Apr 24

Rome by Night | Walking Tour of Rome | Free Rome Tour

By ItalyTravelista Free in Rome, Italy, Rome, Rome Entertainment, Rome Nightlife, Rome Travel Tips, Rome Walking Tours, Vatican 3 Comments »

vatican rome night tour nancy aiello tour Rome by Night | Walking Tour of Rome | Free Rome Tour

Explore Rome, the Eternal City after dark! Rome lovers think Rome is most beautiful at night when its ancient Rome landmarks, St. Peter’s Square and Rome’s magnificent renaissance squares and baroque fountains designed by Bernini and Michelangelo are illuminated in all their glory! Beside it’s another thing to do in Rome for FREE! ItalyTravelista has three walking Rome tours to suggest where parents and children alike can enjoy the charme and elegance of Rome at night at their own pace!

Tour Ancient Rome by Night

Start off your illuminated Rome tour at Piazza Venezia Square to enjoy the Vittoriano Monument and ask your kids whether the huge white monument looks more like a “Wedding Cake” or a “Typewriter”! Then proceed along Via dei Fori Imperiali where on your left is Trajan’s Column and on your side the ancient Roman Forum. In the background rises the majestic Coliseum and to its right the Constantine’s Arch built in 315 AD. Turn right and take Via di San Gregorio until you reach Via dei Cerchi. Turn right and on your left you will see the Circus Maximus where the famous chariot races depicted in the Ben Hur movie took place while on your right rises the magnificent Imperial Rome palaces of the Palatine Hill. Walk the length of the Circus Maximus and turn right onto Via di San Gregorio. On your left stands the Arch of Janus built around 356 AD by Constantius II just next to the beautiful medieval Church of St. George al Velabro and further ahead on your right take a peek at the unusual circular 6th century Church of San Teodoro. Follow around until you reach Piazza della Consolazione. Take the stairs leading up to the Capitoline Hill but before you actually reach Michelangelo’s square stop for the most stunning view over the illuminated Roman Forum!

nancy aiello vatican tour Rome by Night | Walking Tour of Rome | Free Rome Tour

Tour Christian Rome by Night

Begin your pleasant walk at Piazza Farnese square to enjoy the Farnese Palace lit up and wonder about the great artists of the Renaissance like Michelangelo and Della Porta who worked on this magnificent Renaissance palace now home to the French Embassy. Walk through Campo dè Fiori square lined these days with bars and restaurants but where on Feb. 17, 1600 Giordano Bruno was burnt for heresy onto Piazza della Cancelleria to admire the beautiful Palazzo della Cancelleria, the first palazzo in Rome built from the ground up in the new Renaissance style, and then across the main street to Piazza Navona the most baroque square in Rome. Cross the Tiber river on the Ponte Sant’ Angelo and look at the marvelous Saint’ Angel’s Castle. The highlight and end of your night walking Rome tour will be the breathtaking view of the illuminated St. Peter’s Basilica.

illuminated rome nancy aiello tours Rome by Night | Walking Tour of Rome | Free Rome Tour

Tour Renaissance and Baroque Rome by Night

Your enjoyable walk starts at the charming Piazza del Popolo square designed by Valadier in the 17th century reminiscent of Bernini’s plan for St. Peter’s Square. Pass the two baroque twin churches and stroll down the antique dealer street of Via del Babuino (the Baboon) for a few blocks and then take a left onto the fascinating Via Margutta, home to several artists including the famous Italian director Federico Fellini. At the end of Via Margutta you reach the Spanish Steps. From Via due Macelli go down Via del Tritone and follow signs on your left for the most beautiful baroque fountain in Rome: the Trevi Fountain.

spanish steps by night nancyaiellotours Rome by Night | Walking Tour of Rome | Free Rome Tour

When visiting Rome do tour Rome by night! Pretty much all of the major attractions that you see in Rome during the day are lit up at night. And yes, definitely worth seeing again, and again.

Ciao from Rome icon smile Rome by Night | Walking Tour of Rome | Free Rome Tour

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Join ItalyTravelista on Twitter

© Copyright 2010, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in private family oriented Rome and Vatican tours led by friendly and entertaining official Rome tour guides designed to satisfy the curiosity and attention spans of the whole family visiting Rome.

