Rome

Tolentino B&B is located in the historic centre of Rome, just a short walk from
the Spanish Steps and around the corner from Via Veneto and the "Dolce Vita" atmosphere. From our B&B you are within walking distance of all the major monuments of Rome such as “Fontana
di Trevi” and “Piazza Navona”.



In a ‘800 building in coeval area
with,the Barberini Bilding’s vast
complex on the 2° floor, in an appartament of 240 square metre faithfully recovered to its nineteenth-century destination, with ceilings wood
and reference of ancient frescos,
nailed parquet and finishing touch in Roman stone in the general heat of precious architectual reception.

Where we are:
In via San Nicola da Tolentino 50
among via Veneto and piazza
Barberini, a stones throw away
from piazza di Spagna, Trinità dei Monti, Fontana di Trevi.

Rome (Italian: Roma) is the capital city of Italy and of the Lazio region, as well as the country's largest and most populous comune, with about 2.5 million residents. Its metropolitan area is Italy's third, after Milan and Naples. It is located in the central-western portion of the Italian peninsula, where the river Aniene joins the Tiber. The current Mayor of Rome is Walter Veltroni.

According to legend, the city of Rome was founded by the twins Romulus and Remus on April 21, 753 BC. Archaeological evidence supports claims that Rome was inhabited since the 8th century BC and earlier.^[2] The city was the cradle of Roman civilization that produced the largest and longest-lasting empire of classical antiquity.^{[citation needed]} The city was pivotal and responsible for the spread of Greco-Roman culture that endures to this day. Rome is also identified with the Catholic Church and the holders of its episcopal seat are the popes. An enclave of Rome is the State of the Vatican City, the sovereign territory of the Holy See and smallest nation in the world.

Rome, Caput mundi ("capital of the world"), la Città Eterna ("the Eternal City"), Limen Apostolorum ("threshold of the Apostles"), la città dei sette colli ("the city of the seven hills") or simply l'Urbe ("the City"),^[3] is thoroughly modern and cosmopolitan. As one of the few major European cities that escaped World War II relatively unscathed, central Rome remains essentially Renaissance and Baroque in character. The Historic Centre of Rome is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site^[4].

Do

Walk and feel the energy of the place, sights are everywhere waiting to be discovered. Explore the Trastevere neighbourhood for some great cafes and trattorie, and a glimpse at a hip Roman neighbourhood.

Partying in Rome is a pretty easy thing to do. Given a heart for exploration, Testaccio is the place to wander. Head down there around 11pm and listen for music. The outsides of the clubs will give you NO idea what the insides are like. There are usually loads of people simply walking through the street or looking for parking. Be brave, walk in, meet some wonderful Romans, but never buy them drinks unless you are looking for sex (in this case, better to be sure you are inviting the right person). This area is best in the summer when the dancing moves outside. In the winter, most clubs close.

Eat

The Trastevere neighborhood and the old Jewish quarter have some of the best trattorie and ristoranti in Rome.

In Rome you can ask for:

• Carciofi alla romana (artichokes, Roman style)
• Carciofi alla giudia (artichokes, Jewish style)
• Puntarelle (Chicory Salad)
• Bucatini alla Amatriciana (a pasta dish)
• Spaghetti (or Rigatoni) alla "Carbonara", a sauce made with egg and pancetta (bacon)
• Abbacchio alla "scottadito" (lamb chops)
• Rigatoni con la "Pajata" (not always available)
• Scaloppine alla romana (Veal Sautéed with Fresh Baby Artichokes)
• Coda alla "vaccinara" (beef stew)

• Pizza. Lots of the better places only serve pizza in the evening as it takes most of the day to get the wood oven up to the right temperature. Try some of the fried things like baccala (battered salt cod) for a starter, followed by a pizza for a really roman meal. For one of the most famous places for pizza try 'Da Baffetto' (Via del Governo Vecchio). Roman pizzas tend to be very thin crusted.

