Rome, Italy.

Join me as I take you through our time in Rome. What to see, what to do, & what to eat.

Enjoy!

Ahhhhh Roma!

Where do I begin? Dear, Rome…Roma… you took a little bit of my heart and I can’t wait to return some day. If you have ever seen Roman Holiday, you likely are already a fan or had a sweet dream to see Rome in your lifetime. The food, the atmosphere, the history, all of it had me in l.o.v.e.. I always felt safe throughout Roma. I know some get worried touring around, yet we were never bothered. With only two and a half days in Rome we had a very tight schedule and with so much we wanted to see and explore, we were able to make it all happen. We utilized much of the public transportation all around the city thanks to my personal GPS that I like to call my husband. He is the brains of our operation and details how we always get around. I make the plans and he executes and makes it happen. A perfect traveling pair!

I love scouting out restaurants and there is one place we went to grab lunch at MULTIPLE times because y’all, it was THAT good! I have requested of J (my husband) that anytime we fly remotely near Rome we are going there, even if it is for a day just to grab this fresh pizza. It is the pizza of my dreams! Yes, I actually almost shed a tear thinking of how lucky I am to have at-least had the chance to try it in my lifetime.

Without further ado, let me share “la bella vita” of our days in Roma.

Where to Stay:

Fortyseven Hotel – Located in an exquisite location, tucked behind the beautiful and huge Altare della Patria. You honestly have to see this masterpiece to even comprehend the size of it. And also the hotel is a hop,skip, and jump from the “mouth of truth” that was featured in Roman Holiday. The hotel, staff, and breakfast was exquisite. Plus the added bonus of the owners vintage defender parked out front (I swear I will own one of these one day) made for such little happy anytime we returned.

What to Do:

Trevi Fountain – Built at the end of an aqueduct that was constructed in 19BC. Be sure to make a wish and throw a coin in the fountain to ensure you will return to Rome. I tossed in 10 for insurance!

Colosseum – a monumental 3-tiered Roman amphitheater once used for gladiatorial games.

Arco di Constantino – built in 315AD and noted by its triple arches, this structure commemorates Constantine’s victory over Maxentuis.

Palatine Hill – The commercial, political and religious center of ancient Rome, which features the Arch of Septimus Severus, Temple of Saturn, Arch of Titus and the House of Vestals.

Circus Maximus – A green space and remains of a stone and marble arena that could seat 250,000 Romans for chariot races.

Roman Forum – A vast excavated area of Roman temples, squares and government buildings, some dating back 2,000 years.

Altare della Patria/Piazza Venezia – A square with an elaborate Victorian monument known as ‘the typewriter’ by locals and a view of Museo Sacrario delle Bandiere delle Forze Armate. The temple that honors Italy’s first king & first world war soldiers. The scale, magnitude, and beauty of this is unexplainable.

Piazza Navona – One of the largest and most beautiful piazza squares in Rome with three impressive fountains, including la Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi with its large obelisk at the centre. It is the epicenter for performing artists, photographers, and on lookers admiring the fountains and many Churches surrounding the square.

Centro Storico – A section of Rome filled with a tangle of narrow streets, which offers some of the finest examples of Roman classical and Baroque architecture and style. A cozy and cute area with locals…winding streets…local shops and eateries.

Campo de’ Fiori – A popular local produce market in a public square selling flowers, fruit, vegetables and general goods

Pantheon – An iconic temple built circa 118-125AD with a dome and Renaissance tombs, including Raphael’s.

Scala Santa – Catholic sanctuary with a set of religiously significant marble stairs leading to a papal chapel. These stairs were brought to Rome from Jerusalem and are said to have been walked on by Jesus before his trial, and attract many pilgrims fro around the world. TIP: Pilgrims climb the staircases on their knees, although you have the option to walk up the stairs as well. Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is a landmark cathedral, the Pope’s official seat, with ornate 1700s facade and statues of the Apostles.

