Rome FAQ

[wwinfl91]

I've set up a Yahoo group site for our trip to Rome and TA cruise on the Golden in Nov 2006. I have added a section on Rome since we plan on being there for 6 days prior to the cruise. If anyone wants to check it out here is the link.

 

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/goldenprincesstransatlanticnov2006/

 

You will have to have or get a yahoo ID to join the group. It is a moderated group so all memberships and messages have to be approved before they are posted to the members.

 

Have a great next cruise.

[fmax]

Link to a calendar of 2006 Events in Rome

 

http://www.romaturismo.it/v2/en/main.asp

 

 

Frances

[fmax]

Pre-cruise movies to watch, set in or around Rome

 

 

Only You - Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr

Roman Holiday - Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn

Three coins in a fountain

La Dolce vita

Il Postino

[fmax]

Here's a website providing list of events in Rome in 2007

http://www.romaturismo.it/eventi/langIndep/nlpopup.asp?l=en

 

And Conde Naste's list of things to see and do

http://www.concierge.com/destination/rome/seeanddo

 

 

Frances

[Smiles3usa]

For those doing pre and/or post cruise in Rome for 3+ days, the Roma pass might be useful. For 20 Euros, it includes transportation for 3 days and 2 free museum/collisuem entrances plus reduced entry fees for other museums visited. Website: http://www.romapass.it/index_en.html (Look at the pdf pages for additional information)

[cruzin'd]

Does anyone know a reasonable, trustworthy taxi to take us from the port to Rome? We want to tour the city on our own and then be taken back to the ship at the end of the day. Thank you.

 

Cruzin'd

[tofubeast]

Just posting a few links:

 

Hotel:

Daphne Inn -- we cannot recommend this inn enough to people. We stayed there post cruise after reading tons of great reviews on tripadvisor. It is in a great location and the staff were so helpful with tips about our stay. Here is the link:

http://www.daphne-rome.com/

 

Gelato:

The staff at the Inn recommended San Crispino to us. It is located near the Trevi fountain. Hands down, most amazing gelato there is in well...perhaps the world. If you do not go there, well you probably shouldn't bother going to Rome!

http://www.ilgelatodisancrispino.com/indexita.htm

 

 

Pizza:

Forno. It is located near the Daphne Inn. Locals go there. Very casual environment. The pizza was incredible.

[squirrelecruiser]

I am travelling with 7, age ranges from 64 to 6. Looking for a B&B or hotel for one night pre-cruise. Any information would be helpful. We have never been to Rome. Thanks in advance. Shirley:D

[fmax]

Some online travel magazine sites that might be worth reviewing for info on Rome

 

http://www.budgettravelonline.com/

http://www.timeout.com/

http://www.travelmag.co.uk/

http://www.travelandleisure.com/

http://www.journeywoman.com/

http://www.travelterrific.com/

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/

http://www.frommers.com/

 

 

Frances

[Love Cruis'n]

Just a wealth of great information.

Thanks so very much.:) :)

[fmax]

Again, bringing it up to date for 2007 cruisers.

 

here's a travel book series for various cities - haven't heard of them before - maybe some one can post if they're any good - Rome is one of them.

 

http://www.phaidon.com/travel/

 

 

Frances

[fmax]

An updated webpage on Rome

http://www.enjoyrome.com

 

 

Frances

[cruisemom42]

Best information on underground Rome sites:

 

http://www.romasotterranea.com/

 

 

They can also arrange private tours of some sites not usually open to the public.

[YoPhilly]

Here's a link for the Rome Hop on/Hop Off bus.

http://www.viator.com/tours/Europe/Rome-Open-Top-Double-Decker-Bus-Hop-On-Hop-Off-Tour/d6-3523ROMOPEN

[fmax]

Some recent reader's feedback from Rick Steve's site

 

http://www.ricksteves.com/books/feedback/answers.cfm/rurl/topicid/5/pid/60

 

 

And some news for 2008 from Rick's site

 

"Rome: With a revolution brewing among the throngs of tourists stung by the Vatican Museum's stingy hours, the museum has agreed to stay open longer in 2008: Monday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last ticket sold at 4:00 p.m.); as usual, it'll be closed on Sunday except for the last Sunday of the month, when it's free and open 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (last entry at 12:30 p.m.). While some Catholics would love a private audience with the pope, those passed away with John Paul II — Pope Benedict XVI doesn't do them.