Avoid the tourist areas where you'll often pay double the going rate just to get a badly reheated frozen pizza. Instead, head for a pizzeria like 'Pizzeria Maratoneta' in via dei Volsci / via del Sardi, San Lorenzo area, where you'll find a fine atmosphere of families and groups of students, and you'll get a good meal with a bottle of local plonk at a very reasonable price. You'll get an English menu, too.

• Pizza al Taglio. Pizza by the slice. A good cheap way to get something to fill you up and makes a good lunch. Point to the one you want, indicate if you want more or less than your server is indicating with the knife. Its sold by weight (the listed price is usually per 100 gm) and a good quick lunch or snack.

• Panini. If you don't speak Italian the question you won't understand and will always be asked once you've pointed out the sandwich you want is 'do you want it toasted'. If not, you can simply state 'caldo, per favore' (make it hot, please). Please note: singular is panino, and plural is panini. Never say "2 paninis" or "1 panini".

• Ice cream. Look for a gelateria with a big plastic sign with a big 'G' on it outside. This means it has a kind of guild association and will be good quality. Remember it costs extra to sit inside. You pay for your ice cream first...take your receipt and go fight your way through the throng to choose your flavors. You will be asked Panna? when it's almost made - this is the offer of whipped cream on top. If you've already paid, this is free.

• Trippa - is tripe. Offal is a roman tradition, e.g. osso buco, bone marrow.

• Vegetarians - should have an easy time. Buffets usually have a good range of delicious vegetarian stuff too - eg gratinated roast peppers/aubergines, etc. Vegans should do OK, too. Pizzas don't always have cheese - a Marinara for example, is just tomato, garlic and oregano. Remember, though, that Parmesan cheese is not permitted to vegetarians.

There are a few vegetarian restaurants in Rome. 'Arancia Blu' on Via Dei Latini (Via Tiburtina) is posh, overpriced and not that good, but the wine list looks impressive.

• Coffee. Starbucks has a lot to answer for. A latte in Italian is just a glass of milk. If you're expecting coffee in that glass, you should ask for a caffe latte. A latte macchiato (meaning "stained") is steamed milk stained with a smaller shot of espresso. "Espresso" or "normale" is just that, but more commonly just referred to as caffe. Espresso doppio means a double shot of espresso, while espresso macchiato is espresso 'marked' with a dab of steamed milk. Americano — the one to order if you like filter coffee — is espresso diluted with hot water and not drunk much by Italians. Cappuccino is well known outside of Italy, but be warned: it is considered very un-classy, and somewhat childish, to order one after 11am (and certainly after a meal). Decaffeinato is self explanatory, but often referred to by the common brand-name Caffe Hag. It is usually instant coffee, and not nearly as good as the real thing.

Restaurants, Pizzerie and Trattorie

• Il Bacaro You’d never know that you are three minutes walk from Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. Via degli Spagnioli is tiny, leafy and quite. Il Bacaro seats about 24 inside and even fewer outside under the shade of an ancient vine. Maybe that’s why the cooking gives the impression it’s for you alone. Great selection of wine. In general a great stop for a romantic meal in the Eternal city VIA degli Spagnoli 27 - Tel. +39.06.6872554 - [17]

• Mama Che Pizza Worth stopping by if you're close the EUR. - VIA Poggio Ameno, 34/38 - 00147

• La Pergola. Hotel Cavalieri Hilton, Via A. Cadlolo 101, 00136 Rome. This restaurant is awarded three stars in the Guide Rouge. The chef, Heinz Beck, is german of origin, and has set a style which combines italian fresh produce with exceptional creativity and presentation. The restaurant overlooks Rome, so be sure to get a table by the window. The wine cellar is exceptional. Expect to have to book months in advance, but the trip is well worth it.

• Taverna Cestia, Via Piramide Cestia, 65 (at METRO Piramide), Tel: +39 065743754. Excellent traditional roman restaurant. Menu only in italian and the waiters do not speak much English. They have a good selection of seafood and the seafood spaghetti is great.

