Water Fountain nearby Gran Caffe LaCaffettiera Restaurant , Rome
Fountain Close-up Gran Caffe LaCaffettiera Restaurant , Rome
You can see in the close-up that there is a small hole on the top of the pipe. If you hold your hand over the spout (where the water normally flows) water will shoot up through the hole making it easy to get a drink (instead of cupping your hands like the lady in the first picture). Be careful though...it can shoot a long way if you completely cover the spout. You can even soak your wife if she happens to be standing in the right location...oops!
The other thing we learned is that it's safe to drink from the fountains you find ALL OVER Rome and a great place to fill your water bottle.
Yup...it`s a picture of the display screen on our flight over. What makes it special is that it is also the picture I sent to our son to try out the Internet on our flight. The connection costs $13.85/hour (€10.95). Is it worth the money? Well that depends. If you're really desperate to send a short email or text to someone, then I guess it is. But if you think you're going to do a bunch of surfacing, etc. Not so much. The connection was easy to set up and charge on my credit card (the charge shows up as T-MOBILE HOTSPOT) but it`s VERY slow. Fun to play but not really practical.
MOTOR CYCLES
Motor Cycles are everywhere. With gas running more that $8.60/gallon it's no wonder. This parking area is just one of the many we saw all over Rome. There are a couple of important issues concerning motor cycles.
They don't always stop for traffic lights. We saw a group of them approach a traffic light, quickly check the intersection for traffic and then off they went right through the red light.
If you're walking across an intersection (even in the cross walk) DO NOT RUN if there is traffic approaching. This advice is from our tour guide. Drivers in Rome (in particular) have their timing down pat. If you run you can throw off their timing and end up getting hit. Just put your hand out toward the traffic (like a cop telling them to stop) and keep moving at your normal pace.
Cycles in Rome...everywhere
Motor Cycles
ROMAN FORUM
Example of the fence around the Forum Roman Forum, Rome
Linda, Jack and Jan overlooking the Forum Roman Forum, Rome
Overlooking the Forum Roman Forum, Rome
Panorama Trajan`s Markets Roman Forum, Rome
What we learned about the Forum was interesting. When we visited the Forum eight years ago, you didn't have to pay to get in. Not true any longer. The entire area is fenced off (turns out it was eight years ago...although we basically didn't notice) and you have to buy a ticket (which includes the Colosseum). We didn't make the visit since we'd already been through the area.
Roman Forum Via della Salaria Vecchia, 5/6 00186 Roma, Italy Tel: +39 06 0608
ROME SUBWAYS
Subway Ticket (front/back)
Rome's subways are safe and very easy to use. For those of you that have used subways in other large European cities you'll find that they operate the same. If you haven't used a subway, the process is simply.
First buy you ticket at one of the vending machines in the lobby of the subway station. You don't have to worry about where you're going yet, since the tickets for a single trip are all the same price.
Next find a map of the subway lines (or print this Subway Map), again somewhere in the lobby. Locate the subway stop nearest your destination and remember which line it's on. If your destination is on the same line as the subway stop you're currently at, just follow the signs for the correct direction. How do you figure out the direction? On the map locate where you are and your destination. Now follow that line all the way to the end. The name of the last stop is used to identify direction...the one used on all the signs leading to the subway platforms.
As you head to the platform you'll encounter some turnstiles. This is where you use your ticket. Look for a turnstile showing a green arrow, insert your ticket in the slot on the front of the machine, take it back out when it appears out the top and enter through the opening.
If, however, the stop is on another line, it's no big deal. On the map, follow the line you're currently on until it crosses the line that contains your destination. You'll do a transfer where the two lines cross. What does a transfer entail? Simple enough...you leave the subway you're on and follow the signs at that stop to the other line (A or B) that contains your destination. The will be on a different level in the same subway station (otherwise the subways would run into each other). Again locate the proper direction using the name at the end of the line in the direction you wish to go and off you go. Easy peasy.
BTW, your ticket is good as long as you don't leave the area inside the turnstiles for up to 90 minutes. You could just ride around from end to end if you'd like. Why? Beats me!
Enjoy.
