. The magnificent dome is one of ancient architecture's greatest achievements. The Rotundas at the University of Virginia and Thomas Jefferson's Monticello were fashioned after the Pantheon dome. Rome is famous for its many fountains where you can fill your bottle with cool refreshing spring water brought in by an ancient Roman aqueduct. The most famous, largest, and best known is the Trevi Fountain. Three streets converge on the site of the fountain, thus the name Trevi. This Baroque work of art was completed in 1762 and has been a must see for all visitors to Rome ever since. As a young boy I sang "Three Coins in the Fountain" never imagining I would get to visit that legendary fountain one day. Don't forget to bring some extra coins and make some special wishes, I am told that many wishes have come true.
Vatican City
Officially Vatican City is the world's smallest independent sovereign city state. It is bordered or surrounded by the city of Rome. The Vatican is ruled by the Bishop of Rome, i.e. the Pope. All ranking state functionaries are clergymen of the Catholic Church.
The Pontifical Swiss Guards, the smallest and oldest standing army in the world, was founded in 1506. Swiss Guards are posted at all entrances to Vatican City providing security, protection and rich tradition. A photo with one of the Swiss Guards makes for a great travel souvenir.
Visitors have the opportunity to see some of the world's greatest art, architecture, and wonders within the city walls. It is hard not to feel the magic in the air as you enter Vatican City.
St. Peter's Basilica is the center of the Catholic world and without a doubt the most impressive church in existence. My wife and I have waited in long lines to enter, but the wait was always well worth our time. Michelangelo designed the magnificent dome and the sheer size and scale of the structure is mind boggling. As a comparison, the Statue of Liberty would fit within the dome with room to spare. You might spend days in and around St. Peter's and never get to see all there is to see and experience. One of the world's greatest art galleries featuring the exquisitely decorated Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo is housed within St. Peter's.
Your travel professional can provide you with a wide selection of existing successful tours visiting Rome. When you decide to visit, I suggest you allow extra time to experience all that Rome has to offer. History, art, culture, cuisine, magic and La Dolce Vita await you in The Eternal City.
Nick Alpino is a Tourism Specialist, Group Organizer, Seminar Leader, and an Independent Consultant to the Travel Industry. Readers may contact him at: alpino@earthlink.net
EXTRA: Must See!
Private tours of the Vatican Museums, the Jewish Ghetto, and the Sistine Chapel are available through ItalyWithUs.com. Please visit their website at www.italywithus.com or contact Brenda Bohen (Brenda.Bohen@gmail.com) for additional information. Another valuable resource that offers private walking tours of Rome from a Jewish perspective is available at www.romeforjews.com.
