5 tips from a Local to visit Rome
Hello friends,
In these months we are all facing a complicated period, in which our world has been reduced to the walls of our home. Travels cancelled, holidays postponed.
But who hasn’t fantasize about the destinations of the next trip?
While we are all waiting to travel again, here are 5 tips for your next visit to Rome. But these are not “classical indications” for tourists, are advices from a real local perspective.
The Vatican necropolis
When in Rome, the Vatican is a must. St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest in the world (23,000 square meters) and the Vatican Museums are a marvelous treasure trove of art and culture, including the beautiful Sistine Chapel.
But there is an equally magical place that very few people know about, and even more wonderful if you visit Rome in summer, with no line at the entrance: the necropolis.
Underground streets will lead you to the discovery of ancient tombs, both Roman and Christian. On the walls you will find colourful frescoes, decorations and marbles that will leave you breathless.
The gem? You’ll be able to see St. Peter’s tomb very close.
The Pyramid Cestia
Every time we think of the pyramids, our minds take us to Egypt. But what if I could visit one in Rome?
Along the Aurelian walls of the city there is a beautiful white pyramid, created in the first century BC.
The Romans loved Egypt and Eastern culture, so much that they decided to build their own tombs like those of the ancient pharaohs: with the shape of a pyramid. The interior can be visited and preserves beautiful paintings.
After the visit, you can get lost in the streets of Testaccio district: the typical trattorias and taverns are not lacking!
The ancient Via Appia
After the months spent on the couch or on the computer, there is nothing more pleasant than a walk in the green… or even a bike ride!
What if you could walk along an ancient Roman road? In the heart of the Appia Antica Park, you can walk on “basoli” (large square stones) on which ancient leaders and traders walked. You can note the traces of chariots!
The road Appia was inaugurated in 312 B.C. and is the oldest and best preserved ancient street in Italy . It was the first road called by the person who built it (or rather, gave the money to build it).
Along the way many ruins, ville and catacombs await you.
Virtual tour in the Baths of Caracalla
The ruins of the ancient Romans are always fascinating, but if you do not have an archaeologist in your backpack ready to explain everything, it can be complicated to understand what you are looking at.
But technology can help us and make us totally immersed in the Ancient Rome. An example? The Baths of Caracalla.
Through augmented reality viewers you will be able to see one of the largest thermal complexes in Rome in all its beauty. You will be surrounded by wonderful colors, decorations and paintings.
After this experience, no brick wall you will see in the archaeological areas will be the same, but you will see everything with the eyes of a real archaeologist.
Aperitif in Piazza Navona
We’re a team of archaeologists, but we also love good food and wine, so we can’t wait to recommend a “refreshing” and relaxing stop… or maybe two!
You know, the beauty of an aperitif is in the company, the wine and the view. So why not choose one of the most romantic corners of Rome: Piazza Navona.
So crowded during the day, and so poetic in the evening: the sunset and the lights that slowly turn on, create a wonderful atmosphere.
Unfortunately Piazza Navona, as many areas of Rome, is also full of “tourist traps”. But don’t worry, you will easily avoid these places thanks to advices by local people. For this reason we are happy to suggest you not just one, but two fantastic places for an unforgettable aperitif.
At the corner of the square, inside Palazzo Braschi, you’ll find a small place enclosed by a big door: DiVino! Reserved and relaxing, it offers you a view of the whole square, without being in the middle of the noise.
Otherwise, if you are looking for a view from above: Terrazza Borromini. Your eyes will see the square as they have never seen it before.
Have you visited one of these places before? Do you know any more or do you want some more advice? Write us in the comments!
To the next digital journey,
Chiara
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