New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

If interested in publishing a version of this article please contact Nancy Aiello Tours.

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Apr 18

Rome for children | Family Oriented Rome Tours | Kid friendly activities in Rome

By ItalyTravelista Free in Rome, Italy, Rome, Rome Entertainment, Rome for Kids, Rome Travel Tips, Rome Walking Tours 1 Comment »

tour italy with kids Rome for children | Family Oriented Rome Tours | Kid friendly activities in Rome

Summer is approaching fast and Rome, Italy is the ideal place for families with kids to spend their holidays. Rome’s rich archeological, artistic and cultural heritage are so remarkable that Rome’s historic centre has been listed by UNESCO as World Heritage site. Rome is a wonderful and very safe place to visit with kids, with lots of fun and informative family oriented activities bound to keep the troops entertained. What are the secrets behind a memorable Roman trip with children? Get every family member involved when planning your trip to Rome, keep your schedule loose as there are so many things to do in Rome, and to get the most out of your Roman Holiday when in Rome allow quality time at quality venues to enjoy Rome at your kid’s pace. Here is Italytravelista‘s list of child friendly activities and sights to be visited in/around Rome that will keep the whole family happy and entertained without breaking the bank!

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

When you look down at the Roman Forum from the terrace on the Capitoline Hill you see the center of the world and the world’s biggest and most ancient jungle-gym. Kids can hide behind the 2000 years old ruins, run on the grassy mounds near the temple of Julius Caesar and have fun at the Farnese Gardens, the first botanical garden in the world. Remind your kids that all the palaces in the world are named after the Palatine hill because the Emperors built here their Palatial houses.

Colosseum

In the Colosseum tell your kids the tales about gladiators and wild beasts. Manned elevators could bring up to 1,000 warriors at the same time or else hundreds of hungry lions…or both! Superb engineering went into the Coliseum. 50,000 spectators could be seated to enjoy the ugliest show of all: death to men and beasts. Tell your children the thumbs up or thumbs down that originated here as the Emperors decided freedom (up) or death (down) for the gladiators.

rome with children Rome for children | Family Oriented Rome Tours | Kid friendly activities in Rome

Gladiator School in Rome

Kids will love a day at the Gladiator School and learn how to become a Roman gladiator. During this two-hour lesson, a gladiator instructor teaches kids and adults how to fight with authentic weapons used by the gladiators of ancient Rome. Lessons are organized and led by members of the Historic Group of Rome who specialize in the re-enactment of Roman life and gladiatorial combat.

The Baths of Emperor Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla were the largest thermae in the world when completed in 217AD whilst today is a huge playground largely neglected by the hordes of tourists where to enjoy a sunny day with the dramatic Roman ruins in the background. A short stroll from the Caracalla’s Baths leads to the very off the beaten path museum of the Walls of Rome. Located just inside the Porta San Sebastiano kids can march along the Aurelian Walls, just the way the ancient Roman Legionaries used to do.

Early Christian catacombs

There are 69 catacombs on the outskirts of Rome and thousand of tombs but only 5 of the catacombs are open to the public. These underground dark labyrinths are spooky enough to delight and perhaps even frighten most kids!

The Mouth of Truth (Bocca della verità)

Remember the scene with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in the film Roman Holiday? For fun show the kids the original lie detector which is located in the portico of the Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin, one of my favorite medieval churches in Rome. According to a medieval legend if you put your hand into the mouth and tell a lie you’ll be bitten!

mouth of truth with kids kids rome tour Rome for children | Family Oriented Rome Tours | Kid friendly activities in Rome

Church of the Immaculate Conception or Capuchin Kript

A spooky place which just might fascinate the older kids! The bones and skulls of thousands of Capuchin monks have been crafted into decorative tableaux. No photos allowed and small donation is appreciated by the friars.

Piazza Navona Square

The joyous curves of this sensuous square typify baroque Rome with masterpieces by both Bernini and Borromini. In 86 A.D. Emperor Domitian built a long U-shaped stadium here and since then Piazza Navona Square has served as a glorious outdoor theater. There is much street entertainment going on in this beautiful square including mimes, puppet shows,caricaturists and painters. A great spot for a tartufo ice cream gelato.