It's a good time to be a fan of ancient Rome. On Palatine Hill, the Augustus Rooms, four newly restored rooms in a house from the era of Emperor Augustus open in March of 2008 (entry included in the Colosseum/Palatine Hill ticket). Nearby, a small part of Nero's Golden House has reopened, but it's in a sad state of ruin — more historically significant than interesting. The Roman Forum is no longer free; as of mid-March, you'll need a combo-ticket (including the Colosseum and Palatine Hill) to enter.

Travelers are rediscovering the Ara Pacis — the first-century "Altar of Peace" built by Emperor Augustus to kick off the Pax Romana. It's wonderfully displayed in a state-of-the-art exhibit housed in a starkly modern building — the first new construction in Rome's old center since 1938.

 

 

You may notice lots of big holes in the city as the new Metro line C is built (from the Colosseum to the large square, Largo Argentina). Appropriately for the Eternal City, it won't be complete until 2020."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Frances

[Moondawgie]

This was posted by someone a while ago, sorry I don't remember who (sorry:o ), but I copied it to a document. Max you can add "Rome Adventure" to your list also.

 

From train station, take a taxi to Palatine/Colosseum area. Ask taxi to take you to: Via dei fori Imperiali – entrance to Palatine. Walk to Palatine and obtain ticket that will include Colosseum entrance. Entrance cost: 10E

 

1. Palatine Hill –- Pre-dates Rome from 10th century B.C. The Palatine became the fashionable residential district with elites such as Cicero, Augustus, and Marc Antony building their homes upon its slopes. The views over the city and the cleaner air made it a preferred address for the ruling class. Republican Rome failed and power became unified under the Emperor. Palatine Hill remained the desirable place of residence, with several Emperors building their palaces on its rise. At one point the entire hill was covered in imperial palaces. Finally, the majority of the hill came under singular ownership of Cardinal Alessandro Farnese.

One begins an ascent up the Clivus Palatinus, which still maintains some original paving. Ascending on this path brings the visitor to the entrance of Palatine Hill. After purchasing a ticket you begin climbing the marble stairs of the Villa Farnese. Statues and cool grottos are arranged to catch your glances along the ascent. At the top of the stairway one enters the FarneseGardens which is maintained closely to its original design. Once you wander through the FarneseGardens you find yourself walking through the yards and courts of the Imperial Palaces. The palatial ruins are comprised of four main complexes: the Domus Augustan, Domun Tiberiana, Domus Flavia, and Domus Severiana. Foundations of a great octagonal fountain can be seen in the Domus Flavia area. Also of interest is the stadium that Domitian constructed with his palace in the Domus Augustana area.

You will receive a map at entrance.

 

2. Colosseum – -The Colosseum was opened in AD 80 by Vespasian's son and successor, Titus. Given the scale of the enterprise it was built remarkably quickly. The Colosseum was started in the aftermath of Nero's extravagance and the rebellion by the Jews in Palestine against Roman rule. Nero, after the great fire at Rome in AD 64, had built a huge pleasure palace for himself (the Golden House) right in the center of the city. In 68, faced with military uprisings, he committed suicide, and the empire was engulfed in civil wars. The eventual winner, Vespasian, (emperor 69-79) decided to shore up his shaky regime by building an amphitheatre, or pleasure palace for the people, out of the booty from the Jewish War – built on the site of the lake in the gardens of Nero's palace. The Colosseum was a grand political gesture. Suitably for that great city, it was the largest amphitheatre in the Roman world, seating 40,000 to 50,000. It was the amphitheatre's reputation as a sacred spot where Christian martyrs had met their fate that saved the Colosseum from further depredations by Roman popes and aristocrats - anxious to use its once glistening stone for their palaces and churches. The cathedrals of St Peter and St John Lateran, the Palazzo Venezia and the Tiber's river defenses, for example, all exploited the Colosseum as a convenient quarry. As a result of this plunder, and also because of fires and earthquakes, two thirds of the original have been destroyed, so that the present Colosseum is only a shadow of its former self, a noble ruin.

 

3. Roman Forum - Walk Through -The Roman Forum is located in a valley that is between the Palatine hill and the Capitoline hill. It originally was a marsh, but the Romans drained the area and turned it into a center of political and social activity. The Forum was the marketplace of Romeand also the business district and civic center. It was expanded to include temples, a senate house and law courts. When the Roman Empire[/b] fell, the Forum became forgotten, buried and was used as a cattle pasture during the Middle Ages. Much of the forum has been destroyed. Columns and stone blocks are all that remain of some temples. The arch of Titus and the arch of Septimius Severus still stand and are in good shape. Like many other ancient Roman buildings, stone blocks have been removed from the Forum and used to build nearby churches and palaces.

 

4. Piazza del Campidoglio – Walk through on way toVictor Emanuele Monument - A few years after he arrived in Rome, Pope Paul III (Farnese) decided to reshape the Capitoline Hill into a monumental civic piazza;This splendid square was conceived by Michelangelo, who also designed the two palaces on the opposite sides of the square. It is reached by the grand flight of steps known as the "Cordonata", built to a design by Michelangelo especially for the triumphal entry of the Emperor Charles V in 1536. Michelangelo placed on a new pedestal the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius (161-180), removed in 1981 for some delicate restoration and situated on the ground floor of the Museo Capitolino. Piazza del Campidoglio is one of the most significant contributions ever made in the history of urban planning. The hill's importance as a sacred site in antiquity had been largely forgotten due to its medieval transformation into the seat of the secular government and headquarters for the Roman guilds, and it was in forlorn condition when Michelangelo took charge of reorganizing it as a dynamic new center of Roman political life. The project went forward in slow stages with many interruptions; little was built before his death in 1564. It was begun in 1538 and was not completed until the seventeenth century, but Michelangelo's original design is preserved in engravings from the 1560s.

 

5. Victor Emanuele II Monument – Walk around – If time, go to top for great photos of Colosseum area. Tomb of Unknown Soldier from WW I. Called “the typewriter” or “the wedding cake” – not very well liked by Romans due to the white marble used.

 

6. Trajan’s Market – Walk around - Built by the Emperor Trajan, It represents the ancient equivalent of the modern shopping centre, housing 150 shops and offices. The offices are believed to have been used to administer the corn dole. The semicircular brick building is set into the hill above which are tiers of terraces ascending the slope. At the upper end of the hill, a two-story market hall with a series of groin vaults was lined with shops on either side of a central promenade with a balcony level and clerestory openings above. Trajan’s Column, built 113A.D. – Trajan’s Column: series of 18 colossal Carrara marble drums, each weighing about 40 tons. A spiral staircase of 185 stairs provides access to a viewing platform at the top.

CHECK TIMING. IF after 12:30 P.M., You CAN PROCEED TO VATICAN AND DO # 7, #8, and #9 after the Vatican.

 

7. Trevi Fountain – it is about 7 blocks north. Have map available. The Trevi fountain is at the ending part of the Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct constructed in 19 BC. It brings water all the way from the Salone Springs (approx 20km from Rome) and supplies the fountains in the historic center of Rome with water.The central figure of the fountain, in front of a large niche, is Neptune, god of the sea. He is riding a chariot in the shape of a shell, pulled by two sea horses. Each sea horse is guided by a Triton.One of the horses is calm and obedient, the other one restive. They symbolize the fluctuating moods of the sea. On the left hand side of Neptune is a statue representing Abundance, the statue on the right represents Salubrity. Above the sculptures are bas-reliefs, one of them shows Agrippa, the girl after whom the aqueduct was named. The water at the bottom of the fountain represents the sea. Legend has it you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the water. You should toss the coin over your left shoulder with your back to the fountain.