Rome Subways
TAXIS
Taxis in Rome appear to operate differently then other European cities (London, Paris, Berlin...). We tried a couple of times to catch a taxi out on one of the streets. Every taxi we spotted was occupied. We finally asked where we could get a taxi and we were directed to the closest taxi stand. This happened twice in the same day. It was clear that the available taxis are only at the taxi stands
Tickets (like the one above) must be validated once you enter a bus, tram or train. The validation machine looks something like the second picture above. It's a simple matter of feeding the ticket into the machine (which will print the validation info) and the machine returns the ticket to you. Why bother? The simple answer is that it's required and that you can receive a significant fine if you're caught riding without a validated ticket. It's sort of an honor system
BASILICA SANTA MARIA
Looking toward the alter Basilica Santa Maria Capitoline Hill, Rome
Pulpit highlighted by the Sun Basilica Santa Maria Capitoline Hill, Rome
Steps to Basilica Santa Marie in Aracoeli Capitoline Hill, Rome
Basilica Santa Maria Scala dell`Arce Capitolina 12 00186 Rome, Italy
CAPITOLINE MUSEUM
Fragments of a colossal statue of Constantin (300-400BC) Capitolini Museum Piazza dei Campidoglio, Rome
She wolf suckles Romulus and Remus Capitolini Museum Piazza dei Campidoglio, Rome
Bronze Statue of Marcus Aurelius on horseback Capitolini Museum Piazza dei Campidoglio, Rome
Mosaic Orestes Iphigenia Capitolini Museum Piazza dei Campidoglio, Rome
Mosaic Orestes Iphigenia - Close up Capitolini Museum Piazza dei Campidoglio, Rome
Status of the Satyr Marsyas Capitolini Museum Piazza dei Campidoglio, Rome
Actual Foundation dei Tempio di Giove Capitolini Museum Piazza dei Campidoglio, Rome
Honorary Monument to Marcus Aurelius - Triumph Capitolini Museum Piazza dei Campidoglio, Rome
The Capitolini Museum is one of the two museum highlights of the trip (Archeological Museum in Naples is the other). It's the oldest museum in Rome. Starting with the giant statue parts (found at Kitty City) and finishing with the bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius the museum is full of wonderful exhibits. Be sure to click the Website button below to visit the museums website (one of the best I've seen) to see all they offer and the innovative technology they incorporate. An absolute must visit while you're in Rome.
Capitoline Museum Piazza del Campidoglio 1 00186 Roma, Italy Tel: 39 06 0608
ITALY SEGWAY TOURS
Outside the Colosseum Segway Tour of Rome, Rome
Piazza dei Campidoglio, Capitoline Hill Segway Tour of Rome, Rome
The Mouth of Truth (La Bocca della Verità) Segway Tour of Rome, Rome
On our Segways (Trajan`s Market in the background) Segway Tour of Rome, Rome
What a crew (Ron, Linda, Jan and Jack) Segway Tour of Rome, Rome
We started our tour at the Segway office (it's marked on the map above). We left the office heading to the northwest end of the Piazza Foro Traiano for our orientation and training. I'll cover the training below. When our training was complete we headed toward the Colosseum on Via dei Fori Imperiali. We stopped across from Mercati di Traiano (Trajan's Market) for the first of many pictures. Continuing down Via dei Fori Imperiali we stopped next at the Roman Colosseum and the east end of the Forum.
We now headed to the southwest side of the Circo Massimo (Circus Maximus) where we stopped for a little rest, a drink from one of the many Roman fountains and yup more pictures across from the Tempio di Apollo Patltino (Temple of Appollo on Palatine Hill).
Back on the Segways and off to the Cavalieri di Malta Keyhole. The keyhole is on the gate to the headquarters of the Knights of Malta on Rome's Aventine Hill. Peek through this keyhole onto a piazza designed by Pircanesi in 1765, and you will see a garden path that ends with bushes perfectly framing the dome of St. Peter's in the distance. The height of tourism.
Down the street and around the corner we stopped next at the Giardino degli Arance (Orange Garden). The garden has a great view of Rome looking toward St Peter's on the left and Capitoline Hill on the right.
Our tour wasn't over yet. We remounted the Segways and headed back toward Capitoline Hill stopping to see the Bocca della Verita (The Mouth of Truth) in the portico of the Church of Santa Maria along the way. This is the stone that appeared in the movie Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. Very touristie.
Almost at the end of the tour. Our final two stops were the overlook at the northwest end of the Roman Forum and the Piazza dei Campidoglio on Capitoline Hill. A couple more pictures and back to the Segway office.