• Osteria dell'Aquila, Via Natale del Grande, 52/53, (take the H bus to Trastevere), Tel/Fax: 06.5810924, Great mediterranean style restauraunt. Menu is in Italian and English, and the waiters speak both languages. Open for lunch and dinner, (closed only on Tuesday). The meals here were excellent, and at very good prices. Make sure to try the seafood appetizers. All of the first and second plates that I tried were quite tasty.

• Sapore&Arte Really good and fresh food, this place run by young people make a large use of biological and fair trade food. The have very good dressed potatoes and salads, but also brushcetta and sweet cakes. Mid-range at lunch and cheap at dinner, don't miss it if you visit the very near Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura Via efeso 24/26 - 00146 Roma - Tel. 06 59 60 03 40 - Metro B San Paolo Basilica

• Tapa Loca Spanish food near Piazza Navona 'Via di Tor Millina, 5 - 00186 Roma - 06 68 32 266'

• Taverna Pio Bove Good steak house in the suburbs, but not so far from Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura. Maybe you'll never reach this place if your stay is one week or shorter, but in the case you'll stay will be longer, this place could be a nice choice the day you want to go out for a steak with friends. Open at 19:00 everyday. 'Via Alessandro Cruto 9 - Tel. 06 553 011 35 - Bus 128, 775'

• Trattoria de "Gli Amici" Very interesting place in the heart of Trastevere discrict, this place is fully run by very kind handicapped people and has a nice cousine. Closed on sunday. Open every day from 19.30 to 23.30. 'Piazza Sant'Egidio, 8 - 00153 Roma - Tel. 06 580 60 33'

• Le Bistrot Creative, french and vegetarian cousine in the same place toghether with a very kind staff and a homely enviroment. Better to reserve. 'Garbatella - Via delle sette chiese, 160 - 06 512 89 91'

• Al peperoncino Very close to the Basilica di San Paolo fuori le mura and the Metro B San Paolo Basilica station, this piezzeria has a good roman style pizza (the thin one) and also a good choise of fried vegetables and appetizers. Price is low to mid-range, food quality and service are medium. Via Ostiense, 369 - Tel. 06 54 10 192 - 00146 Roma (San Paolo)

• Planet Kebab Good turkish food, from Kebab to Falafel. This place is very clean and the guys working there are very friendly. They claim to be open every day of the year, so remember this place when you are hungry and you can't find any open shop. Via Natale del grande, 17 - 00153 Roma (Trastevere) - Tel. 06 581 98 63

• Casetta di Campagna Into the natural park Valle dei Casali they have very good meat. They also offer a fixed price menu for pizza (only for more than 4 peopole) which is good for a large gathering dinner. You need a car to reach the place. Closed on monday. Sunday, Saturday and holidays also open at noon. Via Affogalasino, 40 - 00148 Roma (Casetta Mattei-Trullo) - Tel. 06 6574 32 30 - [18]

• Est! Est!! Est !!! Established in 1900 this pizzeria is something you cannot miss in Rome. Situated in the area of Piazza della Republica is very easy to reach by the Metro B line. They make a relatively small but amaizingly good pizza, on top of a learnedly cooked base you'll find extremely high quality food. Every pizza here is outstanting and calzone, one of their specialities, too. Staff speak english (is one of the few places plenty of tourits but with very good food). Reservation is advisable. Closed on monday. Via Genova, 32 - 00184 Roma (Via Nazionale/Piazza della Repubblica) - Tel. 06 48 81 107 [19] - Metro B Republica In the same neabourhood there's another EST,EST,EST pizzeria, watch out at the difference!

