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!

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.

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.

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

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

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© 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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A view of the Roman Forum from the Capitoline Hill

Beginning in the 17th century for many of those on the Grand Tour Rome was to prove the highlight of their journey. It became fashionable for young aristocrats to visit Paris, Venice, Florence, and above all Rome, as the culmination of their classical education. Italy was the primary destination for the Grand Tourist who was attracted to its cultural treasures, fascinating landscapes and historical cities. Thus was born the idea of the Grand Tour, a practice which introduced Englishmen, Germans, and later wealthy Americans to the art and culture of Italy continuing to this day as popular reference for travelers.

Start your walking Grand Tour of Rome from the outstanding Trevi Fountain, a famous gathering spot and an excellent place to enjoy a nice italian gelato. The Fontana di Trevi or Trevi Fountain is the most famous and arguably the most beautiful fountain in Rome, although I personally really like the beautifully restored Bernini’s 4 rivers fountain located in the Navona Square. The Trevi fountain, built by architect Salvi in 1735, is not only celebrated for its excellent water but also for the legend that visitors throwing a coin in the Trevi fountain are ensured a return to the city of Rome.

Trevi Fountain in Rome

The outstanding dome Pantheon is a very easy 15 minute walk from the Trevi Fountain and offers another glimpse of the splendor of Rome. Originally built as a temple to all of the Roman gods, the Pantheon was rebuilt by emperor Hadrian around 120 AD. That structure is the same as the one you see today making the Pantheon the oldest intact structure still standing from the ancient Roman world. Since the 7th century the Pantheon has been used as a Christian church. Don’t miss the nearby Caffè Tazza d’Oro, Rome’s favorite place for its granita di caffè con panna (Coffee Granita with Whipped Cream).

A short walk from the Panteon and at the foot of the Capitoline Hill opens up Piazza Venezia which is the perfect spot to see how Rome over the centuries blended together Modern and Renaissance buildings with Ancient Rome relics and ruins. Another short walk where you will come across the amazing Area Sacra di Largo Argentina and you”ll reach the famous Piazza Venezia.

Piazza Venezia takes its name from the first great Renaissance palace of Rome commissioned in 1455 by the Venetian Pope Paul II. One side of the square is dominated by the neoclassical Vittoriano Monument devoted to the first king of Italy Victor Emmanuel II. Completed in 1935, it’s known to Romans as the ’typewriter’ or the ’wedding cake’ for its ostentatious design. Do not miss the small and beautiful but often neglected San Marco Basilica, dedicated to St Mark the Evangelist, patron saint of the Venetian republic, San Marco is one of Rome’s oldest churches.

A view of the roman forum from the capitoline hill | Walking Rome Tour

The Capitoline Hill, the highest of the Seven Hills of Rome, was the religious centre of ancient Rome. The Cordonata is Michelangelo’s monumental stairway connecting the low-lying Campus Martius to the Capitoline Hill and the Piazza Campidoglio. In 1536 Michelangelo was commissioned to design the beautiful piazza on the hill overlooking the ancient Roman Forum and placed the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius on a new pedestal. The statue was removed in 1981 for restoration and it is now located in a newly-designed exhibition hall in the Palazzo dei Conservatori of the Capitoline Museums. A replica currently stands in the Capitoline Piazza. Michelangelo designed new facades for the two already existing buildings, the Palazzo Senatorio and the Palazzo dei Conservatori, and created a new building known as Palazzo Nuovo, to mirror the Palazzo dei Conservatori on the other side of the Campidoglio square. These three beautiful renaissance palaces are now home to the extraordinary Capitoline Museums, the most ancient publicly owned museum in the world dating back to 1471.

From the Vittoriano walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali and feel at the heart of the ancient Roman Empire! Walk and admire the Roman Forum and the the ruins of ancient Rome’s Trajan Market until you reach the world renowned Coliseum, the most famous monument and iconic symbol of the city of Rome.

Area Sacra in Torre Argentina, Rome

The Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, the ‘original Beverly Hills’ of ancient Rome, are now on a combo ticket for Euro 12.00. You get 2 days to see all three sites. Ignore the gladiators, who charge Euro 5.00 for the joy of taking their picture (with your camera). As for the vending trucks, they are overpriced. They will sell you a small bottle of water for Euro 3.00. Last are the souvenir carts, one by the entrance, and one by the exit. These souvenirs are much overpriced, but you can bargain with them or just avoid them altogether.

Walking Rome is easily manageable with comfy walking shoes and the desire to explore what the Eternal City has to offer, even if only have a day to spend in Rome!

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

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

NancyAielloTours.com

ItalyTravelista.com

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© Copyright 2009 Some Rights Reserved 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.

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3. Travel to Rome | Walking Tour of Rome | Visit Rome Off the Beaten Path

Rome Off the Beaten Path

Rome’s rich archeological, artistic and cultural heritage are so outstanding that the city’s historic center has been designated World Heritage Site by UNESCO. If you have already been to Rome you have probably visited the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Vatican Museums. When in Rome what to see the Second time in the Eternal City of Rome? If you’re eager to discover more Rome’s treasures at your own pace follow ItalyTravelista suggestions for off the beaten path Rome itineraries and explore holy churches and Rome’s outstanding museums enjoying Rome as the Romans do! Travel to Italy at Your Own Pace!

Ara Pacis Museum, home to the Altar of Augustan Peace, is a Rome must-see if you are interested in imperial Rome. Just reopened after years of restoration, the museum is the first modern architectural work built in the historic center of Rome. The enclosure was designed in 2006 by the great American archistar Richard Meier.

Ara Pacis in Rome

Borghese Gallery Museum is housed in the casino or summerhouse of the Villa Borghese. The villa, built between 1613 and 1616, was the home of Cardinal Scipione Borghese, the favorite nephew of Pope Paul V. There are an incredible number of masterpieces packed into this comparatively small space – works of Gian Lorenzo Bernini including his “David”, Caravaggio, Canova’s reclining “Paolina Borghese”, Domenichino, Guido Reni and Rubens’ “Pietà” number among the most spectacular.

Stunning Marble Collection at the Galleria Borghese in Rome's Villa Borghese Gardens

The National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia (close to Villa Borghese) has housed the national collection of Etruscan art since 1889. Particularly notable are the finds from Etruscan cemeteries including reconstruction of a tomb from Cerveteri, the famous sarcophagus from Cerveteri (c. 530 B.C.) with the reclining figures of a husband and wife, and the outstanding Euphronios krater, a terra-cotta bowl made and painted in Athens about 515 B.C., and until January 2008 a prized part of the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Etruscan Museum in Villa Giulia, Rome

Basilica of St. Peter in Chains, dedicated to Peter the apostle, was first built in the middle of the 5th century to house the relic of the chains that bound Saint Peter while imprisoned in Jerusalem. His relic is kept in a golden urn beneath the high altar, close to the marble statue of Michelangelo’s Moses. Michelangelo’s masterpiece, which dates from 1515, is the most notable piece of artwork in the basilica. Originally intended as part of a 40-statue funeral monument for Pope Julius II, Moses became the Pope’s funeral monument and tomb in his family’s church.

Basilica of San Clemente is a fascinating 12th century Basilica built on top of a 4th century church and on top of a late 2nd century temple. Located a short walk from the Coliseum, is definitely worth a visit for the chance to see three different eras of Rome on one site. This ancient church was transformed over the centuries from a private home that was the site of clandestine Christian worship in the first century to a grand public basilica by the 6^th century, reflecting the emerging Catholic Church’s growing legitimacy and power.

The Church of St. Louis of the French, located a short walk away from Piazza Navona is a Rome must see for Caravaggio Fans! In the fifth chapel on the left of the basilica are located the “St. Matthew and the angel”, the “Vocation of St. Matthew” and the “Martyr of St. Matthew” painted by Caravaggio between 1597 and 1602.

Basilica of St Mary in Trastevere was the first roman church to be dedicated in the 4^th century to the cult of the Blessed Virgin, St. Mary. According to the legend, on the day Christ was born a stream of pure oil flowed from the earth on the site of the church, signifying the coming of the grace of God. A column next to the altar marks the spot. The Basilica, decorated with amazing medieval mosaics and architectural elements recycled from ancient Roman temples, is located in one of Rome’s most picturesque neighborhoods with plenty of restaurants and bars where to relax and enjoy people watching.

St. Mary in Trastevere Basilica-Very Nice Neighborhood

Basilica of St. Andrea delle Fratte, located nearby the Spanish Steps, is a 17th century Basilica devoted to St. Andrew. The sides of the presbytery are breathtaking Angels (1668-9) sculpted by Bernini for the St. Angel Bridge, but then moved here by and replaced on the bridge with copies.

Stunning Bernini's Angels in Rome

Via Giulia is a charming and wide cobble stone street just behind Palazzo Farnese next to the Tiber River. Do not miss the Farnese archway which was designed by Michelangelo to link the Palazzo Farnese with their gardens. Commissioned by Pope Julius II (for whom the street is named), Via Giulia was built in the early 16th century, part of a plan to build a square of roads near the Vatican. The project was never completed. But to this day, Via Giulia is lined with an array of extraordinary churches and cultural buildings, as well as some of the fanciest homes in Rome.

