edit Rome Travel Guide

• Art/Arcitecture Rome is really like no where else on earth, come out of the train station and there is the imposing Colosseum, turn a corner and there is The Pantheon even if you only tried to see only the most popular art in the city it would take days so plan accordingly.
• Food The Italian food alone is worth the trip!
• Shopping Just about every trendy designer has a store in Rome, you would be surpised at all the high fashipn found here.Just don't be suprised by the price tag.

By plane

Rome has two main international airports:

• Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Rome Fiumicino, code FCO) - well organized and connected to the center of the city by public transportation
• Ciampino International Airport - (Rome Ciampino, code CIA) located to the south of the capital, confusingly on via Leonardo Da Vinci.

Leonardo da Vinci/Fiumicino International Airport (FCO)

There are several options to go from Leonard da Vinci airport to downtown Rome:

• Leonardo Express trains leaves every 30 min to the central train station Roma Termini (30 min trip). Trains from Termini depart from the track 24 on the right. Ticket costs €11, available at the counter as well as the Termini news stand. Tickets sold at the departure platform are more expensive. You can't buy a ticket for a specific train (it's just a general ticket for any time), so remember to always get your ticket stamped in a yellow validation machine just before using it. Ticket expires 90 minutes after validation.

• The Metropolitan train leaves from the track on the left but does not stop at Termini. Get off at Tiburtina Station or at Ostiense Station to connect to the Rome Metro. Tickets: €5,50, plus €1 for a metro ticket. The extra cost of the Leonard Express is for the convenience of a direct ride to Termini. If you are going somewhere else on the Metro, Tiburtina and Ostiense are as convenient. Remember to always get your ticket stamped in a yellow validation machine just before using it.

• Terravision runs a bus service to Termini station. Tickets: €9 single or €15 return, 70 minutes, 5 stops, 7 services a day.

• Taxis Taxis in Rome are white. From October 1st 2006 there are fix fares from downtown to airports. City center to Fiumicino and vice-versa cost 40 euros. City center to Ciampino and vice-versa cost 30 Euros. For others destinations fares are not fixed. You don't have to negotiate the price. Regular taxis have a taximeter. Fee for luggage is around 1 euro each. Watch out for unlicensed taxi drivers or limousine drivers (dark cars) that approach you at Termini station or any of the airports.

• Rental cars are available.

• Shuttle services must be booked 1 day in advance. Three Companies are listed below:

• Airport shuttle offers door-to-door service from airport Fiumicino / Ciampino to Rome hotels or private residence. Minibus 8 seats Tel.: +39-06-42013469, 4740451, or 42014507.
• Airport Connection, ☎ +39-06-3383221 (info@airportconnection.it, fax: +39-06-3380748). Shuttle and limousine service. 30-50€.

• Terravision offers a shuttle service from/to Fiumicino airport to/from Termini Station (Via Marsala)

• ZELIT Limousine Best transfer rates from airport to rome hotels & Civitavecchia port

• Civitavecchia Port Shuttles Transfers from Fiumicino or Ciampino airports Civitavecchia port Call (24 hours) +39-3334191175

• Bus (Co.tra.l, S.p.A, blue regular-size buses) The bus stop is located outdoors at ground level ~100 meters left from arrivals (teminals B&C). You can buy tickets at all tobacco shops - they have blue signs (Tabacheria), e.g. at Terminal B or at the drugstore Terminal A. Lines are:
  • Aeroporto-Termini-Tiburtina (€3.60)
  • Aeroporto-Roma Cornelia (metro A) (€2.80) (schedule)
  • Aeroporto-Roma Magliana (metro B) (€1.60) (schedule)
  • Aeroporto-Ostia Lido (€1.00) (schedule)
  • Aeroporto-Fregene (€1.00) (schedule)
  • Aeroporto-Fiumicino (città) (€0.77) (schedule)

Don't forget to mark your ticket after getting on the bus; if the machine doesn't work (which is fairly common), you have to write your name, birth date and current date & time on the ticket.

A good choice is to take the bus to EUR Magliana (stops directly at the metro station, which belongs to line B) and then take the metro. It's the cheapest way to get to the centre (€1.60 bus+€1 metro). The sign on this bus reads "Fiumicino-Porto-Magliana".

The schedule for Aeroporto-Termini-Tiburtina (this line is open from 14 September 2006) is:

from Fiumicino: 1:15, 2:15, 3:30, 5:00, 10:55, 12:00, 15:30

from Tiburtina: 0:30, 1:15, 2:30, 3:45, 9:30, 10:00

Ciampino International Airport (CIA)

Easyjet, Ryanair and Wizzair flights, among others fly to Ciampino Airport (CIA). This small airport is closer to the city center than Fiumicino but has no direct train connection. Note that at Ciampino cash machines are available only in the departures area.