Saint Angel’s Castle

Castel Sant’Angelo is just like Rome, layer upon layer, building upon building. This is the most magnificent of all the Roman Imperial tombs that became a fortress in the Middle Ages, a Papal Castle in the Renaissance, and a museum today. Kids can visit the papal prison complete with winding dark scary corridors, secret passageways, real cannons and cannon balls. The view from atop the castle is terrific!

Janiculum Hill

Above Trastevere on the rim of the Janiculum Hill in front of the statue of Garibaldi, is one of best places to view Rome. Pony rides and merry-go-round are near. A puppet show in Italian runs every afternoon and donations are welcome. At noon sharp kids will be amused by the firing of a cannon just below this lofty square, a tradition dating back 100 years when it signaled lunch time for the workers.

Villa Borghese Gardens

Cardinal Scipione Borghese did for Rome what the Medicis had done for Florence. Villa Borghese was the show-place for this 17th C. artistic flowering. The cardinal invited Jacob More from Edinburgh to landscape this vast area. The English style park is 4 miles in circumference and contains statues, green trees, bike friendly itineraries and a small lake. After a tour of the Borghese Gallery these gardens are the perfect spot for a family picnic.

Borghese Gallery Rome Museum Rome for children | Family Oriented Rome Tours | Kid friendly activities in Rome

Rome’s playgrounds for young children

Rome offers various opportunities for a day out or nice break from ancient ruins and baroque churches. Villa Celimontana, right up the street from the Colosseum, Villa Ada, to the north of central Rome, and Villa Pamphili, the largest park in Rome not far from the Janiculum Hill, are the perfect spots to enjoy walking, biking or perhaps a soccer game with the local kids. Again perfect for picnics.

Rome day trips

Leave the Eternal City behind for a day on your family Roman holiday and visit Tivoli to enjoy Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’ Este with its impressive concentration of fountains, nymphs, grottoes, plays of water, and music. Peek into Roman antiquities at ancient Rome’s port at Ostia or visit the hilltop town of Orvieto with its fabulous 14th century Roman Catholic cathedral and Etruscan underground passages.

nancy aiello tour of orvieto Rome for children | Family Oriented Rome Tours | Kid friendly activities in Rome

“For a great selection of places to stay with discount prices visit Rome Hotels for more information.”

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips and pictures with us? Please write us your comments and we’ll be happy to post them!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Join ItalyTravelista on Twitter

© Copyright 2010, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in private family oriented Rome and Vatican tours led by friendly and entertaining official Rome tour guides designed to satisfy the curiosity and attention spans of the whole family visiting Rome.

New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

If you are interested in publishing a version of this article please contact Nancy Aiello Tours.

DSCN9893 Rome for children | Family Oriented Rome Tours | Kid friendly activities in Rome

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Nov 11

Rome Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls | Churches in Rome | Walking Rome Tour

By ItalyTravelista Free in Rome, Rome, Rome Walking Tours, Travel Italy 1 Comment »
Saint Paul Basilica in Rome Rome Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls | Churches in Rome | Walking Rome Tour

Early Christian Basilica | Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

In Rome less than a mile away from the Aurelian walls raises one of the four Rome Papal Basilicas, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (San Paolo Fuori le Mura in Italian).

Around the year AD 65 the Apostle Paul was sentenced to death and because he was Roman, he was taken outside the walls of Rome to be executed and buried. A church was built over the spot where he was beheaded and although illegal many Christians came to pray at Saint Paul’s tomb. Once Christianity was legalized in AD 313 the Emperor Constantine built a small church over the saint’s grave. A short time later a larger basilica was built in place of Constantine’s church which was expanded again in the 8th century. Until the 16th century when a new Saint Peter’s was built to claim the title of the largest church in Christendom, Saint Paul Outside the Walls was the largest church in Rome.

St. Paul Basilica Outside the walls in Rome Rome Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls | Churches in Rome | Walking Rome Tour

Travel to Rome | Enjoy the Outstanding Beauty of Saint Paul Basilica

The church as we see today is the result of a 19th century reconstruction. In 1823 a fire destroyed the Basilica and most of the artworks adorning it. From the original basilica remained only the magnificent 14th century mosaics by Pietro Cavallini, the richly decorated ciborium by Arnolfo di Cambio, and the cloister with its Cosmati pavement.


