USEFUL INFOS ROME

Historical Informations Rome:

Italy's capital, rises on the banks of the Tevere about 25 kilometers from its main outlet in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is situated at the center of an undulating plain, the Campagna Romana, which is confined one side by the hills of Monte Mario, Gianicolo and Monteverde and on the other side by smaller hills of volcanic origin - the so-called "Seven Hills." Two thousand years of history have made the artistic and architectural patrimony of Rome so rich that the tourist feels overwhelmed. Thus it is preferable to outline a precise program and to fix determined objectives, according to one's taste and the amount of time available.

Ara Pacis Augustae
Where: Via di Ripetta
The altar of the Pace Augustea was constructed between the 13th and 9th centuries B.C., by decree of the Roman Senate, to honor Augustus and celebrate the peace that followed his victories in Spain and Gaul. The altar, in white Carrara marble, is decorated with elegant decorative motifs, with interlaced flowers and leaves alongside historical and mythological scenes: Aeneas, the birth of Rome, and the celebrated Procession in which the Emperor with his family took part. After its archaeological discovery, the Ara was reconstructed using the few original fragments available from various museums, substituting cement reproductions for the missing parts, and covering all with a protective transparent structure.

Arch of Costantine
Where:Piazza del Colosseo
Among the oldest of Rome's mouments, the Arch of Constantine was erected to commemorate the victory of the emperor over Massenzio, in the battle of 312 a.D. at Ponte Milvio. Almost 25 meters high, it has three arched passageways, mostly decorated by ornaments taken from other buildings, such as the monuments of Trajan, Marcus Aurelius, Domiziano, Hadrian, and Commodo. Worthy of note are the stupendous bas reliefs over the central part of the arch and the eight rectangular bas reliefs in the upper part.

Arch of Titus
Situated at the eastern edge of the Roman Forum, at the end of the via Sacra, is the oldest triumphal arch surviving in Rome. Built at the time of Domiziano to commemorate the victories of Titus and his father Vespasiano over the Judeans, it is covered with marble with columns and reliefs showing the triumphs over Jerusalem and the apotheosis of Titus.

Castle Sant'Angelo
(Castle Lungotevere) The emperor Hadrian had this castle built between the years 130 and 139, as a tomb for himself and his family. Over the centuries it underwent various transformations and served as fortress, prison, barracks, and museum. Now it appears closed within a square block of defensive walls with angular towers named for the saints Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John. The tower of Benedict IX, in the XI century, and the pontifical apartments, during the Renaissance, were superimposed onto the cyclindrical construction of the Roman epoch . On top, the Angel took the place of Hadrian's statue. The castle was restored at the beginning of our century and in 1933 was transformed into a vast museum covering four floors. The style is predominantly military, but paintings, antique furnishings, and tapestries are also in the collection.

