La Dolce Vita

As soon as you enter Rome, the City of the Seven Hills, and cross San Giovanni in Laterano, which is the first church to be built in Rome way back in the fourth century, you feel like you have been magically teleported to the Roman era, with only the classy cars, buses and metros to remind us of one’s true epochal bearings. Very few cities in the world can boast of such authentic old world charm.

As I went along, I could begin to see why they refer to Rome as Caput Mundi or Capital of the World. The deeper I ventured into the city, the more it felt like I was checking out a museum. The architectural marvels in Rome are so richly awe-inspiring that one is led to wonder if it made sense for non aficionados. But then, one doesn’t have to be an arts connoisseur to discern and appreciate the beauty of Rome. The city grows on you and it will give you something to cherish even when you are gone.

A visit to Rome is not complete without a visit to the Colosseum. When you enter the largest amphitheatre, scenes from Gladiator and Roman Holiday are bound to flash in your mind. But to imagine the conditions in which the gladiators and animals were kept, as the tour guide recounts the history of the place, could be a little dispiriting. From the Colosseum, one could see the Palantine Hill on one side, and the Forums or The Meeting Point on the other.

Rome is full of must-sees including but not limited to The Pantheon, a temple dedicated to all Gods; Piazza di Spagna or the Spanish Steps, one of the most famous irregularly shaped squares of Rome; and Piazza Venezia, Rome’s first palace. The Fountain of Trevis, Rome’s baroque masterpiece at the intersection of three streets, detailing Neptune and seahorses and lilting waterfall features is understandably one of the city’s most famous landmarks. You also can’t resist the temptation to visit Vatican City, the only city within a city, on your visit to Rome. And if names like Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo Da Vinci or The Last Supper, and Last Judgment bring only to mind the soporific ancient history lessons, the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel will sear memories of a different kind altogether. Craning your necks to behold some of the most celebrated frescoes and paintings comes highly recommended indeed. Like Johann Wolfgang Goethe said, "Without having seen the Sistine Chapel one can form no appreciable idea of what one man is capable of achieving."

If you think you’ve seen too much of Rome then a day’s trip to Capri or Florence wouldn’t harm your schedule. A few hours’ journey by bus or train to these nearby cities might serve as a relaxing change.
What was most impressive in the trip was to see how the Romans took pride and concerted effort in the maintenance of their architectural and cultural heritage, so much so that even the new constructions are built with the same sensibilities and façades making them look like a part of an era bygone.  

DESTINATION DOSSIER

STEERING THE COURSE: There are connecting flights to Rome via Milan, Zurich and Istanbul.
COSY CORNERS: The First luxury Art Hotel Roma is a perfect romantic getaway in the heart of the city. If you are on a budget then Eurostars Roma Aeterna is worth every penny.
THE ‘SEASON’ED TRAVELLER GOES NOW: April to June and September to October are the best time to visit Roma
‘SAVOUR’ FAIRE: Though not much is available excpet Italian food, Ravioli and gelato are a must have in Rome. Do try the cappucino at Antico Caffè Greco at Vie De Condotti
Get to work: Museums and monuments is what one should set out for in Rome
What’s the word: Latin is the official language while Italian is the main language.
Keepsake courtesies: If you could carry one, a gladiator Sword and helmet would be quite a souvenir. Else, a quill or a Colosseum souvenir is good enough.