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Montana’s Guide to Roma
When I was living in Italy, I used to make a lot of trips to Rome. Some of them were for school with my classmates, while others were just me exploring the city alone. I absolutely love everything about Rome. It’s such a special and magical place and I wanted to share the magic with you, my fellow traveler. So I put together a guide, dare I say my ultimate guide to help you enjoy Roma! Let’s go!
Oh the Places You’ll Go and The Sites You’ll See!
Considered the most beautiful fountain in Rome, this 18th-century fountain is in the Trevi district in Rome, Italy. It was designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762 and several others. Go have your Lizzie McGuire moment and toss a coin into the fountain. And if teenage musical comedies aren’t your thing then you can have your Three Coins in a Fountain moment.
This 1954 movie is where the “myth” about the fountain originated:
- If you throw one coin: you will return to Rome.
- If you throw two coins: you will fall in love with an attractive Italian.
- If you throw three coins you will marry the person that you met.
But don’t forget in order to achieve this you should throw the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder!
A former Roman temple, the Pantheon was built as a dedication to the twelve Gods and the living Sovran as commissioned by Marcus Agrippa. In 80 CE the temple was destroyed by a fire and was rebuilt by Domitian. In 110 CE this temple was struck by lightning and burned down (again). The Pantheon was then rebuilt (again) in 125 CE, as ordered by the emperor Hadrian. was the meeting place for the Roman Senate.
In AD 609, the Pantheon was declared a Catholic church and has remained so to this day.
The Pantheon is the only ancient Roman building that has remained practically intact through the centuries.
I love the history of the Pantheon and I strongly recommend hiring a tour guide because there are many secrets to it that you would find fascinating and I don’t want you to miss out!
Perhaps one of the most famous attractions in Italy, the Colosseum is an elliptical amphitheater in the center of the city of Rome, just east of the Roman Forum. It is the largest ancient amphitheater ever built, and is still the largest standing amphitheater in the world, despite its age.
Honestly, not my favorite thing, but I think you have to see it at least once in your life.
Surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings this rectangular forum sits at the center of the city of Rome. It was a multi-purpose site that accommodated various functions.
Functions that took place in the Forum included:
- Elections
- Public speeches
- Criminal trials
- Gladiator matches (before the Colosseum was built)
- Social gatherings
- Business dealings
- Public meetings
- Religious ceremonies
- Educational events
- Buying, selling and trading of items
It’s really cool to take your time and slowly wander through the ruins there.
Similar to the movie with Audrey Hepburn, Roman Holiday, I recommend grabbing a gelato and enjoying it on the Spanish Steps.
A beautiful church at the Vatican, Saint Peter’s Basilica contains one of Michelangelo’s most infamous sculptures, La Pieta. If you are up for the extra steps you should buy a ticket to climb to the top of the church for a beautiful view of the city.
Make sure to bring something to cover your shoulders or you will end up having to buy a scarf when you get in line.
The Mouth of Truth is an ancient Roman marble mask which stands against the left wall of the portico of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church, at the Piazza della Bocca della Verità, the site of the ancient Forum Boarium.
A cute tidbit I love: In Roman Holiday, with Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck puts his hand into the mouth and pretends that it is getting bitten off which then scares Audrey, and also surprises her, since it was not rehearsed.
Food and Gelato
If you’re anything like me, after a day of walking, you will be delighted to eat a delicious meal and enjoy some gelato! I’ve listed a few of my absolute favorites below.
Really good Carbonara and Cacio e Pepe. Rome is known for how good its Cacio e Pepe is so I highly recommend having it at least one time.
“Unassuming restaurant offering steak & pasta dishes, plus cold meat platters & wine.”
“Casual stop for pasta, meatballs & other simple Roman dishes, plus patio seating & acoustic guitar.”
Pizza Florida
“Popular takeout joint known for pizza slices sold by weight, with a range of toppings.”
I went here every time we had a school trip to Rome. Really good and creamy gelato.
Venchi Cioccolato e Gelato, Roma Via del Corso
Probably my favorite gelato shop in Rome.
L’Arena del Gelato
Another good option…
…And now I’m really hungry and really missing Rome…
I hope my guide helps you make the most of your time when you travel to Rome. And as always, if you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out to the Italian Life team!