Italy’s capital Rome is truly a special place and is one of the most visited cities in the world. The city is full of stunning architecture, archeological ruins, huge monuments and lovely fountains. You will find no shortage of activities here. Take some time to explore Old Rome where you will be treated to many magnificent landmarks including The Pantheon and The Fountain of Neptune . Here you will also get to see the spectacular square of Piazza Navona which was once a stage for murderous Roman games. Explore the square, marvel at the Baroque architecture, watch the street performers, and see the remains of the chariot racing stadium. Plus of course, you should also see the fascinating remains of the Colosseum , considered to be Rome’s most famous landmark. A popular attraction in the Modern Centre of Rome is the incredible masterpiece, Trevi Fountain. This huge Baroque fountain will leave you in awe and is a wonderful attraction both day and night. Rome is also home to some excellent shopping and wonderfully authentic restaurants. So after a long day of exploring the city and browsing the stores, sit outdoors in one of the many restaurants and enjoy some tasty local cuisine.
Holiday rentals and apartments in Rome
As Rome’s popularity continues to grow, the battle to find the best accommodation in the city intensifies. Bed and breakfasts and hotels have become heavily oversubscribed in the Italian capital. Fortunately, alternative forms of accommodation are sprouting up all over the city in the form of private apartments, which can be rented by visitors from local hosts through HomeToGo.
Apartment rentals are great for young couples, and small families whereas larger families are probably better of going for a villa or holiday home on Rome’s outskirts. With HomeToGo you can choose the type of apartment that suits your tastes, be it modern or hipster and pick the amenities that will add to your trip. Look to find accommodation on a metro line as this give you great access to the main attractions such as the Spanish steps or the best restaurants.If you are traveling alone a great way to save money is by taking a private room in a guesthouse. By staying in someone’s else’s apartment you get access to all the amenities as well as your own room to relax in.
The Magnificent Colosseum
The city's most famous landmark is the Colosseum. The huge amphitheater was built in around 70BC, and although it has had to be renovated numerous times since, it still very much retains its authenticity. Discoveries continue to be made in the foundation and the many dungeons under the amphitheater. There Colosseum held up to 60,000 people at its heydays. and there was great demand for tickets so to speak. Gladiators were particularly popular in the Roman Empire and, to the delight of the locals, the arena was used exclusively for the best gladiator fighting in the empire.
Today it is still possible to explore the glorious arena, but luckily without the gladiator fights. Prices vary, but it is very much advisable to take a guided tour and get all the secret stories about the mysterious stadium.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is one attraction you will always find in a guidebook and the beautiful fountain is certainly a must-see for any visitor to Rome. Built in the 1700s by Nicola Salvi , the fountain attracts admirers from all over the world.
Visit the National Museum
With its unique and magnificent history, Rome has a wealth of museums and galleries to explore. The largest and most visited is the National Museum. It’s also where you should go to get the best overview of the history of Rome, which is the goal for most people coming to the city. Countless unique items from all time periods are displayed in the many exhibits that make up the building. Many do not know that the Rome also was one of the most important cities in the Renaissance time. Typically Florence earns this title, but nevertheless, Rome was also incredibly important city in this period for architecture and art.
The Roman Empire is of course also a very central part of the exhibition at the National Museum. There is still an enormous pride in what was accomplished under the reign of the various Roman emperors, in particular the dominance of the famed legions that laid siege to much of Europe and North Africa.
Vatican City
After the hustle and bustle of Rome begins to take its toll head to the spiritual retreat of Vatican City. The world’s smallest state, located in the middle of Rome, is of huge religious importance to the world’s Roman Catholics, and many make their pilgrimage there during their lifetimes. The official residence for the Pope (Roman Catholics' most important living being), the city within a city has a spiritual feel that even non believers cannot ignore. St Peters Basilica is considered the epicenter of the Catholic world, the Cathedral is huge and was designed by Michelangelo. You get the best view of this from St. Peters Square which is worth a visit in its own right.
Tourists not on pilgrimage should head to the Vatican Museum to learn more about the history of the state and also because it is the entrance to the pristine Sistine Chapel . The museum has an abundance of renaissance and religious art including paintings by Leonardo da Vinci, Giotto, Raphael, Caravaggio and Veronese. Holiday rentals are also popular in Vatican cities and HomeToGo offers some great apartments to rent here during your stay in Rome.