The Catacombs of Priscilla
(via Salaria 430) Along the via Salaria, one of the oldest Roman roads, used to transport salt from the Adriatic to the Tyrhennian Sea, one finds the Catacombs of Priscilla, founded by a group of Christians belonging to a senatorial family. Only the first of the two levels, the older one, can be visited. This small space contains one of the first representations of the Madonna and Child, from the second century. After traversing the long tunnels, one arrives at the Greek Chapel, named for the Greek writing on the walls. It is divided in the middle by an archway covered with frescoed scenes from the Old and New Testaments. Catacombs of San Callisto (via Appia Antica) These are the largest catacombs of the city. They originated as private tombs of the second century and become the official tombs of the Roman bishops in the third century. They extend over four floors, but the visit is limited to the second. Burial recesses carved into the rock line both sides of the corridors. Some recesses that were created to hold many bodies, for many members of the same family, have also been excavated. Via a fourth century ladder, one reaches the Crypt of the Popes, one of the oldest nucleuses, where various pontifical martyrs, recorded in the Greek inscriptions, were buried. In the crypt alongside this one finds the tomb of Saint Cecilia, martyred at the beginning of the third century. Her remains were transferred to the Church of Saint Cecilia in Trastevere. The cubicle is decorated with frescoes from the fifth to ninth centuries.
Catacombs of San Sebastian
(via Appia Antica) These are the only catacombs to have stayed open in every era and therefore they are in bad condition. They were excavated on four levels, but the first is partially destroyed. The visit begins on the second floor, where one finds the crypt of Saint Sebastian, containing the bust of the saint, attributed to Bernini. Interesting also are the remains of a third-century environment called "Triclia," where three funeral niches were posed one above the other. The walls are covered with drawings that represent Peter and Paul. Near the entrance to the galleries is the Church of San Sebastian, founded in the fourth century and rebuilt in the seventeenth century by Ponzio and Vasanzio. Inside, a single nave with three side arches and a ceiling made of wood one finds the statue of Saint Sebastian, the work of Antonio Giorgetti.
Circus Maximus
(via del Circo Massimo) Situated in the valley between the Palatino and the Aventino, it is the largest circus in Rome, dating to the era of Tarquinius. Enlarged and often rebuilt, it could hold more than 200,000 spectators. The track where the horses ran was more than one kilometer long and in the arches stores and taverns were located. Column of Marcus Aurelius (Piazza Colonna) Raised between 180 and 196 near the present piazza, it celebrated the victories of the emperor Marcus Aurelius over the Sarmati, the Quadi and the Marcomanni. It is in spiral form, with 190 internal steps, in Lunese marble, decorated by a circular frieze whose reliefs, though less refined than those of Trajan's Column, are still very effective likenesses. At the top of the column was the statue of Marcus Aurelius, substituted in 1588 by that of Saint Paul Trajan's Column Raised in the Trajan Forum in 113 A.D., it is one of the most representative monuments of imperial Rome and for a long time conserved the golden urn with the ashes of the emperor. Twenty-seven meters high, it is encircled by a marble shaft with over 200 meters of bas reliefs narrating the two Daci wars of Trajan. It is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of sculpture of all time. Probably the author was Apollodorus of Damascus, the architect of the Forum. On the summit was situated the statue of the emperor, later substituted by that of San Peter. The column is winding, and can be negotiated inside via a spiral stairway leading to the top.
The Colosseum
(Piazza del Colosseo) Begun by order of Vespasiano in 72 A.D., on the site of the Domus Aurea of Nero, the great amphitheatre was finished by his son Titus, eight years later. It was called Colosseum because of the gigantic statue of Nero that was erected nearby, with the help of 24 elephants. It is the greatest monument of antiquity: elliptical in shape, with a circumference of 527 meters, the major axis of 188 meters, the minor one of 156 meters, the maximum height 57 meters. The total length of the stands is 30,000 meters, the seats numbered 68,000, standing places 5000. The public entered the arena, divided into four levels, through four entrances and 80 arcades, numbered progressively. Entrance was free for everyone, but the places were subdivided according to the census: for senators were reserved the places nearest the arena. Thousands of men and animals were massacred there solely for the pleasure of the crowd massed in the stands. In the fifth century the emperor Onorius prohibited the gladiatorial games and successively the Colosseum belonged to the Frangipane, who used it as a castle-fortress, and then to the Annibaldi. In 1312 Henry VII gave the amphitheatre back to the city. In 1451 the pope took away part of the building materials for the stairway at Saint Peter's and the door at Ripetta. Within the amphitheatre there were houses, shops, a cemetery, a church, a theatre, and a hospital. From the highest levels one has a beautiful panorama of Rome, especially of the Forum.
Domus Aurea
(via Labicana, 136) Ruins of the old residence of Nero, built after the fire of Rome in 64. After his death successors dismantled or covered up the constructions, erecting new buildings in some areas. Trajan had his baths built and walled up part of them to serve as his library. Nero's house was called "aurea" (golden) because its facade was in fact covered with gold. The floor plan was rather complex and the internal decorations were of an incredible luxury. Alcoves, courtyards, a temple dedicated to water spirits with mosaics of Polyphemus, beautiful rooms such as the Octagonal Room, surmounted by a dome, and the Room of the Golden Vault, have all come to light.

