Rome Travel Podcast

Hello, and thanks for listening to the latest podcast by hotelbook.com.  Today, we will be exploring a city known worldwide for its mystical grandeur and its breathtaking architecture: Rome.  In order to get a great feel for the city, we’ll take you along for a brief guide of the city’s top spots, so that you don’t feel too much like an awkward tourist upon arrival.

MP3 File

  Walking about the ancient streets of Rome, you’ll soon realize that this is the type of town whose history emanates from every street corner.  Among modern buildings and structures, there are always close ties to Rome’s rich history that are evident just about everywhere you look. Rome is a must-see destination, because walking amongst the old narrow passageways of the city center; you’ll find fascinating relics of a captivating culture.

As you begin your trip in Italy’s capital, it’s most likely that your first stop will be at Roma Termini, the largest railway station in Europe and also the principal drop-off point from the airport shuttle.  This is a great place to start your discovery of Rome, because it is a huge building that is very easy to find, it’s right near all of the great hotels featured on hotelbook, and it’s the ideal central point from which to start your journey through the city.

From the Termini, you can take a nice leisurely stroll down to one of Rome’s most famous historical attractions, the Coliseum.  Constructed around the year 80 AD, this is the single most recognizable icon of Rome in the world, and after seeing it for your own eyes you’ll soon understand why.  Once a frequent host to gladiator battles and royal precessions, the Coliseum was the prime spot to watch all kinds of entertainment, including staged naval battles, where immense amounts of water were brought into the arena along with live hippos and crocodiles, ready to attack any warriors who were knocked off their ships.  Throughout Roman history, the arena has taken on all sorts of roles, and after the fall of the Empire it has served as a religious center, fortified castle, a bullfight arena, a political demonstration center and a backdrop for large musical concerts.  Over the years, earthquakes, lightning, and stone robbers have left the Coliseum in a different state than it once stood, however considering the state of the majority of Rome’s ruins, the famous amphitheater remains remarkably preserved.  Standing tall, it is a proud relic of the Roman Empire, and as you walk around it’s huge walls, you’ll find Italians dressed up as elaborate Gladiators ready to take a picture with you and even more eager for a tip!

Next, alongside the  Coliseum, you shouldn’t miss the Imperial Forum, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the old ruins of the original city center of Rome, the focal point of commerce and justice proceedings.  Wandering around the Forum, it’s easy to get a true sense of going back in time, and as you gaze at various towers, archways, statues, and foundations left in ruin, you can imagine what the city once looked like over 1,000 years ago.  Everywhere you step in this region is an open-air museum, and it’s fun to get lost amidst all of the different ancient structures that are spread out across the Forum.  After passing through all of the ruins, you’ll arrive at the Monument of Vittorio Emanuele Due, a beautiful, large white structure with soaring columns and promenades.  A magnificent neo-classical building found at Piazza Venicia, this structure commemorates the former glory of the Roman Empire, and it also holds the Grave of the Unknown Soldier, a monument to the 650,000 Italians that died during the First World War.

If the enchanting quality of these historical treasures continues to enthrall you after having a quick glance-over, why not stay right next-door?  At the hotelbook featured destination, the Colonna Palace Hotel, you’ll just be down the street from all of the great attractions we’ve just mentioned.  Plus, the hotel has a unique roof garden with breathtaking views of the city, an inviting bar and restaurant adorned with polished wood, and large, comfy rooms to give you the ultimate break from a long day exploring Rome.  As an added bonus, the hotel is built alongside restored 16th century homes and various monuments and statues that characterize Rome’s seemingly limitless historical relics. 

Next, no stop in Rome is complete without spending a day discovering the enchanting Vatican City.  The smallest nation in the world, the Vatican is an elaborate seat for the Pope and his enclave, the Holy See.  Arriving at the Vatican, the first structure you will undoubtedly come across is St. Peter’s Square, a gigantic circular walkway that invites you up to St. Peter’s Basilica, arguably the largest church on Earth.  As this is such a famous religious center, you will often find people who have traveled from all over to make it to the Vatican,, a Mecca of sorts for Catholics.  As well, apart from all of the religious structures and palaces, you’ll also find some world-famous art in this region, including the Sistine Chapel, home of the legendary Michelangelo fresco which covers its ceiling.  Even before the Vatican laid residence in this area, this part of Rome has seemingly always been regarded as sacred, and after spending a day taking it all in you’ll certainly find its a captivating place to explore.

Now, by this point, if you’ve had a bit too much sightseeing, we suggest you sample the famous Porta Portese and Saint Angelo markets of the city.  Here vendors offer a wide variety of items: from clothes, shoes, and rare furniture to art-deco prints, international arts and crafts, and unique Roman talismans.  The variety of items here is truly unique, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a collection of goods like this anywhere else in the world.  Plus, the difficult task of bringing something back home to friends and family can easily be accomplished here with a cheap bargain!

We hope that you’ve enjoyed this hotelbook.com podcast on Rome.  In closing, we’d like to recommend one more hotel to help you enjoy a relaxing and comfortable stay in Rome.  At the seven-story Savoy Hotel, you’ll be situated right in the city center, just a few paces from Imperial Forum and Piazza Venicia.  With a comfortable interior that includes a heated indoor pool, marble-floor bathrooms, high ceiling rooms with modern décor, and Mediterranean dishes served up all day long, the Savoy provides the ideal home base for venturing out to the ancient streets of Rome.

Well, as words can only say so much, we recommend that you try out Rome for yourself, to really understand this enchanting city.  As always, there are links and more details about the sites and hotels mentioned at blog.hotelbook.com.  Stay tuned for more tips and travel ideas from hotelbook.com.

Comments

[Mats]

Good information.
If you haven´t yet visited Rome I can really recommend it!
It´s a beautiful city with lots of history.

[podcast directory]

Well said