The Glory of St Angelo, Rome

Rome is one of the most historic cities in the world and among the flag-bearers is the glory of St Angelo, Rome.

Ancient Rome was the heart of the famous Roman Empire which was had such a dramatic effect on the world, and whose legacy still lives on. But which areas within the city of Rome are best to visit to experience the history within it? Well, it makes sense to have St Angelo as one of the best places to visit in Rome, and here’s why...

The glory of St Angelo, Rome – what gives?

St Angelo is a charming and genuinely enchanting area which is absolutely packed with some of the best architecture you will experience, both in terms of quality and in terms of mystery and wonder.

One of the most popular buildings in the area of St Angelo is the cylindrical shaped National Museum of St Angelo. This building has a vast and colourful past, which includes being a prison, a fortress and a mausoleum, and is now home to one of the best museums that the city has to offer.

When the sun is going down and the lights around these buildings come on, there are few better sights in Rome...

Interesting activities around St Angelo in Rome

Moving along from the St Angelo Museum, you can take a stroll along the famous bridge which extends from it and walk along the river Tiber enjoying the architecture which is located along the bank.

Along the streets branching out from the river bank you can find a range of authentic local shops and restaurants which enable you to gain a true insight into life in Rome.

Is that it then? Well, absolutely not! The glory of St Angelo has so much more to offer in person, and if going on a Rome holiday, the best justice you can do for yourself is to tour the area of St Angelo.

5 Reasons why Rome is a great Stag location

Each year thousands of groups of men depart the UK on stag do’s to celebrate the marriage of one of the men in the party. Traditionally stag do’s are a time for lots of drinking, showing ones affections to the groom and partaking in activities which enable group bonding and a talking point for the rest of the trip. Rome is a popular destination for stag do’s and below are 5 reasons why.

Weather - The weather in Italy is traditionally sunny and is certainly better than the often dour conditions that we experience here in the UK. This is especially the case in the summer time when temperatures are often around 35 degrees Celsius, which creates ideal conditions for a stag do.

Food and drink - It is no secret that the male of the species likes to eat and drink, and the city of Rome is one of the best in the world to engage in these activities.

Nightlife - Rome has numerous areas in which there are clubs and bars for the stag do to party the night away whilst enjoying the company of the local female population. Establishments range from small bars to large clubs.

Daytime activities - As with most modern cities, there is plenty to do by the way of activities in Rome. Whether you would prefer to do something adrenaline driven such as go karting or something more cultural such as visiting the Vatican, there is something to suit everyone here.

Travel time - Rome can be reached from the UK in only a few hours via plane - find Rome deals.

Romantic Locations in Rome

There are certain locations in the world which are synonymous with the notion of romance. This reputation has emerged over the years as a result of tradition, events and culture. One such city is Rome, the capital of Italy. For centuries the city has attracted people from all around to enjoy the scenic surroundings and glorious food which make it difficult not to get in the romantic mood. Below are some of the most romantic locations around the city.
Trevi Fountain at dawn - To really enjoy this glorious fountain and understand why it is so romantic you should arrive her early in the morning to avoid the crowds of people which can detract slightly from its romantic qualities. This is a great location to propose.

Piazza Navona - If you are sceptical that the romantic qualities of Rome can be diluted by the swathes of tourists which are in the city at most tomes during the year, the small and quaint streets which lace the area of Piazza Navona are the perfect way to escape these crowds and enjoy the true romance of the city.

Pincio - The romantic qualities of these gardens have provided inspiration to writers from centuries. The quaint, green setting, the flowers, benches and historic monuments around the gardens create a truly romantic environment.

Campidolglio - This area is lightly lit at night time which creates a perfect mood for a romantic walk. This area is too often ignored by tourists, at the expense of Piazza Navona. Campidolglio is a great location though to go as a couple for a romantic walk.

Things you didn’t know about the Colosseum, Rome

Rome is hugely attractive with tourists seeking historic and cultural experiences. One of the most famous historic attractions in Rome is the Colosseum. Here are some interesting facts about the Colosseum which you might not know to whet your appetite ahead of your visit:

As well as being used as a centre for entertainment, the Colosseum has also been used for a number of other purposes over the years. These uses include housing, a fortress and a religious shrine. Keep an eye open for clues to these uses when you visit.

The Colosseum was in active use for around 500 years. It is amazing that a structure can survive so long and still function to its original purpose. The last recorded games here were in the 6th century.

