Entries Tagged 'Guided Tours' ↓

Rome has some fascinating historic tourist attractions which lend a vivid glimpse into ancient Roman Empire life and attitudes.

The History of the Catacombs
The catacombs are some of the interesting burial places in Italy. Mazes of underground tunnels were used to bury thousands of bodies in several parts of Italy. Burials were forbidden inside the walls of Rome as early as the fifth century BC. Miles of tunnels were cut into the tufa to be used as burial chambers. The Roman catacombs contain thousands of burial niches as well as some good examples of early Christian art. Rome also has interesting catacombs beneath some churches and streets. One of the most impressive is the Capuchin Crypt beneath the Capuchin Church of the Immaculate Conception, built in 1645. The crypt contains bones of over 4,000 monks, many arranged in patterns or even forming objects such as a clock.

Location

The catacombs are located at the end of Via Appia Antica, which used to an ancient Roman Empire road but, now is a converted regional park. Tourists are advised to take a bus along the road, get off at the end of the park and walk or bike along the catacomb area. You should take bus 218 from the San Giovanni Metro Stop or take the Archeo bus. The catacombs are visited with a guide. Guided tours usually lasting 20 minutes to an hour are given in several different languages. The three catacombs easiest to visit have different closing periods. Visiting hours generally range from 8:30-12:00 and 2:30 to five in the evenings. You can buy tickets for the tours at the entrance to each catacomb. The St. Priscilla’s Catacombs are positioned at Via Salaria 430. Via Salaria is another ancient road of Rome heading out of the city at the Salaria gate, Porta Salaria, towards east to the Adriatic Sea. The catacombs are closed on Mondays. They are also closed for viewing to the public in the month of January.

Major Attractions

Tourists must visit the three major catacombs of the city. St. Callixtus catacomb is the biggest and most popular one. It has a network of galleries about 19 km long and 20 meters deep. It also has a wide transport linkage route with hordes of buses. Highlights of the catacombs include the crypt of nine popes and early Christian frescoes, paintings and sculptures. St. Callixtus is closed on Wednesdays and in February. St. Domitilla has the oldest catacombs. Entrance is through a fourth century church. Tour groups at St. Domitilla tend to be smaller. One of the main highlights is a second century fresco of the Last Supper. St. Domitilla is closed on Tuesdays and in January. The catacombs at St. Sebastian have a tunnel route of approximately 11 km. Highlights of the catacombs include early Christian mosaics and graffiti. St. Sebastian is closed Sundays and during the month-long Christmas holidays – from November 11 to December 13.
Visitor Information The Roman catacombs offer the serious and academic tourists the opportunity to revisit ancient Rome. Exploring the catacombs on foot with a map and guide is strongly encouraged. Tourists usually go in for week-long passes which allows them to explore the site at various time in peace. The price of admission is 5 euros. The reduced fee is 3 euros while, the full price of entry is 5 euros. The reduced fee holds for school classes presenting a certificate from their School — for groups of catechetical instruction in preparation for the first Holy Communion and Confirmation — for children and youth under 15 years and, for soldiers and police in uniform or with identification card. Free entrance is granted
o    to children under 6 years
o    to teachers of School groups and attendants of groups of Catechetical instruction, 1 every 15 pupils
o    to the seriously disabled
o    to the group leader and to one driver of the other groups

Eating and Fun

The tourism site is no place for children to have fun. The Cecilia Metella Restaurant located on the road of Via Appia Antica is a great place to eat lunch. It offers spectacular views serving dishes on the patio. Tourists can choose from a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes with beverages. Cars and private coaches are not allowed access inside the catacomb area. Tourists are also not allowed to take any food items inside the complex. Photography is strictly prohibited.

The eternal City i.e. Rome is home to some of the famous communal baths showcasing the life and habits of ancient Romans. You have to take a tour of this historic attraction to witness life in times past due.

