Modern Rome is a hectic and incredibly complex city,
bustling with life, as far away from the cute and quaint places like Tuscany
as possible. It's a city that offers some of the best ruins, architecture
and history in all of the places I have been. It's also a city that you
have to embrace "as it is". Many people feel intimidated by its chaotic
feel, but the chaos is part of its charm. This city is as alive in the
beginning of the 21 century as it was in ancient times. Rome is a huge
city, but the historical part is rather small. Almost all the major sites
are located west of the central train station, Stazione Termini. Still
there is so much to do, that you can hardly do it in one trip - even
with all the planning in the world. We spent five days in Rome and we
barely scratched the surface. The sights in Rome feel endless. Every
other corner or piazza has statues, churches, museums, ruins.
There are certain sights that are not to be missed while in Rome. The
remains of the ancient civilization and the stronghold of Christianity
is largely what makes this place special. Most likely you've already
heard and seen in the media the sights that everyone visits on their trip
to Rome: St. Peter and the Vatican Museum with the Sistine Chapel, the
Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Colisseum, the Spanish
Steps, the Roman Forum and the list can go on. But there are other less
known sights which are worth exploring. The restaurants, shops, pubs,
and hotels are also plentiful. Rome has it all, from the family owned
businesses to the upscale fashion stores.
Rome is one of the most visited places on earth so expect to see crowds no
matter the time of year. We visited in May and it was so crowded I can't
possibly imagine how August is like. At one point during our visit, inside
the Vatican Museum we came upon a room in which three big groups were
jostling for space. The guides - a French, an Italian and a Japanese -
were trying to cover each other voices. Two of the guides gave the signal to
move to the next room in the same time and a small stampede followed. Inside
the Sixtine Chapel people were crowded shoulder to shoulder and it was
almost impossible to cross the room.
Final thought: Rome is a surreal place that everyone should experience.
I think my memories of Rome are more pleasant than the experience itself was,
but I wouldn't trade either the memories or the experience for anything.
Rome is an amazing city which had found a way into to my heart. I can't wait
to go back myself.
