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| Welcome to Rome! |
3 weeks before defending my thesis, I went to the Italian capital, so that I could clear my mind for a few days. The New Year 2002 was also an historical date for the European Union, because several countries (like Italy, France and Ireland) were using the Euro as a currency for the first time. It was a strange feeling to have a wallet containing lira, francs, and euro. Rome, like London or Paris, has got quite a lot of sites to visit. In terms of accommodations, if you are looking for a place to stay, a good idea could be to rent an apartment in Rome. Some of them are located in strategic locations near the major tourist attractions and train stations (Termini for example) - this option will certainly help you enjoy the Eternal City and the dolce vita at its best. If you're thinking of taking a weekend break in Rome, here are 22 ideas, which will keep you busy... |
| 1. Check the hoardings... I always find it interesting to look at the posters and hoardings when visiting a country. I chose this one for my website, to remember I was in Rome for the New Year 2002. Champagne! |
2. Visit the Coliseum of Rome (il Colosseo)... This is the symbol of Rome, and it is the monument not to be missed if you go to Rome, even if the place is really crowded. I didn't have time to go inside, but the outside is definitely worth a look. |
| 3. Go to "Isola Tiberina"... You can find an interesting little island in the middle of the Tiber (Fiume Tevere). Usually tourists do not go there... except me... |
 Photo 3. Isola Tiberina in the middle of the Tiber. |
| 4. Walk on the Piazza di Spagna... It is a beautiful square in the centre of Rome... it really feels like being in Italy... ahem, Spain??? |
| 5. Climb the stairs of la "Trinita del Monti"...The Trinita del Monti is a nice spot to see when you are on "Spain Square". However, be careful: on New Year's Eve, it is a tradition to break glasses in the Italian streets, a custom which could possibly injure pedestrians. Lots of wine bottles were broken on those stairs on December 31st, 2001... |
| 6. Make a wish at
the "Fontana di Trevi"... The Trevi Fountain is an extremely well known spot, always packed with tourists (me included!). The tradition is to make a wish while throwing a coin, with your back turned on the fountain. The best time to go there is in the evening, because there are fewer tourists. |
| 7. Look at the "Monumente Vittore Emanuele II"... Contrary to what you may think, this is a relatively new monument in Rome because it was finished in 1911. It is located on the Piazza Venezia. It has nicknames like "The typewriter" and "The wedding cake". |
| 8. Go on the Piazza Venezia...Here is a photo of Piazza Venezia, seen from the Monumente Vittore Emanuele II". |
| 9. Enter the Pantheon...Contrary to the Parisian Pantheon, you can enter the Roman Pantheon even if you're alive. Please note that photo #9 was taken in the evening, so it's definitely not the best shot. |
| 10. Admire beautiful
Roman Houses... Photo of a classy area in Rome. |
 Photo 10. Houses in Rome. |
| 11. Being photographed on the Piazza Navona... |
| 12. Walk on the People's square... It's also called Piazza del Populo, and it's the place where festivities occurred on New Year's Eve (fireworks etc.). |
| 13. Observe the Foro di Augusto... In the heart of the city, it is possible to look at ruins of the old Rome. |
 Photo 13. Foro di Augusto. |
| 14. Observe the Foro Romano... More remains of ancient Rome! In the middle of those ruins, I always find it interesting to imagine what life was like for the Romans in ancient times. |
| 15. Visit the Palatino...Once again, this is a real open-air archaeological site, and it's only open to the public from time to time. Do not miss this. |
 Photo 15. Palatino. |
| 16. Pass via the Sacred Street...It is also called "Via Sacra". This photo was taken by a friend of mine (Sébastien A.). |
| 17. Take photos inside the Palatino... Photo taken in the ruins of the Palatino. |
| 18. Contemplate the Public Baths of Caracalla... Unfortunately, you will only find ruins here as well. A good warm bath would have been welcome after the long hours of walking in Rome. |
| 19. Go to the Circo Massimo... The Circo Massimo is located a bit outside of Rome, but it's still easily accessible via the subway. Shows and sport events used to happen there. The last show actually occurred in 549. |
| 20. Visit unexpected sites... As I had bought a 1 week travel pass on the subway, I was curious to see what one could find at the subway stop called "Piramide". The answer is displayed below: a pyramid and the "Porta San Paolo". |
 Photo 20. La Pyramid de Rome. |
| 21. Visit the park
of the Borghese Gallery... The Galleria Borghese is located inside a small, pleasant park, without any traffic. |
| 22. Admire the Galleria Borghese from outside... Since I visited the park on New Years’ Day, 2002, the gallery was of course closed to the public. Nevertheless, the sky was so blue that I don't think I would have visited it even if it had been open. |
| Rome in pictures | ||
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 Photo 2. Coliseum of Rome. |
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 Photo 4. Piazza di Spagna. |
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 Photo 5. Trinita del Monti. |
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 Photo 6. Fontana di Trevi. |
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 Photo 7. Monumente Vittore Emanuele II. |
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 Photo 8. Piazza Venezia. |
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 Photo 9. Even alive, would you fancy going to the Pantheon? |
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 Photo 11. I on Piazza Navona. |
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 Photo 12. Piazza del Populo. |
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 Photo 14. Foro Romano. |
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 Photo 16. Via Sacra. |
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 Photo 17. The Palatino. |
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 Photo 18. Public Baths of Caracalla. |
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 Photo 19. Circo Massimo. |
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 Photo 21. Villa Borghese Park. |
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 Photo 22. The Galleria Borghese. |
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