Rome and the Vatican City
With a history dating back over two and half thousand years and one of the founding cities of Western Civilisation, Rome has greatness to offer any traveller. Being the centre of the Roman Empire, Rome has a significant place in Christianity with the site of the Vatican City. It ruled Europe, North Africa and the Middle East for four hundred years from 1st Century BC till the 4th Century AD. It's historic centre in now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There are so many sights to see in Rome that it would be impossible to see everything in one day. But it is worth the visit. See one the most beautiful ruins the city has, the Colosseum. There are thousands of tourists each year that come to visit this historical place where gladiators used to fight, the beautiful structure is looked after and cleaned regularly in order to keep the ruins from eroding and being destroyed further. Slightly North West of the Colosseum is the Roman Forum. This is central region in which the ancient Roman Civilization developed.
Here you will find the oldest and most important structures of the ancient city which were considered the centre of the Republic and Empire. You are able to walk through the ruins and get a feel for what the city may have once been like. There are many ruins here ranging from temples such as The Temple of Venus and Roma and The Temple of Caesar as well as many others, you can also see The Arch of Titus, Regia which was originally the residence of the Kings of Rome, Tullianum, the prison used to hold various foreign leaders or even the Column of Phocas which was the last monument built within the The Forum as well as so many other ruins to see and explore.
Visit the Trevi Fountain, located at a junction of three roads and in history it is said that in 19 BC with the help of a virgin the Roman technicians had located a source of pure water 13km (8 miles) away from the city. However the eventual route was 22km (14 miles). This served Rome for more than four hundred years so is a great tourist attraction today with over €3,000 are thrown into the fountain daily. Also a must visit are the Spanish Steps which have crowds gathering all times of the year and is located between the Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinita dei Monti. The sights are endless in Rome, Roman Aqueducts, Baths of Catacombs, Appain Way and the Patheon are among some of the others.
Consisting of a wall enclave within the city of Rome, the Vatican City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's no surprise with St. Peter's Square and St Peter's Basilica which has the largest interior of any Christian church in the world. It holds 60,000 people and is one of the holiest Christian sites in the world. Here you can also visit the Vatican Museums which display works from the Roman Catholic Collection throughout the centuries.
It's great to spend a few days in Rome and enjoy the rich history this city has to offer. An ideal way to explore is to stay slightly out of the city and drive in to where you want to go. MyCarHire offer cheap quality car hire in Rome.
Discovering The Vatican City
Vatican City.
Things to do in Vatican City:
1. Vatican Museum: The Vatican Museum is the world's largest museum which contains an astonishing 1,400 rooms. It includes art galleries with over 3,000 years of art, the museum, and the Sistine Chapel. The museum contains art works from the famous artist Raphael. Art from the Renaissance period is located in the Pinacoteca Vaticana. The Hall of Maps, is an incredible hall filled with old maps from papal landscapes.
2. Sistine Chapel: This prestigious work of art, the Sistine Chapel was built in 1481. The chapel is the venue for cardinals electing new popes and it is also used as a private chapel for the pope. Michelangelo is famous for painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel which depicts many stories from the bible including the story of Noah. Famous artists from that era created the art which we know of today, which made the Sistine Chapel so revered.
3. St. Peter's Basilica: One of the world's largest churches, the entrance inside of St. Peter's Basilica is free of charge but visitors have to be dressed appropriately. Visitors have to be fully clothed, showing no bare shoulders or knees. Inside of St. Peter's Basilica is Peter's tomb, Michelangelo's Pieta and tombs of other popes.
4. Castel St. Angelo: Emperor Hadrian had his tomb built in the second century. During the Middle Ages, Castel St. Angelo was used as a special fortress until the 14th century, when it was used as a papal residence. Castel St. Angelo was built over the walls of Rome and it includes a passageway to enter the Vatican. The passageway is underground. Visitation is during the summer where summer programs are held.
Tourist and Transportation Information for Vatican City: All the information you need is inside of St. Peter's Square on the left hand side. A shop is located there also that sells souvenirs, guides, maps, and jewelry. Hours of operation are from Monday through Saturday 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Facts about Vatican City: 1. Known as the Holy See. 2. A tiny, independent, sovereign state. 3. Vatican City only has a population of 1,000 people. 4. Vatican City gained their independence from Italy on February 11th, 1929.
Accommodation near Vatican City: Many travelers choose to stay for an extended period of time. Hostels and hotels are the main means of accommodation but it is not always the best idea. It is always best to rent an apartment while visiting. Saves a lot of time and money.
Gaizka Pujana recomends you to stay in one of our Rome apartments. He says that you get to see the city from a different point of view when staying in an Apartment in Rome. Rome Airport.