• By bus

• COTRAL/Schiaffini operates buses from outside the terminal building to "Anagnina metro station" (ticket: €1). A metro ticket to central Rome costs another €1. There are also buses at the same price to Ciampino local train station; from there there is a train to Rome Termini station (ticket: €2). The buses operate roughly every hour or 30 minutes during the Italian work day (8-12 and 16-20), and you should count on at least 45 minutes travel time for either route. Italian trains are notoriously late, and the metro can get very crowded. Timetable booklets are available in some information booths.

• Schiaffini also run direct buses to Termini station for €5 one-way (approx. 40 min), but with far fewer departures than Terravision (see below). These buses are not mentioned on the airport website yet, but you can find them on Schiaffini's own site.

• Sit bus shuttle runs a direct bus service from/to Termini. The price is €6 one-way or 10€ with return (approx. 40 min, with about 25 services a day).

• Terravision runs a direct bus service to Termini. The price is €8 one-way or €13.50 return (approx. 40 min, with about 20 services a day). It is advised that passengers on the return trip from Termini to board the bus 2.5 hours before their flight's departure time. Terravision also offers buses from Fiumicino airport to Termini, and a transfer bus between the two airports.

• By taxi

The price for a taxi ride to Termini is €30, as it is to any destination within the city walls. Be aware of unofficial taxi drivers, a drive with them could reach as high as €80. Do NOT negotiate the price for the city center with anyone and be sure your driver activates the meter when he starts driving to any other destination. Be aware that Ciampino is outside of city limits, this implies that the fare for first 10 minutes is higher (a number 2 appears on the meter). The driver is supposed to change the fare to number 1 once he hits the ring highway (G.R.A.) and enters the city limits. One more proviso: Go direct to the taxi stand, ignoring touts.

• By shuttle

• Zelitlimousine.com to see economic transfer rates from airport to Rome hotels and Civitavecchia port.

The shared shuttle can be hired for around €15 per person. However, since the shuttle is shared, it may take longer to reach your destination if other customers are dropped off before you are.

• Rental cars are available in the airport terminal from all the usual companies.

By train

Rome's main railway station is Termini Station. Like any other train station, it's not very safe at night. It's also locked up between 00:30 and 04:30, when the only people hanging around outside are taxi drivers and the homeless. Most long-distance trains passing through Rome between these times will stop at Tiburtina station instead.

Other main stations include Ostiense, Trastevere, Tuscolana, Tiburtina.

By car

Roman traffic is chaotic, so it is better to use public means, if possible, while in Rome. A valid alternative is to rent a scooter which costs about 40€ per day.

By boat

Cruise ships dock in nearby Civitavecchia. Most cruise lines offer some form of transportation to Rome. Now it is possible to dock in new Porto di Roma, Ostia, located a few kilometers from Rome and linked by train and metro.

By Car/Taxi

Taxis are the most expensive way to get around Rome. When you get in the cab there will be a fixed starting charge. Supplements may be requested for luggage, including shopping bags, night-time runs and public holidays. Drivers may not use the shortest route, so try to stay on map and discuss if you feel you're being tricked.

Cab stands are placed all over the city too, so flagging one down is not a problem. Be warned that when you phone for a taxi, the cab's meter starts running when it is summoned, not when it arrives to pick you up, so by the time a cab arrives at your location there may already be a substantial amount on the meter.

The main taxi companies may be called at 063570 and 065551.

Rome also has several taxi cooperatives:

• La Capitale, Tel 064994
• Roma Sud, Tel 066645
• Cosmos, Tel 0688177

By bus

Roman buses are not known for running on strict and reliable schedules. But they are a great way to get around to all parts of the city, as long as you're not in a hurry.

The buses basically operate on the honor system, but ATAC does police the bus system for people riding without tickets. ATAC officers may board at every door of the bus just before the bus leaves and check every passenger on the bus. Stamp the ticket before boarding the MetRo, or on board the bus or tram, or face a €100 fine. Though inspectors are rare, if you don't have sufficient money on you to pay the fine, they will actually escort you to an ATM to pay the fee. If you don't have an ATM card to withdraw money, the officers have been known to take you to jail for at most 24 hours.

