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.

The Coliseum was the largest amphitheatre in Rome. The construction of the Coliseum started under the reign of Emperor Vespasian in around 70-70 AD and completed under the reign of Titus in 80 AD. The Coliseum was further customized and modified under the emperor Domitian. This was the first permanent amphitheatre to be built in Rome between the Esquiline, Caelian, and Palatine Hills.

An Iconic Symbol

The Coliseum is seen as an iconic symbol of imperial Rome. It held the capacity to accommodate about 50,000 spectators and has eight entrances. The amphitheatre is 50 meters high and 185 meters long. The Coliseum was built for gladiatorial contests and various public spectacles like, classical dramas, mock sea battles, and animal hunts till the early medieval period. Later, it was used for other purposes like a Christian shrine, a fortress, for housing, and for conducting workshops. Presently, the building has suffered damages as a result of earthquakes and the work stone robbers but it is still among the most famous tourist attractions in Rome and arguably the whole world.

Major Tourist Attraction

The Coliseum is known for its great works of architecture and engineering. It also reflects the grandeur and cruelty of the Roman World. The monument is famous for its grand size and the efficient organization of a large crowd viewing the different spectacles. This makes it one of the greatest works of the Roman period. Tourists from all over the world visit it. A museum is also built on the upper floor of the outer wall building, which is dedicated to Eros. The Coliseum also has a lift to the first floor. This makes the monument easily accessible to people with a handicap and children. Other facilities at the site are toilets, bookshop, and souvenir shops.

Tickets, Cards, and Passes

The tickets for the Coliseum can be bought at the site, online, or also booked through a telephone. The normal price of a ticket is 9 Euros (liable to change). The entry is free for EU citizens who are under-18 years and over 65 years. An archeologia-card is also available for 20 Euros, which is valid for a period 7 days for visiting 9 sites in Rome including the Coliseum. A Roma pass is also valid for a period of 3 days for visiting the Coliseum and other famous museums and archaeological sites of the city. The price of the ticket, card and pass may vary during Coliseum exhibitions. One can also book a guided tour conducted by professional guides.

How to get there

The Coliseum is located in the center of Rome. The monument can be reached using a bus, taxi, shuttle, trams or trains. It is located near Piazza Venezia and is close to the Forums. Another rapid form of transportation that you can use is the Metro. After reaching the Metro station, one can get a taxi parking and bike rental outside the station. On Sundays, bicycles and stroller are also allowed on roads as a means of transportation.

Best Time for Visiting
There are few months in a year, which are best suited for your Rome visit. These are –
1.    October- This is the best month of the year to visit. The temperature in this month is very pleasant.
2.    January- After the New Year, there is a gradual fall in the tourists visiting here. This is a suitable time for tourists who want to avoid crowds.
3.    Easter Week- This week may fall between mid-March or mid-April and the city is overcrowded with pilgrims and tourists.
4.    July and August- These are the peak months for tourist’s season. These seasons have comparatively less rain and are a bit humid.
The Coliseum was the only stone structured amphitheater built during the grandeur days of the Roman Empire.

Today, the Coliseum is partially in a ruined state but still remains one of the most renowned architectural monuments of the Roman period. The monument still holds the same brand integrity and respect after so many years of its construction.

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.

If you are planning a trip to Rome it is always a good idea to make sure that there are no major events planned for the city that might interfere with your vacation plans. It is always a bad idea to plan on staying in a major city such as Rome when there is an international sporting event. Such events like this can snarl up traffic and make finding a table at a restaurant almost impossible! Also the locals do have a tendency to get a bit on the edgy side when there are too many “tourists” in their city and they are trying to just go about their lives.

So for your benefit I have broken down some of the more important events that occur each year in Rome. Every month is covered and this post may be subject to updates as I learn of more activities that occur in Rome. Of course I will try to keep you up to date on this blog in regards to the local happenings of the city but I will probably miss something so please be sure to check other resources to make sure you do not plan a vacation during one of the more hectic times of this city.

January

News Years Day

Following the nights celebrations there is a fair for the children that is sure to attract many families. Clowns, fire eaters and other street performers that are child safe perform at this time at the Piazza del Popola. Please be sure to avoid this area if you do not like kids as I am sure there will be many of them here. 

Underground Antiques Market

This takes place in an underground parking lot near the Via Sistina. This market is mostly for art collectors and is not a flea market of any kind so please keep this in mind.

Roman Purim

A Jewish holiday the Moed di Piombo goes back as far as 1793 A.D.  where the Jewish temple is lit at night and the rabbi goes through an explanation of this Jewish holiday.

February

Rome Film Festival 

The most important event in Rome during the month of February is the Independent Rome Film Festival where 40 films are shown from 25 different countries. If you want to be part of this event it takes place at the Cinema Pasquino and the Cinema Roma and also some events are held at the Ripa Hotel

March

Eurochocolate week is perhaps a great attraction to many chocolate lovers from all across Europe. In this week everything chocolate is celebrated with over 500 stands that serve the sweet substance. Definitely if  you have a sweet tooth then it would be worth your hile to check out this celebration.

April

Rome’s Good Friday Celebration

This celebration is a reenactment of the procession of Jesus Christ as he carried his torture device throughout the city of Rome. This procession goes from Via Crucis and up to Monte Palatino. For the religiously inclined perhaps this would be a time for you to visit Rome.