Trevi Fountain
(Piazza di Trevi) This is the most famous fountain in Rome. Built alongside the Poli Papace and fed by the aqueduct of the Virgin Waters, it was initially of modest proportions. It assumed grandiose form, 20 meters long and 26 meters high, thanks to the plan of Nicola Salvi in 1732. Finished in 1762, it is one of the last examples of Roman baroque. The statue of Neptune , surrounded by allegorical figures and by four statues representing the seasons, dominates the fountain. Below, two tritons drive the chariot of the Sea God. According to legend, whoever throws a coin into the pond will return to Rome. Few tourists avoid this tradition.
Forum of Trajan
(entrance from the via 4 November) In the tenth century B.C., between the Campidoglio and the Palatino, there was a stagnant plain dotted with primitive habitations. During the monarchy the swamp was blessed and chosen as the center of political, commercial and religious life. In the time of the Republic, it was enriched by new monuments, but the expansion of Rome necessitated new areas designed for public activities. Thus the antique Forum was abandoned, buried by fortresses and churches that were constructed over the ruins. Those now recognizable include the 12 columns of the Temple of the "Consentes" Gods, the vestiges of the Temples of Vespasiano and Concordia, the Arch of Settimio Severo (see chart), the Temple of Saturn, the Curia, the Arch of Tiberius, the Basilica Giulia and the Basilica Emilia, the Temples of Antonino and Faustina, Castor and Pollux, and Julius Caesar, the Domus Regia, the Temple of the Vestal Virgin (the oldest marble temple in Rome, dating to the second century B.C.), the House of the Vestal Virgins, the Arch of Augustus, the Fountain and Altar of Giuturna, the Oratory of the 40 Martyrs, Santa Maria Antica, the Temple of Romulus, the Basilica of Massenzio, Santa Maria Nova and the Arch of Titus (see chart).
Forum of Augustus
(via dei Fori Imperiali) Financed by the booty of wars, this forum was built by the emperor Augustus to commemorate the victory of Filippi, in 42 B.C., when Brutus and Cassius died. Within one can still admire the three columns of the Temple of Marte Vetore, avenger of the homicide. The Senate met here to declare war and to ratify peace treaties. Inaugurated in 2 B.C., it symbolizes, with the beauty of its Corinthian columns, the ideals of the Augustan period. It was surrounded by a high wall that isolated it from the turbulent Suburra neighborhood. On the left rises the House of the Horsemen of Rodi. Built in the twelfth century and rebuilt in the fifteenth, it presents all the characteristics of a Renaissance dwelling, with large, richly decorated rooms Mausoleum of Augustus The Mausoleum of Augustus has the typical structure of Etruscan tumulus tombs and was the burial place of the emperor's family. Erected in 29 B.C. after the conquest of Egypt, in the twelfth century it was transformed into a fortress for the Colonna family. Then it became an arena for bullfights and in the nineteenth century was used as a concert and circus hall. Only in 1926 did archaeological research begin. Three niches were uncovered, containing the ashes of Augustus and of his wife Livia, his sister Ottavia, and his nephews Caius and Lucius Caeser. The mausoleum is circular, ringed by internal corridors. At the summit of the tumulus, covered by cypresses, the statue of the emperor was erected.
Trajan Markets
(via 4 November) Situated next to the Forum of Trajan, the markets formed an authentic shopping center, extending over two levels and including 150 rooms. They were almost certainly built by Apollodorus of Damascus, the architect of the Forum of Trajan. The lower level was semicircular, connected to the rounded doorway at the northeast extremity of the Forum with three rows of storerooms. The market is dominated by a thirteenth-century Militia Tower. Aurelian Walls The Aurelian Walls, which enclosed the seven hills, were 19 kilometers long, had 18 doors and were defended by 381 towers. They were built between 272 and 279 to protect the city from the menace of the Germans, defeated by the Emperor Aurelius. Servian Walls In front of Termini Station and in the underground passageways, one can see the few remains of these ancient walls, built in the fourth century B.C. Compared to the Aurelian Walls, they enclose a much more limited area.
Vatican City
Formed as a sovereign and independent State after the Lateran Accords of 1929, stipulated between Italy and the Holy See, Vatican City extends over an area of 44 hectares, along the right bank of the Tevere between the eastern peaks of Monte Mario and the western peaks of the Gianicolo. It includes the piazza, San Peter's Basilica (see chart) and the palace of the Vatican. It is surrounded by a high wall and has its own administration and services: post, bank, newspaper, radio station, train station, and supermarkets. All tax-free. Argentine Tower Zone The Argentine Tower is a building from the fifteenth century built by Bishop Burckhard of Strasbourg, then head of the diocese of Argenturatum, from whence comes its name. In the broad zone of the Argentine, four temples from the republican period were found during the excavations of 1926 to 1930: temple A, on a rectangular plan, was erected in the third century B.C.; temple B, on a circular plan, is the most recent of the four, built in 101 B.C. by Lutazio Catullus; temple C, the oldest, was built in the third and fourth centuries B.C.; temple D dates to 200 B.C. and is thought to be dedicated to Lari Permarini. To the west of this zone is the Argentine theatre, whose facade dates to the eighteenth century.
Palatine
(via di San Gregorio) According to legend, on this hill Romulus traced with a plough the limits of the city, thus founding the "squared Rome". Confirming the legend, the remains of a village dating from the eighth century B.C. have been discovered. In the Republican era many influential citizens, among them Catullus and the orator Hortense, had their villas built on Palatine Hill, the freshest and most peaceful place in the city. Since the time of Augustus, it was the residence of the Roman Emperors. With the arrival of Christianity, churches, convents, and fortresses were added to the ancient buildings. The Palatine has remained even today one of the most beautiful places in the capital, not only because of its archaeological remains, but also because of the rich vegetation and splendid panorama.