Maps of the bus system are available for purchase (3.5 euro at Termini). Bus stops list the stops of the bus, but without a map, you will have a hard time using the city buses. Bus drivers try to be helpful, but most are not fluent in English. It is helpful if you know basic Italian.

• Transport ticket (biglietti per autobus) - one metro ride and as many bus/tram rides as you can do in an hour and a quarter (1 Euro). Tickets can only be purchased at Tabaccheria (big 'T' sign outside), newspaper kiosks or vending machines in some metro stations. You'll have more chances to buy them in "Bars" inside the Metro stations.

• So called "24 hour" tickets are only valid on the day you buy them, not for 24 hours after buying. Be aware that many tabaccherie close on Sunday, so buy your tickets in advance. You can also get tickets for longer periods. For example, a three-day ticket costs €11. They're dead handy, as you can use them on the bus, tram and metro.

• One of the most popular and useful lines is the 40, which arches from the Termini station through the historic center and then up to the Castel Sant'Angelo, near the Vatican. It is considered an express route, so its bus stops are spaced about 1/2 mile (2/3 km) apart; but it is also very frequent, very convenient for most places that the Metro does not go to, and very fast moving, especially compared to other routes.

• Night buses Night buses should be useful due to the closing of the Metro stations at 23:30 and the stop of regular lines of buses and Trams at midnight. During the summer (until 23rd September) and on Fridays and Saturdays, the frequency of the rides is halved, which can vary among 10, 15, 30 and 35 minutes depending on the line, and of course, the particular pace of the city. In any case they are much more punctual than during the day, as traffic is much less jammed. This makes the drivers drive at high speeds, allowing passengers to experience a strange mixture of adrenaline and (the city's) classical views.

By tram

The Tram routes mostly skirt the historic center, but there are stops convenient for the Vatican, the Colosseum, and the Trastevere area. The number 8 does run into the center, not far from the Pantheon. If you want to catch a soccer game at one of the stadiums in the north of the city, catch the tram (2) just north of the Piazza del Popolo.

By Metro

There are two lines, crossing at Termini station. Line A (red line) runs northwest past the Vatican, and south. Line B (Blue Line) runs southwest past the Colosseum and northeast. Through most of 2007 Line A stops running at 9:00 pm. However, it is replaced by two bus routes (MA1 and MA2) that parallel it at 5 minute intervals. Also, through 2007 the Manzoni Metro station is closed for reconstruction. There are nearby tram lines that go right to Termini easily, however. The Metro is the most punctual form of public transportation in Rome, but it can get extremely crowded during rush hour. Watch out for your belongings. Pickpockets are very adept at unzipping pockets of pants and purses on crowded trains.

By Foot

Once you're in the center you're best off on foot. What could be more romantic than strolling through Rome on foot holding hands? Hard to beat!

Crossing a street in Rome can be challenging. There are crosswalks, but these are rarely located at signaled intersections. Traffic can be intimidating, but if you are at a crosswalk the secret to getting across is to just start walking. Cars will not slow down, but they will alter their trajectory to avoid hitting you. Do not try to run across, or anticipate gaps in traffic. Keep a steady pace, look straight ahead, and you'll get to the other side safely.

In an emergency, call 113 (police) or 118 (medical first aid). Carry the address of your embassy or consulate.

Crime

Rome is generally a safe place, even for women travelling alone. As in any big city, it is better if you don't look like a tourist: don't exhibit your camera or camcorder to all and sundry, and keep your money in a safe place. Termini (the main railway station), Esquilino and bus line 64 (Termini to San Pietro) are not so safe, so take extra care in these areas. Read up on the legends concerning tourist scams. Most of them occur regularly in Rome and you will want to see them coming. Watch out especially for bands of gipsy kids who will crowd you and reach for your pockets under the cover of newspapers or cardboard sheets. One of the best ways to avoid pickpocketing is to wear a money belt (different from a fanny pack, worn under clothes). Remember, if you are pickpocketed or another scam, don't be afraid to shout Aiuto, Ladro! (Help, Thief!). Romans will not be nice to the thief.

Rome is also home to two rival Serie A football clubs, A.S. Roma and S.S. Lazio, and there is a history of conflict, and even rioting, between the two. If you dare to wear anything that supports either of them, especially during the Rome Derby (when the two clubs play each other), make sure you don't wander into supporters of the other club, or you may be subject to heckling or even confrontation. Play it safe and refrain from openly supporting either club unless you are very familiar with the rivalry.

A great deal of pickpocketing and bag- or purse-snatching takes place in crowded locations, but there is very little violent crime. Members of the Italian public are likely to be sympathetic if you are a crime victim. Police are also generally friendly if not always helpful. Carabinieri (black uniform) are military police, and Polizia (blue and grey uniform) are civilians, but they both do essentially the same thing and are equally good, or bad. A particular scam is when some plainclothes police will approach you, asking to look for "drug money," or ask to see your passport. This is a scam to take your money. You can scare them by asking for their ID. Guardia di Finanza (the grey uniformed ones) do customs work. If you are robbed, try to find a police station and report it. This is essential to establishing a secure travel insurance claim.

Be careful of con-men who may approach you at tourist sights such as the Colosseum or Circus Maximus. Eg. a car may pull up next to you, and the driver ask you for directions to the Vatican. He will strike up a conversation with you while he sits in his car, and tell you he is a sales representative for a large French fashion house. He will then tell you he likes you and he would like to give you a gift of a coat worth several thousand euros. As you reach inside his car to take the bag the coat is in, he will ask you for €200 for gas, as his car is nearly empty. When you refuse, he could turn angry and now demand money from you, any money, of any currency. Don't fall for such confidence-tricks - if something sounds too good to be true, it is.

Another popular trick that occurs at night, when people are leaving the bars/clubs is someone will approach you asking for a cigarette. They will then proceed to walk up towards you and do a funny dance of somesort. As you stare at them trying to figure out whats going on, a second person wil come up from behind and snatch your purse, or wallet.

Currently there are two middle-aged men working near the Spanish Steps. They approach you, asking where you are from and begin to tie bracelets around your wrists. When they are done they will charge you upwards of €20 for each bracelet.

Smoking

Italians are very fond of their landmark and their ancient culture and in order to make it more accessible every year there is a week during which every publicly managed place is free. This nice happening which typically is in mid-May is "La settimana dei beni culturali", i.e. 7 to 10 days all landmark, archeological places and museums belonging to public management (including Colosseo and all the areas of the ancient Foro) are free. See to know the exact dates, in 2007 it was from May 12th to 20th.

Roman Empire structures

The Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill are all in very close proximity to each other.

• The Colosseum - Entry €11 (€9 if you're under 25). Expect a long queue and an even longer wait. You can skip the queue if you decide to take a tour, but if you don't want a tour, you can STILL skip the queue. If you walk across the street to the Roman Forum, you can buy a day-long pass for €10,or a standard Colosseum + Palatine ticket at €11, better still, a 7-day pass for €22. This pass gets you in to the Colosseum (Colosseo), Palatine Hill (Palatino Hill), the Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla), and the catacombs as well as the Terme di Diocleziano, Palazza Massimo alle Terme, Crypta Balbi, Palazzo Altemps, Villa dei Quintili, Tomba di Cecilia Metella. If you don't want to cram it all into one day, get the pass. Plus, it is nice to buy a slice of pizza and eat in the gardens of Palatine Hill. There are lots of people offering tours in English just outside the entrance to the Colosseum. Inside you can take a tour (English, Spanish, or German) every 30 minutes or so for an additional fee of €3.5 per person. The tours are given by knowledgeable archeologists, but they don't take you to any areas you couldn't visit on your own.

• The Pantheon - A marvel of ancient architecture, this ancient temple to all the gods is celebrated for its large dome, copied during Greek and Roman revival periods by such designers as Thomas Jefferson, who modeled his Monticello and the Rotunda at the University of Virginia on it. Built during the reign of the emperor Hadrian (AD 125-128), the Pantheon carries a dedication to Marcus Agrippa, who built the original structure on this spot in 27 BC. As it is still a functioning church, silence is requested during your visit. From inside the Pantheon, you'll see traces of the former bronze ceiling, melted down during the reign of Pope Urban VIII to make bombards to for the fortification of the Castel Sant' Angelo. The hole in the center of the ceiling, though, is an original feature designed to admit light. Guides will tell you the spectacular doors are original, but a glance shows that extensive alterations were made to the original doorway in order to accommodate them.

The site surrounding the Pantheon offers a lesson in archaeologial stratigraphy. The building now appears to be built in a recess at the edge of a hill, but this is not the original appearance. The street level at the sides and rear has risen about 10 meters since the original construction due to the accumulation of debris from 2,000 years of settlement. This has necessitated the maintenance of the deep trench that keeps the building from being buried.

• Roman Forum - If stones could talk: these hallowed ruins were the most powerful seat of government in the world. The Forum is much less crowded than the Colosseum and, from a historical perspective, much more interesting. Free admission, except for an audio guide, which is highly recommended. To stand in the political, legal and religious centre of the whole Roman Empire brings shivers down one's spine. It is the best way of imagining the splendour and glory of ancient Rome.

