TRAVELING IN EUROPE / ROME The modern - ancient city!

What could somebody say about Rome, a city deeply rooted in time, which despite its evolution remains true to the story, emphasizing the culture through its grandeur? The capital of Italy, Queen of Europe – would someone easily say – holds its sceptres strong and remains the ideal destination for every traveller. A visit to the metropolis of fashion, tradition and culture is enough to make this city to conquer a large part of our hearts. Rome ... a name, thousands of pictures!

THE NUMEROUS ATTRACTIONS, rich in history, enchant and fascinate you. Opening the map one wonders where to begin. From the Vatican, an independent state, the seat of the Catholic Church, with the square “Piazza San Pietro” that offers the best view of the Cathedral of St. Peter from where they take the words of the Pope? From the famous Colosseum, the well-known amphitheatre built by the 80 m . C., near to the Arch of Constantine, that seems to accompany the Roman Forum, a picturesque jumble of ruins and weeds, that hardly anyone believes that for a thousand years had been the symbol of the urban pride of the Romans, and the Imperial Fora, which includes some of the most decent and remarkable ruins of ancient Rome? The magical Trevi Fountain, probably the most famous fountain in the world, which keeps the myth that if you throw a coin and make a wish, it will be done? The square “Piazza di Spagna” with the Spanish Steps that we all know in Greece through the film in which the Greek actress Alice Vougiouklaki as another Cinderella loses the slippers in the effort to go running? From the famous Via Condotti, the street with the most famous fashion houses? From the square “Piazza Navona” with the Fountain of the Four Rivers, the square “Venezia” with the remarkable building, Vitoriano, which offers the best view of the city from its balcony,  or from the squares “Barberini” and  “Campo dei Fiori”, also known as the square of flowers? From the church of Santa Maria del Popolo in the homonymous square to be the entrance to the imaginary hill Villa Borghese, where you can relax and enjoy an evening beside the lake, or perhaps the Pyramid of Caius Cestius to the southern edge of town? A big dilemma becomes even harder when you are short of time!

THE MUSEUMS always full of visitors, shows the Italian culture and the culture of the city. To start with the Vatican Museum, where visitors can admire, among other things, the Gallery, the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo's hand, one of the most impressive works of art in the world, as well as the halls of the Pontiff. Moreover, the turret of the Cathedral of St. Peter's offers a wonderful view of the city. Afterwards, visitors can extend their knowledge on the culture and history of Rome with a walk inside the Colosseum, the Imperial Fora, the Roman Forum and the National Museum of Rome, which is divided into two buildings, Palazzo Massimo al Terme and Palazzo Altemps. It is also worth to visit the Crypt of the Capuchins, a stunning exhibition from bones of thousands monks that are adorned, with the most gruesome designs, the walls of a haunted house. Of course no one could fail the National Pasta Museum, which is dedicated to the famous Italian food, pasta. From the most beautiful museums and attractions, Castel Sant'Angelo, a castle near the river Tiber, with a huge collection of Etruscan era until today. Finally, another great attraction and museum is the Pantheon, a cult place, which thanks to the interior and perfect proportions remains one of the biggest wonders of the world.

ROME’S NIGHTLIFE ends early on weekdays and a little bit longer on weekends. The bars for the Italians do not have exactly the same importance as for the Greeks. The Italians will visit them in morning for a delicious breakfast escorted by an espresso, at noon, in a break from work for a coffee, in the afternoon to read a newspaper and at night to go out with friends. The clubs, from the other part, open their doors late in the afternoon and closed in the early morning hours. For those who prefer a more qualitative way of entertainment, a theatrical performance is the right choice.

THE TIBER river is ideal for romantic cruises. Buy your tickets and enjoy a night walk around listening to live classical Italian songs and enjoying a glass of white or red wine.

PIZZA AND PASTA, two famous plates of the Italian cuisine. Do not miss during your visit to Rome to make a stop at an Italian restaurant and enjoy a genuine Italian pasta or pizza.

TIPS AND USEFUL

1. Transportation: The most advantageous card for your transport is the C.I.S. (Carta Integrata Settimanale) which lasts seven days, it costs only 16 € and allows unlimited travel on all urban public transport. At the night-time urban function (noctilien buses) covering the whole of Rome. From the Fiumicino international airport to the city and vice versa is more convenient to catch the bus Cotral, which costs just 4,50 € / route and leaves you out of the airport’s gate, unlike trains, which the most economical costs 8 € / route.
2. Entrance to museums and archaeological sites: DO NOT buy separate tickets for each museum or archaeological site report, you will pay a fortune. There is a card, named ARCHAEOLOGIA, which costs 23 € and offers free admission to 9 museums and archaeological sites for seven days. Choose between Colloseum, Palatino, Forum Romano, Caracalla Baths, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Palazzo Altemps, Terme di Diocleziano, Balbi Crypt, Cecilia Metella's Tomb και Villa of the Quintili.
3. Vatican: Prefer to go early just to avoid the huge lines at the entrance. You may need to reach the square San Pietro much earlier than the gates of St. Peter's Cathedral and Vatican museum are opened. As for the treasury, costs 6 € and there is not something special. Prefer to give your money to the Vatican museum.
4. Terraces with view: The entrance to the terrace of St. Peter’s Cathedral by stairs costs 5 € and the climb is very tedious. Choose the unique view from Vitoriano’s terrece in the Piazza Venezia. It costs 7 € by lift and offers the best view of the city, due to the fact that it is positioned right in the heart of Rome.
5. Money: Before your travel, make sure you have enough money with you because Rome is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, if not the most expensive, and money is spent in a jiffy.
6. Souvenirs: DO NOT buy from stalls and shops MAINLY around the Vatican area because it is too expensive. Prefer shops (mainly Chinese - the products are exactly the same as all other shops) on the street Via del Lavatore, right next to the Trevi Fountain. For example if you buy a small plaster Coliseum for 6 €, in Via del Lavatore you will get it just for 0.50 €!!!
7. Flight: Many low cost companies, like Ryan air and Easy jet, frequently flying directly to Rome with tickets starting at a price of 22 Euros (with hand luggage only).  Links: http://www.ryanair.com/en, http://www.easyjet.com/EN  
8. Accomodation: Good deals can be found both in Booking and Venere. Links: http://www.booking.com/,  http://www.venere.com/
9. Secure: The area near the Main Train station (Termini) considered as dangerous at night. However, do not be terrified, just be careful. Generally at Rome stealing much. 
10. Cruise: Tickets start from 15 €. Make a reservation before your arrival. Link: http://www.battellidiroma.it/
11. Sightseeing: There are free daily tours of the city centre. The tour guides are all professionals and offer a comprehensive view of the city. If you are completely satisfied, you can provide (optional) the amount you think fits, if not, there's no problem. LINK: http://www.romefreewalkingtour.com/ 

…by Odysseas Karamitros!