The Baths of Caracalla: History of Communal Bathing

Caracalla Baths are the second largest communal baths of Rome. They were built between 212 and 219 A.D. by Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, who was known by his famous nickname of Caracalla. The red-brick ruins of the Baths of Caracalla are situated southeast of the city center. The bath complex is huge spanning more than 27 acre housing bathing facilities with seats for more than 1600 people. In ancient times, the baths were fed by a branch of the Aqua Marcia aqueduct, which brought pure water to Rome from springs in the hills near Subiaco. The hills were at an approximate distance of 90 km away. The water flowed into a huge cistern which was divided into 18 separate chambers for easy maintenance. It had a total capacity of 80,000 cu. m. From here it went by gravity flow through pipes underneath the gardens to the main building. The baths remained functional until 537AD when Goths destroyed the aqueduct, cutting off the water supply.

Historical significance

The ritual of bathing in ancient Rome was a complicated and tedious process. It started with a hot bath in the calidarium. This was followed by the lukewarm tepidarium, followed by the cold frigidarium. This was completed by a swim in the natatio i.e. an open air swimming pool. The baths are considered historically relevant as they bear testimony to the excellent drainage and water distribution facility engineered by ancient Romans. A complicated distribution system carried the water directly to the cold pools or to boilers over wood fires where it was heated for the warm and hot baths. Outlets from each basin and in the floor of each room led to the drains, which ran below the level of the distribution pipes and took the waste water to the municipal drain in the valley. Both distribution and drainage pipes were housed in tunnels providing easy access for inspection and maintenance. A third network of tunnels was used to store the enormous amounts of wood required to fuel the furnaces.

Major Attractions

The complex was designed to be a multifunctional leisure center. It also housed gymnasiums, libraries, gardens, art galleries, restaurants and even brothels. Today these ruined decaying rooms with their marble covered floors and intricate provocative figurines adorning the walls form a major tourist attraction. Its marble seats, mosaic covered walls and floors as well as fountains and statues also add to the attraction. Another interesting feature for some tourists is the heated rooms in the main building of the bathing complex. These rooms were situated on the south-western side of the building. The ‘calidarium,’ is known as the hottest room projecting the building contours and consequently taking of the sun’s rays. Hollow terracotta tubes ran inside the walls to provide insulation and channel hot air.

Visiting the Caracalla baths

The best times of the year to visit are April, May, and late September through October. The heat and sweltering crowds could make your tour unbearable. Similarly, if you traveling from outside the country, it is best to avoid the August month. August month poses as the holiday month for the Italians. The Caracalla baths hold great attraction in the cooling months of September and October. The complex provides myriad fun and adventure opportunities for children. Usually, the bathing complex plays host to school children on field trips. The baths are open to the public on payment of a small charge, which does not apply to students or pensioners. Access is limited to certain areas to avoid damage to the mosaic floors.

Travel and fun

Getting to the complex is generally by bus or tram. It is better to explore the complex ruins on foot with aid of a street map. The complex is adorned with street signs which make it easy for navigation by tourists. The ruins now serve as modern gymnastic facility for many sport events. Cultural and musical concerts also find a place in this historic place. The baths clearly reflect the ingenuity and organization skill of ancient Rome city planners and politicians.

Pantheon comprises of two Greek words, pan and teon. ‘Pan’ means everything and ‘teon’ means divine. Pantheon is one of the most visited and admired sites in Rome. People visiting this monument are left with an overwhelming impressionable experience. Pantheon is an incredibly large building with magnificent interiors and exterior walls. It has been kept in good condition by kings, popes, and now the government of Italy.

Piece of Art in History

Pantheon means temple of all the Gods. Pantheon, the monument was constructed as a temple dedicated to all the Gods of Ancient Rome. It was constructed around 2000 years ago and is still considered as one of the best-preserved building of the Roman period, till date.

It was the second dome in the entire world to have been built until 1436, when Florence Cathedral was constructed. The dome of the Pantheon has a diameter of about 43 meters. The Pantheon is also the final resting place of many kings and noblemen. Pantheon is presently a Christian Church and masses are celebrated in the church.

Origin of Pantheon

The first and original Pantheon was constructed in 27 to 25 BC under the reign of Emperor Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa. It got destroyed in 80 AD due to a huge fire. The date stamps of the bricks on the current Pantheon indicate that it was reconstructed in 125 AD under the reign of Emperor Hadrian. Although Pantheon was totally reconstructed, an inscription from the old Pantheon was added to the façade of the new Pantheon. The inscription states, “Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, consul for the third time, built this”. Septimius Severus and Caracalla lately repaired the monument.

