THE MIDDLE EAST & EUROPEAN SERIES PT14
ROME, ITALY
It took my too long to visit Italy for the first-time last year so I was keen to make an effort to get back! It is without doubt one of the gems of Europe and has some of the best food, history and coastlines in the world.
WHERE IS ROME?
The Colosseum & Rome, the last wonder
THE YELLOW
I checked into The Yellow which was for sure a party hostel and one I would recommend anyone looking for some atmosphere. My flight landed around 6am which was perfect timing for me to get out and beat the crowds.
THE COLOSSEUM
I arrived around 30 minutes before it was due to open and there was already a queue, each person having the same idea as myself. The Colosseum was the last of the modern wonders of the world for me to visit and it was epic. Sometimes I can’t help but to cast my mind back to movies and tv shows which help tell the story, Gladiator obviously!
Built around 2,000 years ago, it was used for many events such as gladiatorial contests, mock sea battles and shows, and held around 80,000 spectators. To help put that into some perspective, only the best stadiums around the world can hold over 70,000, 2,000 years later!
The Colosseum & Rome, the last wonder
HISTORIC
The colosseum isn’t just another ruin that I can take a quick photo of and move on, I considered a guide but ended up taking the self-guided audio tour which proved to be very helpful. Unless you are a historian there is plenty to learn as part of this tour and not to mention directing you to all the different areas, it’s a maze otherwise. Photos outside can be just an impressive, especially at night if you are near.
FACTS:
- It took several decades to finish
- It’s made from the same material as the Colosseum
- $3000 is thrown in everyday and donated to charity.
WALKING
One of the best things about Rome is what you find when you ar e just walking around. I came across Largo di Torre Argentina and Temple of Apollo Medicus Sosianus, two ancient temples, one being dedicated to Apollo and the latter containing the remains of Pompey’s Theatre.
The Colosseum & Rome, the last wonder
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TREVI FOUNTAIN
One of the busiest tourist attractions I have ever seen, your time at the Trevi fountain will more than likely be spent jostling for position. It was previously a water supply from the Acqua Virgountil until the found was built over 300 years ago. The process has since changed and the water is now recycled. You will notice it’s immaculate condition, mainly due to its restoration back in 2015.
SPANISH STEPS
Dating from 1723 and made famous by the movie Roman Holiday, the steps climb a steep slope between Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinità dei Monti at the top. They were built to connect the Holy See (Vatican) and Spanish Square to the embassy and Trinità dei Monti above. This is another busy tourist attraction that you will struggle to get a clear photo of but it’s all part and partial of visiting Rome.
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ROMAN FORUM
The Roman Forum is a large area of Roman ruins situated beside the Colosseum. It was the heart of Rome and considered the most celebrated meeting place in the world. It hosted everything from criminal trials, public speeches and gladiatorial duels. Many of the oldest and most important structures in the world are located here and include statues and monuments celebrating some of the Roman’s most powerful leaders.
PANTHEON
As I made my way around the city it was clear where there were so many tourists, there was just so much to see and something to suit everyone. What surprised me about The Pantheon of Rome was the condition it was in. After seeing many structures which were built 2000 years ago, this one had clearly been maintained. It was the 3rd one built here as the previous 2 burned down within 100 years of each other. It was originally built as a Roman temple but was converted into a Catholic Church some years later.
RATINGS….
- PEOPLE – 7.5/10
- BACKPACKING – 8.5/10
- SAFETY – 7.5/10
- WEATHER – 8/10
- THINGS TO DO – 8.5/10
- FOOD – 8/10
- VALUE – 7/10
FINAL THOUGHTS
I had always been turned off by the thought of Rome because of the crowds and when I visited it became all too apparent. However, I can see why so many people want to visit, Rome has unrivalled history in Europe and only the likes of Athens and Istanbul can compete. There is so much more to see here than your average city and I would suggest everyone visit, as there is something for everyone.
NEXT UP
Getting thrown out of the Sistine Chapel. Click to read.
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
110/229
This post is part of The Middle East & European Series, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.