Porta Pia (via XX Settembre) Ordered built by Pius IV in 1561, this was one of the final works of Michaelangelo, later rebuilt in 1853-61 by Vespignani. Here one finds the Historical Museum of the Bersaglieri, containing relics of the heroes of the Roman "Risorgimento" (the period of Italian nationalism).

Porta Portese
(via Portuense) The present door was constructed in the seventeenth century to substitute for the ancient Porta Portuensis. Each Sunday, in the piazza of the same name created by Urban VIII, a well-known flea market resembling that of Portobello in London is held. Porta San Paolo (Piazza di Porta San Paolo) The old doorway was called Ostiensis and led through the Aurelian walls. The interior front portion dates from the third century, while the external portion with its two battlement towers dates from the fifth century. It owes its present name to the nearby basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura (Saint Paul Outside the Walls).

Porta San Sebastian
(Via di Porta San Sebastiano) Is the ancient Appian gate, rebuilt in the fifth century under the emperor Honorius and restaured in the sixth century according to the demand of Belisario. It is a single arched passageway flanked by towers with squared marble bases in which are inserted a semi-cylindrical trunks topped by battleworks. Portico d'Ottavia (via del Portico d'Ottavia) Built by Quinto Cecilio Metello in 146 B.C., this doorway was rebuilt by Augustus in honor of his sister Ottavia in 23 B.C. It had a double column decorated by statues and included various temples dedicated to Giove and to Giunone. Today, in place of the temples one finds the little church of Sant' Angelo di Pescheria.