Classic Roman Temple

Michelangelo termed Pantheon, ‘angelic and a not human design’. Besides being divinely protected, Pantheon’s built with strong concrete ofpozzolona cement. It is a great masterpiece of architectural craftsmanship and art. Tourists from all over the world visit this classical Roman Temple.

Visiting the Site

Pantheon, one of the Rome’s top tourist attraction, is located near Piazza della Rotonda. There are various ways of commuting in Rome. These include bus, trams, shuttles, or trains. Rental bikes and cabs are also available for tourist convenience. The metro station, the Largo Argentina bus and tram stops are located near the site. Pantheon, one of the masterpieces of Roman period, has no entry fee for its visitors. One can also opt for a professional guide for a detailed view of the site. Pantheon is closed on 1st May, New Years day, and Christmas day. Many guides and local people will suggest that you visit the temple in the morning when sun is behind it.

Best Season to Visit

Tourist season starts around Easter and continues till October. The best season to visit Pantheon is spring or autumn basking in sunny skies and a mild temperature. Sometimes, late autumn can be rainy. July and August are unpleasantly hot. The best time to visit Pantheon is in the morning and then spending the afternoon shopping and dinning at the Piazza della Rotonda, a square that has a variety of shops, bars and restaurants.
Prices of food and goods near the Pantheon are quite high as compared to other places in the city. For the convenience of the handicapped, many transport facilities are available. The newer trams and trains are made accessible to people with disabilities.

It is truly a mesmerizing experience for tourists to visit Pantheon to feel the history and legacy of the building. Roman structures have always been mysterious and rich in culture. The innate history of this place attracts many tourists from different parts of the world.

The Capitoline is the most sacred, famous, and highest hill amongst the Seven Hills of Rome. It is located between the Roman Forum and Campus Martius. The hill consists of the sacred temples of Jupiter and the Capitoline Triad. Presently, the medieval palaces have been turned into a museum. The museum consists of Roman artifacts. The Tabularium (hall of records), which was a reserved place for the city’s archives, has now been turned into the Palazzo Senatorio, and a major tourist attraction.

History

The great temples of Jupiter and Capitoline were built under the reign of Rome’s last emperor Lucius Tarquinius Superbus. It got destroyed three times by fire and was rebuilt by Emperor Domitian. Michelangelo on the order of Pope III in1536 designed the present structure.

The magnificent grandeur of the hill was re-established and re-worked in order to welcome and create memorable impression on Charles V. The pavement, staircase ramp, buildings, and facades on the three sides of the hill were refurbished and the Capitoline hill returned to its former mesmerizing visual appeal.

Attractions for Tourists

A tourist visiting the Capitoline hill can view a number of collections of the Roman period, most of which have been carved or built by the great Michelangelo.  The main attraction for tourists visiting Capitoline hill is the Capitoline museum in Piazza del Campidoglio. The museum consists of three palaces, which are surrounded by a trapezoidal piazza. These three places are the Palazzo Senatorio, Palazzo dei Conservatori, and Palazzo Nuovo.

The museum collection consists of ancient Roman statues, medieval art, renaissance art, nscriptions, artifacts, jewels, and coins. Various other attractions for tourists at the Capitoline hill also includes the statue of Marcus Aurelius, council halls, treasures of classic art, and the monuments of Roman emperors.

Visiting the Site

The archeological museums of Capitoline hill are a must visit for tourists visiting Rome. They consist of Roman sculptures, art galleries, frescoes, and Greek sculptures. Tourists just need to buy one ticket, which is valid for visiting the two famous museums of Palazzo Nuovo and Palazzo dei Conservatori. There is no entry fee levied on the last Sunday of the month. The museums are closed on Mondays.
There are numerous modes of transport in Rome which tourists can use to visit the Capitoline hill. Some of these are trains, trams, buses, taxis, metro, and bikes. These modes of transport help the tourists in visiting the magnificent sculptures and monuments of Rome.
Facilities for the Handicapped any manual and electric wheelchairs are available and constantly used in Rome, for the benefit of the physically challenged. This allows these people to visit and enjoy the various ancient tourist attractions of Rome. In Capitoline hill, handicapped visitors can visit Piazza del Campidoglio through the steep winding path to the right of Michelangelo’s Cordonata staircase. Palazzo dei Conservatori also has access for the handicapped through a path, which leads to an elevator. Palazzo Nuovo also consists of stair lifts for the convenience of visitors.
Best Season to Visit