Monthly Bargain Market

In April there is a bargain market that takes place at La Soffitta Sotto I Portici where Rome basically has a more modern flea market selling collectibles and other memorabilia

May

May Day Festival is celebrated on the first of the month by a world renowned music festival. This celebration is supposed to celebrate the arrival of Spring to the city of Rome and takes place at Piazza San Giovanni.

Spring Antiques Market

The Grande Mercato di Primavera or the Great Spring Market is a time for most antique dealers as many tastes are covered here and much that you cannot find anywhere else will be sold here.

Tennis Masters Series

This is a professional match with over 120 tennis masters arriving in the city to pit their strengths against one another. For the tennis fans this is surely a time for you to visit the city as I am sure you will not be bored.

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

This is a walk a thon that is supposed to raise money for breast cancer. For those that want to make a difference in the world perhaps participating in this event would be proper.

June

Dolce Vita Jazz Festival

Here about 60 Jazz musician arrive in the city and participate in this event which takes place at the Palma Club and the Auditorium Parco della Musica. This event normally takes place some time in May and in June so plan accordingly.

Fotograhia

This is a major event for many modern photographers as this is the time to showcase their work to the city.

Estate Romana Festival

This event starts in June but actually ends in September and is a time when there are many jazz musicians and other musicians from all types of music that participate. To be honest I am not really sure what this celebration is all about but it does look interesting.

July

Festival of Latin-American Music & Culture

This is the time when all things Latin American is celebrated in the city of Rome. This festival seems to be geared towards the Cuban immigrants or those of that descent so there is a heavy emphasis on that type of culture in this festival.

Gay Village

This is a celebration of all things gay from late June through August as the Testaccio’s becomes a mecca for all things of this persuasion. The idea is to create a small village in Rome where tolerance of this type of lifestyle is at the forefront.

August

This is a month where both the Estate Romana Festival and the Festival of Latin-American Music & Culture continue their celebrations. There really is no specific celebration offered in this month in Rome which I find interesting since the month of August was named after a Roman Emperor so you would think that there would be some sort of celebration.

September

International Urban Theatre Festival

This is when Rome celebrates theatre of all its kinds and Rome becomes a virtual stage to all of its inhabitants and visitors. If you are at all interested in the theatre then this seems to be the time to come.

White Night

This is a time when all of the shops in Rome stay open later at night and various open air events take place making Rome a virtual stage on which actors can hone their craft.

October

Roman Jazz Festival

In October there is a Roman Jazz festival where a lot of international and well renowned Jazz artists come to play for the city in various venues.

November

100 Painters in Via Margutta

This is  a great time to be an art collector as this is one of the best open air Art markets Italy and If not the world has to offer. All types of artwork are on sale at this time of the year and you should check this out if you are into collecting art of any type.

December

New Years Eve Celebration

This is like most of the world when Italians celebrate the end of the year with Champagne and other alcoholic drinks. Most of the action takes place at Piazza del Poplo where the fireworks and the rock bands perform.

That should be enough for most people to keep busy in Rome regardless of when you actually go. Every month it seems to be packed with events and celebrations of some kind. No matter what your taste the city seems to have an event just for you. I am sure many will not be bored if they visit Rome when one of these major celebrations take place.

Rome like most cities in Italy is not known for its nightlife. Italians it seems like to take things at a bit easier pace then other European cities. A typical night out would be with a group of friends having dinner together until midnight. Now I am not saying that this is the case all the time and certainly not the case for some in the city of Rome. I am just warning you that if you expect a kicking nightlife here you may be a bit disappointed.

However if you do insist on going on and tearing up the city these are just a few of the places that I would check out.

Alexanderplatz
Via Ostia 9, Rome, Italy 00153 •
Tel 06-39742171
This is one of Rome’s oldest jazz clubs. The crowd here is both local and foreign as many world famous jazz musicians play here. This club is also equipped with a full restaurant and bar  so you are sure to enjoy yourselves here.

Allen
Via Velletri 13, Rome, Italy 00198 •
Tel 06-8412212
This is one of the best places to dance the night away. This club is one of the longest running and most well run discos in the whole city. For those that are interested there is mostly house music, ambient or hip hop that is played here so be prepared for that experience.

Caruso Café de Oriente
Via di Monte Testaccio 36, Rome, Italy 00153
Tel 06-5745019
This is the place for all your salsa dancing needs and this club definitely attracts all of the locals as well. Much of the music is live Latin American music with some DJ’s mixed in the week.

Salotto 42
Piazza di Pietra 42, , Italy 00186 •
Tel 06-6785804
This club is unique in that it is located directly across from Hadrian’s temple. The walls are decked out with old books and art work and the place is filled with comfy sofas and chairs which makes it ideal as a cocktail bar. The crowd that attends this club is in the thirty something range so please keep that in mind before you decide to go. This place does have a bit of reputation of being a bit high brow for most people.

Romans do not share the love of the nightlife that many other European cities and countries might be known for. Rather I have found that because of the hectic pace of the city during the day that the city seems to take it easier at night. This is both a good and a bad thing depending on how you want to spend your vacation.