Rome

E.U.R. – Esposizione Universale Roma

Universal Expo of Rome - An oasis in the city

EUR is one of the most beautiful and modern residential areas of Rome. It was commissioned by Benito Mussolini during the fascist era and was originally known as ‘Quartiere Europa’ (Europe’s Quarters, or E42), but is better known as E.U.R. – Esposizione Universale di Roma (Universal Expo of Rome). Its modern and rationalist architecture makes it one of the most outstanding living areas of Rome, some even call it the Vancouver of Rome! This 32nd area of the city, is the only self-administered neighborhood in the city of Rome (E.U.R. SpA).

The Tiber: Rome's Blond River

The Tiber ( Il Tevere ) Many think that the Tiber is yellow because it became an open sewer over the centuries. Well, believe it or not, the Tiber may be a natural blond, and its a lot less polluted than many other European rivers. As a matter of fact, the Tiber is the main ecological gateway for various animal and plants species throughout the Lazio region. Over 1300 plant species - a good 45% of the region's biodiversity - belongs to the Tiber. The river is a lot better off than his European brother, the Rhine, in which not even the bravest fish would dare to live. Meanwhile the Tiber abounds with carp, eels and even mullet, which, coming from the sea swim upriver feeding on the river's leftovers.

Rome's Termini Station

Italy’s Largest Train Station

Rome's Termini train station is Europe's second largest station, only Paris' Gare du Nord, sees more travelers. The name derives from the nearby ruins of the Baths of Diocletian, hence the name ‘Termini’ from 'Terme' for baths.

Teatro Dell' Opera

Rome’s Opera House

The official opera house of Rome was originally known as Teatro Costanzi, from its founder Domenico Costanz., In 1928, the theatre was bought by the Rome’s City Hall and became know as Teatro Reale dell’ Opera (Royal Opera House). Today it is known simply as the Teatro dell’Opera. Of course not only operas are featured, but also ballets and other major cultural events are held at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma.

Santa Maria sopra Minerva

The Only Gothic Church in Rome

Basilica Sanctae Miriae supra Minervam is a minor basilica located in the ‘Pigna’ district – Piazza della Minerva, near the Pantheon – and is considered the only Gothic style church in Rome. It holds the remains of St. Catherine of Siena, proclaimed a 'Doctor of the Church' in 1970. Also the painter Beato Agelico, proclaimed the universal painters patron (1984), Cardinal Pietro Bembo (writer and humanist) and Medici Popes: Leo X and Clement VII rests in the church.

Sampietrini: Rome's Pavement

Have you noticed that peculiar pavement of dark cube-shaped stones that the roads of Rome are paved with? These stones are called ‘sampietrini’ and the treacherous space between one another make them a high-heeled lady's worst nightmare. As for the drivers: hit the brakes on a wet sanpietrini pavement, and you'll wish you had ice-skates instead of wheels. Most of Rome’s historical center and main streets, are paved with Sampietrini since, having space between one another, allows the soil to breath. It also adheres itself, perfectly to the ground’s shape and, being of solid volcanic rock, can withstand heavy loads of traffic.

The Jewish Ghetto of Rome

A Guide to the Sights of Rome's Ghetto

The Synagogue: This massive building was erected between 1901 and 1904 and designed by V. Costa and O. Armanni. The synagogue stands in the area in which the old ghetto used to be before being demolished by King Vittorio Emanuele II after Italy became united (1870). The king rebuilt the ghetto and gave full Italian citizenship and civil rights, to Rome's Jewish community. Since old examples of other similar structures were not available, an Assyrian-Babylonian style was chosen for the new synagogue. One requirement was that the Temple had to be seen from all the highest points of Rome. Today a Jewish museum is also located in the Synagogue.

Ghosts: Another Mystery of Rome

Rome is a very mysterious city, as we all know. In a period of 27 centuries, of solid, uninterrupted, urban city life, ghosts became part of the city's history. Some are more famous than others, but wonder abounds in these noble palaces, monuments and forums, tied to the events of their past, still looking for eternal rest. The most famous ghosts of Rome certainly belongs to Beatrice Cenci. A beautiful, young, girl who lived toward the end of the 16th century, belonging to one of the oldest noble roman families. Accused, along with all her family, of murdering her vicious father, she was beheaded in 1599, in the square of Castel Sant’ Angelo.

Resale Boutiques

Dressing Up Old as New

One of the fun things about shopping in Rome is the variety of great resale boutiques. If you enjoy snooping around second-hand stores, you are in for a treat because there is a wide range and something for every budget.

Best Restaurants in Rome

The Best Food as Picked By Romans

Be sure to view this article on Top Rome Restaurants which has been updated for 2008

MANDATECI LE VOSTRE RACOMANDAZIONI - GRAZIE

TOP 10 - THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN ROME

Visiting Vatican City - Sights and Protocol

Important Information for Visiting the Vatican

Vatican City is the home of the Holy See, the body politic of the Roman Catholic Church and the jurisdiction of the Pope. Although the terms "Vatican City" and "Holy See" are often used interchangeably, the Holy See actually extends much further than the walls of the Vatican. The Holy See is the governing authority of Roman Catholic institutions everywhere, and the Vatican City is its home base. The closest analogy is to consider the Vatican City the seat of a federal government, and the Holy See as the country it oversees.

Rome and Stories of the Festivities

Rome - story of Festivities in Rome - Events in Rome

Roman times festivities:

Curiosities of Rome

Vittoriano at Piazza Venezia

After being closed for years and years, the "Vittoriano" at Piazza Venezia was recently reopened to the public. This monument, otherwise known as the "Altare della Patria " (altar of the nation) was nicknamed by the French, because of its appearance, "La grande tarte" (the big cake).

Rome's Romantic Fountains

Five Roman Fountains You Can't Miss

Images of Rome Fountains

Rome Transportation

Basic Mass Transportation

In a city of the size and stature of Rome, one would expect a good public transportation system. Europe's other major capitals have set a high standard, offering a variety of extensive and efficient options. After all, petrol prices are far higher in Europe than in the U.S., so Europeans have had to be more innovative with transportation options. Consider London or Barcelona, where the underground map is based on a design that once won a prize at the World's Fair, or the metro in Copenhagen, with its space-age, futuristic look and modern engineering (designed, by the way, by an Italian). Frankly, it's a continent that excels at moving people from one place to another. So what happened to Rome?

The Abandoned Cats of Rome

Cats Roaming the Streets

When you first arrive at the Torre Argentina cat sanctuary, you are subconsciously reminded of the children's game where the object is to find items hidden in a drawing. As you glance around the ruins of the four temples you spot a black and white feline curled up amid the broken columns, another lazes along the top of the wall, blending in with his coat of gray and white, and a solid black one brushes past your legs. You begin to keenly focus and peer closer to see if that could be a kitten hidden in the shadows. More often than not you are right. Inside the sanctuary the mood is light, the energy is high and a shared love of felines is unmistakable.

Romantic Places in Rome

The 5 Most Romantic Places in Rome

If you're traveling to Rome with your partner, there are 5 incredibly romantic places you will not want to miss, especially if you visit the Eternal City during the summer. Visiting these places with your loved one can provide a lifetime experience, a Thousand and one Night story to be told to you friends and make them envious for decades!

Perfumes Scents

Making Scents of it All

After an afternoon of serious shopping or sightseeing, it would be easy to slide onto one of the modern bar stools at the sleek counter of L'Olfattorio on Via di Ripetta and expect to order an aperitif. However, this is no ordinary saloon, but more of a salon. Instead of "What will you have?" the question is "What scent are you wearing?" The idea here is not to dull your senses, but to heighten them.

Thanksgiving in Rome, Italy

The Bird's the Thing

Practically every continent has some version of Thanksgiving, from Africa's Kwanzaa, India's Pongal to China's August Moon Festival. Each of these cultures celebrates the end of the harvest with a shared feast of the bounty. Celebrating a traditional holiday outside your native country can be challenging though. To those who know of the North American-style Thanksgiving found in the United States and Canada, one thing that immediately leaps to mind is food - lots of it.

Souvenir Shopping in Rome

Taking Rome Home

Have you ever wondered who buys those glittery miniature coliseums, spoons with the pope's likeness and bronze-like gladiator figurines? And more importantly, why? Whether you call them knick-knacks, keepsakes or kitsch, Rome is chock-full of souvenirs. An informal survey of vendors and tourists provided a glimpse into which products sell best, and what buyers have to say about their choices.