• Tabularium The remains of the ancient Roman archives, where Cicero and Seneca did research. Visible from the Forum and accessible through the Capitoline Museum.

• Circus Maximus The contours of the ancient stadium are still visible in a city park across the Palatine from the Forum. It was in one of the tunnels here that Caligula met his end.

• Palatine Hill - right next to the Roman Forum, contains the ruins of several large villas that belonged to wealthy Roman families. You can buy a combined ticket for the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum here, avoiding the long lines at the Colosseum.

• Fori Imperiali - Entry €7 (cheaper for EU nationals, free for EU history students). The inside of the fort is very similar to a museum, with a lot of rooms containing items in glass cases. It is a bit of a maze and takes time to orient yourself, but it is worth climbing to very top for a view of the city and the Vatican. As of late June 2007, it is closed for restoration, but you can still see a lot of it from the road.

Museums

• The Capitoline Museums, Piazza del Campidoglio 1 - 00186 Roma, ☎ 06 82059127 (every day 9.00-19.30) (info.museicapitolini@comune.roma.it, fax: 06 6785488), . Tu-Su 9.00am-8.00pm; Dec 24th, 31st 9.00am-2.00pm (the ticket office closes an hour in advance) Closed on Mondays, 25th Dec, 1st Jan, 1st May. Also contain a good collection of classical art, as well as ancient sculpture, including the famous bronze wolf. The Capitoline piazza, between the two museum buildings - designed by Michelangelo, is beautiful. Explore these museums, then head out the back of the square to the Forum, where you'll find the remains of the Temple of the Vestal Virgins, among many other buildings on the way to the Colosseum. Book tickets online Ordinary €6,50 (+ €1,50 for exhibitions), Concessions €4,50 (+ €1,50 for exhibitions)..

• Palazzo Massimo, ☎ 06 39967700. Mo - Sa 9.00-13.30, 14.30 - 17.00. A magnificent collection of ancient Roman sculptures, mosaics and wall paintings, including the famous paintings from the Imperial-era villa discovered under the Villa Farnesina, as well as the bedroom from the Empress Livia's villa at Prima Porta. Located across the piazza from Termini, opposite the Baths of Diocetian. € 7,00.

• Galleria Borghese, Piazzale Museo Borghese (Parco di Villa Borghese) 00197 - Roma, ☎ +39 06 8555952, booking: +39 06 32810 (info.servizimusei@libero.it, fax: +39 06 32651329.). Tu - Su 9.00 - 19.00 (note: Mandatory exit at the end of allotted 2 hour slot). A small museum that concentrates on the quality rather than the size of its collection. There are some very notable works by Antonio Canova and Gian Lorenzo Bernini here. The number of people admitted is limited to 200 every 2 hours, so make a reservation on-line well in advance for the time slot you want. No cameras are allowed Full €8.50, Concessions €2.00.

• Villa Giulia Museum, Piazzale di Villa Giulia, 9, Villa Borghese 00196 - Roma, ☎ +39 06 3201951. Everyday 8.30 - 19.30. Closed Jan 1st, Dec 25th. The most extensive collection of Etruscan art and artifacts anywhere, well worth the admission charge. They do, however, make you lock up your camera. A difficult museum to find, but a lovely display in a beautiful villa setting. Full: €4.00 Concessions: €2.00.

• Vatican Museums, Check opening hours from website or signs near the museums. Vatican Museums includes the Sistine Chapel famous for Michelangelo's frescos. Accessing the Sistine Chapel requires walking through many other halls and buildings (including the Raphael's Rooms) and it takes about an hour. Full: €13.00, Concessions: €8.00.

Churches

If you aren't familiar with Roman Catholic churches, take a look inside of any one of these. You'll find the richness and range of decor astonishing, from fine classical art to tacky electric candles. Please note that some churches in Rome deny admission to people who are dressed inappropriately. You will find "fashion police" at Rome's most visited churches - near the front doors of St Peter's, St Paul Outside the Walls, and often Sta Maria Maggiore and San Giovanni in Laterano. Bare shoulders, short skirts, and shorts are officially not allowed, but long shorts and skirts reaching just above the knee should generally be no problem. However, it's always safer to wear longer pants or skirts that go below the knee; St. Peter's in particular is known for rejecting tourists for uncovered knees, shoulders, midriffs, etc. (You also generally won't be told until right before you enter the church, so you will have made the trek to the Vatican and stood in a long security line for nothing.) The stricter churches usually have vendors just outside selling inexpensive scarves and sometimes plastic pants. Few other churches in Rome enforce dress codes. You can wander into lesser known churches like Sant'Ivo and Sta Maria in Trastevere wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or pretty much anything without problems. It is, however, good to keep one's dress tasteful, as these are still churches and houses of prayer for many people. (Older Romans might comment on attire and perhaps harass you if it is particularly revealing.)

