Rome

About
Climate
Getting there
Getting around
Things to do
Food
Shopping
National Holidays

Rome General Information

The result of 3000 years of human settlement, Rome is filled with archaeological and artistic treasures, unforgettable food, and endless panoramic views. Stroll along the cobbled streets with your gelato in one hand and a camera in the other to capture the masterpieces surrounding you such as sculptures by Michelangelo, fountains by Bernini and paintings by Caravaggio. A trip to Rome should not be rushed as it is much more about relishing in the moment, people-watching from a café in stunning piazzas and descending on trattorias for dinner.

As the capital city of Italy, people travel from all over the globe to visit world-renowned sites relating to ancient Rome. Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, is located inside the city boundaries of Rome and is home to the Pope, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and an endless variety of art and renaissance architecture. The Golden Age of Rome saw the economy, arts, literature, architecture and even commerce flourish between 27 BC and 180 AD which left a legacy that can still be felt and witnessed to this day in Rome, specifically.

Climate

Best Time to Visit Rome

Most travellers visit Rome from June to September to take advantage of European summer where temperatures go from warm to hot. The wettest months are from October to December until Spring kicks in and sees temperatures go from cool to mild between March and May. Keep in mind that locals enjoy their summer holidays for several weeks in August.

Getting there

How to Get to Rome

From Australia/New Zealand: It is said that all roads lead to Rome, however the easiest way of getting to Rome is by plane. Rome has two international airports with millions of passengers passing through each year.

Connections to other cities: If you are planning to discover Italy and visit other cities, the train is an excellent mode of transport with high-speed train connections from Rome to Florence, Milan, Venice, Naples, Turin and more. Rome has two airports, Ciampino Airport that is 15km from the city centre and Fiumicino Airport, being the main one, which is 35km from the city centre. The best way to reach Sardinia or Sicily from Rome is to fly as there are direct flights. Civitavecchia Port, located 75km from Rome’s city centre, is where many cruise vessels dock and where you can find ferry connections to Sardinia, Sicily and Spain.

Getting around

Getting around Rome

Public transport is cheap and reasonably sufficient, it is recommended that you purchase a 1, 2 or 3 day pass to save time and money. The local bus is the best option to move around the historical centre. The metro in Rome is a reliable option which has two main lines, A line (orange) and B line (blue) which cross at Termini. Public-transport tickets are valid on all of Rome’s bus, tram and metro lines except for routes to Fiumicino airport.

Things to do

What to See in Rome

Colosseum: The Colosseum is an amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, built as a gift to the Roman people during the reign of the Flavian emperors. It is the largest ancient amphitheatre ever constructed and was built between 70 to 80 AD, after which modifications we made throughout different reigning periods. The Colosseum could host approximately 50,000 to 80,000 spectators at various points in time over the centuries and was used for gladiator contests and public spectacles including executions, dramas, and re-enactments of famous battles. In the early medieval era, the building cease to be used for entertainment purposes and was later used for workshops, housing for a religious order, a fortress, and a Christian shrine. To this day, the Colosseum still holds strong as an iconic representation of Imperial Rome even after substantial damage from earthquakes and neglect. The Colosseum has connections to the Roman Catholic Church which is seen every Good Friday when the Pope leads a procession starting from the Colosseum in honour of the martyrs who died in the arena.

Roman Forum: The Roman Forum was intentionally located at the centre of the ancient city of Rome for important religious, political, and social activities. The traditional story goes that the Roman Forum was made as a neutral meeting area between Romulus and his rival Titus Tatius. The Roman Forum then went on to serve as a marketplace before public affairs were held in the area when the Roman Republic started around 500 B.C. Eventually statues, arches and other buildings were constructed to deal with overcrowding and to accommodate various and larger gatherings over different eras. There were several different temples built to honour men, and others were dedicated to gods or goddesses and some of the most well-known structures include the Senate House, Temple of Saturn, Arch of Titus, Temple of Vesta, and more. Today, tourists can get a first-hand look at the ancient ruins where excavations are ongoing, and historians are still attempting to discover new findings to determine Rome’s exact age.

Palatine Hill: No visit to Rome is complete without a thorough exploration of the ancient city from Palatine Hill. This magnificent hill towers over the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus which offers spectacular views of the ruins of its ancient palaces. In Ancient Rome, Palatine Hill was considered to be one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in the city that was home to emperors and aristocrats.

Vatican City: Home to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square and more, Vatican City is the smallest country in the world and is bordered by the city of Rome. It is headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope as well as a treasure trove of iconic architecture and art. Make plenty of time for the Vatican Museums which feature works by Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Michelangelo spanning across kilometres from paintings to sculptures and mosaics. Take in the beauty of the Sistine Chapel where you will see the unforgettable artwork of Michelangelo on the ceiling which was completed during 1508 to 1512. It is important to note that all electronic devices are prohibited in the Sistine Chapel where photography is not allowed. No visit to Rome would be complete without witnessing one the largest churches ever built, St. Peter’s Basilica. The site is free to enter but long queues should be expected, especially during summer. One of the most recognisable pictures of Vatican City is St. Peter’s Square that was built between 1656 and 1667 and designed with two large colonnades intended to resemble the motherly arms of the church located directly in front of its Basilica.