An imposing statue of Saint Paul greets us as we enter the vast Neoclassical quadriportico (an open space surrounded by porticoes on all sides). The interior has 5 naves adorned with 80 monolithic columns from the original Basilica and frescoes. The large triumphal arch at the end of the huge nave is fully decorated with Cavallini mosaics depicting Christ’s Benediction.

imposing staute of Saint Paul in Rome Rome Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls | Churches in Rome | Walking Rome Tour

St. Paul Greets You at the Entrance of the Basilica | Tour Christian Rome Basilicas

These decorations were originally found on the facade that was destroyed in the fire, but were later reinstalled after a full restoration in the 19th century. The Ciborium (canopy) by Arnolfo di Cambio that surmounts the main altar is among a masterpiece. Four columns of red porphyry, surmounted by capitals covered in gold leaf, support the meticulous decoration of the steepled roof.


The Chapel of the Most Holy Sacrament, where we can admire Carlo Maderno’s decorations, is magnificent. A visit to Saint Paul Outside the Walls is not complete without having enjoyed its beautiful cloister and strolled around its spiral columns adorned with tiny weaving of colored mosaics.


The light that filters through the palms of the neighboring garden, the silence enforced by heavy walls of the adjacent monastery, and the sound of water from the small fountain make this a place beyond time.

Unusual things to know about Saint Paul Outside the Walls:

The interior perimeter of the Basilica is decorated with medallions that depict the portraits of all Popes including Benedictus XVI. A pointed light illuminates the portrait of the current Pope.

Benedictus XVI Portrait Rome Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls | Churches in Rome | Walking Rome Tour

Pope Benedictus XVI Portrait Illminated | Saint Paul Basilica

Legend has it that the world will end when the empty medallions run out. Only about 14 are left!

It always possible to recognize Saint Paul by his iconographic attributes: A sword and a book. Legend tells us that Saint Paul was a Roman soldier (hence the sword) who was converted to belief in the Holy Scriptures (the book) by an appearance of Christ on the Road to Damascus.

One of the entrance doors to the Basilica is the so-called Holy Door, made entirely of bronze. This door is opened only during Jubilee years, when it allows the Christians who pass through it to have all their sins pardoned.

Saint Paul in Rome Rome Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls | Churches in Rome | Walking Rome Tour

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome | Visit the 4 Basilicas in Rome

Restaurants and good food near the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls:

Dar Moschino | Traditional Rome Trattoria | Garbatella Quarter | €30 No C/C

Nè Arte Nè Parte | Traditional Rome Trattoria | Testaccio Quarter | €35

Da Oio a Casa Mia | Traditional Rome Trattoria | Testaccio Quarter | €35

Osteria Fernanda | Innovative Italian Restaurant | Porta Portese Area | €35

Zampagna | Very Traditional Rome Trattoria | 179 Via Ostiense | €25 No C/C

Flavio Al Veloavedetto | Traditional Rome Trattoria | Testaccio Quarter | €35

Doppiozero | All Day Food & Wine Bar | Ostiense Quarter |

Pizza Luigi | Pizza to Go | Ostiense Quarter |

Volpetti Piu’ | All Day Food & Wine Bar | Testaccio Quarter |

Andreotti | All Day Bar & Pastry Shop | 54b Via Ostiense |

breathtaking Roof of Saint Paul Outside the Walls in Rome Rome Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls | Churches in Rome | Walking Rome Tour

Outstanding Decorated Nave of Saint Paul Basilica | One of Four Basilicas in Rome

This is part of the Christian Tour of Rome in the footsteps of the early Christians that Nancy Aiello Tours is proud to organize for its guests and Rome lovers.

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips or pictures with us? Please write us your comment and we will be happy to post it! Buon Viaggio!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Join ItalyTravelista on Twitter

© Copyright 2009, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours, based in Rome, specializes in Tailor-Made Private Guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers.

New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

If you are interested in publishing a version of this article please contact us for consent and further info.

