Our Favorite Neighbourhoods in Roma! - II
Typical street in Trastevere
There are so many charming and interesting neighborhoods to explore in Rome. We continue our tour in Trastevere which is one of our favorites at RentAvilla!
Trastevere
Trastevere will be one of the many highlights during your vacation. It is an old and picturesque quarter where the people consider themselves the only true Romans. The Botanical Gardens are a restful change for the busy tourist. The earliest Roman churches include Santa Maria and Santa Cecilia. Villa Farnesina is a fabulous house built by the famous banker Chigi. He designed it purely for lavish banquets, where artists, poets, cardinals, princes and the pope himself were entertained in magnificent style. You’ll find many trendy restaurants, clubs and shops in this lively and young-at-heart area.
I'm always delighted to steer travelers to Rome! What a dynamic, elegant, elaborately and richly structured city, stuffed full of history and art. The Roman people are perfect hosts, helpful and friendly. And you'll notice a distinctive confidence and pride not found elsewhere, perhaps stemming from their fierce loyalty to the long and illustrious legacy of the Roman way of life.
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Apartment Santa Maria, Rome
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.
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Piazza Navona, Rome
The Piazza Navona 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.
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 Rome.
The Pantheon, Rome
In the Northeast Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps offer 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.
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.
Trastevere is an old and picturesque quarter where the people consider themselves the only true Romans. The Botanical Gardens are a restful change for the busy tourist. The earliest Roman churches include Santa Maria and Santa Cecilia. Villa Farnesina is a fabulous house built by the famous banker Chigi. He designed it purely for lavish banquets, where artists, poets, cardinals, princes and the pope himself were entertained in magnificent style. You'll find many trendy restaurants, clubs and shops in this lively and young-at-heart area.
Delicious Italian Pizza!
Be sure and plan to spend some time in Rome! With every visit I've wished I could stay longer. There's so much to do and see, but it's also delightful to relax at a sidewalk café or on your private veranda and enjoy the ambiance of the city. RentaVilla has been serving travelers here for over 20 years, and is very familiar with the city. We offer a wide variety of accommodations in whatever section meets your personality and needs.