• Il conte tacchia Roman cousine at dinner. Vicolo del Bologna 87 - 00153 Roma (Trastevere) - Tel. 06 58 13 189

• Supperclub Don't come to supperclub if you're in search of a traditional restaurant, have lazy taste buds or are scared of new experiences. However, if you're looking for an unusual dinner experience in an unexpected place and are not afraid to discover the creative corners of your personality, then knock on supperclub's door. Have fun, eat, listen, dance and enjoy your evening. Nothing is obligatory. Everything's possible. Be yourself and anything can happen to you, at supperclub. Via de'Nari, 14 (Pantheon) - 00186 Roma - Tel. 06 6880 7207

• Cul de Sac Piazza Pasquino 73. One of the best enoteca in Rome, serving a wide range of small dishes. The pate selection is a must-try.

Tea rooms and ice cream

• It should say: Produzione Propria (homemade - our own production), Nostra Produzione (our production), Produzione Artigianale (production by craftsmen). These are just a few signs to keep in mind. If the colors seem dull and almost ugly it is probably natural, the bright colors being just a mix. Keep in mind, Italians usually won't queue, but if they are in line for gelato, get in line yourself, you may have hit the jackpot. Most of all, be a little adventurous!

• Gelateria Giolitti Originally opened in 1800, very popular amongst locals, tourists and the late Pope John Paul II was known to be a regular customer. Via degli Uffici del Vicario 40

• Gelateria Salus Very good icecream (only at the table) in a particuraly nice enviroment, prices are mid-range but icecream and service does worth the price. Lungomare Paolo Toscanelli, 117 - 00121 Roma (Ostia) - Tel. 06 976 13 117

• Il gelato Nice place to have some wired flavour of icecream. You'll choose among maybe 50 different and sometime unusual flavour (such as Gorgonzola or Mortadella). Great variety of chocholates and fruits. Closes around at 23:00. Via dell'Aeronautica, 105 - Bus 764 - Metro B Laurentina

• Bibelot Arthè Cosy tea room in Via Appia nuova. The also offer free table games and they serve excellent milk and friut shakes and tea and coffee blends as well. Prices are mid-range to expensive but the place is very nice and well furnished. It's possibile you'll find a queue, perfect for couples. 'Piazza dell'Alberone 13/bis - 347 33 18 178'

around at 23:00. Via dell'Aeronautica, 105 - Bus 764 - Metro B Laurentina

• Cafè Cafè Cosy and quite cheap this tea room is very very close to the Colosseo and it's ideal to have nice meeting with friends or a more intimate date. Very good sweets and tea, good also the choise. Open all days also after dinner. Via dei Santi Quattro,44 - 00184 - Tel. 06 7008743 - cafecaferoma@libero.it

• Caffè Novecento

Located in the very center of the city this place offer a very good variety of cakes, sweets, coffee and tea. Furnishing is also nice, there are also couches as seats on some table. Prices are mid-high range but it worths every single cent. Closes at 20:00 Via del governo vecchio,12 - Tel. 066865242

Drink

Regional wines are cheaper and very good. House wines are almost always drinkable and inexpensive (unlike, say in the UK). Most trattorie wouldn't be caught dead serving poor wine. You may often find a bottle of wine on the table for you. Believe it or not, this bottle will be less expensive than a glass would be in the US or UK, possibly only €4 or €5. This doesn't always apply to those places that look really tourist-trap-like! (And why would you want to eat there?)

Water is free at most designated water fountains. Some of these date to ancient times, and the water is still very good. It's fresh spring water and safe to drink. If you carry an empty bottle, fill it up for the rest of the day. Look for the drinking fountain with constant running water, plug the bottom hole, and cool water will shoot up from a smaller hole on top of the tap.

See

Roman Empire structures

The Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill are all in very close proximity to each other.

