Sunday, March 21, 2010

Rome Itinerary

Day One

I will arrive in Rome in the early afternoon and check into my hotel, the Residenza in Farnese.

http://www.venere.com/hotels/rome/hotel-residenza-in-farnese/?ref=2960

This historical hotel is located in the historical heart of Rome, in walking distance of many important sites. It is close to the Piazza Farnese adn Campo de Fiori and the Piazza Navona. It used to be a monastery for the formation of new priests, and the rooms are preserved in their original layout. Seems like a great place to stay!

I'll spend my afternoon visiting the Pantheon

The Pantheon is probably the best preserved ancient building in the city. The Pantheon looks today just as it did 2,000 years ago. It will be like going back in time. The building has been in constant use, it will be fascinating to walk on the same marble floor people have been treading for 2,000 years.




I will eat dinner at the Enoteca Capranica, located near the Pantheon. This restaurant has a unique feature in that it derives from one of the cities oldest wine cellers. The ambiance of the restaurant is great, being located inside the Renaissance-era Palazzo Capranica. It's renowned cuisine features dishes spanning the culinary culture of the Mediterranean.

http://www.enotecacapranica.it/english/index.html

Day Two

I will wake up, eat breakfast at the hotel and catch the metro to the Roman Forum, in the heart of Ancient Rome. I will get there after 9:00 am when it opens and walk around it at leisure until it's time for lunch. The Roman Forum used to be at the heart of the ancient Roman social, political and economic world. It is where the Roman senate, as well as Republican government began. It will be something to be walking to roads that used to be so central to daily living in ancient Rome.



Also, while I'm in the vicinity I will spend the rest of the morning, before lunch exploring Palentine Hill, which is right near the Forum. Rome is the central hill of the seven hills which Rome was build on. It is also because there is a legend of Romulus and Remus being suckled by a she wold in a cave here.



For lunch I will eat at La Taverna dei Fori Imperiali, which is nearby the Roman Forum. This is a family owned restaurant, going back four generations. It offers authentic Roman food in the heart of the ancient section of Rome, as well as the best wine there is to offer.

http://www.latavernadeiforiimperiali.com/

After my meal I will go to the Colosseum to spend my afternoon. It will be fascinating to explore this ancient marvel, and wonder at the often times brutal happenings that occurred within.



Also during the afternoon I will make my way over to the Arch of Constantine which is nearby the Colosseum which celebrates Emperor Constantine's victory over Massenzio.



I will conclude my evening by eating dinner at a restaurant called the Pizza Forum. It is locate right next to the Colosseum and features typically pizza and pasta. Food looks great!

http://www.pizzaforum.it/inglese/home.htm

I will then catch the metro back to my hotel and rest up after my first full day in Rome.

Day 3

In the morning after eating breakfast at my hotel I will head to Vatican City for the day. In the morning I will tour the Vatican Museums which house some of the the greatest art on earth. In the sixteen century Pope Julius II established this museum and it holds the vast collection of art and priceless items which the Holy See has accumulated through the centuries.



One notable feature of the Vatican museum is that it features the Sistine Chapel, with the famous paintings my Michelangelo and other artists. It will be my dream as a Catholic figurative artist to be able to see this treasure of Michelangelo's paintings depicting the human form imbued with theological significance.



Also attached to the Vatican Museums are the four Stanze di Raffaello, or "Raphael's rooms". They form a suite of reception rooms, the part of the papal apartments accessible to the public. They are famous for their frescoes by Raphael which along with the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, are the grand frescoes marking the high Renaissance in Rome.



The museum in addition to these features many other treasures, old and modern. Way more than can be taken in a single day let alone a morning, but there are more things to be seen!

After my exploration of the Vatican museums, I will eat lunch at Al Passetto Di Borgo Sas Di Fulvimari Ristorante.

This family managed restaurant has been in business since 1962 and is located just 200 meters from St. Peter's. It receives many priests, and locals in addition to tourists, even Pope Benedict has eaten there. If it's good enough for the pope then it's good enough for me! The restaurant offers genuine and simple typical Roman and Abruzzo meals.

http://www.alpassettodiborgo.it/home_eng.html

After my meal I will head to St. Peter's Basilica. This is the largest church in all of Christendom and the primary church building of the Roman Catholic Church. It will be extraordinary connecting with my Catholic roots.



Touring the basilica will easily occupy me for the rest the afternoon and evening until it closes at seven pm. Mass is offered several times a day so I'll be sure to make it to one of the celebrations. While I'm in St. Peter's I will be sure to see Michelangelo's Pieta, along with the many other priceless works of art.



After my time spent at St. Peter's I will go for dinner at Bistrot 23. I have read some reviews raving about the amazing pizza this restaurant has to offer. It is right outside the walls of Vatican City, I believe this will be the perfect way to conclude the day's experience.

http://www.bistrot23.com/

After dinner I will head back to my hotel and rest up for my final day.

Day 4



I will arise and after eating breakfast in the hotel I will make my way to the Trevi Fountain. Legend has it that if you throw a coin into the Trevi with your back facing it, right hand over left shoulder, you will be insured a return to Rome. The Trevi fountain is iconic and worth at least a brief visit.



I will then make to the Spanish Steps to spend the rest of the morning.

The Spanish Steps, or the Scalinata della Trinita dei Monti in Italian, are the longest and widest staircase in Europe. They were built to connect the Bourbon Spanish Embassy to the Holy See.



After my time spent at the Spanish Steps I will eat lunch at the nearby Ristorante Nino, which I've read from a review is a very fun experience and won't break the bank. Also I've read that the restaurant is charming and the food is high quality.

http://www.ristorantenino.it/

After my lunch I will check out of my hotel and make my way to my next destination.

1 comment:

  1. Wonderful and thoughtful blog on Rome, Shana...you got a little ahead of me, as we will not arrive in Rome for another week...anyway, very lovely presentation here.

    ReplyDelete