My Italian Link - Issue #09 My Italian Link Issue #09 | Page 22

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T R AV E L G U I D E
Skyline of Rome, Italy.
ROME
The everlasting traces of Caput Mundi. The
grand seat of the Catholic church. A bastion of
arts and culture. Vibrant streets abuzz with
people. The Eternal City is an intoxicating mix,
and you’re about to fall fervently in love.
Pantheon
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LANDMARKS & RUINS IN THE ETERNAL CITY
Head straight to the centro storico (historic centre), all of which is a
UNESCO World Heritage Site, for the main attractions. The most famous
of all is, of course, the Colosseo (Colosseum).The Roman Empire’s lar-
gest amphitheatre was used as a battleground arena for gladiators and
wild animals for crowds of over 50,000 people! Ten minutes away is the
Foro Romano (Roman Forum), an enchanting stretch of ancient ruins
from the 7 th century BC. It was once the social and political centre of
Ancient Roman life. Looking down upon the Roman Forum is Palatino
(the Palatine Hill), the most central of the Seven Hills of Rome, which
offers a stunning panorama of the city. Lastly, to complete your tour of
Rome’s ruins, visit to Pantheon. This beautifully preserved temple was
dedicated to all Roman gods, and features one of the largest unsup-
ported concrete domes.
To the east, you’ll find another landmark: the Fontana di Trevi (Trevi
Fountain) in the piazza of the same name. It features spellbinding Ba-
roque statues of gods and mythological symbols by Nicola Salvi. It’s
where the famous fountain scene with Anita Ekberg took place in La
Dolce Vita (1960). Further north you’ll find the famous Scalinata di Tri-
nità dei Monti (Spanish Steps). Bernini’s famous Barcaccia statue
(knowns as the ‘Ugly Boat’) is at the base. The steps and squares are a
popular meeting place for locals and tourists, so are always bustling.
DID YOU KNOW?
Legend has it that when you toss a coin into
the Fontana di Trevi with your right hand,
you will one day return to Rome. Thousands
of euros are thrown into the fountain every day!
~
The Fontana di Trevi
ROME OFF THE
BEATEN TRACK
A secret peephole on the Aventine Hill
Gaze through the keyhole of a seemingly
nondescript door at this property, once belonging
to the Knights Templar. The Aventine Keyhole
perfectly frames a view of the gardens,
two nation-states, and the dome of St. Peter’s.
Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta 3, 00153 Rome
Dine as the Romans did
At Hostaria Antica Roma, on the via Appia Antica
(which is thousands of years old), enjoy Apicius dishes
in their original setting. Try the Ancient Roman lasagna!
www.hostariaanticaroma.it
Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti
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