The best season to visit Rome is spring and autumn with sunny skies and mild temperature. These seasons see the highest turnout of tourists. Tourists also come from different parts of the world for Easter week celebrations. July and August are relatively hot and in these months, the residents of Rome also leave for a vacation trip to various colder destinations to beat the heat. The best time of the day to visit Capitoline hill is before sunset in spring and summers when the sun shines right on the square.
The Capitoline hill is a fine example of the rich architectural history of Rome. The sculptures and art galleries of the museums are unmatched in their beauty and you will not see this kind of architecture anywhere in the world.

The city of Rome has to be slowly savored and cherished like a glass of wine – you need to plan and organize your touring activities before embarking on touring Rome. Choose the most popular and crowded tourist attraction first and begin your tour from there. This will give you time to enjoy the pace of the city which is an integral part of every tourist experience and the freedom to lounge and enjoy your tour.

Piazza Navona: Discovering the history

Technically speaking, Piazza Navona is a long shaped square ringed by steps and houses. In the glorious days of the Roman Empire, the Piazza used to serve as a stadium. It was called the ‘Circus Agonalis’ which stands for the literal translation of competition area. In the 15th century, the Piazza became the center of the city’s thriving market center and later came to be reputed as the Baroque architectural center.

Architectural and historical marvels

The Piazza market place was moved in 1869 and henceforth, the Piazza became the hosting site for Sunday feats, theatrical shows and horse races. The Piazza has three major manmade water attractions of an artificial lake and two impressive foundations sculpted by Giacomo della Porta. The fountains are called the Fontana di Nettuno built in 1574 and, the Fontana del Moro built in 1576. Originally designed by Bernini, the Piazza also has beautiful sculptures by Girolamo Rainaldi and by Bernini himself. It also holds a church designed by Pietro da Cortona.

Traveling and Sightseeing

Getting to the heart of the city, i.e. the Piazza Navona is usually by foot. As the Piazza is undergoing heavy restorations of its building and churches, admittance is free. Your best mode of traveling is getting to the street opposite the Piazza by bus or by train. People with disabilities prefer traveling by bus. Certain routed buses offer a one euro pass. The pass allows you to travel that entire day without any worry of travel cost. The area is always crowded with tourists all year round but international tourists prefer the seasonal time of late autumn in early October. A tourist is advised to dress appropriately – shorts and sleeveless clothing are frowned upon inside the Piazza churches.

Stay and have fun

Tourists usually view the Piazza as a fun area. It is considered romantic and adventurous. But one has to beware of pickpockets and, always travel in groups. As a tourist you will prefer to live in a nearby inn and prefer roadside eating. The area is dotted with many eateries and cyber cafes. Head for a Pizzeria and treat yourself to Italian food delights of kosher, ice cream, pizza and trippa. The Piazza also boasts of some vegetarian restaurants and wine shops. Bargaining forms the best possible method to buy any type of item in the Piazza. The Piazza has something for everyone. Piazza Navona is an extremely lively place with open air cafes around it. During the summer there are numerous artists who draw or paint members of the public for a fee. The place is crowded each day and there are often buskers and sometimes mimes to entertain. At Christmas time the piazza is filled with stalls selling figurines of all sizes and forms for cribs. It is an adequate spot for picnickers with safe drinking water from the fountains. The fountain water is safe fresh spring water. The fountains at Piazza run constantly offering you drinking water all round the clock.

Accommodation

Tourists who choose the Piazza as their first tourist stop usually look to stay near the sea. It provides the sounds of the exotic old world charm as well the hustle and bustle of the Piazza. Hotel Belvedere Century and Hotel Ping Pong provide modern and traditional facilities. Another option for the more daring and adventurous tourist would be camping. This is a cheap option and gives you freedom to choose your mode of sightseeing at your own pace. Happy Valley and Camping Tiber form the two popular camping sites of the city. Sightseeing in Rome is incomplete if you have not toured the Piazza on foot.