So back to the training we received. It took about 20-30 minutes to train all six of us. We started by simply standing on our Segways. That's the 'hardest part'. Once you stood on the Segway (without any major jerks) you basically had it beat. When you pushed the handles forward you went forward. To stop you shift your weight to you heals (by sticking out your butt). A few minutes of stop-and-go and left-and-right turns (pushing the handle left and right) and the next person in line began their training. Unbelievably easy.
Italy Segway Tours Via di Santa Eufemia 15 00187 Rome, Italy
JEWISH GHETTO
Resturant and appartments Jewish Ghetto, Rome
Ruins incorporated into a building wall Jewish Ghetto, Rome
Casin dei Vallati Portico d`Ottavia Jewish Ghetto, Rome
Theatre of Marcello (note the apartments above) Jewish Ghetto, Rome
Jews have occupied this part of Rome for more than 2,200 years. I'm not going to go into the history (Rick gives a good explanation here). Our guide, Francesca, did a great job of describing the ruins we were looking at and how the people who occupied the neighborhood for more than 2000 years.
During the rise of Mussolini the Jews were not treated differently from other Italian citizens. However, when Germany took control of Italy this all changed. Imagine if you can what it was like when the Nazis showed up to force people from their homes.
Jewish Ghetto
KITTY CITY
Kitty City...Larga di Torre Argentina
The area of Larga di Torre Argentina was going to be reconstructed in the early 20th century. During the demolition, it was discovered that the area held great historic significants. The colossal body parts pictured at the Capitolini Museum were discovered here. Also Julius Ceasar was killed in the Curia of the Theatre of Pompey. You can read all about the site at the website link below.
But what about the Kitty City title. For the past several decades not much work has been taking place on the site. During that time a clowder of cats has taken up residents. To take care of the cats the Torre Argentina Cat Sanctuary was established and the area has been declared as a no-kill shelter. It's now a city for the kitties.
Kitty City...Larga di Torre Argentina Ancient Campus Martius Rome, Italy
OSTIA ANTICA
Map of the portion uncovered (about 35%) Ostia Antica, Rome
Floor mosaic indicating what this shop sold Ostia Antica, Rome
Good example of a neighborhood street Ostia Antica, Rome
An apartment building Ostia Antica, Rome
Grounds map showing the current location (VERY IMPORTANT) Ostia Antica, Rome
From Wikipedia: Ostia Antica is a large archeological site, close to the modern suburb of Ostia, that was the location of the harbour city of ancient Rome, which is approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles) to the northeast. "Ostia" (plur. of "ostium") is a derivation of "os", the Latin word for "mouth". At the mouth of the River Tiber, Ostia was Rome's seaport, but due to silting the site now lies 3 kilometres (2 miles) from the sea.[1] The site is noted for the excellent preservation of its ancient buildings, magnificent frescoes and impressive mosaics. You can read the rest of the Wiki article here. The Ostia Antica website is available by clicking the Website below.
We spent about four hours at the site. It is clear (as you can see from the pictures) that the ruins are very well preserved. Since our visit to Ostia Antica happened after our visit to Pompeii, we were able to do a pretty good comparison. Ostia Antica is a much better representation of Roman life. The buildings were generally in much better shape (many had second stories, etc). Pompeii simply receives a lot more attention due to the way it was destroyed and later discovered (that information is covered later under Sorrento). The bottom line? If you wish to see a better example of Roman life at the time of Christ, Ostia should be your choice. However, if you want to impress friends back home with what you've seen go to Pompeii...not many will have heard of Ostia Antica.
One final point. Notice the last picture above. It's a map of the grounds with an indicator showing where you're currently located. Pay attention. We spent more than ten minutes after our tour ended trying to figure our way out of the ruins (it's just like a maze).
This map shows the distance between Rome and Ostia Antica. When the city was occupied this distance would have been a one day journey (by horseback) or several days on foot. Today it's a 20 minute ride (13 miles) on the train.
Ostia Antica
PALAZZO FARNESE
A full shot Palazzo Farnese, Rome
Donato`s Intro to Rome Palazzo Farnese, Rome
From Wikipedia: Palazzo Farnese is one of the most important High Renaissance palaces in Rome. Owned by the Republic of Italy, it was given to the French Government in 1936 for a period of 99 years, and currently serves as the French embassy in Italy.
First designed in 1517 for the Farnese family, the building expanded in size and conception when Alessandro Farnese became Pope Paul III in 1534, to designs by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. Its building history involved some of the most prominent Italian architects of the 16th century, including Michelangelo, Jacopo Barozzi da Vignola and Giacomo della Porta.