Amazing Mosaics inside the Basilica of Saint Paul in Rome Rome Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls | Churches in Rome | Walking Rome Tour

Saint Paul Outside the Walls | Second Largest Basilica in Rome

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Nov 09

Walking Rome Tour | Rome Trastevere Restaurants | Rome Delicious Bites

By ItalyTravelista Food & Wine, Free in Rome, Rome, Rome Entertainment, Rome Restaurants, Rome Travel Tips, Rome Walking Tours 1 Comment »

Fontanone Overlooking Rome Walking Rome Tour | Rome Trastevere Restaurants | Rome Delicious Bites

Trastevere Walking Rome Tour | Fontanone on the Janiculum Hill overlooking Rome

Trastevere is one of the best-known areas in Rome and a place to explore little by little, discovering its stunning squares, narrow alleys, medieval churches and renaissance buildings.

Start your Trastevere stroll from the Janiculum hill and enjoy a romantic view of Rome from Il Fontanone, a huge fountain rising high above the Trastevere neighborhood, or from the charming Tiber Island, just opposite the ancient Jewish Ghetto and Jewish Modern Synagogue to enjoy Ponte Cestio, Ponte Rotto and Ponte Fabricio, Rome’s oldest bridge.


Every corner of Trastevere offers something to gladden the eye. Any tour of Trastevere should include a visit to the remarkable church of Santa Maria in Trastevere, probably the oldest church in Rome, built in the 4th century and then restored in the 8th century and again in the 11th century. This Basilica hosts a number of masterpieces, from the mosaics in the apse by Pietro Cavallini to the 13th century facade.

Rome by Night Walking Rome Tour | Rome Trastevere Restaurants | Rome Delicious Bites

Remarkable St. Mary Basilica in Trastevere | Tour Rome by Night

Not far from here the16th Century Villa Farnesina is a must see adorned with artworks by Raphael and Sebastiano del Piombo, but all along Via della Lungara starting from the late 15th century Porta Settimiana to the renaissance Palazzo Salviati is a off the beaten track walking tour of Rome that should not be missed. Going back to Viale Trastevere after walking through a maze of narrow alleys in the most medieval part of Trastevere Rome lovers will find the beautiful 9th century Church of Santa Cecilia, built on top of ancient Rome Baths, with its luscious gardens, 13th century frescoes and outstanding early Christian catacombs, and the nearby Church of San Francesco a Ripa housing the sculpture of Blessed Ludovica Albertoni crafted by an elderly Bernini in 1674.

It’s now Dinner Time in Trastevere! When in Rome where to eat in Trastevere?


This is ItalyTavelista personal best wine and dine restaurants guide to the Trastevere quarter but if you’re looking for a Pizzeria in Trastevere you can check this Rome Best Pizzeria post.

Best Restaurants in Trastevere


A’ Ciaramira

Good Seafood and Seasonal Vegetarian Dishes
Best Bets: Raw Fish | Seafood Pasta
Price 65€ | Gambero Rosso 2010 Rating 76/100


Antica Pesa

Definitely one of best restaurants in Trastevere.
Excellent Roman Food and Great Wines!
Best Bet: Pasta Cacio e Pepe
Price 65€ | Gambero Rosso 2010 Rating 76/100 | L’Espresso Wine Cellar of the Year 2010

fresh prawns by Ripa12 Walking Rome Tour | Rome Trastevere Restaurants | Rome Delicious Bites

Delicious Prawns at Ripa 12 | Trastevere Delicious Seafood

Checco er Carettiere

One of the Oldest Trattoria in Trastevere Serving Very Good Roman Traditional Dishes
Best Bet: Bombolotti alla Amatriciana
Price 60€ | Gambero Rosso 2010 Rating 76/100

Jaipur | 56 Via di San Francesco a Ripa | 06 5803992

Very Good Indian Restaurant located in a peaceful Lane Just off Viale Trastevere

Best Bets: Tandoori Dishes
Price 30€ | Gambero Rosso 2010 Rating N/A


Osteria La Gensola

Located in the Charming Piazza in Piscinula La Gensola Offers Excellent Food

Best Bets: Roman Traditional Dishes | Shellfish
Price 50€ | Gambero Rosso 2010 Rating 75/100

Minnetti in Trastevere

One of my fave Restaurants in Trastevere. Chef Roberto Minnetti and his great team serve real Tuscan food in the heart of Rome! Enjoy the short but really good wine list, I like the Poggio Antico Montalcino, the outstanding Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the wide choice of sea salt! Just Brilliant!

