Phila Airport Parking Vacations

The centre of an old city like Rome is not only art and history but is made up of sensations, feelings and atmosphere. Walk along the narrow streets and quietly pick-up the ancient spirit and the smells that have made it so fascinating and kept it alive till now.

Old stores, workshops and street stalls still exist in Italy and make an ancient city like Rome as unique as it is. Of course these stores and workshops and little markets are typical in little villages but Rome is certainly well equipped, especially in the centre, in the old part of the city.

Would you like to visit a very typical suburb of Rome? Visit San Lorenzo! The stone work and marble and statues of all shapes and sizes are to be found there. Not to speak of the very characteristic name signs for old time mechanics. Very Roman in their attitude.

Have you not had the opportunity to use your credit cards? Via de’ Coronari, near Piazza Navona and the Pantheon is the place to go to. See antiques, jewels, prints, carpets and anything else you may wish to give free vent to your fancy.

There are two ways of approaching a vacation in Rome. One is that you bring an extra suitcase or buy another one on the spot or simply do window shopping! It is not less gratifying and less enjoyable than the first. You can always pick-up the trend in fashion and the colors that go with the season you are travelling in.

Are you looking for something really special to take back home? There is tiny little shop in Via de’ Coronari that is a collectors’ dream from jewels to old medals, from frames to expensive paintings and whatever may come to your head can be found in Il Collezionista at No 198.

Travelling with children? Get your child’s haircut done in Via Metastasio No 17 where a barber called Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will gladly entertain your children on a rocking horse or miniature car instead of the same old chair. Your children will want to come back!

Piazzetta San Simeone not far from Via de’ Coronari is where Osteria dell’Antiquario is and is ready to welcome you for a typical Roman meal. Don’t want to spend too much? Half way between Campo de’ Fiori and Largo Argentina is a very small historic place of the 50′s that offers stuffed fried zucchini flowers and fried fish.

More on food, between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon is a super pizza shop that exclusively at lunch time makes the most delicious and varied sliced take-away pizza. Everything under the sun is stuffed onto this pizza at a very reasonable price. A little story to go with this: 2 little kids go back to school after summer holidays. One little kid says to the other: “my father has just opened a pizza shop and the peculiarity is that you can ask him to top your pizza with anything at all”. He asks his friend to come along and he will serve him personally. In the evening his little friend is out to catch him on that statement and orders a pizza with whale. He waits patiently for his friend to return with his pizza and grins to see him come back without it. He thinks to himself: “I got you”. His friend’s reply is: “my dad says that he’s not going to cut up a whale just for a simple slice of pizza”.

Let’s make your Italian experience something unique! Before booking your trip make sure to select the perfect location for your staing in Rome. Rome has many areas in the city center, each one with its own unique touch and style. Where should you start from? Here are some guidelines.

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.

The area of Trastevere is a major attraction for its movie theaters, restaurants, cabaret clubs, crafts artisans and picturesque maze of narrow cobbled alleyways.

At night, cafe and restaurants tables spill out over to the pavement, especially around Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere. During the early morning, this friendly neighborhood of antique charm and unique narrow streets shows its unique atmosphere.

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: by definition the “Temple of all the gods”, it was built in 27 B.C and then converted into a church in 609. This perfect square rests on a cylinder measuring 142 feet wide and 142 feet high.

Very well preserved, probably the best preserved building of its age in the world today. It’s an incredible place to visit, The Pantheon worths spending an hour visit for sure.

Enjoy your Italian cappuccino, pasta or pizza in one of its many neighbouring restaurants in the square, facing this magnificent wonder of the world. Some of the best souvenir shops and Icecreams (“Gelato”) in Rome can be found anywhere in this area.

4)THE COLOSSEUM: originally known as the “Flavian Amphitheater”, was capable of seating 55,000 spectators. Deadly gladiatorial combats and wild animals fights were staged here free of charge by the emperor for its citizens.

Emperor Vespasian wanted but it was finished only under his son Domiziano in 80 AD by his son Domitian, it’s the most famous touristic place where to go in Rome, you can’t leave Rome without witnessing it.

The colossuem is occasionally hosting some special events on the inside. Modern Stadiums and structures got inspired by the Colosseum’s building structure and by the concepts it introduced.

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.

The massive large square fills with people listening to the magic and powering words of the pope.

The Vatican also houses some of the best paintings, masterpiece and archeological finds in the world. It’s worth coming to Rome even just to witness at this incredible collection. The area is nonetheless a quiet, residential area to stay and visit.

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: during the day is conquered by lots of standowners that sell their goods and vegetable in the famous daily outdoor market right in the campo de fiori square. The whole area is very charming and good for quick bite to eat, wonder 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, the area tunrs into a very cool place for entartainment, music and social drinking, with an animated atmosphere where people get together and enjoy the evening. It’s by far the most popular tourist attraction in the summer nights together with Trastevere.

8)PIAZZA NAVONA: built over the oval structure of the “Domitian Stadium”, at the time of the ancient romans it used to be flooded with water to stage naval battle ships and it was seating 30,000 spectators.

Nowadays, 3 magnificent marble fountains decorate the square which was actually designed by Bernini and obelisk from Egypt is in the middle of the square. The narrow streets around Navona square are full of cool boutiques and souvenir shops.

From December 8th until January 6th Piazza Navona is the host of the event “Befana” (“Epiphany”) celebration, very popular and characteristic.

Renting apartments for your visit to Rome is an excellent alternative to hotel stays. You might find choosing one of these great units a little difficult, however.

If you’re not certain what apartment you want or what area you’re most interested in staying near, here’s some information to help you choose. It can be a real help to learn about all your options and the areas you can pick from.