• The Colosseum - Entry €11 (€9 if you're under 25). Expect a long queue and an even longer wait. You can skip the queue if you decide to take a tour, but if you don't want a tour, you can STILL skip the queue. If you walk across the street to the Roman Forum, you can buy a day-long pass for €10,or a standard Colosseum + Palatine ticket at €11, better still, a 7-day pass for €22. This pass gets you in to the Colosseum (Colosseo), Palatine Hill (Palatino Hill), the Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla), and the catacombs as well as the Terme di Diocleziano, Palazza Massimo alle Terme, Crypta Balbi, Palazzo Altemps, Villa dei Quintili, Tomba di Cecilia Metella. If you don't want to cram it all into one day, get the pass. Plus, it is nice to buy a slice of pizza and eat in the gardens of Palatine Hill. There are lots of people offering tours in English just outside the entrance to the Colosseum. Inside you can take a tour (English, Spanish, or German) every 30 minutes or so for an additional fee of €3.5 per person. The tours are given by knowledgeable archeologists, but they don't take you to any areas you couldn't visit on your own.

• The Pantheon - A marvel of ancient architecture, this ancient temple to all the gods is celebrated for its large dome, copied during Greek and Roman revival periods by such designers as Thomas Jefferson, who modeled his Monticello and the Rotunda at the University of Virginia on it. Built during the reign of the emperor Hadrian (AD 125-128), the Pantheon carries a dedication to Marcus Agrippa, who built the original structure on this spot in 27 BC. As it is still a functioning church, silence is requested during your visit. From inside the Pantheon, you'll see traces of the former bronze ceiling, melted down during the reign of Pope Urban VIII to make bombards to for the fortification of the Castel Sant' Angelo. The hole in the center of the ceiling, though, is an original feature designed to admit light. Guides will tell you the spectacular doors are original, but a glance shows that extensive alterations were made to the original doorway in order to accommodate them.

The site surrounding the Pantheon offers a lesson in archaeologial stratigraphy. The building now appears to be built in a recess at the edge of a hill, but this is not the original appearance. The street level at the sides and rear has risen about 10 meters since the original construction due to the accumulation of debris from 2,000 years of settlement. This has necessitated the maintenance of the deep trench that keeps the building from being buried.

Roman Forum

• Roman Forum - If stones could talk: these hallowed ruins were the most powerful seat of government in the world. The Forum is much less crowded than the Colosseum and, from a historical perspective, much more interesting. Free admission, except for an audio guide, which is highly recommended. To stand in the political, legal and religious centre of the whole Roman Empire brings shivers down one's spine. It is the best way of imagining the splendour and glory of ancient Rome.

• Tabularium The remains of the ancient Roman archives, where Cicero and Seneca did research. Visible from the Forum and accessible through the Capitoline Museum.

• Circus Maximus The contours of the ancient stadium are still visible in a city park across the Palatine from the Forum. It was in one of the tunnels here that Caligula met his end.

• Palatine Hill - right next to the Roman Forum, contains the ruins of several large villas that belonged to wealthy Roman families. You can buy a combined ticket for the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum here, avoiding the long lines at the Colosseum.

• Fori Imperiali - Entry €7 (cheaper for EU nationals, free for EU history students). The inside of the fort is very similar to a museum, with a lot of rooms containing items in glass cases. It is a bit of a maze and takes time to orient yourself, but it is worth climbing to very top for a view of the city and the Vatican.

Museums

• The Capitoline Museums, Piazza del Campidoglio 1 - 00186 Roma, ☎ 06 82059127 (every day 9.00-19.30) (info.museicapitolini@comune.roma.it, fax: 06 6785488), [9]. Tu-Su 9.00am-8.00pm; Dec 24th, 31st 9.00am-2.00pm (the ticket office closes an hour in advance) Closed on Mondays, 25th Dec, 1st Jan, 1st May. Also contain a good collection of classical art, as well as ancient sculpture, including the famous bronze wolf. The Capitoline piazza, between the two museum buildings - designed by Michelangelo, is beautiful. Explore these museums, then head out the back of the square to the Forum, where you'll find the remains of the Temple of the Vestal Virgins, among many other buildings on the way to the Colosseum. Book tickets online Ordinary €6,50 (+ €1,50 for exhibitions), Concessions €4,50 (+ €1,50 for exhibitions)..