Roman Houses under the Celio offer an unusual journey through underground Rome to relive the atmosphere of the ancient city among alleys, ninfeus, spas and the splendid fresco environment of the Roman Houses adorned with extraordinary frescoes from the 3rd and 4th century AD., perfectly conserved and, the imposing temple of Divo Claudio, transformed by Nero into the ninfeus of the Domus Aurea.

Did I miss anything? Do you want to share with us any Rome’s tip or insight? Please write us your comment and we will be happy to post it!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

NancyAielloTours.com
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 our 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.

Related posts:

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Downtown Rome, The Vittoriano Monument (The wedding Cake)

When in Rome: Top 10 Sights to enjoy Rome in 48 Hours!

Everybody knows the Eternal City is the world’s biggest open air museum.
Rome’s history spans over two and half thousand years, and the Historic Centre of Rome is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site!
So, if you only have 48 hours in Rome what are the 10 top sights you can’t miss to visit?

Colosseum (Colosseo)

Also spelled “Coliseum” this massive marble structure is one of the most famous monuments of ancient Rome. It was built around 2000 years ago to accommodate up to 80,000 spectators happy to enjoy bloody contests between gladiators and lions. With the same 12 Euro ticket you get access to the nearby Palatine and Roman Forum.
Don’t forget to take a picture with the modern-day Gladiators!

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)

The Fontana di Trevi is the most famous and arguably the most beautiful fountain in Rome. This impressive monument dominates the small Trevi Square located in the Quirinale district. Legend has it you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the water. You should toss it over your shoulder with your back to the fountain.

Trevi Fountain in Rome

After the spectacular Trevi Fountain take a break for an Ice Cream at the nearby Giolitti Parlour where Michelle Obama’s daughters made and then ate blackberry and banana gelato. Needless to say: A must for first time visitors!

Capitoline Square and Capitoline Museums

Enjoy the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelio and the great view over the Roman Forum from the square designed by Michalangelo. Visit the Capitoline Museums, the most ancient publicly owned museum in the world dating back to 1471.

The Pantheon

Another Landmark you can’t miss when visiting Rome! Once inside look at the top of the dome and see the large opening, the oculus, which was the only source of light! The Pantheon contains the tombs of Raphael and of several Italian Kings.

Check San Crispino for a gelato or Caffe’ Tazza d’Oro for a traditional granita!

Vatican City, Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums

The Holy See–Vatican city is a country in its own right owned by the Catholic Church.  St. Peter Basilica is the world’s largest church while the Vatican Museums own the biggest collection of art in Rome, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling as well as a 500 year old collection of statues, paintings, tapestries including the Octagonal Court (Cortile Ottagono), the Upper Galleries of the Vatican Museums (Candelabra, Tapestries and Maps) the Raphael Rooms and the Galleries of the Apostolic Library.

St. Clemente Basilica (Basilica di San Clemente)

This Medieval Church has a beautiful interior, but it is especially notable for its 3 historical layers. The 12th-century Basilica is built on top of a well-preserved 4th-century Church, which was built next to a 3rd-century Temple. For a fee, it is possible to explore the excavations of the lower levels, which is a fascinating journey into the history of Rome.

Tiber Island (Isola Tiberina)

The little island in the middle of the Tiber River had long been dedicated to Aesculapius, the roman god of medicine. There is a Church on the island, named after Saint Bartholomew, which stands above the ruins of the ancient temple dedicated to Aesculapius. Another interesting landmark further down the river is the Ponte Rotto (the Broken Bridge) one of the oldest stone bridges built in Rome.
From here you can walk east to the Jewish Quarter for delicious Kosher food or west to the popular Trastevere area for the real pizza!.

Navona Square (Piazza Navona)

This stunning Piazza, the most famous Baroque Square in Rome, has at its central focus Bernini’s spectacular fountain erected in 1651. Get an artist in the Piazza to draw your cartoon portrait and relax in Rome’s liveliest square sitting at one of the outdoor cafés while watching musicians and street-artists.

Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna)

Piazza di Spagna was at the center of the Strangers’ Quarter, the triangle made by Via del Corso, Via Frattina and Via del Babuino, where most foreigners used to live. Today it’s a vibrant and elegant square from where to start your Made in Italy shopping tour by strolling around the famous fashion streets like Via dei Condotti, Via Bogognona and Via del Babuino.

Here is located the famous Antico Caffè Greco

Campo dè Fiori

I love the previous nine sights but my favorite place in Rome is Campo dè Fiori!Lively daily food & flower market, outdoor cafés, good restaurants, trendy shops,   the freshly baked pizza bianca, posh people, and much more!

What is your favorite and unmissable place in Rome?
Look forward to hear your comments!

Ciao from Rome!
Nancy Aiello

www.NancyAielloTours.com

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© 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.

Related posts:

1. Travel Italy at Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours!
2. Rome Walking Tour | Ancient Rome and the Grand Tour
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