Viva Rome!

There is one place in Rome whose history predates that of the city itself. It is famous for its architecture, historical significance and sightseeing attractions.

The Palatine Hill – Place in History

Palatine Hill is the centermost of the famous Seven Hills of Rome. Technically speaking, the Palatine Hill is an archeological excavation site containing the ruins of several large villas that belonged to wealthy Roman families. Archaeological evidence suggests traces of inhabitation from the tenth century onwards. It is believed that this hill is the birth place of the glorious Roman Empire. Evidence argues that the twins Romulus and Remus were found in the Lupercal Cave by their four-legged shepherd mother, who raised them. Later, Romulus decided to build the city.

During the Republican era, Palatine Hill became the fashionable place to live. The hill offers splendid views. It rises to an incredible height of 230 feet towering the city. Great warriors, emperors and nobles built their palaces there. It is said that Roman noblemen such as Augustus, Cicero, and Marc Antony resided on the hill. During the Middle Ages, churches and convents were built on Palatine Hill. Later, the hill became home to Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, who also created an ornate botanical garden on top of the ruins.

Major Attractions

Palatine Hill houses ruins of ancient palaces and other buildings. The southern end of the hill contains the remains of the palace of the Roman emperor, Septimius Severus between 193 and 211AD. Close to the Palace lie the huge bath ruins of the emperor. The north section of the palace of Septimius Severus houses the stadium. This stadium was built together with the adjacent palace of Domitian. Domitian’s palace forms the largest, oldest and most domineering tourist attraction in the whole of the Palatine hill site. The palace was built in 81AD — between two crests after the tall crest called the Palatium was leveled and the ground used to level the hilltop. The palace consisted of two wings, a private one called the Domus Augustana and the public Domus Flavia. The house of Augustus, the Temple of Apollo and the temple of Cybele also form major hill attractions. The Farnese Garden was built by Cardinal Allessandro Farnese in 1550 by filling in the ruins of the palace of Tiberuis. It is the first-ever botanical garden of Rome.

Location of the hill

The Palatine hill is conveniently located between two of the city’s largest and most impressive tourist attractions of the Roman Forum and the Colessum. You can take advantage of this location site by purchasing a joint travel and fee ticket for the Colessum and the Palatine Hill at 11 euro. There is also another option. If you a leisurely tourist interested in art and architecture, you can now buy the 22 euro weekly pass for the Colessum and the Palatine Hill.  You get to spend the entire weekend exploring and traversing the two sites. It is better to navigate and see the various vivid attractions on foot using an audio guide.

Visiting the site

Though the hill is open to visitors at all times, tourists generally prefer the cool months of
autumn. It serves a tourist well to stroll on foot enjoying the various sights. Getting there by bus and then walking about is cheaper. It also provides you with the opportunity to savor the hustle and bustle of modern Rome. The hill has been fitted with convenient facilities for disabled elderly tourists allowing them to enjoy the uphill tour at a relaxed pace.

Eating at the Palatine Hill

Roadside eating is recommended. Closeted between the forum and the Colessum, the hill offers solace to many eateries spec aliasing in Italian cuisine. This can either be vegetarian or non-vegetarian. Prices are cheap and you get to embrace the ambience of historic Rome on a cool day. The hill’s ancient stadium now hosts many modern cultural events of plays and book review meetings.

Rome is a multifaceted city with fine dining, shopping and sightseeing opportunities. On a tour, you have to visit the old harbor city of Ostia Antica. It is impossible to miss it or bypass it as it lies right in the center of the city.

The what and why of Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica is an ancient port town. It is a fascinating but under-visited archaeological site. Ostia Antica was originally developed as a sea port, prior to the silting up of River Tiber’s estuary. Ostia increased in importance from the fourth century BC, becoming a major naval and trading base. As Rome’s port, the town had commercial significance and expanded in size and grandeur to match this position. However, during the third century AD, its place was taken by a new port at Fiumicino. Within the next couple of centuries Ostia had begun its decline. The ancient Roman city of Ostia was originally situated at the mouth of the river Tiber, some 30 kilometers to the west of Rome. The inward shift of the shoreline in the middle Ages also saw the city moving inland. Today, it lies somewhat four km inward to Rome. Ostia is the Latin word for ‘mouth’ and it was the mouth or center of salt deposits during the Middle and Bronze Ages. The city is also famous for its imprint of slavery and immigration on history rolls.

Historical Attractions

Much of the town stands in ruins and is heavily excavated. Major tourism sites include the Roman theatre which hosts summer plays nowadays, the spectacular Forum, a large baths complex and more than one Mithraeum. It also has impressive mosaics and columns everywhere. The statues of the ancient city have been taken way for safekeeping purposes. Other tourist highlights include the smaller domestic detail — the fishmonger’s marble slab, the bar with its wares illustrated on the wall, the communal public toilets, the residential villas with peaceful courtyards.