How to arrive in Rome By Plane (from the airport to the city):

The Leonardo da Vinci airport, situated at Fiumicino, is about 36 km from Rome. A train line connects the airport to the air terminal, near the Roma Ostiense train station. The terminal is, in turn, connected via moving platform to the contiguous subway station Pyramid ("Piramide") (line B). The train leaves every 20 minutes from 5:30 to midnight. It is also possible to reach the city using buses that stop just outside the airport. They go to the air terminal of via Giolitti, situated alongside the Termini Station. - The Ciampino airport, 16 km southeast of Rome, is the destination for most air charters and for some domestic lines. It is connected to the Termini Station by a local train line and by the buses that go outside the city limits ("extraurban"). The most comfortable solution, but also the most expensive, is given by taxis, which serve both airports. By Train All international trains and most Italian trains stop at the Termini Station in Piazza del Cinquecento, situated near the urban center. For information, go to the Ufficio dell'Azienda Autonoma delle Ferrovie di Stato (National Railroad Office), open from 7:00 to 23:30, telephone 4755. At the Tiburtina Station there are stops, especially during the night hours, for some trains headed south. How to get around in Rome ATAC, the Roman urban transport society, manages the subways, trams, and buses. There are two subway lines. The first, line A, crosses the city from the western side (via Tuscolana - via Appia) to the Vatican section; the second, line B, connects the eastern zone (Rebibbia) with the EUR (Exposizione Universale di Roma), crossing line A near Termini Station. At the ATAC offices one can purchase the Romapass, a card that allows three days of travel throughout the entire transport network. At the offices one can request a free card that indicates subway, tram, and bus routes. Part of the historical center is criss-crossed by the electric minibus 119, which leaves from Piazza Augusto Imperatore. Some taxi services are: the Cooperative Autoradiotaxi Romana, tel. 3570 Radiotaxi La Capitale, tel. 4994 Radiotaxi Cosmos, te. 88177.

Shops and Markets opening hours:

In the winter shops are generally open from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 15:30 to 19:30; in the summer they are open from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 20:00. Some shops downtown have continuous hours, from 10:30 to 19:30. They are closed on Sundays and on Monday mornings, with the exception of grocery stores and some stores carrying technical items, which are closed on Sundays and on Thursday afternoons in winter and on Saturday afternoons in summer. Sales Sales occur twice a year: from the beginning of January until February and from mid-June to mid-September. Markets Besides the Roman shops, the Open Markets are also worth visiting. The following are some of the most typical: Campo de' Fiori Situated in the heart of the old city, in Piazza Campo de' Fiori, it is open from Monday to Saturday from 7:00 to 13:30. Every morning the piazza fills up with varied stands that sell fruits and vegetables, meats, chicken and fish, dried beans, dried fruits, and flowers. Excellent specialty food and bread shops surround the piazza, rounding out the range of products offered. Porta Portese, Via Portuense and Via Ippolito Nievo Open Sundays from 6:30 to 14:00. Here one can find anything: clothes, shoes, purses, suitcases, camping supplies, sheets, washclothes, pots and pans, kitchen supplies, plants, puppies, spare parts, cassettes and compact discs, old LPs and 78s. Events Many events are held in Rome, involving entire neighborhood or single streets. Here we indicate the most important: One Hundred Painters, in Via Margutta Takes place in Spring and Fall in one of the most typical streets of Rome. The Christmas edition takes place in Piazza di Spagna. Expo Tevere Held every year from mid-June to mid-July, between Sant'Angelo bridge and Cavour bridge. It is open from 6:00 a.m to 1:00 in the morning. The event is dedicated above all to local Italian handicrafts, but there are also stands with pastas, jams, olive oils, wines and liquors, at prices below those of shops. Noantri Fair This neighborhood fair is organized every year at the end of July. Trastevere fills up with various stands and kiosks where one can eat and find almost anything. Antique Show Held in via dei Coronari twice a year. The first edition begins the second half of May and is open from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 23:00. The second takes place between September and October and is open Monday to Thursday from 15:00 to 23:00 and Friday to Sunday from 10:00 to 23:00. In addition to antiques, furs, jewelry and knick-knacks are sold. High Fashion Show of Trinità dei Monti The famous fashion show of the second half of July is staged with the stairway of Trinità dei Monti as a backdrop, to the south of Piazza di Spagna. It is rather exclusive, in that seats are reserved for invited guests. The public usually crowds in at the back. Via Giulia This elegant Roman street is occasionally the site of art shows and special evenings. At such times antique shops and art galleries remain open late into the evening, offering refreshments to visitors.