• Palazzo Massimo, ☎ 06 39967700. Mo - Sa 9.00-13.30, 14.30 - 17.00. A magnificent collection of ancient Roman sculptures, mosaics and wall paintings, including the famous paintings from the Imperial-era villa discovered under the Villa Farnesina, as well as the bedroom from the Empress Livia's villa at Prima Porta. Located across the piazza from Termini, opposite the Baths of Diocetian. € 7,00.

• Galleria Borghese, Piazzale Museo Borghese (Parco di Villa Borghese) 00197 - Roma, ☎ +39 06 8555952, booking: +39 06 32810 (info.servizimusei@libero.it, fax: +39 06 32651329.), [10]. Tu - Su 9.00 - 19.00 (note: Mandatory exit at the end of allotted 2 hour slot). A small museum that concentrates on the quality rather than the size of its collection. There are some very notable works by Antonio Canova and Gian Lorenzo Bernini here. The number of people admitted is limited to 200 every 2 hours, so make a reservation on-line well in advance for the time slot you want.No cameras are allowed Full €8.50, Concessions €2.00.

• Villa Giulia Museum, Piazzale di Villa Giulia, 9, Villa Borghese 00196 - Roma, ☎ +39 06 3201951, [11]. Everyday 8.30 - 19.30. Closed Jan 1st, Dec 25th. The most extensive collection of Etruscan art and artifacts anywhere, well worth the admission charge. They do, however, make you lock up your camera. A difficult museum to find, but a lovely display in a beautiful villa setting. Full: €4.00 Concessions: €2.00.

• Vatican Museums, [12].

Churches

If you aren't familiar with Roman Catholic churches, take a look inside of any one of these. You'll find the richness and range of decor astonishing, from fine classical art to tacky electric candles. Please note that some churches in Rome deny admission to people who are dressed inappropriately. You will find "fashion police" at Rome's most visited churches - near the front doors of St Peter's, St Paul Outside the Walls, and often Sta Maria Maggiore and San Giovanni in Laterano. Bare shoulders, short skirts, and shorts are officially not allowed. However, long shorts and skirts reaching just above the knee should be no problem. The stricter churches usually have vendors just outside selling inexpensive scarves. Few other churches in Rome enforce dress codes. You can wander into lesser known churches like Sant'Ivo and Sta Maria in Trastevere wearing shorts, sleeveless shirts, or pretty much anything without problems. It is, however, good to keep one's dress tasteful, as these are still churches and houses of prayer for many people.