At the end of the 16th century, the important fresco cycle of The Loves of the Gods in the Farnese Gallery was carried out by the Bolognese painter Annibale Carracci, marking the beginning of two divergent trends in painting during the 17th century, the Roman High Baroque and Classicism. The famous Farnese sculpture collection, now in the National Archeological Museum of Naples, as well as other Farnese collections, now mostly in Capodimonte Museum in Naples, were accommodated in the palace.
Keep in mind as you visit the Pantheon...it`s an active church so you'll repeatedly hear someone asking the crowd to be quiet out of respect.
From the Wikipedia site: The Pantheon is a building in Rome, Italy, commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus (27 BC - 14 AD) and rebuilt by the emperor Hadrian about 126 AD.
The building is circular with a portico of large granite Corinthian columns (eight in the first rank and two groups of four behind) under a pediment. A rectangular vestibule links the porch to the rotunda, which is under a coffered concrete dome, with a central opening (oculus) to the sky. Almost two thousand years after it was built, the Pantheon's dome is still the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome.[3] The height to the oculus and the diameter of the interior circle are the same, 43.3 metres (142 ft).
Pantheon Piazza della Rotonda Rome, Italy
PIAZZA TRILUSSA
Statue & monument to Carlo Alberto Salustri, Piazza Trilussa
The plaza is located one half block from our hotel.
From SpottedByLocals.com: Named after a famous Roman poet, Carlo Alberto Salustri (pseudonym Trilussa), the piazza has come to be a meeting spot and a nightly hangout for all Romans. During the day you will mostly see people relaxing on the steps, eating their lunches, or enjoying a gelato. By night, the piazza transforms into a huge sea of people: all with cocktails in hand, brought over from the nearby bars.
Piazza Trilussa
SPANISH STEPS
Looking up to the Trivita dei Monti Church Spanish Steps, Rome
Looking down to the Piazza Spagna Spanish Steps, Rome
Linda and Jan near the top Spanish Steps, Rome
Spanish Embassy Spanish Steps, Rome
Potential guides (not!) Spanish Steps, Rome
The Spanish steps were not designed or built by the Spanish. Their origin is French.
They lead from the Piazza di Spagna (which houses the Spanish Embassy) to the Trivita dei Monti Church.
The Piazza di Spagna houses some of the most exclusive shops of Rome...the Rodeo drive of Italy.
Spanish Steps Piazza di Spagna 001877, Rome, Italy
TERRAZZA DELLE QUADRIGHE (CHARIOT TERRACE)
Looking north at the Piazza Venezia Roma dal Cielo Terrazza delle Quadrighe Capitoline Hill, Rome
Looking south to the Roman Colosseum Roma dal Cielo Terrazza delle Quadrighe Capitoline Hill, Rome
Looking northwest to the Vatican, a closer view Roma dal Cielo Terrazza delle Quadrighe Capitoline Hill, Rome
Statue Goddess Victoria on a Quadrigas Roma dal Cielo Terrazza delle Quadrighe Capitoline Hill, Rome
It is sold as a 360º view of Rome. While not really (more like 280-300º) it is a great place to take pictures of Rome from above the city. The view is only limited by the two statue of the Goddess Victoria on a Quadrugas on the parapets at each end of the Monument to Vittorio Emannele II upon which the terrace is located. The view to the north includes the Vatican, the Pantheon and the Piazza Venezia. The view to the south includes the Roman Forum, the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. If it's a sunny day, don't miss the view.
You take an elevator from the Piazza Ara Coeli (west side of Vittoriano). Ticket prices are €7 for regular admission and €3,50 for seniors.
Piazza Venezia 00184 Rome, Italy
TREVI FOUNTAIN
Construction walk away Trevi Fountain, Rome
Substitute `Coin Toss` (Talk about silly) Trevi Fountain, Rome
We were lucky that we saw the Trevi Fountain when we were in Rome eight years ago. It was under maintenance this time around. Luckily, they did take the time to set up a substitute coin toss...Ha! Ha!
Trevi Fountain Piazza di Trevi 00187 Roma
BA`GHETTO RESTAURANT
We actually wanted to eat at a restaurant across the street from this place. They didn't start dinner until after 8:00 pm. We switched and didn't regret our decision. Good food, nice setting, recommended.
Jewish Matchmaker Business Card Jewish Ghetto, Rome
Then there was the Jewish Match Maker that sat behind us. She introduced herself and told us all about the how she's third generation and planning to be in New York in the next couple of weeks. Very interesting.
