When in Rome

Every time I land in Rome I cry. There is something so emotional and ethereal in embracing an ancient civilization that still whispers and beckons travelers to explore its vast secrets – secrets that to this day impact our world. This Eternal City, which is more than 2,000 years old, offers history and its archeological sites, Baroque churches, ancient villas, renowned museums, delectable dishes, and wonderful haute couture and handicrafts.

Here is just a tiny sample of things you can do:

The Roman Forum

Close your eyes and visualize the life the citizens of Ancient Rome must have experienced as they walked down cobblestone streets dressed in their togas. This archeological site dates back to about 500 BC and visitors will find remnants of Imperial Rome beyond the Forum which include the Arch of Titus, Circus Maximus, and Trajan's Column, to name just a few.

The Colosseum

Perhaps the most recognized landmark of Ancient Rome is the Colosseum known for its violent and bloody history. Inaugurated in 80 A.D., the amphitheater was primarily used for gladiatorial combats and animal fights. It was the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire and is believed to have packed up to 50,000 people inside.

The Pantheon

While the name refers to the temple of gods, the Pantheon is the burial place of Roman kings and other prominent figures such as Raphael. The temple was built between 118 and 128 A.D. and its oculus in the dome is open to the sky, letting sunlight filter in.

Piazza Navona

Considered one of the most popular areas in Rome, the magnificent, oval-shaped Piazza Navona is lined with restaurants and gelaterias. Nearby is the Museo di Roma where one can admire Baroque art such as Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi. Stroll along the picturesque street of Via della Pace and visit the church of Santa Maria della Pace.

The Vatican and its Museums

For anyone visiting Rome, a visit to the Vatican is a must. Begin at the Piazza di San Pietro, which Bernini designed to look like arms extended in an embrace. Besides St. Peter’s Basilica, the absolute must-see is the Vaitcan Museums, which contain Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Other highlights in the 1,400-room palace include the Raphael Rooms, old master paintings, and antique sculptures. Visit the Pontiff’s summer home where you can stroll through lush gardens. South of Vatican City stands Castel Sant'Angelo, where popes sought solace during sieges and offers the best views of Vatican City and the Tiber.

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica, which dates back to 349 AD, is perhaps one of the greatest architectural masterpieces and is the world’s largest church at 18,000 square yards. Constantine had a basilica built over the tomb of St. Peter, the first pope. Inside one will find Bernini’s altarpiece—the great bronze baldacchino—and Michelangelo’s Pietà.

Spanish Steps

Known as the Piazza di Spagna, the Spanish Steps lead to both the piazza where streets abound with delightful cafes and restaurants and couture boutiques and the Trinità dei Monti church and Bernini’s ship-shaped fountain. The Steps' recent restoration cost ￡1.3 million which was paid by Bulgari. For those adventurous visitors, climb to the Villa Medici for stunning views of the Centro Storico. Off to the side of the steps, find the Keats-Shelley Memorial House, one of Rome’s excellent under-the-radar museums.

Trevi Fountain

Any trip to Rome would be incomplete without a visit to the recently renovated Trevi Fountain which Fendi had restored. Nicola Salvi’s Baroque masterpiece features a marble statue of Neptune at the center, surrounded by tritons. Legend has it that anyone who throws a coin in the fountain will return to Rome.

Villa Borghese

Both this 17th century villa itself and its contents have some of the most incredible Baroque art in the world. Commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, the villa was used to house his treasures including Antonio Canova’s sculpture of Napoleon Bonaparte’s sister as Venus Victrix, Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne, and Caravaggio’s self-portrait as Bacchus. Visit the idyllic Villa Borghese park, where orange trees and flowers blossom. Nearby, take a rowboat out on the lake, visit the zoo, see a play at a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theater, or stop by two museums on the park’s edge: the Etruscan Museum in Villa Giulia and the Galleria Nazionale d' Arte Moderna.

The Market at Campo de’ Fiori

Visit the local market and shop for fresh fruit and vegetables and create your own picnic. Open every morning, but Sunday this is an ideal place to make new friends.

Mangia! Mangia! (Eat! Eat!)

Go traditional with the local region and try Roman specialties known as la cucina povera, very simple with few ingredients. Typical appetizers include fried artichokes, fried salt cod filets, and typical pastas such as bucatini all’amatriciana, a spicy tomato sauce with peperoncino, guanciale (pig’s cheek), and pecorino romano; spaghetti alla carbonara, a creamy sauce made with raw egg yolk, black pepper, guanciale, and pecorino romano.

Looking for la dolce vita? Contact us for the best experience where we will take you behind the scenes. We offer private cooking classes and access to private villas and wine estates not open to the public. Explore private catacombs where Roman families keep hidden treasures of artwork