The games held in the Colosseum are renowned for being bloody affairs, but did you know that records show that the games cost the lives of around 500,000 people!!! This is a complete alien concept in the modern age, but the purchase of slaves with the sole purpose of killing them was common in ancient Rome.

When the Colosseum was initially built it was done so without the use of mortar. The bricks were held together using iron clamps. This questionable technique makes it even more amazing that the structure has survived a long as it has.

Spring Events in Rome

With the diversity of attractions which Rome has to offer there is good reason to visit at all times of the year. Throughout the year there are a number of events which take place in and around the city which provide a perfect excuse to visit. Below are some events to suit different tastes which take place in Rome during Spring:

Feast Day of San Giuseppe - This is the Italian equivalent to father’s day but is celebrated in quite a different fashion. The day is also a celebration of the life of Saint Joseph and the tourist can view scenes from his life being played out around the city. There is also a succession of firework displays and bonfires.

Rome Spring Festival - Held yearly, this festival is held in and around the Spanish Steps area of Rome. There are a whole range of activities and events which are designed to celebrate the local culture. The banks of the river come alive with music concerts and entertainment whilst a number of sporting events occur in the area.

Rome marathon - There are few better ways to see so much of a city than to run through and around it. Each year the Rome Marathon provides the perfect opportunity to do just this. Whether you are a serious runner who seeks a new challenge or an amateur who wants to raise money for charity you will love the atmosphere at this event. Few marathons in the world have such an exquisite setting.

Find more Rome events guides online and also Rome Jazz Festival, Italy.

Rome’s Most Famous Ice Cream Parlours

If you have visited Rome and come back home without visiting one of its famous “gelaterie” or ice cream parlours, you are guilty of missing out on one of the most decadent cold desserts of Italian origin. The Romans give as much importance to their ice cream as they do to pasta and coffee and visitors simply must taste this delicious ice cream of Rome because it is not only top quality, but also original.

When I was in Rome, I learned the basic difference between “ice cream” and “gelato.” The Italian “gelato” is smoother and richer than the ice cream you will find in ice cream parlours elsewhere. This is because the Italians churn the mixture and avoid loading it with cream and sugar. They also sell it in cups and cones. Also, since you pay for your “gelato” per cup, you can request 2 – 3 flavours in your cup.

Never leave Rome without visiting San Crispino, a narrow and long shop, which looks just like Italian ice cream parlours did before glass display cases were invented. San Crispino offers several flavours of gelato made of nuts, fresh fruits and even liqueurs; you will find San Crispino branches all over Rome.

During my last visit to Rome, I had visited the Colosseum and was longing for some ice cream when I spotted the Tre Scalini. This delightful place is located in the Piazza Navona and you must not fail to taste the chocolate ice cream ball rolled in chunks of chocolate with a cherry at its centre. You can eat this delightful gelato delicacy as you people watch at the square. If you are interested in traditional Italian flavours, you can visit the 19th-century Giolitti, which is located a short distance from the Pantheon. Try the rare combination of fudge chocolate with tart lemon sherbet and you will never forget it.

The Rialto Market

You must visit the Rialto in Venice, Italy for two good reasons: the Rialto Bridge and the markets. It is often said that the Rialto has something for everybody, whether you are looking to admire the architectural beauty of the bridge or go grocery shopping for local produce. Gourmets, tourists, shoppers and locals frequent the Rialto area and it is a wonderful way to feel the pulse of the city.

Getting to the Rialto is easy and you can take the Vaporetto lines along the Grand Canal and then cross the Rialto Bridge to reach the markets. The Rialto markets have been the lifeline of Venice ever since 1097, with people visiting them for their daily fish, fruits, vegetables and other produce.

A visit to the Rialto markets is the best way to really understand this fascinating and romantic city. You will be able to spot fresh farm products being unloaded from the barges, food shoppers examining fish for freshness and quality, handcarts packed with vegetables and fruits being pushed around and many more fascinating market sights on your trip there.

I recommend an early morning visit to the Rialto markets. I found my before-breakfast visit quite rewarding because there was hardly any crowd around which allowed me to see the market at its best. The restaurant chefs and the stall owners were the only people around and the fruits, vegetables and fish stocked there were absolutely fresh. In addition to this, some of the stall owners had their music on and were singing along to Opera and Italian songs.

The Rialto market is the very heart of Venice and a walk along the Rialto Bridge in the early morning will grant you some fantastic views of the area. The crowds start pouring in after breakfast and then you can really view Venice at its busiest. The area is also home to San Giacomo, one of the most ancient of Venetian churches dating back to the eleventh century.

