Who founded the see of bishops of Rome?
One of the central points of faith of the Roman Catholic Church is the confession of the Apostle Peter as the founder of the Church in Rome, its first bishop, i.e. the first Pope of Rome and, accordingly, the creator of the very institution of the Pope of Rome, as the visible head of the Universal Church. The rest of the Orthodox Churches do not object to the creation of the Roman see by the Apostle Peter, but reject the idea of its primacy in the Church. But is Apostle Peter really the creator of the Roman Church and its first primate?
It is clear that there are various “legends” whose antiquity and consistency are highly questionable. But even if there were no doubt about the “traditions,” there should have been indisputable biblical evidence on such an important issue, when claims are being made for the supremacy of the papacy throughout Christendom. Holy Scripture, as an undoubted revelation of God, should have made us understand that the Lord chose Peter to preach in Rome, that he went there, preached and founded a community. Is there such a thing in the New Testament? No.
God neither directly nor indirectly gives such a commission to Peter. But He Himself speaks about the mission of preaching in Rome to the Apostle Paul: “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified of Me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”(Acts 23:11). The history of the Roman Church has its beginning, like the history of other Apostolic Churches, in the Jewish communities of the Diaspora, in which the apostles preached. In the Acts of the Apostles we see that the first preacher of Christianity in Rome was also not Peter at all, but Paul. Having arrived in the city, he did not find a formed church community there, but he met with local Jews who were interested in the Christian Teaching, which is “disputed everywhere” (Acts 28:22). Those. At that time, only rumors about a new religion reached Rome, but there was no one to give an authoritative explanation about it.
An important argument against the organization of the Church in Rome by the Apostle Peter is that, according to the testimony of the Apostle Paul himself, who preached in this city for two years (Acts 28:30), he “I tried to preach the gospel not where the name of Christ was already known, so as not to build on someone else’s foundation”(Rom. 15:20). That is, if the founder of the Church in Rome had been the Apostle Peter, then Paul would not have taught the Romans, much less sent them pastoral Epistles instead of Peter.
There is no doubt that after two years of preaching the Gospel in Rome, the Apostle Paul left, upon his departure, the formed Christian Community. And could he leave her without a bishop? What could prevent him from ordaining a primate to this Church, as he did everywhere, himself or by sending an assistant? So the question arises: why is it the Apostle Peter who is considered to have given rise to the episcopal see of Rome, and not Paul, whose mission in Rome is confirmed by Scripture?!
Yet it is surprising that, contrary to general tradition, the Bible says nothing about the participation of the Apostle Peter in the creation of the Roman Church Community, and even more so does not say anything about the fact that he was its first bishop. The Roman see is clearly attributed to Peter in the writings of many Christian authors, especially from the fifth century onwards. For them, Peter not only took an active part in the formation of the Church of Rome together with Paul (where, like the Apostle Paul, he suffered martyrdom during the days of persecution by Emperor Nero), but it was he and no one else who was its founder.
The oldest mention of the founding of the Roman Church by the apostles belongs to Saint Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons (c.130−200). Irenaeus of Lyons, in his famous work “Against Heresies,” lists the names of the first bishops of Rome as apostolic successors, placing this fact as the main argument against the claims of the Gnostic sects to the title of the true Church. But he says nothing about Peter's primacy or his leading role. But remembering the first bishop of Rome, Linus, he points to Paul’s testimony about him:
“The blessed apostles, having founded and established the church, entrusted the ministry of bishopric to Linus. Paul mentions this line in his letters to Timothy. He is succeeded by Anaclitus; after him, in third place, Clement receives the bishopric from the apostles, having seen the blessed apostles and treated them, still having the preaching of the apostles in his ears and their tradition before his eyes; However, he was not alone, but many still remained then who received instruction from the apostles.
Under this Clement, when there was considerable disagreement between the brothers in Corinth, the Roman Church wrote a very practical letter to the Corinthians, exhorting them to peace and restoring their faith, and proclaiming the tradition recently received from the apostles... This Clement was succeeded by Evarest, Evarest by Alexander, then Sixtus was made sixth from the apostles, after him Telesphorus, who gloriously endured torment; then Hyginus, then Pius, after him Anicetas; after Sotira, who succeeded Anicetas, now in twelfth place from the apostles the lot of the bishopric belongs to Eleutherus.
In this order and in such succession, church tradition from the apostles and the preaching of the truth have reached us. And this serves as the most complete proof that the same life-giving Faith has been preserved in the church from the apostles to the present day and delivered in its true form” (Irenaeus of Lyons “Against Heresies.” 4:12).
The question arises: why is Paul mentioning the first bishop of Rome, and not Peter, who supposedly not only installed Linus, but was himself his predecessor at the see of Rome? And if Paul was so aware of Roman affairs, then why does he not remember Peter at all? So where did the “dogma” about the See of Peter and the primacy of popes come from?
Rome, of course, is not a seaside city, but nearby you can find many interesting places in terms of beach holidays. Moreover, if you are going to Rome in the summer, especially in July or August, then it makes sense to think about whether it is worth staying in the city for a long time. It’s hot in Rome in the summer, and it’s much more pleasant to spend the daytime by the sea than on the hot streets and squares of the Italian capital.