Best Bets: Veal Tripe | 100 Egg Pasta | Peposa Stew

Price 40€ | Excellent Value for Money | Guida L’Espresso 2010 Rating 13/20

Minnetti in Rome Walking Rome Tour | Rome Trastevere Restaurants | Rome Delicious Bites

My Fave Montalcino Wine at Minnetti | Tuscan Restaurant in Trastevere

Fabrizio dal 1956 | 15 Via di Santa Dorotea | Tel 06 5806244 | Wednesdays Closed

This is my fave trattoria in Trastevere! Great traditional Roman food served by Fabrizio with a smile. Booking recommended as this place gets very busy every evening with locals and politicians. No English menu here yet but Fabrizio in working on that.

Best Bets: Check for the daily specials on the chalk board

Price 40€ | Gambero Rosso 2010 Rating Good Value for Money

Fabrizio in Trastevere Walking Rome Tour | Rome Trastevere Restaurants | Rome Delicious Bites

My Fave Roman Restaurant in Trastevere | Nancy Aiello Tours

Restaurant Ripa 12

Not fancy just real good and fresh seafood from Calabria with a good wine list and good service

Best Bet: Sea Bass & Tuna Carpaccio

Price 55€ | Guida L’Espresso 2010 Rating 12.5/20

Roma Sparita

A Very Good Traditional Trattoria Located in the Heart of Medieval Rome

Best Bets: Typical Roman Dishes | Calzone

Price 25€ | Gambero Rosso 2010 N/A

Trattoria Degli Amici

A Special Restaurant for Special People in the Heart of the Trastevere Nightlife. I love this place run by Sant’ Egidio Community that helps disadvantaged and less fortunate people while serving really good food. Check with the sommelier, he does not drink wine but can tell from your face if the bottle is good!

Best Bets: Cod Maccheroni | Cous Cous

Price 35€ | Gambero Rosso 2010 Excellent Value for Money

Trastevere Neighborhood Walking Rome Tour | Rome Trastevere Restaurants | Rome Delicious Bites

Who Needs a Dryer in Trastevere | Narrow and Colorfoul Trastevere Alleys

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips or pictures with us? Please write us your comment and we will be happy to post it! Buon Viaggio!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Join Us on Twitter!

© Copyright 2009, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours, based in Rome, specializes in Tailor-Made Private Guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers.

New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

If you are interested in publishing a version of this article on your website please contact us for consent and further info.

Rome at a Glance from the Gianicolo Hill Walking Rome Tour | Rome Trastevere Restaurants | Rome Delicious Bites

A Tour of Trastevere | Rome at a Glance from the Janiculum Hill

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Oct 01

Travel to Rome | Rome in Piazza

By ItalyTravelista Free in Rome, Italy, Rome, Rome Day Trips, Rome Entertainment, Rome Nightlife, Rome Walking Tours 1 Comment »

Travel to Rome | Rome in Piazza

Rome Navona Square

The Eternal City of Rome is famous for its mind-blowing monuments, remarkable churches and magnificent museums but the squares in Rome are the best places to enjoy the vibrant city life and the perfect spot to laze away your day surrounded by people and history, as the Romans do! When in Rome visit baroque squares and enjoy your Italian cappuccino next to renaissance palaces or medieval Roman churches. Tour Rome walking your way through art and tradition. This is ItalyTravelista personal list of the most beautiful squares of Rome.

Piazza Navona

Once a site for spectacular Roman games, Navona Square maintains an oval shape, akin to the most famous game arena, Circus Maximus. During the late 15th century, the square underwent a remarkable revamp, and is now the greatest example of Baroque Roman urban architecture. Navona square is dominated by the outstanding Four Rivers Fountain designed by Bernini, and across from the “Nile”, by the church of St’Agnese in Agone designed by Borromini. Here you can relax in one of the several outdoor cafes and restaurants and enjoy one of the several shows performed in the square by street performers and artists.

