Rome © Kaesler Media/stock.adobe.com
Rome © Kaesler Media/stock.adobe.com

Rome

The Eternal City

Published: 20 October 2023, 10:00

The history of Rome spans more than 2,500 years. The Colosseum, Forum Romanum and the Pantheon are just some of the ancient landmarks the city has to offer. The Vatican City, an independent city-state within Rome, is home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Rome is also an important place of art and culture: masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini and many other great artists can be seen in numerous squares, churches and museums. But the Italian capital is not just a living museum – here, remains from the past go hand in hand with the bustling, lively atmosphere of a modern world metropolis.

A few days are not enough to see the abundance of sights. One thing’s for sure: once you’ve been to Rome, you’ll keep coming back. With that in mind, don’t forget to throw a coin over your left shoulder at the Trevi Fountain!

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: none
  • Population: 2.7 million
  • Official language: Italian
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Ten Roman highlights

Worthwhile alternatives to main attractions

Rome is packed full of monumental sights, and, of course, there’s no way around a visit to the classics such as the Colosseum or the Pantheon. The city offers more than enough to discover, even for a longer stay or a second or third visit. Here we present some of the lesser-known attractions that are well worth visiting.

Five lesser-known Roman sights that are worth visiting

Rome from BER

Five travel tips for ...

1. “La Dolce Vita” with the famous bath in the Trevi Fountain

2. “Roman Holiday” with the enchanting Audrey Hepburn

3. “Eat, Pray, Love” makes you want to make culinary discoveries

4. “The Great Beauty” is a declaration of love for the city

5. The highly suspenseful thriller “Angels & Demons”, set in Rome and the Vatican

1. Carry an empty bottle: water bottles can be filled free of charge at numerous drinking fountains

2. Observe closing times: many shops are closed between 1-4 pm; restaurants between 2-7 pm.

3. Dress appropriately: shoulders and knees must be covered when visiting churches

4. Pre-book tickets: book a time slot in advance for main attractions such as the Colosseum or the Sistine Chapel

5. Carry cash: it’s not possible to pay by card in many places

1. Try the Roman classic cacio e pepe – pasta with pecorino and pepper

2. Enjoying delicious fried artichokes at a restaurant in the Jewish Ghetto

3. Eat fresh fish in one of the many fish restaurants in the Testaccio district

4. Taste the delicious home-made gelato at the historic Giolitti ice cream parlour

5. Try the best bruschetta with juicy and sun-ripened tomatoes in Trastevere

Picture source title: © Kaesler Media/stock.adobe.com

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