Getting there

Traveling to Ostia Antica is easy owing to the location of the ancient city. Ostia has its own station which makes it convenient for tourists. You have to board the suburban train line to Ostia from Piramide Station which lies on Metro Line B. You can use your normal Rome travel ticket. The Ostia Antica station is about twenty minutes from Rome. After coming out of the station, most tourists opt to traverse the port city on foot at leisure. There are neither entrance fees nor any schedule times which makes it fun for all tourists including children and disabled tourists. You merely need a street plan of the city which can be obtained on the train from the ticket kiosk.

Navigating through the city

Have a street map in hand and plan how you are going to tour the ancient port city. You have to enter the city by the Roman Gate. This can be described as a metal fence protecting the scant remains of a city gate. The city gates and city wall were built in the first century BC by orator Marcus Tullius Cicero and completed by Publius Clodius Pulcher. Now you have entered the city. After passing through the gate you are on the main street of Ostia. The main street is known as ‘the Decumanus Maximus.’ The street is paved with basalt blocks. A few shallow wheel-ruts can be seen between the gate and the theatre. This indicates that the transportation of goods was done by slaves or pack-animals, not with wagons. Behind the gate lies the city square. In ancient times the square was adorned by a statue. Today, only a plastic mould of the statue decorates the square. Two identical dedicatory inscriptions also decorate the gate.
Having fun at Ostia

This ancient city is suited to the whims of every tourist. Conveniently located with plenty of transport options, it lures many tourists to spend entire weekends. It has a large number of restaurants serving both fast foods, traditional and non-vegetarian fare. Camping and outdoor sort activity form a favorite past time of the young adventurous tourist folk. The city also has a wide collection of books and antiques. Your tour of Rome comes to an end with a proper and leisurely tour of Ostia.

Rome is a religious and historical tourist city. Tourism forms an integral part of its income.
And in between all these monuments, the market place of Trajan seems to get lost. But as a tourist, your sightseeing remains incomplete without a visit to the Trajan’s market.

Timeline and location of Trajan Market

This ancient market area is a large complex of warehouses, shops and offices where the Romans would gather to purchase goods and conduct business. The market area was built between 107 and 110 AD by Apollodorus of Damascus during Emperor Trajan’s reign. It lies at the side of Quirinal Hill. Trajan’s market borders the Roman Forum serving tourists a double pleasure. The market has a large monumental facade consisting of a half exedra bordered by a row of columns. It lies at the opposite end of the Colesseum. The geographical structure is huge with floors. The upper floors of this market were used to sell oil, wine seafood and groceries. Trajan’s market area also used to house a convent which was later demolished in the 20th century. The entire structure was built in concrete and brick with a roof composed of a concrete vault supported by piers.

Historical Importance of Trajan’s market

Recent excavations have opened the commercial world of the Roman Empire. The market area bears testimony to the clothing, lifestyle and trading systems of the ancient Romans. Auditions and auctions were the common mode to sell and purchase wines. Oil and fruit were the main wares sold in the market. The market structure was divided into two floors which were further divided into miniature floors and cubicles.

Historical Attractions

Located in the center of the city, the market is not only a trading and historical site for tourists. It is an architectural relic with a large balcony on the top floor offering a spectacular view of the entire city. The ‘tabernae’ can be described as shops shaped as barrel-vaulted cubicles with small windows and a large opening to the street. They were decorated with mosaics depicting the wares in the shop. These tabernaes were located in the upper wing or level of the market. Another architectural facet is the small but charming cubicles located in the lower level of the market area. The cubicles and the halls used to host concerts, speeches or education. The roof of the market was meant to create light and space. It is fashioned as an arched concrete vault held by piers to allow sunlight to seep through into the shops while still protecting the shoppers from the unpredictable weather. In short, the Trajan market serves as a fine example of urban Roam architecture.

Getting to it

Being a city for the walking tourist, people prefer to stroll down the street to the Roman Forum and the Trajan market. But, some tourists opt for the transport means of the tram. The Tram routes mostly skirt the historic center, but there are stops convenient for the Vatican, the Colosseum, and the Trastevere area. Tourists planning to visit the market usually get down at the Colessum and walk over to the Trajan’s market area. Hence, they get to view three historical sights in one go. Another growing means of transport is the metro service. Line B known as the Blue Line’ runs southwest past the Colosseum,

Eventful Trajan market

Decorated with bright lights at night, the market are hosts many diverse cultural events with tne dinning experiences. It affords a great fun attraction for children and disabled people. Though inaccessible to its interior, disabled tourists are able to traverse the frontal market areas at leisure. Trajan market runs two public events of the Roman Summer festival from late June through early September offers various musical events of jazz, rock, and classical music, and film, sport, theater and children’s fun. The market is is an open public tourism spot open hroughout the year. But, tourists seem to throng the place particularly in the summer months of May, June and July. The market also plays host to various modern internet cafés and restaurants.

