72 Hours in Rome, Italy

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Arriving in the city it struck me that this was just another city. But as we drove into the walled center that changed. The ancient wall was my first view of these historic monuments. Driving past the wall, the scenery changed from Ikea and Hard Rock Cafe to ancient fountains, curved buildings, and beautiful architecture. This was when the trip began.
We dropped the suitcases at our hotel, Ambassadors Hotel Palace di Roma, hit a quick shower and set off to explore. The first place we came across was the Il Convento dei Cappuccini (Capuchin Museum).

After an awe-inspiring walk through the Capuchin Crypt, we headed down the street to see the Trevi Fountain. The construction of the Trevi began in ancient Rome, but did not complete until 1762. As they say good things take time. 🤷🏼‍♀️ The fountain is a enormous, detailed and beautiful fixture of Rome, but also a known place for pick pockets. Head over earlier in the day to avoid the crowds. Don’t forget to toss your coins. Legend has it tossing your coin into the Trevi Fountain will ensure a return trip to Rome. The legend made famous by the 1954 movie, “Three Coins in the Fountain” has resulted in some $3,500 coins thrown into the fountain each day.

Working up an appetite, we wandered down a small alleyway to find Piccolo Arancio. Just a few tables make up this restaurant, but it is well worth the stop for their orange ravioli. Since The Eternal City name did not account for jetlag we reluctantly called it a night.

Random Facts about Rome, Italy

• Rome’s history spans 28 centuries.
• The name “The Eternal City” dates back to Tibullus in the 1st century BC.
• Rome is also called “caput Mundo” or Capital of the World
• The historic walled center is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site
• The birthplace of the Baroque and Neoclassicism styles

Awakening to the sites of Rome will cause even a harden traveler to smile and take a moment to breathe in the history.

A few “Don’t Miss Spots” during your Rome visit:

The Smallest Country in the World – Vatican City

Crossing the Tiber and roaming through the city, we are suddenly confronted with a giant wall. Unlike the wall around Rome’s center this wall is sloped and more “manicured.” We have arrived at the Vatican.

Tips for Visiting the Vatican City

• Get a guide. A (good) guide will usher you past the long lines. A great guide will educate you on the history you may not have been aware of before visiting.
• Ensure you adhere to the bag & dress code guidelines for the area. You can find the latest information on the Vatican’s site. When we visited backpacks and hats were prohibited items. Shoulders and knees had to be covered. Paper shawls were available (for purchase), but it is best to plan ahead.
• My understanding is the crowds can make seeing the artwork in the Vatican difficult so ensure your guide can get early access.

Facts about the Colosseum

• Still the largest amphitheater in the world.
• Listed as the most popular tourist attraction in world during 2018 with 7.4 million visitors.

Tips to Enjoy the Colosseum

• Avoid the long line by hiring a guide.
• If you choose not to hire a guide, head to the Palatine Hill/Forum entrance (about 5 min from Colosseum). The tickets sold there give you access to the Palatine Hill, the Forum and Colosseum.
• Take a few minutes outside the Colloseum with a picnic. When you exit the Colloseum, walk counter-clockwise to a small market. Grab your picnic supplies and turn right out of the market (away from the Colloseum). You will find a small park with great views of the venue.

Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna)

• Inheriting their name from the nearby Spanish Embassy the 135 step climb is worth the view!
• These are the same stairs Balzac and Byron climbed for writing inspiration in the 19th century.
• A visit in Springtime will reward you with azaleas flanking the steps.

Pantheon

• The Pantheon was built as a temple dedicated to “all the gods of the past, present and future.”
• Built in 27 BC

Piazza Navona

• One of Rome’s best known public squares.
• Dates back to the 15th century.
• Home to the Fountain of the Four Rivers by Gian Lorenzo Bernini

In college, I studied the Sistine Chapel’s art panels for a semester. Back then it was starting at a textbook. Multiple photos of each panel. Zoomed into one section at a time, backed out for the entire panel then the entire ceiling. For months I studied that book, but no picture prepared me for walking into the room. The guards keep everyone quiet in the room and no photos are allowed. Walking into an empty room you look up to some of the most amazing artwork you will ever see. I teared up. I don’t know if it was college me’s frustration of a professor I never liked or the beauty, but we will call it the beauty. It is definitely something everyone should see in person.

Angela DiLoreto

Rome is called the ‘Eternal City’ for a great reason. Everywhere we went, and walked, and sat, had been there since the Roman Empire. From the Coliseum to the statues and fountains, so much had been there and used by ancient Romans in daily life. Walking around The Coliseum and knowing what it was thousands of years ago and that it was very similar to how it is today is amazing. I can’t get over the engineering that can withstand over two millennia of use and still be solid.

Vince DiLoreto

Getting to Rome

While we flew into Rome, many take a cruise into the port or travel in from other European cities via train.

Tips for your trip to Rome

• Aperitivo is the Italian version of a Happy Hour. Generally you will find it occurring between 7-9 p.m.
• The Colosseum (and other museums) entrance are free the first Sunday of the month (check to see if it has changed).
• Beat the heat in the summer with a 3-Day Pass to see the sites. The Rome Pass offers a hop on hop off tour bus included in your pass.

Our Must-See List for our Next Roman Trip

• Aventine Keyhole
• Located in the headquarters for the Order of the Knights of Malta inside a small church. The 18-century church Santa Maria del Priorato is located on Aventine Hill. The keyhole allows you to peek inside and view three countries (Italy, the Vatican and the Order of the Knights of Malta).
• Tiber Island
• Tiber Island is the world’s smallest inhabited island. To visit the island you cross Rome’s oldest original bridge, the Ponte Fabricio (built in 62 BC).
• Bocca della Veritá (Mouth of Fate)
• Sits outside the Santa Maria in Cosmedin Church. Also known as the Mouth of Truth, the statue made famous by the 1953 romance, Roman Holiday is a popular stop. Inside the church rests St. Valentine’s skull.
• Castle Saint Angelo/Mausoleum of Hadrian
• This circular fort was once the tallest building in Rome. Created in 129 AD to serve as the mausoleum for the emperor. It is connected to the Vatican by the Passaetto di Borgo corridor. Visitors can climb to the top for views of Rome and St Peter’s Square.
• Obelisks & Columns
• Rome hosts eight ancient Egyptian and five ancient Roman obelisks. Italian Tourism put together this walking tour.
• Bridges Walking Tour

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