Rome, Italy

Trevi Fountain
Courtesy of British Airways

 This is not a paid post. Flights provided by BA CityFlyer

Why you should go
If you want to enjoy la dolce vita, head to Rome. The former Roman Empire’s capital, and now that of Italy, is a heady mix of culture, style and history. And, of course, great food and wine not to mention gelato. It is also home to the Eternal City.

Bursting with stories of times gone by
The Romans were renowned for their architectural and engineering prowess. This fascinating city is built on a series of layers. History is written in almost every step you take.

The Vatican, the smallest state in the world and the seat of the papacy
Whatever your religious beliefs this has to be on your itinerary. St Peter’s Basilica is packed with masterpieces. The dome was designed by Michelangelo. He began working on the basilica in 1547. After his death in 1564, his pupil Giacomo Della Porta, directed the work, eventually finishing it in 1590. The pope holds an audience in St Peter’s Square on Wednesday mornings.

Every first-time visitor to Rome should go to the Sistine Chapel. Michaelangelo, between 1508 and 1512, painted the magnificent frescoes on the ceiling.

Inside the Colosseum

The Colosseum (Colosseo), the symbol of Rome
Construction of the largest amphitheatre in the Roman Empire was begun by Emperor Vespasian in AD 72 and took less than 10 years to complete. Gladiator fights took place here as well as the murders of people deemed to be criminals. The techniques that they used to build this beautiful structure are amazing. It also stands as a testament to Roman cruelty.

Over time the popes and nobles used it as a quarry to build palaces and churches. Earthquakes and fires also destroyed the Colosseum so that only a third of the original remained. Extensive restoration works have taken place on this 2000-year-old building and more is being done.

See the ancient ruins
Take a stroll around what was the Forum, the hub of ancient Rome. The Tempio di Giulio Cesare commemorates the place where Julius Caesar was cremated after his assassination in 44 BC.

Nearby there are other digs to discover such as the Forum of Peace and Circus Maximus. Existing long before the Colosseum, this was once ancient Rome’s most impressive building and, reputedly, one of the largest sports and entertainment venue of all time. 

The last show was in AD 549. The first buildings erected on the site, which was drained over 2,500 years ago by the Emperor Tarquin, were constructed on the orders of Julius Caesar in 46 BC. It, too, like the Colosseum was destroyed by fires and looted for its marble.

Recent excavation has unearthed relics that help paint a picture of what it used to look like. Thanks, to the construction of Rome’s new metro line “C”, archaeologists keep finding gems.

Archaeologists keep finding gems - Forum of Peace

 

Rome’s best preserved ancient monument
The Pantheon was built on the site of an old temple on the instructions of Emperor Hadrian between AD 118 and AD 125. It was the place where every god could be worshipped. The Renaissance painter Raphael is buried along with kings and other important people. The oculus, a large round aperture at the top of the dome, lights up the inside of the building.

Make a stop at the nearby Church of San Luigi dei Francesi
France’s national church in Rome is where you can catch a glimpse of magnificent paintings by Caravaggio including The Calling of St. Matthew said to be one of his most renowned works.

Take a break at Piazza Navona
Hailed as one of the most elegant squares in Rome, this Baroque piazza is a magnet for tourists and street performers. Surrounded by restaurants, bars and gelaterias. It was constructed on the site of the Domitian Stadium in the 1st Century AD.

Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (The Fountain of the Four Rivers) is simply exquisite. Also worth a visit is the 17th century Church of Saint’Agnese in Agone.

For people-watching
Take a moment and sit on the Spanish Steps (Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti). Linking the Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinità dei Monti home of the Chiesa della Trinità dei Monti (The Church of the Trinità dei Monti.) The area surrounding here and the Piazza di Spagna has attracted tourists for centuries.

Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain
The Fontana di Trevi, a spectacular baroque piece, is on every tourist’s wish list. According to legend, if you toss a coin into the water you will come back to Rome. With so much to see you want to go back as it would be practically impossible to see everything in a single trip.

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there
British Airways operates a daily weekday service from London City to Rome with an additional flight on Sundays

Each way hand baggage only Eurotraveller fares from £55, and Club Europe fares from £136, based on a return journey, are available to book on ba.com/londoncity or call 0844 493 0787

British Airways flies direct to Rome from London Gatwick and London Heathrow

For best fares and details of departures and connections from other UK airports visit britishairways.com

Staying
The Hotel La Griffe MGallery by Sofitel. For more info and rates visit sofitel.accorhotels.com