• St. Pietro - St Peter's - where the Pope resides. Long queues for entry, said to be the finest church on the planet.
• San Carlo alla Quattro Fontane - a very small and beautiful church, the first design commission of Francesco Borromini.
• Sant' Ivo della Sapienza - This little church is hard to find but well worth the extra effort. It is located only a block from Piazza Navona, but not usually visible from the street, as one must enter the courtyard of an old palazzo to reach the church. Sant'Ivo is a small church shaped like the Star of David, with an amazing star-shaped dome and whimsical steeple.
• Santa Maria del Popolo - with a couple of paintings by Caravaggio: "The Crucifixion of Saint Peter" and "The Conversion of Saint Paul"
• San Luigi dei Francesi - This church is roughly halfway between Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. It is most notable for a side chapel which contains three Caravaggio masterworks: "The Calling of St. Matthew", "St. Matthew and the Angel" and "Martyrdom of St. Matthew"
• Sant'Agnese in Agone in Piazza Navona - This lovely basilica church is small with an almost circular interior. It is undergoing rehabilitation and the facade and dome are hidden in scaffolding. It seems to be open only until noon.
• San Giovanni in Laterano - this is the cathedral church of Rome and first of the major basilicas. It's also the Pope's (as Bishop of Rome) Church. Be sure to check out the fourth century baptistry (still in use) and the medieval cloister.
• Santa Maria Maggiore - This ancient basilica crowns the top of the Esquiline Hill. Tons of gold decorate the interior.
• San Paolo fuori le Mura - also known as St Paul's Outside the Walls. This is on the outskirts of Rome in an otherwise drab modern neighborhood. The church is a faithful reconstruction of the ancient basilica which burned down in the early 1800s. Don't miss the medieval cloister, which survived the fire.
• S. Passera Even though it isn't worth a trip, this church can be a interesting deviation if you live or pass through its neighbourhood. This church is believed to be the grave of the Saints Ciro and Giovanni, killed during the time of the Emperor Diocletian. The church is now know as Saint Passera because of the several changes its name has undergone. The oringal name was Abba Cyrus and through Appaciro and then Appacero finally it got Pacera, that's very close to today's Passera. The building on top is a 3rd century building still visible in the lower floor and in the underground. The main part of the building dates back to the IX century as the frescoes on the higher floor. Some of th frescoes are too spoiled to be enjoyed, but some of them have recently been restored and depict the Saints Paolo, Pietro, Giovanni Battista and Giovanni Evangelista in the vault and Our Lady together with Jesus, Saints Giacomo and Antonio and the Archangel Michele in the apse. Downstairs there is a small quadrangular room and the underground, where the rest of the two Saints should be. Frescoes in these floor date back to XIV century but are almost completely ruined, but in the underground there are still visible III century traces of Roman age frescoes; in front of the stair you can enjoy a small bird, the Justice, and an athlete while in the vault some eight apex stars. Bus 128,780,781,775 (first stop in Via della Magliana)
• San Clemente - a great little cathedral to visit, with an excavated older church below and a pagan temple below that. The only place in Rome to hear the underground river that flows beneath the city. Very close to the Colosseum.
• Santa Maria in Trastevere - one of the oldest churches in the city. The nave is lined with a mismatched collection of columns taken from ancient Roman buildings. The apse is covered in gold mosaics from the 13th century, arguably the finest mosaics in the city.
• Santa Maria degli Angeli - this church was built inside the former baths of Diocletian. Very light and airy inside. Note the unusual art on the outside doors.
• San Pietro in Vincoli - The chains that held St. Peter are displayed in a case before the altar. Also contains a statue of Moses created by Michelangelo. It's close to the Colosseum, but a little hard to find
• Santissima Trinità dei Monti - up above the Spanish Steps
• Santa Maria in Aracoeli - Ballroom-like church which crowns part of the Capitoline Hill. Don't be fooled by the plain stone exterior
• Santa Maria alla Minerva - This church is literally right behind the Pantheon. It is Rome's only gothic church, and well worth seeing, although its plain square façade makes it look inconspicuous.
• Il Gesù - not far from Piazza Venezia. The interior is Baroque art on steroids. Simply astounding.
• Sant'Ignazio - Not far from the Pantheon. A stunning example of Baroque art. The ceiling frescoes are especially fine, including a trompe l'oeuil dome.
• Capuchin Monastery - On Via Veneto, right by Piazza Barberini. The crypt of the church contains a macabre display - a series of chapels decorated with the bones of thousands of dead monks. The bones are glued to the walls and ceilings in bizarre and striking decorations.