 

8. Pantheon – Quick view - Walk from Trevi to this site. Need the map! Before the current Pantheon was built, two other buildings occupied the same site. The first one, a traditional rectilinear, T-shaped structure was built in 27 BC by the emperor Marcus Agrippa, son-in-law of the emperor Augustus. The temple was dedicated to the gods Mars and Venus. It burned in AD 80 but was rebuilt by emperor Domitian. In AD 110 the building was struck by lightning and burned again. In AD 118 emperor Hadrian commissioned for the Pantheon to be rebuilt but with a totally different design. The building's dome, more than 43 meters high is most impressive. It was the largest dome in the world until 1436 when the Florence Cathedral was constructed.At the top of the dome is a large opening, the oculus, which was the only source of light. Originally a temple for all pagan gods, the temple was converted into a church in 609. The Pantheon contains the tombs of Rafael and of several Italian Kings. Its interior design contrast with the temple's structural design, but the marble floor still features the original Roman design.

 

9. Piazza Navona – MUST leave here by 1:00. Stop here for lunch at one of the many places to eat. See The Fountain of 4 Rivers. Take taxi to Vatican Museums. The square is built on the former Domitian's stadium, built by emperor Domitian in 86 AD. Hence the long, oval shape of the square. The stadium, which had a larger arena than the Colosseum was mainly used for festivals and sporting events. It was known as 'Circus Agonalis' (competition arena). It is believed that the name changed to 'in agone' to 'navone' and eventually to 'navona'.In the 15th century the stadium was paved over to create the Navona square, but remnants of Domitian's stadium are still visible around the area. The main attraction of the Piazza Navona are the three fountains. The central and largest fountain is the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (fountain of the four rivers). It was constructed between 1647 and 1651 on request of the Pope Innocent X.

The design of the fountain was first commissioned to Borromini, but it was ultimately handed to Bernini. The fountain features four figures, each representing a river from a different continent - the Nile, Ganges, Danube and Rio della Plata. The statues are at the base of a rock supporting an obelisk, originally located at the Massenzio Circus. The two other fountains on the piazza are the Fontana di Nettuno (Neptune fountain) at the northern end and the Fontana del Moro (Moor fountain) at the southern end, both built by Giacomo della Porta, in 1576. The central statue of a Moor holding a dolphin, a design by Bernini, was added in the 17th century. The tritons are 19th century additions. Another highlight on the Navona square is the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone. In 1652, it was commissioned by Pope Innocent X and built on the site where according to legend, St. Agnes was stripped naked, but miraculously saved from disgrace by extraordinary growth of hair. The front façade of the baroque church was designed by Borromini, Bernini's main rival. Construction started just two years after the completion of Bernini's Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, right in front of the building. The church was finished in 1670.

 

 

10. Vatican Museums – Entrance 13E. Open 10:00 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Last entrance allowed 3:30 p.m. Address: at Viale Vatican right by Via Santamaura. Collection of museums, including the Sistine Chapel. Here is a quick way to exit to St. Peter’s:With your back to the Sistine altar, walk all the way through the chapel and just near the end wall on your right you should find a door.youcan exit through that door , go down some steps, and you will end up inside the secured area of St. Peter's. You will not have to go through security again. may not be able to do this if you have checked back-packs.

 

11. St. Peter’s Basilica – Emperor Constantine, the first Christian emperor of Rome, ordered to build a basilica on Vatican Hill. The location was symbolic: this was the place where Saint Peter, the chief apostle, was buried in 64 A.D. A small shrine already existed on the site but it was now replaced by building a new church, which was completed around 349 A.D. In 1506 pope Julius II laid the first stone of a new basilica which was to become the largest in the world. Julius II appointed Donato Bramante as the chief architect of the new Basilica. In 1547 Michelangelo succeeded Bramante. He designed the imposing dome and altered some of the original plans. Michelangelo died in 1624, two years before the completion of the dome. The St. Peter's basilica was dedicated by pope Urban VIII in 1626. Ever since, this church has been the center of Christianity, drawing pilgrims from all over the world. The building itself is truly impressive. The largest church in the world, it has a 218 meter long nave. The basilica's dome, designed by Michelangelo is the largest dome in the world measuring 42m in diameter and reaching 138 meter high (more than 450ft). The interior, which includes 45 altars, is decorated by many famous artists. Some of the most important works in the church are the Pietà by Michelangelo, the papal altar by Bernini, the Throne of St. Peter - also by Bernini - and the Monument to the Stuarts by Canova. Near the entrance of the Basilica you will probably encounter some of the famous Swiss guards. Since 1506 when pope Julius II invited Helvetian soldiers to join the small Vatican army. All entrants to the army must be Swiss, Catholic and they must take the oath of loyalty to the pope. This oath is taken May 26th, to commemorate the sacking of Rome on the same day in 1527 when Swiss guards protected pope Clement VII during his escape to the Castel Sant'Angelo. Of the 189 guards, only 42 survived.