Piazza del Popolo

Once a site for public executions, these days Popolo Square is far more peaceful, and given its proximity to Borghese park and Via del Corso, it maintains a lively crowd of café-goers, shoppers and businessmen. Enjoy the mighty obelisk in the center of the square while sipping a nice espresso at one of the two pricey bars located in square’s corners. Nearby do not miss the pleasant Via Margutta, a quiet narrow street home to artists and painters.

Piazza Farnese

A quieter alternative to the busy Campo dè Fiori, located just a short walk away. Farnese Square is dominated by the eponymous Palazzo Farnese, a Renaissance palace, boasting works by Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane, Michelangelo, and Giacomo della Porta. While it is necessary to obtain permission from the resident French Embassy to visit the interior, an evening stroll through the piazza allows a glimpse at the frescoed ceilings. The piazza itself is simple and elegant, with two fountains and few cafés. Enjoy a glass of wine at the classy Camponeschi wine bar or a roman dinner at the traditional trattoria Ar Galletto. If you decide for the Galletto make sure to make a reservation asking for a table just in front of the Embassy NOT in the back alley or indoor!

Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina

Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina, in the shopping heart of Rome, is one of the most elegant meeting places, and owes its name to the 4th century chapel of San Lorenzo, built on the home of Christian matron Lucina. Just around the corner from Montecitorio, the Italian Chamber of Deputies, Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina is a regular hang out for politicians and journalists, who are easily spotted eating ice creams or chatting about the next reform at the smart and elegant bar Ciampini, enjoying small but excellent sandwiches and delicious gelati.

Travel to Rome | Rome in Piazza

St. Lorenzo in Lucina Church | A Great Place to Enjoy Rome

Piazza di Pietra

The impressive facade of the Temple of Hadrian, embedded in the walls of the Italian Stock Exchange building, is the distinctive backdrop for this quiet and pleasant square. The temple was dedicated to the deified Emperor Adriano by his adoptive son and successor Antoninus Pius in AD 145. The temple has just been renovated and its 11 massive corinthian columns shine. A cozy and relaxing setting, the piazza hosts the trendy bar Salotto 42, and La Caffettiera, an elegant Neapolitan-style cafe serving extra-strong espresso to keep you going!

Piazza della Rotonda

The best preserved ancient Roman, the Pantheon was conceived as a temple to all Gods and was later turned into a Catholic church. Michelangelo referred to this temple as “a work not of humans but of an Angel”, and the surrounding Piazza della Rotonda is the Pantheon’s perfect frame. The structure’s balanced geometry and the outdoor cafés lined around the square are a soothing experience for passers-by. Fiocco di Neve Gelateria on Via del Pantheon 51 and Caffè Tazza d’Oro are just a short walk away, while for a hearty roman dinner you can try Armando al Pantheon.

Piazza St. Mary in Trastevere

This lively square is home to one of the oldest and most original churches in Rome, Santa Maria in Trastevere, which is also thought to be one of the sites where Christians first openly celebrated the Holy Mass. The popular Trastevere quarter is a pleasant place to enjoy traditional roman food and typical Rome thin-crusted pizza.

Piazza Santa Maria ai Monti

Nestled within the narrow alleys of the Monti hill, between Via dei Serpenti and Via del Boschetto, the small and charming Piazza di Santa Maria ai Monti, hosts the main church of the Monti neighborhood and the Catholic Ukrainian Seminar of Rome. Lots of sitting room around the fountain makes the perfect spot to rest your tired feet or to read a book under the sun. Don’t miss a very pleasant pre-dinner rest in one of the several Monti wine bars like Tre Scalini, Al Vino al Vino, Barrique or an Indian dinner at the Maharajah, otherwise you can enjoy a creative Italian dinner at Urbana 47.

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips with us? Please write us your comment and we will be happy to post it!


Have a nice walking tour of Rome!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Twitter.com/ItalyTravelista

© Copyright 2009, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours, based in Rome, specializes in Tailor-Made Private Guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers.

New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

If you are interested in publishing a version of this article on your website please contact us for consent and further info.

Travel to Rome | Rome in Piazza

St. Mary in Trastevere | Enjoy Rome as the Romans do!

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