Best of Rome from the independent spirited
Becca_C
Student lover of art, culture and gastronomic experiences
Mar 13, 2008
based on 2 votes
I love to explore and create my own itineraries; it requires more planning and research, but it's all worth it to discover a city's magic on your own.
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Explore locations featured in this Traveler List:
Rome, Vatican City
- Category: Best of
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Traveler type: Culture, Sightseeing, Shopping, Never been before, Repeat visitors
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Appeals to: Couples/romantics, Honeymooners, Singles, Families with small children, Families with teenagers, Large groups, Students, Budget travelers, Tourists
- Seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Tags: rome, church, artwork, fresco, ancient, market, shopping, piazza
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1. Borghese Gallery (Galleria Borghese)
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| Priceless artwork, Bernini scuptures, frescoes, mosaics from the 5th cen BC and more. Much less well-known than the Vatican Museums, but I think this is the more important to visit. Check the tripadvisor link for my review on the details to enjoy your visit more. |
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| Take a tour of the Sistine Chapel so you will fully appreciate all the panels on Michelangelo's ceiling, as well as the walls. Established tour groups will allow you to skip the horrendous lines that form early in the mornings; otherwise, go in the afternoon, around 2pm. |
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| Put the scale in context of its impressive history by joining an impromptu tour offered by guides employed at the Colosseum; they will be wearing name tags and be aware of your surroundings so you're not ripped off. Also, it's a bit cheesy that there are costumed 'gladiators' who will take a picture with you for a fee; just don't do it unless you have small children that are excited. |
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| This is the 'Beverly Hills' of ancient Rome. It's mostly crumbling ruins, but you can get a sense for how extensive the building complexes in ancient Rome were. All of ancient Roman wealthy society had mansions here. Fill your water bottle up at the entrance. |
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| Beautiful gem of a neighborhood, just across the Tiber river to the west; just wander around and get a feel for modern Roman society. |
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| This massive Sunday market is a MUST-DO. Located in Trastevere, not far from Circus Maximus on the other side of the Tiber. |
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| Picturesque cafes and bustling bars with a beautiful fountain all set the dramatic scene for the Pantheon, the best well-preserved ancient Roman temple. The walls are 20 meters thick to support the enormous weight of the curved ceiling. |
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| Several are located throughout Europe and the US. Ecletic atmosphere, upscale dining, lighting fit for clubs, and all the while, you are relaxing comfortably on beds with other guests. It's a fun time if you've never been, but seems to cater to tourists. |
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| Beautiful piazza with fountains, musicians, artists, cafes and some interesting shops (one which Cuban cigars are available...) |
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10. Via del Governo Vecchio
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| Fabulous little cobblestone side street off Piazza Navona with drool-worthy boutique shopping for the ladies. Unique pieces only. |
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11. Church of Sant'Ignazio Di Loyola
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| This was the most breathtaking church I encountered in Rome and trust me, there are many! Look up at Andrea Pozzo's beautiful trompe l'œil ceiling, the several types of inlaid marble that adorn the columns, floor and alterpiece. |
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