I purchased some great fruit for a picnic I was planning and enjoyed an espresso in a coffee shop before leaving the market.

3 Best British and Irish pubs in Rome, Italy

While Italian wine may appeal to many, there is something to be said for the familiar and refreshing taste of an cold beer or ale. It is for that reason that are several British and Irish pubs in Rome, that are popular with both the locals and tourists, not only for the drinks and food, but for the sports that they show including FA Premiership matches.

So if you are in Rome and looking for a place to get a decent pint of Guinness, some traditional English food or watch the football, here are three of the best choices.

1. Finnegan's - The only pub, out of over 100, in Rome that is actually owned by an Irish family. Finnegan's is extremely popular with the ex pat community for the beer and the best place to watch Sky Sports. As well as showing the football, the pub also shows rugby, Formula 1 and American Football.

2. Druid's Pub - Druid's Den and Druid's Rock are two of the best Irish pubs in Rome due to the excellent food, good craic, fine Guinness and traditional Irish music nights. Every Monday evening, the pubs play host to local bands singing traditional Irish songs.

3. Morrison's - One of the first Irish pubs established in Rome, Morrison's feels like a traditional Irish bar as soon as you walk through the door. With strong ties with Guinness, Morrison's has been popular with the population of Rome for over five years thanks to its musical choices and fine food.

Autumn Events in Rome

Rome is one of the best destinations in Europe on account of its incredible architecture, historic atmosphere and romantic culture. This Italian city has been the setting for many a movie and the destination for several honeymoons; it is also just a great place to visit for those who want to relax and unwind with their loved ones. There is no bad time to visit Rome as the city always has something to offer and for this reason Rome has always been on my top ten places to visit in Europe.

I visited Rome in autumn last year and was so thrilled with the great weather and exciting events that I plan to revisit Rome this autumn. Although Rome draws hundreds of tourists in autumn, the crowds are not as large as they are during summer and spring. Rome in September and October is bright and sunny, giving tourists the opportunity to walk along its paved streets and feel the city’s pulse.

Rome is also a great place to visit in autumn if you love theatre, dance, music and other cultural activities. The highlight of Rome in autumn is the Roma Europa Festival, which will be held from September 21st to December 2nd this year. This annual event illustrates the best of Roman culture and you can enjoy several theatrical and musical performances. If you visit Rome during this time, as I plan to do, you can enjoy the performances of “The Irrepressibles,” a British team of rock musicians and “Delusion,” a multimedia performance of puppetry, visuals and violin by Laurie Anderson. This is just the tip of the iceberg of cultural splendour that Rome presents in autumn.

If you love theatre, you should not miss the International Festival of Urban Theatre, an annual theatrical event, which includes a lot of amusing activities for kids too. Another great thing about Rome between September 3rd and October 29th is that the Vatican Museum are thrown open at night. You are sure to enjoy a sightseeing trip at the Vatican Museum even if you are not a religious person.

My weekend in Rome, Italy

Despite my busy schedule, I decided to get away to Rome for a weekend and get the most out of it. Now Rome is a huge city and one cannot do full justice to it in one weekend, but I believed that, with the right planning, I would experience most of what Rome has to offer.

I arrived in Rome on Friday, having taken care to book the room well in advance since hotels in Rome tend to be crowded. I also needed to get a good night’s sleep in preparation for the tough itinerary ahead.

Next day, I started my weekend on a religious note at the Vatican, which is actually a tiny city in its own rights. Since I reached the Vatican early, I was able to miss the long queues and view the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Cathedral and Castle Sant-Angelo in peace.

By then it was time for lunch and I am glad I was sensible enough to have a light lunch or else I might have wasted the rest of my day sleeping. Post lunch, I got a taste of Roman history at the Coliseum, a huge amphitheatre, the Roman Forum, the ancient center of the city, and the Palatine Hill. I was told that the best place to spend the evenings and enjoy night life is the Trastevere and that’s where I went next before calling it a day.

I started the second day of my weekend throwing coins into the legendary Trevi Fountain and wishing for a longer vacation in Rome, after which I visited the Spanish Steps, admired the shops of Via Condotti and the stupendous Piazza de Popolo. I spent the afternoon wandering around Villa Borghese, enjoyed the sight of Rome at sunset from the Pincio and had a sumptuous Roman dinner before leaving.