Pantheon: Built between 133 to 125 AD, the Pantheon was a former Roman temple and is now a Catholic church most infamous for its rotunda design and concrete dome construction with a central opening to the sky. The Pantheon remains as the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome and is one of the best-preserved Ancient Roman buildings due to its continuous use throughout history. Many architects and engineers have copied the Pantheon’s exemplary classical style which was once quite unique in Roman architecture.

Trevi Fountain: Rome’s most iconic fountain stands 26 meters tall and 49 meters wide with intricate Baroque style decorations that makes the Trevi Fountain a must-see site. Constructed on top of an ancient water source, it has most recently gone through restoration and cleaning which makes no better time to visit the Trevi Fountain. You have most likely seen Trevi Fountain appear in notable films including Roman Holiday and La Dolce Vita. According to legend, throwing three coins over the left shoulder using the right hand means you will return to Rome, fall in love, and marry. Luck or no luck, make sure you have spare change with you when you visit the Trevi Fountain!

Piazza Navona: Characterised by majestic fountains, baroque palazzi, street artists and tourists, Piazza Navona is central Rome’s elegant square that also features an Egyptian obelisk. Piazza Navona has three impressive fountains with the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone providing a breathtaking backdrop and is wrapped with restaurants and musicians that contribute to the lively atmosphere.

Trastevere: Take a trip across the Tiber river to Trastavere and stroll through this charming medieval neighbourhood. This is a great option to escape the crowds and uncover a hidden gem in Rome. This district reflects a labyrinth with endless shops, cafes and faded paintwork found along cobblestone side streets. Visit the 12th century Basilica di Santa Maria or stroll through Porta Settimiana and take in gorgeous views of Villa Farnesina, an opulent Renaissance villa that was home to many artists including Raphael. Do not miss out on Palazzo Corsini, a baroque palace with a grand collection of antique art.

Food

What to Eat in Rome

There are many typical Roman dishes that are a must try! You can start with Saltimbocca a la Romana, meaning “jumps in your mouth”, is made with veal, prosciutto, and sage cooked in white wine and butter. From late November you will find magnificent artichokes in every market which are best stewed Roman style with mint, parsley, and garlic. Rome is filled with quality and genuine family run trattorias located in backstreets and piazzas. If you visit Rome, you must try Rigatoni Carbonara and Cacio e Pepe pasta which are dishes that you will dream about for years to come. There are many restaurants which are appealing to tourists but these are mostly found near the main sights. Do not forget your daily dose of gelato which is key to Roman life! You can choose from mouth-watering flavours from every gelato shop you stumble across which have refined their own special techniques. Keep in mind that many restaurants close for several weeks during the summer holidays for the locals in August.

Shopping

What to buy in Rome

Shopping in Rome is an art form, from breathlessly high end expensive Italian fashion houses to budget-friendly street wears and spray-painted art notoriously sold on street corners. Via Cola di Rienzo hosts mostly name-brand stores if you just want to shop familiar names. The mazed streets in Trastevere hold one-of-a-kind stores between Via Garibaldi and Viale Trastevere where you will find yourself getting lost on a treasure hunt. Other shopping spots to note include Officina Profumo Farmeaceutica di Santa Maria Novella for beauty and Volpetti for food and drink.

National Holidays

National Holidays in Rome

Easter Sunday and Easter Monday: One of the most important events in the liturgical calendar is the celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. In Rome specifically, on Easter Friday, the Pope leads a procession known as the Via Crucis (Stations of the Cross) in the Colosseum, a custom that has been taking place since the 18th century in honour of the martyrs who died in the arena of the Colosseum. Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon of spring and during the two-week Easter period which sees thousands of pilgrims travel to Rome to witness the religious festivities. The highlight of Easter festivities is Easter Mass that held in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on Easter Sunday. Most shops, restaurants and landmarks including the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are closed on Easter Sunday and Monday, but public transport services still operate.

Natale di Roma: Also known as Rome’s birthday, April 21st is the date on which Rome celebrates with music, historical re-enactments, and fireworks. Entrance fees are waived for numerous archaeological sites and museums. You will see a parade of gladiators at the Circus Maximus, concerts at the Piazza del Campidoglio and a firework show over River Tiber.

Republic Day: On the 2nd of June, Italy celebrates the referendum which saw the change from constitutional Monarchy to Republic in 1946. In Rome, specifically, there is an Italian Armed Forces parade in the city centre with a spectacular show of colour and flying acrobatics. Festivities continue in the gardens of Quirinale with the participation of the bands of the Armed Forces and Armed Corps, that is open to the public. Many shops are closed, but public transport services are running.

Festa dei Noantri: Meaning “Our Festival”, this popular local festival takes place in the neighbourhood of Trastevere where the people celebrate their working-class origin during the second half of July. Celebrations include street entertainment and endless stalls selling food and drink centred around a religious procession where a gloriously decorated statue of the Madonna of Mount Carmel passes through the streets, from St. Agata church to St. Crisgono church and creates a festive atmosphere. Remaining there for eight days, the statue then returns by boat on River Tiber.