Areas and Neighbourhoods of Rome
January 18th, 2009 by Sara Dudleymore, under Travel and Leisure. No Comments
Your trip to Italy should be a memorable one and therefore must be programmed carefully. Before booking your flight and accommodation, read and find out more about the areas, famous places or most popular neighbourhoods in Rome.
1)TRASTEVERE: this area has the athmosphere of the middle ages and its built in a dedalus of narrow, curling, irregular streets. At the time when most of this area was built there was little need and space for carriages, it was just a place for poor people to sleep. Trastevere remained like this, a maze of narrow streets, since then.
You will find that Trastevere area is all year round the place where roman nightlife is cool, and it is famous for restaurants, clubs, small theaters and artisans in a picturesque maze of narrow alleyways.
During the evenings, cafe and restaurants tables spill out over to the pavement, one area in particular is around Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. During the morning hours, this friendly neighborhood of antique charm and unique narrow alleyways of Trastevere is better appreciated.
2)THE SPANISH STEPS: in Italian means “Scalinata”. They can be easily found and recognized by a rectangle like shape and an early Baroque water fountain called “La Fontana della Barcaccia” (“Fountain of the Old Boat”), built in 1627-29 at the foot of the stairs.
This is a charming and very rich area, home of the most famous fashion brands (both italians and international). It’s also a meeting point and a top tourist attraction. From aside the square you can go for a romantic or scenic ride in a carriage pulled by a horse around Rome.
3)THE PANTHEON: built by the romans in 27 B.C, once the “Temple of all the gods” (by definition) it was turned into a church in 609. This perfect square rests on a cylinder and it measures 142 ft per 142ft high.
It is the best preserved of all Roman buildings, and perhaps the best preserved building of its age in the world today. When you travel to Rome, The Pantheon is a site you must visit.
There is nothing more relaxing then having your Italian cappuccino, pasta or pizza in one of its many neighbouring restaurants while facing this magnificent wonder of the world. Some of the best souvenir shops and “Gelato” in Rome can be found anywhere in this area.
4)THE COLOSSEUM: for a long time it has been known as the “Flavian Amphitheater”, it has 55k spectators seats. Gladiators and wild animals fights were hosted here, under the emperor eye to entartain the romans.
It was ordered to be built by the Emperor Vespasian between 70 and 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD by his son Domitian. Even after its glorious days, today it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Rome.
Sometimes, special events are held inside. Today’s stadiums and structures have been inspired by the concepts introduced in the Colosseum’s building structure.
5)THE VATICAN, St. PETER’S CHURCH: since 1377 it became the residence of the Pope. “The Vatican City” is home of the independent state of the Vatican since 1929. A mass from the Pope is held almost each Sunday to the public.
In this occasion the big square in front of st Peter fills with people coming to listen to the inspiring and powering words of the Pope.
It also houses the best antiquity, artifacts, famous paintings and archeological finds in the world. People travel to Rome just to witness this place, it’s really worth it. Even though attracts many tourists, it’s still a calm, settled residential area to come and visit and very central.
6)TREVI FOUNTAIN: is one of the most beautiful and well known tourist attraction in Rome.It’s in the really city center, and it’s the largest standing and most impressive Baroque fountain of Rome, it measures 25.9 meters (85 feet) high and 19.8 meters (65 feet) wide.
Trevi Fountain is so called because of its position which is at the intersection of 3 roads (in italian ‘tre vie’). On the back of fountain there is a building called Palazzo dei Duchi di Polis, it represents a replica of the triumphal arch. As the legend goes if visitor throws a coin into the fountain, he/she will be back in Rome!
7)CAMPO DEI FIORI: fresh goods and vegetable products are sold by standowners are in its famous daily outdoor market during the early morning. This is a charming location and traditional gathering point for both tourists and locals to eat, walk around, and people watching.
Many small boutiques are spread all over Campo dei Fiori and some souvenir shops are very nice. During the whole year you will notice people sit outside, hanging around the square and lots of outdoor Trattorias and espresso bars.
At night is when the area turns into lively and chic, with a very animated atmosphere.In recent years has become more and more a popular tourist attraction.
8)PIAZZA NAVONA: one of the biggest and beautiful squares in Rome. It has an oval structure has it once was the “Stadium of Domitian” and used to be flooded with water for naval battle ships, up to 30k spectator’s seat were available.
Today, you will be astonished by the three magnificent fountains in marble designed by Bernini. An Egyptian Obelisk lies in the middle of the square. The streets surrounding Piazza Navona are full of small shops and fine restaurants.
Epiphany (la “Befana”) is hosted here and from the 8th December until 6th of January Navona square is the host of this event.
