Our Favourite Neighbourhoods in Roma! - I

Roman Cathedral

When you book your holiday rental in Rome there is so much to see and do. Be ready to enjoy the rich history of the city, and develop an appreciation of the people and their fierce loyalty to the legacy of the Roman way of life. Here I will attempt to give you an overview of this lovely capital of Italy, taking you through the main sections and briefly stating what each offers. Hopefully you can stay in a lovely apartment in the center of Rome to discover it all for yourself!

So Much History!

Your holiday in the capital city will take you to the most breathtaking areas., filled with History and beauty. In the geographical center of Rome you will find reference to the meager village roots of the city. Palatine Hill is where Romulus founded the city in the 8th century B.C. He and his brother Remus were said to have been raised by a she-wolf who found them abandoned in the forest. Later Romulus rose to power after killing his brother. Here you find great museums and palaces including Palazzo Venezio, the Senatorio (the Renaissance seat of the city government), The Temple of Jupiter, Palazzo Nuovo, and much more. The Capitol and the facades of Piazza del Campidoglio were designed by Michelangelo in the 1500's. Below the capitol are the ruins of the Roman Forum, once the center of political, social, legal and commercial life. The Colosseum, Rome's greatest amphitheatre, was built in A.D.72. Deadly gladiator combats and wild animal fights were presented here by emperors and wealthy citizens for entertainment. The Colosseum could hold up to 55,000 people, who were seated by rank. It's hard to believe that in modern day Rome, you can actually stay in an Apartment right where all of this history took place!

Apartment Bernini, Rome

Piazza Navona Area

This area lies to the northwest of the ancient center, along the eastern banks of the River Tevere. The narrow streets are busy with cafes, restaurants, and coffee houses. This is also the city's financial and political district, home to Parliament, government offices and the stock exchange. Around the Piazza Navona are elegant palaces where throughout the Renaissance and Baroque eras princes, popes and cardinals lived. They commissioned the best artists and artisans to build and adorn their lavish palaces, churches, and fountains.

Piazza Navona itself is considered Rome's most beautiful Baroque Piazza. Its long and narrow shape is patterned after an early stadium used for athletic contests and chariot races. There are fountains at each end, but the famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi in the center of the piazza is Bernini’s most magnificent. If you stay at Apartment Bernini, you will see all of this when you come out of the apartment.

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The Pantheon, Rome

The Pantheon is probably the oldest and best preserved building in Rome, dating from the first century. It was built as a temple to all the gods, and now the walls are lined with tombs, the burial place for Italian monarchs. Many ornate and beautiful churches such as Santa Maria sopra Minerva and Sant'Ignazio di Loyola are worth seeing, and a bustling morning market at Campo de Fiori is one of the largest in city. You will see people from all over the world and will probably be entertained by some of the street artists that tend to hang out in these areas. It's always nice to give them a little tip if you enjoyed the performance!

Northeast Rome

Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps is Rome’s most famous square. The narrow streets around Via Condotti are lined with the most exclusive shops and coffee houses in Rome. Those who want to see and be seen frequent this area, long being the haunt of movie stars, artists, writers, and composers. In this area you’re going to want to see Trevi Fountain, the largest and most famous fountain in the city. Villa Medici is lovely, and many gorgeous churches including Santa Maria Maggiore and San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane feature architectural feats as well as art. The fresco detail in Palazzo Barberini is outstanding.

The Spanish Steps, Rome

The Vatican

Vatican City is the world capital of Catholicism and also the world’s smallest state. It lies on the northwest of the river, separated and adjoined by Trastevere. Completely encircled with high walls, it’s where St. Peter was martyred and buried. The Pope lives in a papal palace, and visitors are shown his bedroom window where followers watch for his light to go out upon his nightly retiring. St. Peter’s is the most famous church in all the Christian world, and the Piazza San Pietro is the square where the people amass to wait for the Pope’s blessing. The dome can be climbed on ancient narrow stone steps that circle the interior (not recommended for those who are claustrophobic), and when you get to the top you’re rewarded with a breathtaking balcony view of the entire city of Rome. The Sistine Chapel where you’ll see the frescoed ceiling by Michelangelo is used by cardinals when electing a new pope. The vast Vatican Museums are also a must-see.