When we first arrived we got together with Jan and Jack to rest up from the trip across the pond and to catch up with all the things we've done since we were last together. We didn't actually have anything to eat, just some drinks, but wouldn't recommend it due to overhead BIRD issues.
Cafe Friends Plaza Trilussa, 34 Rome, Italy
CESAR RISTORANTE PIZZERIA
It's almost not fair to review this restaurant. We stopped in to get a quick meal before we went on our Segway tour. With so little time we barely received our food before we had to leave. I only got a couple of bites but it was good. I think I'd recommend it because of it's close proximity to the Roman Forum, etc.
Cesar Ristorante Pizzeria Via 4 Novembre 137/140 00187 Rome, Italy Tel: 06 89531732
GRAN CAFFE LA CAFFETTIERA
Lunch on our first full day Gran Caffe LaCaffettiera Restaurant , Rome
Front Entrance Gran Caffe LaCaffettiera Restaurant , Rome
This was a great place to stop for lunch. Ordered way too much food...but managed to get through it. It is recommended.
Gran Caffe La Caffettiera Piazza di Pietra, 65 00186 Rome, Italy Tel: +39 06 679 8147
HOSTORIA DEL MORO
From down the street Hostoria del Moro da Tony, Rome
The location of the restaurant was great for our hotel. The food was good but not really special. Recommended? Sure but there are other places that were closer to the hotel than this place.
But wait I forgot one important point...you get FREE Tiramisu at the end of your meal!
Hostoria del Moro Vicolo del Cinque, 35-36-37 00158 Roma Tel: 06-5809165 FAX: 06-586077
MCDONALD
Some things don`t require translation McDonald's Restaurant, Rome
Yeah I know...McDonald's? This was the last full day in Rome (at the end of our tour) and honestly I was pizza'd out (although Linda tried to get some mini pizzas and had to settle for a chicken sandwich and part of a burger (thanks to the clerk whop felt sorry for us waiting so long). Anyway, it was a great refreshment.
McDonald`s Via Marsala, 25 Termini Gallery Rome, Italy Tel: 06-4828985
MERCATO HOSTARIA
Outdoor seating Mercato Hostaria, Rome
Outdoor seating Mercato Hostaria, Rome
The food was very good. The location and setting were great. We'd give it a good recommendation
Mercato Hostaria Piazza Campo de 00186 Rome, Italy Tel: 06.88972697
PUNTA GELATO
Punto Gelato
According to Linda and Jan, this is the best gelato, not only in Rome, but over all the locations we visited in Italy.
Jack and I agree it was good but...
Punta Gelato Via dei Pettinari, 43 00186 Rome, Italy Tel: 06 68398030
RISTORANTE DER PALLARO
First dinner together Ristorante der Pallaro, Rome
First dinner together Ristorante der Pallaro, Rome
Our first day and first dinner together. A lot of discussing where we're from, what trips we've taken and why we decided to come to Italy. The meal was traditional Italian with many courses...all very good. We didn't pick the dinner Mama did (she owns the restaurant). We'd both recommend it.
Ristorante der Pallaro Largo del Pallaro, 15 00186 S. Andrea della Valle, Rome Tel: 06.68801488
RISTORANTE STREGA
Our final dinner in Europe Ristorante Strega, Rome
The service and location (2 blocks from the Sonya Hotel) were good. But Linda and I ordered carbonara which was just okay. Other meals were good. We'd give it a partial recommendation.
Casa San Giuseppe Vicolo Moroni 22 Rome, Italy Tel: 06 58 333 490 FAX: 06 58 335 754
HOTEL SONYA
As we approach (Note the HOTEL sign) Hotel Sonya, Rome
Opera House (across the street) Hotel Sonya, Rome
This is a great hotel. Both our room and Jan and Jack's was very recently remodeled. It's is located very close to the Termini station yet is far enough away to not have issues. The breakfast we had is one of the best on the trip. Note: the direction given by the hotel are confusing. If you follow their direction, be sure to turn at the first street to the right after you start down Cavous. A much easier way is to go straight out of Termini Station, past the bus parking until you reach Viminale (the hotel`s street). Turn left and head straight to the hotel. It`s simple to find...right across from Opera House (see the picture above).
Hotel Sonya Via del Viminal, 58 00184 Rome, Italy Tel: 06 481991 FAX: 06-4885678
