Wonderful Rome

We went back to Europe and the first stop this time was the wonderful city of Rome. I believe that the best way to get to know a city it's by walking by its historical streets. Everything is close enough, and besides, strolling by the city, you'll get to discover more details of it that you won't see it as well as riding a bus or in a taxi. So wear comfortable shoes, take it easy and enjoy. 

We stayed at a hotel very close to the Coliseum. From the hotel by Via dei Boschetto to the Coliseum was about 10 minutes -walking- and to the Piazza Navona, about 30 minutes passing by many different historical sites and famous spots. 

We only got day and a half to get to know everything we could. Our first afternoon wasn't as relaxing as we thought, since we had jet lag, and for me, it's really difficult to get some sleep on a flight. However, I was so excited to be in Italy that a couple of cappuccino helped me. And, come on, I was in Rome! :)


Even when I was very sleepy, and I was amazed to be in Italy; while we were getting closer to the hotel, what actually pinched me and let me know I wasn't dreaming, was the sight of the great Coliseum in front of me.


After we checked in, we walked to Fonatana di Trevi, passing by Palazzo Quirinale that now days is known as the President house. From the square in front of the Palazzo, you'll get to see part of the city and even the Pantheon. After walking by many vendors, souvenir stores, and alleys; we stroll to Scalinata della Trinita dei Monti at Piazza di Spagna. 138 steps that leads you to the church Trinita dei Monti. 

Close to the Spanish Steps is the most famous street thanks to its stores, including Prada, Coach and Tiffany. Walk by Via dei Condotti and enjoy the gorgeous designs. Maybe do some shopping! -don't forget to get me something! ;)-


By the end of the afternoon, we couldn't skip to enjoy a delicious gelato in the middle of the warm weather. I guess having a cappuccino during winter time will do just great! For me, either one works amazing at any time of the year.

By our second day, the first stop was Vatican City. We took a taxi from the hotel to the world famous Piazza San Pietro. It was going to be a really long walk, though. The feeling, that at least I got, while arriving to this amazing place was unique. It doesn't matter what's your believe, the architecture is breath taking. Remember to wear clothes that cover legs and shoulder so you can enter to the Vatican (and any other religious building in Italy).  And if you want to visit the museum and the Sistine Chapel, check the schedule before, since it's not always open. 

After spending the morning at Vatican City, we went to Piazza Navona. A very attractive hangout to enjoy a late afternoon while having dinner or just some wine at many of its cafes and restaurants. There are some vendors and artist with beautiful paints and draws by the fountain in the middle of the square. 


By that time, I ran out of battery of my video camera, so remember to bring extra battery or a cable to charge. While having lunch, my camera was charging. You don't want to miss anything!


Few steps away from the Piazza, you'll find The Pantheon. Free to enter and great history behind it. The only light coming through, is a hole -window- on top of the dome. If it rains, it will rain inside, but the water will run directly to the center of the Pantheon. Take a walk inside this amazing structure that means 'temple of all Gods', and feel part of history.

One of the sights you cannot miss while staying in Rome, is the ancient side of the city, the world famous Coliseum, Roman Forum and the Palatine. They have a special ticket that will get you to those three places. Walking through the same streets that the romans, centuries ago, used to walked by, makes you feel from that era. Naturally, just missing their clothes. The Coliseum used to be the place where the gladiators fought. They also used it for haunting and recreations of famous wars. Now days, at those ruins, you can visit a museum and different levels of the Coliseum. The Roman Forum, used to be the center of the old city, where a lot of business took place.

Another point of interest you might want to see, is Altare della Patria where the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuelle II is located. I actually suggest you to walk from Piazza Venezia, right in front of Altare della Patria until you reach the Via dei Fori Imperiali, where the Roman Forum, the Palatine and at the end of the road, the great Coliseum are located.


We also visited Piazza Campo dei Fiori, which together with Piazza Navona, are the most famous squares in Rome. More cafes, restaurants and stores are waiting for you. 


One thing I loved from Rome, it reminded me of some cities in Venezuela (my country), at most of the squares we walked through, I saw people hanging out, very chill out, having few drinks. 


Check out AT29's video about this amazing city.  
Keep clean the city! :)