Spanish Steps This area is filled with elegance, and is host to many high end restaurants, designer stores, and well known bars and clubs. That doesn’t mean it’s a tourist trap, though – there are plenty of upscale Roman households in this neighborhood.

Piazza Navona While this area can be very touristy by day, it quiets down a little at night. There are still some great restaurants and bars available, and the streets in this neighborhood offer a number of unique boutiques.

Campo de Fiori Known for its fantastic outdoor market, this area is a wonderful people-watching spot. In the summer, you’ll find the piazza has a party-like atmosphere, and is filled to the brim with people enjoying the great weather.

Trastavere Known for its excellent restaurants and bars, this is a peaceful area in morning, and livelier after nightfall. Great for strolls in the daytime, Trastavere offers old fashioned cobbled streets and beautiful scenery.

Colosseum The Monti neighborhood near the Colosseum is one of the oldest in Rome, and offers apartments in a homelike setting. Enjoy a trip to the forum or the old trattorias, or take a walk down the old fashioned cobblestone streets.

Vatican This is a middle class area near the Vatican itself, and while it’s busy during the day, it’s quite peaceful at night. Inexpensive and pleasant, this area is a great choice for apartment rental if you’re in Rome primarily to see the Vatican.

Via Veneto Opened in the late nineteenth century, this road was intended to offer high class accommodations, trendy cafes and elegant shopping. It’s one of the most attractive areas in Rome, is close to all the biggest attractions, and is a great place for luxury apartment rental.

Aventino A peaceful suburb lined with trees, Aventino offers many older buildings and beautiful villas. It’s inexpensive, near Trastavere and Testaccio, and makes a great spot if you want a peaceful stay.

Borghese Gardens Offering inexpensive rentals for vacation apartments, this area has attractive scenery and good connections to the public transportation system.

Termini An exciting area that offers many newly renovated structures (including elevators, which are rare in Rome), Termini gives you plenty to see and do. It’s also close to public transport.

While these aren’t all the places for a great apartment rental in Rome, they’re some of your best options. Whether you’re looking for a bustling area that has plenty of attractions or a quieter neighborhood for a peaceful vacation, you’ll have no trouble finding what you’re after.

Rome is perfect for outdoor activities. Of course, the wonderful indoor activities in Rome such as the museums, theaters, churches and cafes are not to be missed. But Rome truly is at its best when you view it from those wonderful piazzas all over town.

“Piazza” can be translated to mean public square. But the piazzas of Rome are unique from other famous cities because they are genuine places for lovers of outdoor art to gather and enjoy such beauty together.

A wonderful example of such art is the Piazza Navona, where in 1651 one of the greatest fountains of the artist Bernini was built: the Fontana dei Fiumi or the “Fountain of the Four Rivers”. Bernini’s students helped construct the central obelisk that is proudly perched atop a rocky mass at the center of the fountain and surrounded by four huge sculptures. One of those sculptures, The Ganges, was created by Bernini’s student Claude Poussin who himself became one of the most famous artists of his time.

The Fountain of the Four Rivers is a classic Roman fountain that seems alive with a rich diversity of life from a cactus to palm trees to sea monsters and dozens of wonderful pieces all mixed together artfully around the unifying column in the middle.

This fountain was so ambitious that to fund it, the Roman government levied a tax on bread. Naturally this led to a tremendous outcry from the citizens of Rome at the time, from the lowest to the highest echelons of society. That trivia has now become a wonderful part of the rich history of the Bernini fountain and a great story to tell while enjoying a coffee with a friend, or to reflect upon while relaxing and watching the city bustle to and fro.

There is plenty more to see by walking to the other end of the piazza to enjoy the Fountain of the Moor which has on display the famous statue of the sea god Triton triumphantly riding a dolphin. This is another wonderful vantage point in the piazza to soak up the sunshine, to plan your next activity around Piazza Navona or just to give in to some good old fashioned people watching. The variety of things to do in addition to taking in the wonderful outdoor fountains in Rome is amazing.

Sprinkled amongst the many cafes, restaurants and shops of Piazza Navona are dozens of merchant stalls. Here you will find artists ready to sketch your portrait and capture this moment in time as you soak up the atmosphere of Rome.

There is no shortage of nightlife that continues non-stop until the sun comes up. At any time you might encounter a mime, a beggar, an artist as well as throngs of tourists and Roman natives all enjoying the oval plaza together. The piazza is ideal for such public life because it was built around what is called an ancient circus. This is not a lively animal show but an intersection of many streets in one circular area.

Don’t miss out on enjoying a Tartufo at the Tre Scalini while you are there. Another option is to take in the Caffe della Pace, the oldest operating bar in Rome, which is not far away. The atmosphere here is a delight as is the taste of the Campari. This will put you in a good frame of mind to stop at the Church of Sant’Agnese for confession and still be walking distance from three of those renowned Bernini fountains.

The Fountain of Neptune, also known as the “Fontana dei Calderai” (translated: Fountain of the Coppersmiths) is another great artwork here for your viewing pleasure. This classic sculpture of the god of the sea Neptune killing an octopus is abundant with sea creatures such as Nereid (or sea nymphs), dolphins and sea horses. The Fountain of Neptune takes the sea creature theme of the piazza to the next level. And the rose marble that was used to create this artwork is also what was used for the doorjambs at St. Peter’s.

For the music lover, a short walk away is a great spot for some classical music often performed at the Piazza Sant’Eustchio. Or from here you can easily find a bus that will take you to the Pantheon for some sightseeing.

However your day is organized, don’t miss out on enjoying one of the most famous public squares in Rome. Enjoy the fun and beauty even if that public square is in fact round.