Raise your hand if you haven’t already visited Rome…. If we believe the motto that says: “All the roads lead to Rome”, there will be a time that the road will lead you to the magnificent city of Rome.

I had my chance in Christmas and I’ve make a list of things to do, see and try in Rome.

1. Vatican City

Vatican City is a walled enclave within the city of Rome. With an area of approximately 44 hectares, and a population of 842 persons, it is the smallest sovereign state in the world by both area and population. It is an ecclesiastical or sacerdotal-monarchical state (a type of theocracy) ruled by the Bishop of Rome – the Pope.

Why to visit Vatican City?

The Vatican Museums, the St. Peter’s square, the Basilica di San Pietro are pure art! The sure thing is that you will never see again so many artifacts gathered in one place. The ticket for the Vatican Museums costs 16€ and if you book online you must pay 4€ more. The extra charge allows you to enter quicker and save time waiting rather than standing on the other queue.

2. Colosseum – Roman Forum – Palatine Hill

These two places require at least half of your day. Colosseum is a great arena but it is not so special from the inside. However, you are in Rome and it would be a great miss out if you don’t enter. That place hosted battles, duels and beast fights.

The Roman Forum is a rectangular forum surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the center of the city of Rome. Citizens of the ancient city referred to this space, originally a marketplace, as the Forum Magnum, or simply the Forum.

The Palatine Hill is the centermost of the Seven Hills of Rome and is one of the most ancient parts of the city. It stands 40 meters above the Roman Forum, looking down upon it on one side, and upon the Circus Maximus on the other. The city’s view is Spectacular!

These three sightseeing share the same tickets that costs 12€.

3. Pantheon

This temple was originally dedicated to all gods of the ancient Rome. Now, it is a Christian Church. The most characteristic feature of this temple is its dome that is open to the weather conditions. It’s fascinating that despite the eons and the damages that Pantheon suffered, it still stands!

4. Fontana Di Trevi

A visit to the most popular fountain of the world is necessary! Don’t forget to throw a coin into the fountain! This action, according to locals, guarantee your return to Rome.

5. Piazza Di Spagna

After the most popular fountain, we visit the most famous stairs! These steps connect Piazza di Spagna and Trinità dei Monti church. Climb the steps and the view will reward you!

6. Piazza Del Popolo – Piazza Venezia – Piazza Navona

Each square has its own unique story to tell. I choose 3 squares that I really enjoyed and admired. Photograph the city’s view from the top of Piazza Del Popolo, take a break in Bernini’s fountain in Piazza Navona and pay your respects to the unknown soldier in Piazza Venezia.

7. Tiber River

Tiber runs the old city. Don’t miss the chance to walk by the river and visit the only island in Tiber, Tiberina.

8. Castel and Ponte Sant’Angelo

The Mausoleum of Hadrian, usually known as Castel Sant’Angelo is a towering cylindrical building in Parco Adriano, Rome, Italy. It was initially commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. The building was later used by the popes as a fortress and castle, and is now a museum. This Castle was once the tallest building in Rome.

Ponte Sant’Angelo is a bridge located in front of Castel Sant’ Angelo. It completed in 134 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian, to span the Tiber, from the city center to his newly constructed mausoleum. The bridge is solely pedestrian, and provides a photogenic vista of the Castel Sant’Angelo. Spent some time observing the “angels” on the bridge.

9. Villa Borghese Gardens

These gardens are perfect for relaxation. Walk or take a bike and ride through the park. If you have time visit the Galleria Borghese, the zoo and the beautiful lake.

10. Shopping in Via Del Corso

Shopping time and there’s no other place like Via Del Corso! There you can find well-known brands and normal priced items. On the other hand, if you are into expensive brands such as Prada, Gucci, Armani etc, prefer the Via Condotti.

11. Eat traditional Italian food

Pizza, Spaghetti, Panini, Focaccia, Τiramisu, are some of the MUST EAT foods in Rome!

12. Drink the original Cappuccino and taste the authentic hot Italian chocolate.

There is always time for a traditional cappuccino made by the experts! Also, try the authentic hot chocolate! It is thicker than the ones you are used to and certainly tastier!

By Danai Aimatidou

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Products without names and surnames like fashion now wants to impose , but that has always constitute the heart of a great Roman cuisine.

FROM CARBONARA TO FISH
FROM ROMAN TRIPE TO PIZZA

The Trattoria’s menu embraces all the best choices the Roman cuisine could offer in its repertoire. From stewed meatballs, courgette flowers with anchovies and mozzarella, and classic supplì among the fried starters, to homemade tonnarelli and fettuccine (as well as dumplings) amatriciana, to “cacio e pepe” or with “coda alla vaccinara” sauce. Spaghetti and rigatoni al dente for carbonara, for sea fruit and for anchovies, then jump to the minty Roman tripe, to the vaccinara tail, to the delicate taste of meat rolls in tomato sauce and, for the fried lovers, to breaded lamb ribs.

Photos from the facebook page of the restaurant: here

website: http://www.trattoriadacesare.it/?lang=en

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Shocking is the 163 or Amalfitana road with the spectacular view that leads to it and covers the entire length of the coast.

Since the 1960s, and alongside the nearby and most popular Capri, the Amalfi coast has evolved into one of Italy’s top tourist destinations but also a favorite place for both jet setters and couples looking for romance. Fortunately, because of the geomorphology of the area, tourist development was at a slow pace.