However, if you still decide to live in Rome, or if you are planning a trip for less hot months and just want to get out of Rome for a day to wander along the sea and breathe in the salty air, then there will be more than one suitable place.
This article is dedicated to seaside resorts in the immediate vicinity of Rome. Next, we will consider the most interesting areas in our opinion. In this case, we will focus primarily on the possibilities of public transport (primarily railway - see www.trenitalia.com).
So, by sea from Rome: where to go, how to get there, where to stay, etc. and so on.
The beaches closest to Rome are in the town Lido di Ostia(Lido di Ostia). In fact, this is a suburb of Rome, and the railway line connecting the Lido with the capital is essentially a continuation of the Roman metro. You can get here by train Roma Lido from the Porta San Paolo train station, connected to the Piramide metro station (see diagram). The drive is only half an hour. In addition, we note that Lido di Ostia is located near Fiumicino airport, from where you can get to the Lido by Cotral bus. This is about the question of summer trips to Rome. It is quite possible to stay in Lido - closer to the sea and beaches - and from there travel to Rome. True, there are not so many accommodation options, and therefore the issue of booking should be taken care of in advance, while there is plenty to choose from. Pay attention, for example, to Hotel La Scaletta and Hotel Ping Pong, located in the center of resort life, or to the small but very nice guest house Il Mare Di Roma, a little away from the center.
Despite all of the above, people usually come to Lido for a day from Rome to swim, sunbathe and return back. The beaches here are sandy and maintained in decent condition throughout the swimming season. Paid sections predominate, but free ones are also found. The sea near the shore is shallow, which attracts families with small children, but there is also entertainment for young people. Nightlife in Lido di Ostia has its place - there are beach bars and discos (see www.discotecheostia.it), although of course this is not Ibiza.
If you need a place for a relaxing beach holiday and do not plan to travel to Rome every day, then take your time to choose Lido. It makes sense to look further south and take a closer look at places like Anzio(Anzio) And Nettuno(Nettuno), accessible by Trenitalia trains (about an hour from Rome). This is practically one whole - you can walk from one town to another, and both make a rather pleasant impression, and have their own attractions. In other words, you will always have the opportunity to diversify your lazy beach holiday with walks around the area. And the sea here is cleaner than in Lido di Ostia, although it is just as shallow, which is good for children, but is unlikely to appeal to those who like to swim in the depths.
Mostly locals vacation in Anzio and Nettuno. Therefore, there are relatively few hotels here. Alternatively, you can consider the Hotel Riviera (Anzio) or the Astura Palace Hotel (Nettuno). There are also small guest houses and apartments: see, for example, Casa Vacanze Anzio Centro in Anzio and Appartamento Romana in Nettuno.
However, the most interesting resorts, in our opinion, are located even further south. This - San Felice Circeo, Terracina, Sperlonga and Gaeta.
CC BY-SA 2.0, flickr.com)">The downside is that it is more difficult to get here by rail. Although if your budget allows, you can always order a direct transfer from the airport (see, for example,) or rent a car (see). After all, there are buses. Thus, from Rome's Laurentina bus station you can travel directly to Terracina and San Felice Circeo (here and below, see the Cotral route planner). The journey takes a little over two hours. In Terracina you can change buses to Sperlonga and Gaeta. Another way to get to Terracina is to first take the train to Monte San Biagio and then take the bus to Terracina. In short, it is much more convenient to go in this direction by car, especially since there are a lot of interesting things in the surrounding area and to see it all, you will again need a car.
The busiest place among those listed is Terracina(Terracina). The beaches here are sandy, long and mostly paid, but there are also free sections. The entrance to the water is gentle, but the depth is not far. The historical city center is very interesting. There are places to take a walk - both in Terracina and in the immediate surroundings (you can, for example, climb the mountain to the Temple of Jupiter). Wonderful embankment. Lots of children's playgrounds. Beach discos. Etc. and so on. In short, Terracina allows you to organize a vacation to suit every taste. And your wallet, since the accommodation options here are different: from the expensive Grand Hotel L'Approdo to quite budget guest houses like Il Giardino Di Adriana B&B and numerous apartments.
San Felice Circeo(San Felice Circeo) a much calmer and secluded place, but the beaches here are at least as good as in Terracina. And the nature around is amazing, since this is actually the territory of a national natural park (see parcocirceo.it), as, by the way, Sabaudia(Sabaudia), located on the other side of Cape Circeo (also perfect place for a quiet beach holiday). In San Felice Circeo it is worth paying attention, for example, to Hotel Capo Circeo, and in Sabaudia - to Hotel Oasi Di Kufra.
Good in terms of beaches and Sperlonga(Sperlonga), and the atmosphere here, so to speak, is more intimate. The historical center of the city has climbed up a cliff, its streets are intricately intertwined, and snow-white houses are piled on top of each other. There are beaches on both sides of the cliff: fine golden sand, clear sea and picturesque views of the Old city- beauty! Moreover, Sperlonga has hotels located right on the seafront, which further enhances the experience: see, for example, Albergo La Sirenella and Hotel Aurora. True, the cost of living in such hotels is quite high. