Rome Areas and Neighbourhoods

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By Sarah Dudleymore


Your trip to Italy should be a memorable one and therefore must be programmed carefully. Before booking your flight and accommodation, read and find out more about the areas, famous places or most popular neighbourhoods in Rome.

1) TRASTEVERE
... grew in the middle ages with narrow, winding, irregular streets. There was no space for carriages to pass, therefore Trastevere remained a maze of narrow streets what is known today. All year round the Trastevere area is a major attraction for its restaurants, cabaret clubs, movie theaters, crafts artisans and picturesque maze of narrow cobbled alleyways. During the evenings, cafè and restaurants tables spill out over to the pavement, one area in particular is around Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. During the morning hours, this friendly neighborhood of antique charm and unique narrow alleyways of Trastevere is better appreciated.

2) THE SPANISH STEPS
... in Italian means "Scalinata". They can be easily found and recognized by a rectangle like shape and an early Baroque water fountain called "La Fontana della Barcaccia" ("Fountain of the Old Boat"), built in 1627-29 at the foot of the stairs. It is without a doubt the longest and widest staircase in all Europe; one of the most popular and famous places in Rome. Nowadays, the Spanish Steps area has become a meeting point and also an attraction if you want to take a romantic or scenic ride in a carriage pulled by a horse around Rome.


3) THE PANTHEON
... "Temple of all the gods", was built in 27 B.C, converted into a church in 609. This perfect square rests on a cylinder measuring 142 feet wide and 142 feet high. It is the best preserved of all Roman buildings, and perhaps the best preserved building of its age in the world today. When you travel to Rome, The Pantheon is a site you must visit. There is nothing more relaxing then having your Italian cappuccino, pasta or pizza in one of its many neighbouring restaurants while facing this magnificent wonder of the world. Some of the best souvenir shops and "Gelato" in Rome can be found anywhere in this area.
4) THE COLOSSEUM
... originally known as the "Flavian Amphitheater", was capable of seating 55,000 spectators. Deadly gladiatorial combats and wild animals fights were staged here free of charge by the emperor for its citizens. It was ordered to be built by the Emperor Vespasian between 70 and 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD by his son Domitian. Even after its glorious days, today it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Rome. Sometimes, special events are held inside.
Today's stadiums and structures have been inspired by the concepts introduced in the Colosseum's building structure.
5) THE VATICAN, St. PETER'S CHURCH
...has been the residence of the Popes only since 1377. The Vatican has been an Independent state called "The Vatican City" since February 11, 1929. During each Sunday, the popes give out masses to the public. The massive large square fills with people listening to the magic and powering words of the pope. It also houses the best museum of antiquity, artefacts, paintings and archeological finds in the world. Many people travel to Rome just to witness this event. Even though attracts many tourists, it's still a quiet, settled peaceful area to come and visit.

6) TREVI FOUNTAIN
... is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome located in the historic centre. It's the largest standing and most ambitious of the Baroque fountains of Rome measuring 25.9 meters (85 feet) high and 19.8 meters (65 feet) wide. The Trevi Fountain derives its name from its position at the intersection of three roads (tre vie). The building behind Trevi Fountain is called Palazzo dei Duchi di Polis, which represents a modeled replica of the triumphal arch. The traditional legend says that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are sure to return to Rome!

7) CAMPO DEI FIORI
... during the day is conquered by many stand owners selling their freshly goods and vegetable products in its famous daily outdoor market. A charming location to have a quick bite to eat, wonder around, and people watching. Campo dei Fiori is full of interesting small boutiques and souvenir shops. During the whole year, people sit outside the Piazza surrounded by many outdoor Trattorias and espresso bars. By night, the area becomes lively with an animated atmosphere where people get together and enjoy the evening. It has become a popular tourist attraction in the past few years.
8) PIAZZA NAVONA
... is one of the largest squares in Rome. It is built over the oval structure of the "Stadium of Domitian", once flooded with water to stage naval battle ships seating 30,000 spectators. Today, three magnificent fountains in marble decorate the Piazza designed by Bernini with an Egyptian Obelisk in the middle of the square. The streets surrounding Piazza Navona are full of interesting small boutiques and souvenir shops. During the days of December 8th until January 6th "Befana", Piazza Navona is the host of the event celebration.
Sarah Dudleymore is a professional travel consultant. She is working for The Key to Italy a travel agency specialized in Rome Apartments for Rent.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Dudleymore


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