Therefore, it is still an earthly paradise that combines tranquility with cosmopolitan reputation: you will find quiet fishing villages next to cosmopolitan towns and secluded beaches next to lively and organized beaches.

In Sorrento, where Kazanova and Goethe were taking part, you will be impressed with the old villas on the hill slopes overlooking the emerald waters, Mediterranean gardens with olives and citrus, the lively cosmopolitan harbor where they breed expensive vessels and life in Coffee of Piazza Tasso, which was loved by both Nietzsche and Ipsen.

Positano is the most expensive and scenic area, a city with countless stairs and narrow streets, a settlement-terrace in the endless blue. Amalfi is the most popular proposal for a day trip from there and Ravello stands high up on the hill as if to watch what’s happening … Even Salerno, however, which plays the role of the transport hub, has a beautiful Old Town With narrow alleys.

Where to eat

In Positano, at Don Alfonso 1890 (Corso S Agata 11, tel .: +39 081 8780026) the organic materials come from the owner’s farm while the most famous dish is pasta with sardines, green peppers and oregano. (http://www.donalfonso.com/home.asp?lingua=ing)

In Amalfi, Caravella (Via Matteo Camera 12, tel .: +39 089871029) serves homemade pesto with anchovies, capers and lemon (http://www.ristorantelacaravella.it/?lang=en).

In Ravello, exciting dishes will be served at Rosselini, such as lemon sardines (Via San Giovanni del Toro 28, tel .: +39 089 818181) (http://www.palazzoavino.com/en/Dining/Rossellinis).

Where to stay

One relatively cheap and good option is to stay at the hotel: La Casetta Nel Bosco. Hotel Doria Amalfi is also a very nice 3 star hotel with a magnificent view (http://www.hoteldoriamalfi.it/en/). If you afford something more expensive we would recommend: Hotel Aurora (http://www.aurora-hotel.it/) and Hotel Luna Convento (http://www.lunahotel.it/)

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Riomaggiore is one of the five villages of The Cinque Terre province in Liguria and is perched on the cliff overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Its insurmountable natural beauty is reflected in the fishing boats that rest in its calm blue waters, in its narrow alleys that reflect the midday sun and in the colors of the sunset.

Dating back to the 13th century and beyond, its impressive tower houses, it is known for the wine it produces. It is built between two steep cliffs and the Colombo village’s main street is located in its shops, cafés and restaurants.

The famous Street of Love (Via dell’ Amore) joins the five seaside villages and starts from Riomaggiore and you can discover it by walking through a picturesque path.

The multicolored mosaics are scattered in the village, while near the station and the walls of the town hall you will see the frescoes of the artist Silvio Benedetto.

It is worth visiting the Gothic church of San Giovanni Battista dated back to 1340 and the medieval castle built in the 13th century, today used for cultural events.

Castle of Riomaggiore: you can reach the fortification from the town, climbing the steep road from the railway station. It began to be built in 1260 by the Marquis Turcotti, lord of Ripalta and feudal vassal of this part of the coast, who gave up all these properties to Nicolò Fieschi who, after some years, transferred them to the Republic of Genoa, which completed the defensive system of Riomaggiore. The castle has a square base with the longest sides overlooking the sea. The boundary wall has two circular towers. The entrance is located between the towers, and a narrow external stair leads to the tower controlling the town, where a big clock is built. Not far from it there is the oratory of San Rocco, built in remembrance of a plague which stroke the community in 1480. During the times the castle suffered not only the usual wear of atmospherical agents but also a modification which changed the original setting up. In fact, until few years ago, the internal part of the fortress housed the town cemetery.

Food and Wine

Among the typical products we find several choices of dry white wine and of course the wine specialty of the Cinque Terre, the “Sciacchetrà”. This wine is famous all over the world and it is made by grapevines from “Bosco”, “Fermentino” and “Albarola” grapes. The Sciacchetrà is a suave wine of which we find two selections: Sweet and Strong Sweet.

You can easily recognize the wine by its golden-yellow colour with amber reflections and the scent of apricot and acacia-honey.

With info from http://www.cinqueterreriomaggiore.com/en/

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Trieste is on the border with Slovenia and its art nouveau and neoclassical architecture looks almost parable with the Mediterranean environment of the Adriatic.

Unità D’italia is one of the largest squares in Europe and one can admire the elegant neoclassical buildings and villas built by wealthy merchants of the 19th century.

It is worth visiting the museums and the theaters located between Unità D’italia Square and della Liberta Square.

The Civico Museo di Storia di Arte, the archaeological museum of the city, hosts Roman, Greek and Egyptian exhibits, while the Museo Del Mare gives the traveler the opportunity to discover the history of Trieste.

Dedicated to the patron saint of the city, San Giusto Cattedrale Di San Giusto cathedral dates back to 1300.

Built in Gothic style, the visitor is impressed with its imposing and 14th century bell tower.

Agios Nikolaos is the Greek church of the city where in 1797 Rigas Feraios and his comrades were arrested and then handed over to the Turks of Belgrade.

One should not miss to visit the magnificent Castello Di Miramare, eight kilometers away from Trieste.

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We found the following video for you, in order to watch what you can visit in Rome.

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