• St. Pietro - St Peter's - where the Pope resides. Said to be the finest church on the planet. Long queues for entry, but queuing time is not very long. Strict dress code, entrance is denied if not followed. The basil and tombs of the popes are free. Access to the cupola is €7 using lift, and €4 using stairs. Even with lift, about 350 steps must be climbed.
• San Carlo alla Quattro Fontane - a very small and beautiful church, the first design commission of Francesco Borromini.
• Sant' Ivo della Sapienza - This little church is hard to find but well worth the extra effort. It is located only a block from Piazza Navona, but not usually visible from the street, as one must enter the courtyard of an old palazzo to reach the church. Sant'Ivo is a small church shaped like the Star of David, with an amazing star-shaped dome and whimsical steeple.
• Santa Maria del Popolo - with a couple of paintings by Caravaggio: "The Crucifixion of Saint Peter" and "The Conversion of Saint Paul"
• San Luigi dei Francesi - This church is roughly halfway between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. It is most notable for a side chapel which contains three Caravaggio masterworks: "The Calling of St. Matthew", "St. Matthew and the Angel" and "Martyrdom of St. Matthew"
• Sant'Agnese in Agone in Piazza Navona - This lovely basilica church is small with an almost circular interior. It is undergoing rehabilitation and the facade and dome are hidden in scaffolding. It seems to be open only until noon.
• San Giovanni in Laterano - this is the cathedral church of Rome and first of the major basilicas. It's also the Pope's (as Bishop of Rome) Church. Be sure to check out the fourth century baptistry (still in use) and the medieval cloister.
• Santa Maria Maggiore - This ancient basilica crowns the top of the Esquiline Hill. Tons of gold decorate the interior.
• San Paolo fuori le Mura - also known as St Paul's Outside the Walls. This is on the outskirts of Rome in an otherwise drab modern neighborhood. The church is a faithful reconstruction of the ancient basilica which burned down in the early 1800s. Don't miss the medieval cloister, which survived the fire.
• S. Passera Even though it isn't worth a trip, this church can be a interesting deviation if you live or pass through its neighbourhood. This church is believed to be the grave of the Saints Ciro and Giovanni, killed during the time of the Emperor Diocletian. The church is now know as Saint Passera because of the several changes its name has undergone. The oringal name was Abba Cyrus and through Appaciro and then Appacero finally it got Pacera, that's very close to today's Passera. The building on top is a 3rd century building still visible in the lower floor and in the underground. The main part of the building dates back to the IX century as the frescoes on the higher floor. Some of th frescoes are too spoiled to be enjoyed, but some of them have recently been restored and depict the Saints Paolo, Pietro, Giovanni Battista and Giovanni Evangelista in the vault and Our Lady together with Jesus, Saints Giacomo and Antonio and the Archangel Michele in the apse. Downstairs there is a small quadrangular room and the underground, where the rest of the two Saints should be. Frescoes in these floor date back to XIV century but are almost completely ruined, but in the underground there are still visible III century traces of Roman age frescoes; in front of the stair you can enjoy a small bird, the Justice, and an athlete while in the vault some eight apex stars. Bus 128,780,781,775 (first stop in Via della Magliana)
• San Clemente - a great little cathedral to visit, with an excavated older church below and a pagan temple below that. The only place in Rome to hear the underground river that flows beneath the city. Very close to the Colosseum.
• Santa Maria in Trastevere - one of the oldest churches in the city. The nave is lined with a mismatched collection of columns taken from ancient Roman buildings. The apse is covered in gold mosaics from the 13th century, arguably the finest mosaics in the city.
• Santa Maria degli Angeli - this church was built inside the former baths of Diocletian. Very light and airy inside. Note the unusual art on the outside doors.
• San Pietro in Vincoli - The chains that held St. Peter are displayed in a case before the altar. Also contains a statue of Moses created by Michelangelo. It's close to the Colosseum, but a little hard to find
• Santissima Trinità dei Monti - up above the Spanish Steps
• Santa Maria in Aracoeli - Ballroom-like church which crowns part of the Capitoline Hill. Don't be fooled by the plain stone exterior
• Santa Maria alla Minerva - This church is literally right behind the Pantheon. It is Rome's only gothic church, and well worth seeing, although its plain square façade makes it look inconspicuous.
• Il Gesù - not far from Piazza Venezia. The interior is Baroque art on steroids. Simply astounding.
• Sant'Ignazio - Not far from the Pantheon. A stunning example of Baroque art. The ceiling frescoes are especially fine, including a trompe l'oeuil dome.
• Capuchin Monastery - On Via Veneto, right by Piazza Barberini. The crypt of the church contains a macabre display - a series of chapels decorated with the bones of thousands of dead monks. The bones are glued to the walls and ceilings in bizarre and striking decorations.

