Must Sees
In advance of your visit to Italy, invest in a good Rough Guide to Rome and you will never be stuck for things to do – the whole region is a living, breathing museum.
There is simply too much for you to do in one or even ten trips. Aside from the obvious – The Vatican, St Peter’s Square and the Pantheon – the following are a few of our favourite things to do, either in Rome or in Frascati and even further afield. Some are blindingly unavoidable, whilst others are hidden treasures for those in the know…
Tourist Information for the city of Rome :
The call center’s telephone number (+39) 060608 is open everyday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (calls are charged at standard urban rates). Yes, they speak English ! For information enquiries info@060608.it website : http://www.060608.it/en
In Rome
Fontana di Trevi: One of Rome’s most surprising treats, it is easy to stumble upon this grand fountain by accident.An iconic site famously featured in La Dolce Vita & The Sopranos. Throw a coin in for good luck!
Colosseo: The unforgettable Coliseum, perhaps Rome’s most inspiring ancient monument. Daily tours from 8.30am-5.30pm. A must see!
Piazza di Spagnia: The ‘Spanish Steps’ were the hang out for young hopefuls waiting to be chosen as artists’ models during the nineteenth century. Now it is a place to pose and flirt late into the summer nights.
Campo di Fiori: A rectangular square with great pizzerias around the perimeter, the ‘field of flowers’ is both historically significant (executions, dangerous idealists being burnt alive!) and currently boasts trendy street culture and buzzing nightlife. When last in Rome we spent hours soaking up the atmosphere in this square drinking wine and cocktails...A definite Must!!!
The Roman Forum: Surrounded by ruins of several ancient government buildings and for centuries the centre of Roman public life: the site of triumphal processions and elections, venue for public speeches, criminal trials and gladiatorial matches.
The St. Peter’s Dome is the largest, most famous and magnificent basilica in
the world. Within it lie works of art (including Michelangelo’s “Pieta”)
covering almost 2000 years of history. The Basilica was originally built where
the Apostle Saint Peter was believed to have been buried. The current basilica
was inaugurated in 1626 and only later the square in front was planned and
completed with its colonnade by Bernini. Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Climb into the
dome, entrance from the portico: open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Explore the Vatican
Museums’ collection of Egyptian, Etruscan, Roman, Renaissance and Baroque art,
works by Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio and Canova as well as the
awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. Skip the queue at the Vatican Museums by buying
tickets online in advance at :
http://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets/do?weblang=en&do
Campidoglio: One of Rome’s most perfectly proportioned squares, beautifully designed by Michelangelo in the last years of his life and complete with an equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Absolutely stunning at dusk.
Trastevere: Radiating a rich character thanks to its narrow cobbled streets lined by medieval houses, at night, both natives and tourists alike flock to its many pubs and restaurants. Think Rome’s own Shoreditch or, ahem, Northern Quarter. Heroes Sergio Leone and Ennio Morricone both grew up and went to the same school in this neighbourhood.
Museo & Parco di Villa Borghese: The summer playground of the Borghese family is now a public park and home to two of Rome’s best museums. Do not miss.
Villa Ada: The largest park in Rome, its highest prominence is Monte Antenne, an ancient archaeological site.
In Frascati
A walk in Frascati: Simply walk around and soak up the sounds, smells and tastes of this quaint Castelli Romani town.
Villa Aldobrandini: The yellow villa (above) on the hilltop overlooking the centre of Frascati. Privately owned, tours are available and recommended. Apparently there is a “secret way” to enter – see if you can find it!
Tuscolo: Home to the Roman ruins of Tusculum and located on the northern edge of the outer crater ring of the Alban Volcano. Tuscolo is less than 5 miles north-east of Frascati and affords unmissable views of Rome’s countryside, lots to explore and even BBQ facilities!
The Castelgandolfo Lake: Best known as the summer residence of the Pope, it is one of two beautiful lakes just outside of Frascati. Castel Gandolfo was voted the most beautiful town in all of Italy and its lake allows you to swim. Alternatively, get a pedalo at I Quadri 2000 (also great for Pizza!) or else you can walk or bike around the lake.
Lago di Nemi: The other lake, with no swimming facilities, has no less stunning views and is most famous for its sunken Roman ships – said to lie at the bottom of this volcanic crater – and its wild strawberries all year around. Go and taste the small tarts!
Rocca di Papa: A small town close to Frascati boasting a fortress with a wonderful view. It is possible to walk along an original Roman road that leads to a breathtaking view of both The Castelgandolfo Lake and Lago di Nemi at the same time.
Villa Adriana: Located in nearby Tivoli, the famous Hadrian’s Villa (he of ‘the wall’) was the largest and most stupendous villa in the Roman Empire. Enormous and beautiful, it contains incredible mosaics and architecture that leaves you speechless. You’ll need a whole day here! Reachable by bus and open daily between 9am-5pm, it costs a measly €7.
The Beach: Reachable by car, you can go and relax on the beach at one of the following locations; Anzio, Torre Astura or Sabaudia (pictured right).
A perfect time of the year to go, the sea will be warm, the weather will be sunny and the natives will be naked.
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