Rome is the capital city of Italy. It is also the capital of the Lazio region. The city is a wonderful place to visit, but it can be difficult to find a hotel that will meet all your needs. To help, here are some tips to make your stay in Rome even better.
Roman Forum
The Roman Forum was a major meeting place in the city. It was a public gathering spot and a political center for the Western Roman Empire. While the forum was used in the Roman empire for a long time, the site has been under excavation since the eighteenth century.
The Forum was a popular location for religious ceremonies. Many of the earliest structures in the forum were built during the early Republican period. Other structures were constructed later in the republic and into the medieval period.
As the Roman Empire evolved, different emperors added new buildings to the forum. During the Flavian dynasty, the Arch of Titus was built. This arch was a triumphal arch that celebrated the victories of Septimius Severus.
In the second century CE, the emperor Diocletian rebuilt the forum. He also erected a triple-bay triumphal arch in the forum square. Later, the Severan family came to power. Several structures were constructed during this time, including the Temple of Vesta and the Basilica of Maxentius.
St Peter’s Basilica
Saint Peter’s Basilica is one of the major basilicas of Rome. Located in the Vatican City, it is the home of the Catholic Church. It is a massive structure that can accommodate up to 60,000 people. You can tour it on a guided tour or on your own.
The interior is also home to several tombs of important people. These include a number of popes. There is a baldachin over the papal altar, which was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. In addition, there are several statues of the Popes.
Another feature of the basilica is the dome. This massive structure is 120 meters tall. It took 22 months to build.
One of the most famous sculptures in the church is the Pieta, by Michelangelo. However, it has many cracks. Because of this, restoration programs were required.
St Peter’s Basilica is a historical pilgrimage site. Visitors should dress modestly. They should also avoid climbing the dome. Instead, they should take a tour of the basilica with a knowledgeable live guide.
Cinecitta studios
The Cinecitta studios are located in Rome. The state-owned facility has been a popular destination for film productions. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore its historic buildings and outdoor sets. Currently, the studios are undergoing renovations that include two sets for virtual reality and LED panels.
In the 1950s, American production companies began turning to the studios for location shooting in Rome. They were known for their elaborate set designs. Many epic productions were shot here. This included the classics Ben Hur and Cleopatra.
Recently, Cinecitta has opened an amusement park. The Cinecitta Film Museum is also open to visitors. It has many exhibitions, including a display of stage dresses from famous films.
One of the most impressive parts of the museum is the Shooting in Cinecitta (1937-1990) exhibition. Visitors can learn about the studio’s history and see behind-the-scenes photos of movie productions.
There are 19 indoor sound stages at the Cinecitta studios. These include the Teatro 5 named after Maestro Fellini. The facility features a backlot with more than 100,000 square meters of space.
Off-the-beaten-track neighbourhoods
There are so many hidden gems to explore in Rome. Many tourists don’t have the time or the resources to visit all the major sites in the city. They limit their trips to just one or two sites. If you want to experience the real Rome, you need to venture off the beaten track. These off-the-beaten-track neighborhoods in Rome offer travelers a chance to relax and enjoy the sights of the eternal city without the hassle of crowds.
Gianicolo is a serene neighborhood in the southeast of Rome. The city’s power station is now an art museum. It is home to a large collection of Greek statues. This area is also a popular spot for picnics.
Via Margutta is a colorful street filled with high-end shops, art galleries, and restaurants. Many celebrities and wealthy Romans live in this district.
Coppede is a residential area in Rome that has a few special buildings. It’s also the site of a community market. Locals come here for fresh fruit and vegetables.