Rome is by far one of the most interesting cities I have ever been to. The chaos of the place certainly adds to the charm. However if you want to visit Rome when it is not too overcrowded it is always best to avoid the peak travel times in Rome which is during Spring and Fall. The reason that these are peak travel times is because the city is not too hot for many people so the more comfortable air temperature provides for a better experience when viewing the historic sites which of course are outside. Since I have lived in Florida for nearly a decade I do not find the summers in Rome to be terribly hot so if you come from a hotter climate you can visit Rome when you feel the most comfortable and therefore save some money by visiting during off peak travel times.

Perhaps it is not the weather that is your biggest concern when traveling to Rome. For many budget travelers they are more conscious of saving some money then the climate or the crowds. Visiting during off peak times then is the best time to go as you will most certainly save some money.

If you are visiting with family and friends then the best time to go is when you are with them. While you may not be able to save a lot of money at least you will be with people you enjoy and therefore have a better time then if you were alone.

So basically the best time to visit Rome is when you are ready to enjoy the city the most. It all depends upon what your personal circumstances are. However if you want to avoid the crowds then visit during off peak travel times which I guess would be in Winter and Summer as Fall and Spring seem to attract the most amount of tourists.

If you are regular follower of this blog then you know that I do not recommend driving in Rome. It is certainly not necessary because in the city you have many options of navigating the city. However for those that want to visit the countryside or go on a short trip to Naples or a longer trip to Venice then a car is certainly worth it. A car will offer you the freedom to travel when and where  you want to some extent in Italy.

Driving in Rome is perhaps the most exciting experience you will have in an automobile. If you are a fan of race car driving you can brush up your skills by driving around the city because it always seems like all the drivers are trying out for Formula One driving or something. However there are some key facts  you must be aware of before you take the plunge and get in the drivers seat.

International Driving Permit

The International Driving Permit is something I believe every visiting driver in Rome should have. This permit not license is required by law but since it is a permit only you should also carry your drivers license from home as well. It is very important to have both if and when you are stopped by the police. Most likely you will not be stopped but do you really want to waste time speaking to Italian law enforcement when you could be out having fun in the city? I didn’t think so. So carry it with you please. You can get one of these permits from your country’s Automobile Association which ever that may be. In the United States this would be the AAA auto club that I am sure almost everyone from the States is familiar with.

What are the types of roads in Rome?

There are four types of roads in Rome. The first the Autostrada is very similar to the Interstate system in the States. The Autostrada roads are very fast moving and have plenty of space on all lanes. Autostrada roads are mostly the roads connecting major cities or even other countries. The second type of road is the major road where there are two lanes of traffic that moves at a very fast pace. This types of road usually connect a larger city with a smaller city such as the road connecting Florence with Siena. On the map you can identify this road due to its color which is red as opposed to an Autostrada which is black on the map. The third type of road is the slow and winding type of road that you will find typically on the coast such as the road connecting Naples to Sorrento. This type of road can be easily found on the map as they are usually colored yellow. Lastly the final type of road is the road which occupies most of the Italian countryside. These are the dirt roads connecting the smaller cities to the various farms and other attractions you may find in and around Tuscany or other more rural areas. Knowing what type of road you are on is key to staying out of trouble with the police or the locals. You do not want to create  a traffic accident when there are various tour buses whizzing by, that certainly would not be fun.

The speed limits in Italy

As with all things there are laws to govern the roads. In Italy this is also the case even though it may seem like no one really obeys the traffic laws. Since Italy is part of Europe and Europe follows the metric system all of their speed limits are in kilometers and not miles per hour like the United States. While the adjustment may be painful to start I am sure almost everyone can adapt.

Here are the speed limits that I know of so far:

In the city you can only drive 50 kph
Outside of the city you can drive 90 kph
Highway driving is limited is 110 kph
Autostrada driving is at 130 kph

Also note that you should never have more than one glass of wine or one beer two hours before you set out driving in this country. The police are extremely tough on drunk drivers and seeing a close up of a Italian jail cell is something I am sure is not part of everyone’s plan. Please always keep your lights on while driving on the Autostrada as that is the law to make it easier to see the cars on the road.

Driving in Rome is certainly going to either endear you to Italians or make you absolutely hate them. There really is no luke-warm experience you will have while traveling in and around the city. For me this had to be the best primer to the chaotic lifestyle of many Italians.  Do not be too daunted by what I have stated here. Given enough time you can adapt to life in Rome. However the struggle will be trying to change your bad habits that you will take on while driving in this country.