Food:

Roman cooking is generally identified with that of Lazio. It is not excessively sophisticated but is among the most flavored of Italy. The most authentic dishes are prepared with simple ingredients: pasta, tripe, chicken giblets, baccalà (salted fish), beans, artichokes, brain, beef tail ("coda di manzo") - although there is no lack of richer dishes like lamb, goat's meat, pork, and various types of seafood. The meal usually begins with an antipasto: cold meats, raw vegetables soaked in olive oil or vinegar, olives, "bruschetta" (toasted bread with olive oil and garlic and various toppings such as tomatoes), and seafood. The real main dish is the first: spaghetti carbonara style, bucatini (a type of pasta) alla matriciana (tomato, bacon and onion), penna all'arrabbiata (tomato, parsley, and peppers), gnocchi alla romana, spaghetti with garlic and oil, fettucini with butter or tomato sauce. Also traditional are country soups like pasta with beans, or with chickpeas or lentils, or potato gnocchi with tomato sauce. The second dish can be meat or fish: beef stew, oven-baked lamb or goat, chicken with peppers, lamb alla cacciatora (hunter's style, with rosemary, garlic, peppers, white wine, sage), tripe with tomato and mentuccia romana (a local herb), beef tail "alla vaccinara","baccalà in guazzetto" (white wine, garlic, and parsley) or with "pastella" (fine pasta of water and flour, fried), "ciriole" (bread) "alla fiumarola" and cuttlefish with peas. Among the fresh cheeses, ricottas and mozzarellas. As dessert, fruit in season or fruit cocktail, ice cream, "maritozzi" (horn-shaped pastry filled with cream), "mostaccioli," "pangiallo" (a type of fruitcake that contains peanuts above all), "cavallucci" (cookies) and ricotta cake. Among the wines the Castelli Romani whites are outstanding: Frascati, Monteporzio, Marino, Albano, Lanuvio, Genzano, Velletri. Of particular esteem is the Malvasia of Grottaferrata. Among the reds, the Cesanese of Olevano produced in the Castelli region, the Baccanale of Campagnano, Torre Ercolana, Colle Picchioni and Velletri rosso Riserva.

Rome for children:

The most important Roman attraction for children is without a doubt the Luna Park of the EUR. Besides a series of amusing rides, it contains a navigable lake and a minigolf course. Villa Borghese, the largest Roman park, is ideal for anyone wanting to go bicycling, skating, or rowing on the lake. The Zoological Gardens are interesting. They are open from 8:30 a.m. to sunset.
Play areas with rides, bike paths, lakes, are available at Villa Ada and Villa Celimontana. The Olympic Village has a skating rink and a large area furnished for children, while the Gianicolo Park offers puppet shows. Nightlife Rome is a very lively city, celebrated not only for its monuments but also for being the center of "La Dolce Vita." Cafés and bars are open until one in the morning, while discotheques and clubs close late in the night. Movie theatres are numerous and offer both new releases, just out on the film circuit, and films by little-known authors, projected in film clubs and in experimental theatres. Programs of popular films take place under the stars in the summertime. The theatre season is rather brief, from October to May, but more than one hundred companies offer all kinds of shows: comedies by Goldoni, Pirandello, De Filippo, French and English classics, reviews, cabarets, political theatre, experimental theatre, etc. Tickets can be acquired on the day of the show.