Public squares

• Largo di Torre Argentina - an excavation of four roman temples and Pompeys theater. The largo is also home to a large amount of cats which are tended by the local animal rights organization.
• Piazza di Trevi - where you can find the famous Fontana di Trevi. It's not a very big piazza and gets very crowded very quickly.
• Piazza di Spagna - under the "Spanish Steps"
• Piazza Navona - Used to be an ancient stadium built by the emperor Domitian and still retains the shape. The fountains are by Bernini and are very notable. Piazza Pasquino is just round the corner.
• Campo de' Fiori - not far from Piazza Navona. Used as a marketplace. In nearby via dei Giubbonari the salumeria Roscioli is worth checking out.
• Piazza Pasquino - piazza about 20m from Piazza Navona. There is a statue here named "Pasquino", apparently named after a tailor working nearby who had a reputation for complaining. The statue is now used as a place to hang messages, complaints and other opinions which has to be shared with the world. The piazza is also home to Cul de Sac, one of the best enoteca in Rome.
• Piazza del Popolo - with the twin churches
• Piazza della Minerva- a small piazza just behind the Pantheon. The centerpiece is a statue of an elephant by Bernini with an ancient obelisk on its back
• Piazza delle Coppelle
• Piazza di Sant'Ignazio- small and attractive piazza tucked away in a neighborhood near Pantheon
• Piazza Montecitorio - where you can find the building of the House or Representatives
• Piazza Colonna - where there is the building of the Italian Government, Palazzo Chigi. Also there is a marvelous carved column (hence the name) dating back to Imperial Rome
• Piazza Barberini - with Bernini's famous Triton Fountain. Via Veneto starts here too.
• Piazza della Rotonda - where you can see the Pantheon
• Piazza Venezia- more of an enormous traffic circle than a piazza, but a good central location. The centerpiece is the enormous Vittorio Emmanuale Monument (aka the Wedding Cake) with the Capitoline hill next door. Piazza Venezia is also very close to the Forum
• Piazza del Campidoglio - On top of the Capitol hill. It was designed by Michelangelo. The Capitoline Museum is housed in the palaces flanking the piazza. You can walk behind the palaces and to a wonderful viewpoint which overlooks the entire Forum

Historical Buildings

• Palazzo Venezia In the very heart of the city center, the building was for centuries ago the seat of the Venice embassy. Today it houses a museum and galleries art.

• Palazzo della Cancelleria

• Palazzo Farnese

• Palazzo della Sapienza - 8, Corso Rinascimento tel 06 686 4987. Bus 70 81, 87, 492. Close to Navona square, this building housed the University of Rome since the middle of the 15th century until 1935. The splendid interior courtyard was created by Giacomo della Porta. The inside church of St Ivo is one of the masterpieces of Architect Borromini.

• Palazzo Altemps - 8, Sant' Apollinare street tel.06 6897091. Bus 70, 81, 87, 492. Simple and elegant lines make up this building, whose construction began in 1480 for Count Girolamo Riario, nephew of Papa Sisto IV and was taken up by architect Martino Longhi for the new owner, Cardinal Marco Sittico Altemps.

• Palazzo Taverna - Via di Monte Giordano. The building is located in one of the most set-apart corners of the city center among the Navona square and Castel Sant Angelo. It served as residence for the Orsini Family. Nowatdays it is a private property and one can only glance at the courtyard and the inside amazing fountain erected in 1618 by architect Antonio Casoni. However, the brief moment is worth it.

• Palazzo Crivelli - Via dei Banchi vecchi, 22 This building also know as the Doll House was built in the 16th century. It is unique for the quantity and quality of the decorations - lions heads, satyrs and disfigured heads that adorn the facade attributed to the sculptor Giulio Mazzoni.

