Viator Rome

The art and history of Rome may keep you entertained, but if you’re traveling with small kids for whom a three-hour car ride is an eternity it’ll be a challenge to impress them with attractions spanning thousands of years. Not only do you need to approach Rome’s sights a little differently when you’re traveling as a family, you need to make sure you’re planning adequate down-time between sights, too. While you’ll be seeing Rome at a slower pace, and might have to skip a museum or two, you may just enjoy the city more thanks to the experiences you include for your kids’ benefit.

One of my all time favorite buildings in Rome is the Pantheon. ..

Some people find it macabre and some find it a celebration of life on earth. The Capuchin order of Franciscan monks (whose crypt it is) consider it a homage and reminder of the swift passage of life on earth. Located in Rome

When in Rome, do as the Romans. And since the Aventine Keyhole is where the locals bring their friends to marvel over the splendour of Rome, you should not miss out. It’s just a little bit off the beaten tourist track although you might still find yourself having to wait patiently while others take their turn to look through the ornate keyhole at the splendid vista of St Peter’s Basilica floating at the end of an avenue of carefully trimmed trees. It might not sound that exciting but what is special about it is the sense of artistic vision which went into creating this perfect sightline, and which really is the drive behind the aesthetic splendour of the Rome we go to admire.

We travel to Rome to be amazed by a city where at one time audiences of 50,000 filled the Colosseum to watch gladiators live in action, and to see mock sea battles, animal hunts and dramas based on classical mythology.

Nestled in Rome, the Vatican is the smallest country in the world. Since 1929 it has been an independent city-state of just over 110 acres with a population of 800. It has its own stamps and coins, even its own passports although very few are issued. The head of state is the Pope.

Roman Holiday did not only make Audrey Hepburn a star, it also shot a small back street in Rome to prominence. Via Margutta was the location of the flat (number 51) occupied by Gregory Peck’s character, Joe Bradley, where many of the couple’s scenes were filmed.

Gracefully designed and good for a rest and people watching, I admit I was not overwhelmed by the Spanish Steps the first time I saw them. There seemed to be a lot of traffic, a lot of chaos, and too much grime and rubbish.

I know that while one is in Italy, one is kind of obligated to be interested in the Renaissance. Unfortunately, the Renaissance was sadly devoid of gladiators, and as such, I’m much more interested in ancient Rome. Luckily for me (and you, presumably), there’s a tour package that takes you through the city’s Roman ruins, including the Coliseum.

Attractions in Rome typically involve touring museums and ruins; I promise it’s not as dull as it sounds. Indeed, the first time you look up at the Sistine Chapel, you’ll likely catch your breath. However, Rome is more than Renaissance art and Roman relics. There are also medieval art and Baroque relics. I kid—there’s just a lot to see in Rome.