Rome, the ancient, historical capital of Italy has always fascinated me. I had read about it, seen videos and movies, and heard so much about this eternal city. And finally, I was embarking on a journey to the shoe-shaped country. My excitement knew no bounds!
Enveloped in tales of grandeur and a rich canvas of stories woven through time, Italy is my dream destination.
Rome has a lot more to offer than just its captivating allure. Its significance as a center of spirituality and art, a living testament to the grandeur of past civilizations and the world-famous, delectable Italian cuisine. I couldn’t wait to experience all of that.
Having studied in a convent, we used to be so excited when told “Mother Superior is visiting from Rome, be at your best behavior ‘’. Her dignified presence was nothing short of awe-inspiring and we were eager to meet her. Rome evoked the same sacredness that I had once felt.
Eventually, when I visited, I found Rome or Roma (in local parlance) to be an eclectic blend of a rich culture and heritage, yet retaining the charms of a modern metropolis. A living testament to the grandeur of past civilizations.
A magnet for tourists from around the world. Here’s my account of the top tourist attractions, that I visited and my favorites.
The Grand Colosseum — A Wonder of the World
The magnificent Colosseum and Roman Forum are architectural wonders situated in the ancient part of Rome, in the south of the city.
Entering the largest elliptical amphitheater ever built you are transported to the Roman era, where the Colosseum was used for entertaining an audience of over 65,000 people. Gladiator contests, public spectacles, including animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles and drama based on Roman mythology were held. Standing in its midst, listening to these stories gave me goosebumps. It was enamoring!
It is advisable to hire a guide, firstly to know the history and other details. And secondly, not to feel lost inside, to know your way around.
Centro Storico — the heart of Rome
Lying within a radius of just 2 km is the Centro Storico, the central or the main area. It has world-famous treasures like the Pantheon, the Piazza Navona, and the Gothic Church.
Opting to stay within walking distance of these iconic landmarks proved to be quite convenient for us. We could revisit these sites whenever we wished to.
Another well-known spot is the Trevi Fountain, which is one of the most alluring and world-renowned fountains of Rome.
It is popularly believed that if you toss a coin into the waters and make a wish, your wish will be fulfilled.
Getting closer to the fountain for this purpose though may be quite a task as tourists flock to this site and it tends to become quite crowded. It is worth spending some time here to soak in its peaceful, spiritual vibe.
Rome is dotted with open courtyards, also known as piazzas, which are a great attraction for tourists. Weary travelers can take a break here, halting at a cafe, for a taste of the local cuisine, or listen to a mellifluous song sung live by a talented street musician.
The culturally rich city has a fair display of talent, where you come across singers on the streets, singing and entertaining tourists, while at the same time earning a quick buck. Also showcasing their work are artists and painters (especially spray painting), impressing tourists with live artwork, which is for sale.
SPANISH STEPS
PiazzaDi Spagna is one such remarkable piazza in Rome, consisting of a beautiful fountain. Opposite to this is a flight of 137 steps known as the `Spanish Steps’, this is a great place to sit for a while, absorb the views around, and spend time people gazing.
A must-have in Rome is the delicious, creamy Italian ice-cream gelato. Streets are lined with plenty of gelato shops, ensuring that tourists grab a scoop and continue with sightseeing.
A highly immersive exploration of a city where every cobblestoned street whispers tales of antiquity, its Gothic structures a proof of the architectural brilliance of that era.