Vatican City

St. Peters Square – (Piazza San Pietro), a grand and magnificent square that has retained its classical beauty and serves as the place from which the masses receive the Pope’s weekly blessing.

St. Peters Basilica – (Basilica di San Pietro), arguably one of the finest cathedrals in the world, St. Peter’s is the spiritual center of the Vatican and the product of many of Italy’s great Renaissance’s architects, among them Bramante, Raphael and Michelangelo.

Sistine Chapel

Vatican Museum

Gardens of Vatican City – (Giardini Vaticani), urban green spaces dating from the 13th century with Renaissance and Baroque fountains and sculptures.

Borgo – A neighborhood on the way to the Vatican with narrow cobblestone streets, ample flowers and street music that can charm the senses. Borgo Pio is a popular street and will lead you out of the Vatican neighborhood.

Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo – museum divided into four sections, the history of Castel Sant’Angelo is illustrated by vintage prints, scenic views and interesting reconstruction ideals of the monument, as suggested by the imagination of artists and architects of the Renaissance.

Ponte Sant’Angelo – Bridge completed in 134AD by Emperor Hadrian to span the Tiber from the city center to he is newly constructed mausoleum, the towering Castle Sant-Angelo. The bridge is faced with travertine marble and spans the Tiber with five arches, three of which are Roman.

Piazza Cavour and Corte Suprema di Cassazione – Beautiful piazza full of architecture and greenery with a nice view of the Supreme court.

Terrazza del Gianicolo (Janiculum Terrace) and Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi – Historic hilltop terrace offering panoramic views of Rome.

Villa Doria Pamphili – Landscaped park on ancient noble Roman estate, with nature trails and fountains.

Trastevere – colorful Trastevereis a funky bohemian area that clings to its centuries-old, working class roots. It’s known for traditional and innovative trattorias, craft beer pubs and artisan shops.

Aventine Hill and Aventine Keyhole (Il Buco della Serratura) – the Knights of Malta entrance, looking through the keyhole reveals a straight path to the cupola of San Pietro Basilica.

Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti) – Steps with irregular butterfly-shaped design, built in the 18th century at a French diplomat’s request. Featured in The Talented Mr. Ripley when Meredith and Tom walk down them in scene. Probably the most popular filming location in Rome, featured in Roman Holiday, Three Coins in the Fountain, The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone, The Girl Who Knew Too Much, To Rome with Love, and The Man from U.N.C.L.E..

Villa Borghese – A lavish villa designed by Ponzio and Vasanzio, with formally landscaped gardens and a lake.

Galleria Borghese – A villa housing 15th to 18th century artworks with pieces by Bernini and Caravaggio. Booking essential.

What to Eat:

Fortyseven Hotel – We had a full breakfast buffet included in our stay so we defintly took part in it. Cant pass up fresh espresso, warm chocolate croissants, fresh squeezed juice, and all the fresh eggs and bacon. The list goes on…

Antico Forno Roscioli. The shining star of our Roma food tour. This pizza would be my last meal. My husband actually surprised me with this cookbook from them for a birthday gift and I LOVE it.

La Grand Bellezza located on the roof of Hotel Eitch Borromini. Cocktails at sunset is hard to beat here. Reservations are a MUST and the view is breathtaking.

Bar Trevi – We hoped in here for a quick espresso and croissant. Located near the Trevi Fountain made for a nice place to rest our legs are regroup.

La Buvette – A neighborhood spot that was recommended from my muse Giada. I got the gnocchi with fresh mozzarella and it was DIVINE. Please go here! We also partook in an afternoon espresso here and it out a pep in our step after such a filling meal.

Su Tiramisu – We found this place in the area we were exploring and stopped in for a seat, cool air, and imagine this…an espresso! The atmosphere was fresh, clean, aesthically pleasing and the latte was “cosi buono” (so good)!

Antico Caffè del Moro – We stopped in here on our first night for a local beer before heading back to the hotel for the night. It was a nice spot where I felt we were surrounded by locals.