• Palazzo Spada Piazza Capo di Ferro - This building was erected in the 16th century by Giulio Merisi Caravaggio for Cardinal Capodiferro. One century later it was acquired by another powerful Cardinal, Bernardino Spada and was restored by Borromini.

• Palazzo Barberini

• Villa Farnesina This Renaissance house is in Trastevere, very close to the river and not far from the Vatican. You can tour several beautiful rooms covered in frescoes, including some by Raphael.

Others

• Castel Sant'Angelo - Perhaps the most fascinating building in Rome. The core of the structure began life as the mausoleum of the Emperor Hadrian, built between 135 and 139 AD. Subsequent strongholds built on top of the mausoleum were in turn incorporated into a residence and castle by medieval Popes. The building was used as a prison until 1870, but now houses a museum. Opera buffs will be exhilarated to visit the balcony from which Tosca leaps to her death.
• Trastevere
• Il Gianicolo
• Piramid, at the Piramid metro station.

Events

• RomeTravelCafe: Searchable database of events taking place in Rome, including concerts, opera/ballet, exhibits and special events.

• White Night (notte bianca) - Various Events and plus shops and restaurants, museums stay open while the Roman Notte Bianca stages music, dance and theater events;
• Estate Romana Festival (Roman Summer Festival) - From late June through early September offers various musical events of jazz, rock, and classical music, and film, sport, theater and children’s fun.

Main shopping areas include Via del Corso, Via Condotti, and surroundings. The finest designer stores are around Via Condotti, whilst Via del Corso has more affordable clothing. Some brands (like Miss Sixty and Furla) are excellent, some are not as good - be sure to feel garments and try them on. There are great quality shoes and leather bags at prices that compare well to the UK and US, quality for quality. Be aware that clothing bigger than a UK size 16/US 12 isn't always easy to find. Children's clothing can be expensive - basic vests (tank tops) can cost 21 euro in non-designer shops. Summer sales begin around July 15th.

Cheaper stuff can be bought from Via Cola di Rienzo, and from surroundings of Via del Tritone, Campo de'Fiori, and Pantheon. Upim is a good shop for cheap clothing of workable quality.

Lots of fake plastic 'Louis Vuitton' bags on sale from immigrants. Make sure you haggle; unsuspecting tourists pay up to 60euro for them. Be aware, that buying of fake products is criminalized in Italy. Fines up to €1000 have been reported. It is possible that having a receipt helps even if the product is fake - this is, however, quite uncertain.

If you need stamps get them at the post or tobacco shops.

Factory Outlets

• Castel Romano Near Rome, along the Pontina regional highway, is located a very large Factory Outlet with more than 100 branded shops. Find more on the [23]. A car is needed to reach the place but a 30% in a designer shop surely worths the 20Km trip.
• Valmontone A little farer than Castel Romano you can find Valomontone outlet on the motorway toward Napoli just 50 Km far from Roma. The [24] offer all the information about the place.

Nice shops

• Frengo's music One of the few CD shops in the center of Rome still run by a music lover instead of a shop assistant in a franchising chain. You can find a nice selection of CDs, DVDs, Console games and Dolby Surround home stereos. Via della lungaretta, 65 - 00153 Roma (Trastevere) - Tel. 06 58 33 24 02'

• Archeo Art Not far from the bottom of the Campidoglio steps. This shop sells beautiful reproductions of ancient sculptures; not the tacky kitsch sold by many of the street vendors, but museum quality miniatures that look incredibly close to the real things. Not cheap, but definitely unique and classy souvenirs. Also stocks reproductions of ancient Roman arms and armour, including full centurion outfits! On Via del Teatro di Marcello.

• Especially if you have a rail pass, making Pompeii a day trip, while it is a very full day, is very doable. You can amuse people on the train by your complete lack of luggage.

• Head to Frascati, one of the historic hill towns to the South East of Rome known as the Castelli Romani. This town has been a popular destination for centuries away from the hustle and bustle of the capital, and this is still true today. Famous worldwide for its white wine, Frascati is a relaxed hill town with a slower pace of life. Just 21km from Rome, Frascati is accessible by bus  or train. Trains run from Roma Termini approximately every hour, take about 30 minutes, and cost around € 2 [170].

• Head to Ostia Antica, the ancient harbor and military colonie of Rome. It is accessible by train every 30 minutes from Stazione Ostiense. It is an monumental area a bit like the Roman Forum. But in Ostia Antica you can get an impression how a roman city looked like.

• Go to the Villa d'Este in Tivoli, with its famous and glorious fountains.

• Go to Ischia and Capri the famed islands in the Gulf of Naples