Mini Guide to Rome
Have a visit on this Italian capital and be amaze on what are the things this lovely city can offer for a tourist such as yourself.
Sights
CIMITERO ACATTOLICO. Romantic poets Percy Bysshe Shelley and John Keats are both buried in Rome’s shamelessly romantic cemetery for Protestants and other non-Catholics. Wander its mossy paths and happen upon famous residents, including Communist Party founder Antonio Gramsci (cemeteryrome.it; Vi Caio Cestio 6; 9am–5pm Mon–Sat, 9am–1pm Sun; free). GALLERIA BORGHESE. This villa features superb sculptures, intricate Roman floor mosaics, over-the-top frescoes and a gallery. Highlights include Canova’s daring sculpture of Pauline Bonaparte posing as Venus, Bernini’s spectacular statues (just look at Daphne’s hands morphing into leaves as Apollo tries to grasp her), Correggio’s erotic Danaë and Titian’s Sacred and Profane Love (galleriaborghese.it; Piazzale del Museo Borghese 5; 8.30am–7pm Tue–Sun; £8). ST PETER’S BASILICA. Start early for a climb to the top of Vatican City’s extra ordinary dome, Michelangelo’s mold breaking masterpiece of Renaissance architecture (you can take a lift to cut out 231 of the 551 steps). Get there for the opening time of 8am and you’ll likely have a hazy view of Vatican City all to yourselves, and ample privacy for a stolen kiss (vaticanstate.va; Piazza San Pietro; dome opens 8am– 6pm Apr–Sep, until 5pmOct–Mar; lift £5, stairs only £3.60).
Entertainment PARCO SAVELLO. Known to Romans as the Giardino degli Aranci (Orange Garden), this pocket-sized park is a romantic haven with its manicured lawn dotted with fallen oranges. Grab a perch at the small panoramic terrace and watch the sun set over the Tiber. In summer, theatre performances are sometimes staged among the perfumed orange trees (Via di Santa Sabina;7am–dusk; free). OPERA DI ROMAAT TERME DICARACALLA. The remnants of Emperor Caracalla’s vast 3rd-century baths complex are among Rome’s most awe-inspiring ruins. Come summer, Rome’s opera company moves here to give spectacular performances staged in the ruins. This year’s season focuses on Puccini’s Madama Butterfly, Turandot and La Bohème (operaroma.it; Via ledelle Terme di Caracalla; tickets from £18). LUNGO ILTEVERE. For the past 12 years, the river banks of the Tiber and the Isola Tiberina have hosted a cultural summer-long festival. The stretch of the river from Ponte Sublicioto Ponte Sisto will be filled with open-air art exhibitions, comedy acts, jazz performances, film screenings, literary contests, craft stalls and bars (lungoiltevereroma.it; from 7pm daily, 12 Jun–31 Aug; free entry).
Where to Eat GINA. Around the corner from the Spanish Steps, this lovely café serves sophisticated salads and perfect panini. Order the picnic for two and you’ll get a wicker basket with plates, glasses, a flask of coffee, sandwiches, fruit salad, desserts and a bottle of wine. Take it to the nearby Villa Borghese gardens (ginaroma.com; Via San Sebastianello 7a; 11am–8pm; hampers from £29). CASA COPPELLE. Intimate and romantic, this restaurant serves modern Italian- and French-inspired food on a small piazza near the Pantheon. There’s a full range of starters and pastas, but the real highlights here are the deliciously tender steaks and meat dishes. Be sure to book ahead (casacoppelle. com; Piazza delle Coppelle 49; noon–3.30pm & 6.30pm– 11.30pm; meals from £30). More European travel destination and tips at vacation-now.com