Don't understand why the Pantheon is considered one of the most amazing monuments in the world? Looking from the outside, it looks more like a bomb shelter with pillars than anything. However, this is one of those cases where you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Within this stoic facade lies a church that rivals the beauty of St. Peter's Basilica itself. If you look really close, you might even find something that reminds you of the time this was a place to worship the Roman Gods.
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Showing posts with label Rome. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rome. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Top 5 sights in Rome!
Here are OUR top 5 Roman sights! Remember, this is just our opinion so tell us your top sights in Rome after you read!
1. The Colosseum, in the Colosseo district, was the home of the gladiators in ancient times. Prepare to spend about an hour marveling at this ancient wonder where both land and sea battles once took place for the amusement of the Roman Emperors and their subjects. Go to www.pierreci.it to attain your tickets online before you leave. This ticket will also gain you entry to the Palatine Hill (we’ll discuss this later!).
2. St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, in the San Pietro district, is the Christian capitol of the world. You can imagine how much money and how many artifacts have come through this building and this Catholic church proves just that. Not only is this the largest church in the world, it is the most ornate and most spectacular. Don’t forget to climb the dome! Come early (7 a.m. early) and have the run of the place. You won’t regret it as you watch the lines mount up as you leave.
3. Hand-in-hand with The Basilica are The Vatican Museums. Remember those artifacts we discussed earlier? They are all here and they are breathtaking. Be sure to visit www.vatican.va to book your guided tour before you leave. Also, don’t forget to bring a small mirror in which to stare up at the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
4. The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, both incomprehensible, lie next to the Colosseum yet are separate ruins of the Roman era. The Forum is free of charge and The Palatine Hill ticket comes with your Colosseum ticket. Take guided tours of each because both can be very confusing. The English tour for the Forum leaves at 10:30 am every morning and tours of the Palatine Hill leave regularly.
5. The Galleria Borghese, within the Villa Borghese, was originally built to house art and still does. This “gallery” hosts amazing murals, but highlights some of the most beautiful sculptures in the world. Go to www.pierreci.it to attain tickets to this sanctuary as they only let a finite amount of people in the building and lines can be horrible.
I hope this conjures up pictures in your head of your last visit to Rome or gives you ideas of what to expect when you go for the first time! Don't forget to leave your comments!
1. The Colosseum, in the Colosseo district, was the home of the gladiators in ancient times. Prepare to spend about an hour marveling at this ancient wonder where both land and sea battles once took place for the amusement of the Roman Emperors and their subjects. Go to www.pierreci.it to attain your tickets online before you leave. This ticket will also gain you entry to the Palatine Hill (we’ll discuss this later!).
2. St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, in the San Pietro district, is the Christian capitol of the world. You can imagine how much money and how many artifacts have come through this building and this Catholic church proves just that. Not only is this the largest church in the world, it is the most ornate and most spectacular. Don’t forget to climb the dome! Come early (7 a.m. early) and have the run of the place. You won’t regret it as you watch the lines mount up as you leave.
3. Hand-in-hand with The Basilica are The Vatican Museums. Remember those artifacts we discussed earlier? They are all here and they are breathtaking. Be sure to visit www.vatican.va to book your guided tour before you leave. Also, don’t forget to bring a small mirror in which to stare up at the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
4. The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, both incomprehensible, lie next to the Colosseum yet are separate ruins of the Roman era. The Forum is free of charge and The Palatine Hill ticket comes with your Colosseum ticket. Take guided tours of each because both can be very confusing. The English tour for the Forum leaves at 10:30 am every morning and tours of the Palatine Hill leave regularly.
5. The Galleria Borghese, within the Villa Borghese, was originally built to house art and still does. This “gallery” hosts amazing murals, but highlights some of the most beautiful sculptures in the world. Go to www.pierreci.it to attain tickets to this sanctuary as they only let a finite amount of people in the building and lines can be horrible.
I hope this conjures up pictures in your head of your last visit to Rome or gives you ideas of what to expect when you go for the first time! Don't forget to leave your comments!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Our Favorite Sights in Rome!
Below are numbers six through ten on our favorite Roman sights list. They are in order, but understand that everyone will have their own Rome and their own order. Just have fun finding yours!
6. The Pantheon is now a tourist attraction, but was a church and before that was a temple to the gods. In another city, this would be THE number one attraction. However, this is Rome, and it is still in the top 10! The “oculus” is why and how the dome has lasted thousands of years, just hope it doesn’t rain.
7. The fountains, including the Trevi are everywhere. In fact, you can drink from many of them. Don’t be scared to get a cool drink from these on a hot day. You will know if you can drink if you see the Romans do so! Oh, and don’t forget to revisit the fountains at night for a different look at these wonders.
8. Coupled with the many of the fountains are the squares including Piazza Navona and Piazza del Popolo. These are usually good places to grab lunch or coffee and people watch. Many of them also have obelisks. These are beautiful stone statues that were stolen from Egypt after Rome conquered it.
9. One of the aforementioned squares is Piazza di Spagna which lies at the base of the Spanish Steps. Do we even need to describe the most famous staircase in the world? This is another great place to people watch and rest your feet!
10. Villa Borghese, the large park in the Center of Rome, is a secluded spot for those looking for some peace and quiet in a very vibrant town. Rent a bike or just stroll while stopping to take in the gardens and monuments that litter the park.
There’s so much more to Rome. In fact, there’s so much that it will take multiple visits to see everything. Make sure to throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return!
Tomorrow, we will have one through five to round out or list. Don't forget to chime in with your favorites!
6. The Pantheon is now a tourist attraction, but was a church and before that was a temple to the gods. In another city, this would be THE number one attraction. However, this is Rome, and it is still in the top 10! The “oculus” is why and how the dome has lasted thousands of years, just hope it doesn’t rain.
7. The fountains, including the Trevi are everywhere. In fact, you can drink from many of them. Don’t be scared to get a cool drink from these on a hot day. You will know if you can drink if you see the Romans do so! Oh, and don’t forget to revisit the fountains at night for a different look at these wonders.
8. Coupled with the many of the fountains are the squares including Piazza Navona and Piazza del Popolo. These are usually good places to grab lunch or coffee and people watch. Many of them also have obelisks. These are beautiful stone statues that were stolen from Egypt after Rome conquered it.
9. One of the aforementioned squares is Piazza di Spagna which lies at the base of the Spanish Steps. Do we even need to describe the most famous staircase in the world? This is another great place to people watch and rest your feet!
10. Villa Borghese, the large park in the Center of Rome, is a secluded spot for those looking for some peace and quiet in a very vibrant town. Rent a bike or just stroll while stopping to take in the gardens and monuments that litter the park.
There’s so much more to Rome. In fact, there’s so much that it will take multiple visits to see everything. Make sure to throw a coin with your right hand over your left shoulder into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return!
Tomorrow, we will have one through five to round out or list. Don't forget to chime in with your favorites!
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