A day in Rome
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The Roman Forum
Stroll through the heart of the Roman Empire
Noteworthy for: The Via Sacra or 'Sacred Way' is the road that cuts right through the Roman Forum and was once the scene of triumphant processions.
The tourist attractions come at you thick and fast in Rome with layer upon layer of history at every turn. The Roman Forum is one of the most visited sites as this was once the center of the mighty Roman Empire. From this relatively small space the Empire was planned, developed and goverrned. And what's great for the visitor is that you can walk through this fascinating chapter of history.Many of Rome's political, religious and judicial buildings were constructed here. Today, some of the surviving structures that can be seen are Septimus Severiu’s triumphal arch, the Temple of Saturn, Forum Main Square, the Temple of Castor and Pollux, and the Temple of Caesar.
Fee: Adult: EUR 12, EU Teacher/Youth: EUR 7
Open Hours: Summer: Daily: 9am - sunset
Winter: Daily: 9am - 4pm
Address: Forum Romanum Via Fori Imperiali and Piazza del Colosseo
Forum Romanum's webpage
See & Do
The Spanish Steps
A stunning and social stairway
Word to the wise: In the Spring the steps are blooming with azaleas, and are a sight not to be missed.
Noteworthy for: To save you the bother, we've already counted them; there are 138 steps in all.
Created by Francesca de Sanctis at the request of Innocent XII in the 18th century, they are so called because the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See was once situated in the piazza. In the nineteenth-century, this was a place for the fine and dandy to pose and swoon. It hasn't changed a great deal; the curved flights and terraces still fill up with chattering crowds late into the summer nights.
As well as being a great place for a picnic or just to hang out, they are occasionally used for exclusive night time fashion shows and backdrops for films such as 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' with Jude Law and Matt Damon.
Address: Piazza di Spagna
See & Do
Palazzo Barberini
Baroque on with some old masters
Noteworthy for: It was here that the European Convention on Human Rights was signed in 1950.
The three Baroque gods of Bernini, Borromini and Carlo Maderno all had a hand in the design and creation of this sweeping and imposing 17th century palace for Pope Urban VIII.The building is a work of art in itself and soars high above Piazza Barberini. It includes a dazzling selection of 16th and 17th century works of art including gorgeous frescoes, Anton Van Dyks 'Madonna of the Straw', Hans Holbein's famous painting of Henry VIII and so much more for arts buffs and enthusiasts. But amongst the works of art and lavishly decorated rooms, the big show stopping number is the magnificent and vast grand salon with Pietro da Cortona's cieling fresco, 'Allegory of Divine Providence and Barberini Power'.
Fee: Adult: EUR 5, EU Teacher/Student (18-25): EUR 2.50, Child (under 18)/Senior (65+): Free
Open Hours: Tue-Sun: 8.30am - 7.30pm (last admission 6.30pm)
Mon, Dec 25, Jan 1: Closed
Address: Via delle Quattro Fontane, 13
Phone: +39 6 32810
Gallery Barberini's webpage
Shopping
Via Cola di Rienzo
A magnet for the fashion-wise
Word to the wise: The road is often clogged with traffic so when you're out hunting for bargains, explore one side and then the other.
The fashion pulse beats strongly here. Via Cola di Rienzo is not as exclusive as the shopping quarters around the Spanish Steps, but neither is it as expensive. Even though the shops, stores and boutiques are aimed at more modest budgets, they are nonetheless packed with plenty of fresh looks and new designs from leading brand names.But the shops are not the only attractions here, as many Romans take to the large sidewalks, particulary on the weekends to enjoy an evening stroll.
Address: Via Cola di Rienzo 173, Prati
Shopping
Enoteca Buccone
Wines from every Italian region
Noteworthy for: Before its transformation to a wine cellar in 1969, the building was a tavern and before that a coach-house belonging to Marquesses Cavalcabò. It's reputed to have the best wines in Rome.
It's difficult to know where to look first as from floor to ceiling the shelves are stacked with wine bottles. There are one thousand brands from every wine producing region in Italy as well as a healthy clutch of foreign wines. If you don't know exactly what you're after, you can arrange a wine tasting session. There are also some gourmet foods on offer to accompany your selection.If you are not in a hurry, pull up a pew at the small restaurant and mull over your wine choices as you tuck into some of their fine Italian dishes that change in accordance with the seasons.
Address: Via di Ripetta 19/20 Phone: +39 6 361 2154 Enoteca Buccone's webpage
Restaurants
L'Archeologia
A beautiful restaurant with some unusual features
Popular plate: The fresh seafood flavored with Sabina oil and lemons from Amalfi or the tenderloin steak with wild herb sauce will guarantee your next visit.
Whether you decide to dine by the cosy fireplace or in the garden under the shade of the 300 year old wisteria, you’ll feel at home in the friendly and intimate atmosphere. The setting is gorgeous and the large garden contains an ancient Roman mausoleum (there aren’t many restaurants you can say that about) and the wine cellar is located in an old catacomb.Situated on Via Appia Antica, one of Ancient Rome’s main roads, the restaurant is as much a part of Rome as the Colosseum. Its doors were first opened in 1895 and the superb menu is imaginative, tempting and unpretentious.
Open Hours: Wed-Mon: 12.30pm - 3pm, 8pm - 11pm Address: Via Appia Antica, 139 Phone: +39 6 788 0494 L'Archeologia's webpage
Restaurants
La Fraschetta
Discover a tasty local treasure
Popular plate: A firm favourite is the vongole - spaghetti with clams - which you'll see piled high on plates pouring out of the kitchen.
Tipple of choice: A carafe of wine for EUR 7 can't be argued with.
People come for the food, which is excellent all round, and the convivial atmosphere, with two noisy and bustling rooms full of happy eaters. Don't be surprised if you're spoken to in Italian though, whether or not you show any skill for the language. Book in advance as there is a long queue right up until closing time.
Price sample: Main course: EUR 6.50-15 Open Hours: Daily: 12noon - 2.30pm, 7.15pm - 12midnight Address: Via San Francesco a Ripa, 134, Trastevere Phone: +39 6 581 6012 La Fraschetta's webpage
Bars & Nightlife
Joia
Where the exclusive elite let their hair down
Word to the wise: If you are planning on a visit make sure you have reached into the smartest part of your wardrobe. There is a very upscale dress code here.
This is an exclusive den for the champagne swilling crowd that knows how to party. This high-end joint is spread across three floors; the ground floor’s sprawling dance floor jumps to the tunes supplied by internationally famous DJs, the first floor’s vintage room takes you back to the 70s and 80s and on the second floor the restaurant takes care of your appetite. After midnight the restaurant turns into a disco hall and another party gets going.Fee: EUR 20 Age: 20 Open Hours: Daily: 11pm - 4am Address: Via Galvani 20 Phone: +39 6 574 0802 Joia's webpage
Bars & Nightlife
Freni e Frizioni
Hip hangout for the creative crowd
Noteworthy for: The large terrace opens up in the summer offering pleasant views of the River Tiber.
In the heart of Trastevere is a bar that just oozes cool; from the contemporary artworks to the vintage furniture and the long sloe cocktails. Freni e Frizioni (the name translates as 'brakes and clutches') is an effortlessly laid back venue that attracts arty and creative types. From 7pm, a rich buffet is laid out on the main table with pastas, salads, pizzas and seasonal dishes. Just help yourself.Open Hours: Daily 10am - 2am Address: Via del Politeama 4-6 Phone: +39 0645 4974 99 Freni e Frizioni's webpage
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