Public squares

The Vittoriano Monument, Piazza Venezia

• Largo di Torre Argentina - an excavation of four roman temples and Pompeys theater. The largo is also home to a large amount of cats which are tended by the local animal rights organization.
• Piazza di Trevi - where you can find the famous Fontana di Trevi. It's not a very big piazza and gets very crowded very quickly.
• Piazza di Spagna - under the "Spanish Steps"
• Piazza Navona - Used to be an ancient stadium built by the emperor Domitian and still retains the shape. The fountains are by Bernini and are very notable. Piazza Pasquino is just round the corner.
• Campo de' Fiori - not far from Piazza Navona. Used as a marketplace. In nearby via dei Giubbonari the salumeria Roscioli is worth checking out.
• Piazza Pasquino - piazza about 20m from Piazza Navona. There is a statue here named "Pasquino", apparently named after a tailor working nearby who had a reputation for complaining. The statue is now used as a place to hang messages, complaints and other opinions which has to be shared with the world. The piazza is also home to Cul de Sac, one of the best enoteca in Rome.
• Piazza del Popolo - with the twin churches
• Piazza della Minerva- a small piazza just behind the Pantheon. The centerpiece is a statue of an elephant by Bernini with an ancient obelisk on its back
• Piazza delle Coppelle
• Piazza di Sant'Ignazio- small and attractive piazza tucked away in a neighborhood near Pantheon
• Piazza Montecitorio - where you can find the building of the House or Representatives
• Piazza Colonna - where there is the building of the Italian Government, Palazzo Chigi. Also there is a marvelous carved column (hence the name) dating back to Imperial Rome
• Piazza Barberini - with Bernini's famous Triton Fountain. Via Veneto starts here too.
• Piazza della Rotonda - where you can see the Pantheon
• Piazza Venezia- more of an enormous traffic circle than a piazza, but a good central location. The centerpiece is the enormous Vittorio Emmanuale Monument (aka the Wedding Cake) with the Capitoline hill next door. Piazza Venezia is also very close to the Forum
• Piazza del Campidoglio - On top of the Capitol hill. It was designed by Michelangelo. The Capitoline Museum is housed in the palaces flanking the piazza. You can walk behind the palaces and to a wonderful viewpoint which overlooks the entire Forum

Historical Buildings

• Palazzo Venezia In the very heart of the city center, the building was for centuries ago the seat of the Venice embassy. Today it houses a museum and galleries art.

• Palazzo della Cancelleria

• Palazzo Farnese

• Palazzo della Sapienza - 8, Corso Rinascimento tel 06 686 4987. Bus 70 81, 87, 492. Close to Navona square, this building housed the University of Rome since the middle of the 15th century until 1935. The splendid interior courtyard was created by Giacomo della Porta. The inside church of St Ivo is one of the masterpieces of Architect Borromini.

• Palazzo Altemps - 8, Sant' Apollinare street tel.06 6897091. Bus 70, 81, 87, 492. Simple and elegant lines make up this building, whose construction began in 1480 for Count Girolamo Riario, nephew of Papa Sisto IV and was taken up by architect Martino Longhi for the new owner, Cardinal Marco Sittico Altemps.

• Palazzo Taverna - Via di Monte Giordano. The building is located in one of the most set-apart corners of the city center among the Navona square and Castel Sant Angelo. It served as residence for the Orsini Family. Nowatdays it is a private property and one can only glance at the courtyard and the inside amazing fountain erected in 1618 by architect Antonio Casoni. However, the brief moment is worth it.

• Palazzo Crivelli - Via dei Banchi vecchi, 22 This building also know as the Doll House was built in the 16th century. It is unique for the quantity and quality of the decorations - lions heads, satyrs and disfigured heads that adorn the facade attributed to the sculptor Giulio Mazzoni.

• Palazzo Spada Piazza Capo di Ferro - This building was erected in the 16th century by Giulio Merisi Caravaggio for Cardinal Capodiferro. One century later it was acquired by another powerful Cardinal, Bernardino Spada and was restored by Borromini.

• Palazzo Barberini

• Villa Farnesina This Renaissance house is in Trastevere, very close to the river and not far from the Vatican. You can tour several beautiful rooms covered in frescoes, including some by Raphael.

Others

• Castel Sant'Angelo - Perhaps the most facinating building in Rome. The core of the structure began life as the mausoleum of the Emperor Hadrian, built between 135 and 139 AD. Subsequent strongholds built on top of the mausoleum were in turn incorporated into a residence and castle by medieval Popes. The building was used as a prison until 1870, but now houses a museum. Opera buffs will be exhilarated to visit the balcony from which Tosca leaps to her death.
• Trastevere
• Il Gianicolo
• Piramid, at the Piramid metro station.

The Pyramid