[agabbymama]

Here's a link for the Rome Hop on/Hop Off bus.

http://www.viator.com/tours/Europe/Rome-Open-Top-Double-Decker-Bus-Hop-On-Hop-Off-Tour/d6-3523ROMOPEN

 

This is only 1 of I think 3 Hop on/hop off buses in Rome. This is another one, http://www.roma.city-sightseeing.it/eng/index.htm I was going to use this one because if you save your ticket, they give you 10% off of successive tours (Pisa, Florence, Naples, Sorrento, etc), but Viator won because I could put it on my credit card now and it will be all paid for by the time we go, and the price won't go up.

 

I also found a site from another poster that is very reasonable rates for hotels in Rome.

 

http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/guest.htm

 

These hotels won't be for everyone, but if you are on a budget, they certainly fill the bill. You don't have to be Catholic to stay here, I chose Domus Aurelia close to the Vatican at $113 per night for a twin.

[ncsongbird]

A reminder, if you're stopping for coffee, it always costs more to sit down than to stand at the bar.

 

 

Frances

 

Ahhhh! But sometimes it's worth it just to sit down and give your feet a rest. ;)

[DavidandPaula]

The dock is about a 15 min. walk to the city. From there its 5 min. to the train station. Your cruise line may have a shuttle bus to take you to the entrance of the city.

 

In July people were being stopped from walking from the pier to the entry to the port (the Fort). Civit is a commercial port and there is a lot of internal traffic. The shuttle is free and reasonably frequent at the start of the day. After 6:30 it runs less frequently.

 

The most dangerous part of the walk to the station are the crossings to get to the other side. During the day there will probably not be many breaks in the traffic and you have to pick your possible gap and then while looking directly at the drivers face take the first step. It is almost like there is a rule that says you do not have to give way but you cannot actually run anybody down. Being a pedestrian in Italy is a whole new life experience that everybody should experience just once. Civit was pretty good for scooters on the footpath but in Rome it seems the rules are all out the window when a scooter or small car wants to travel along the footpath to find a break in the parked cars to get back on the road. I must admit that on the day we hired a car at Civit I was glad no pedestrians decided to step out in front of me as I was busy enough getting used to driving on the left again combined with a manual gearbox with the shift on the wrong side for me. Took about 20 minutes to get the hang of driving again and stop being a hold up to the local traffic. Thank goodness for the GPS also.

 

David

[YoPhilly]

To anyone looking for a hotel recommendation, I just returned from a 4-night stay at the Hotel Teatropace in Rome. Very nice place, fantastic location. You can read my full review on TA:

http://rome-hotels.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g187791-d504558-r14222718-Hotel_Teatropace-Rome_Lazio.html

[May]

This is a great thread. Thank you all for the information.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions for the most affordable and efficient transportation from the airport to a hotel in Rome centre. We will be there at the end of April, staying at the Lancelot Hotel. They can provide transportation for 50EU, but we are wondering if there is a more economical way.

[YoPhilly]

This is a great thread. Thank you all for the information.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions for the most affordable and efficient transportation from the airport to a hotel in Rome centre. We will be there at the end of April, staying at the Lancelot Hotel. They can provide transportation for 50EU, but we are wondering if there is a more economical way.

 

I've used romeshuttlelimousine.com several times. They charge 35 euros for a private car - they're the lowest I've found and very reliable - always on time to meet me.

[exarche02]

We are taking NCL's transportation from Civitavecchia to Rome. Does anyone know where they will drop us off? How long is the trip from the port to Rome?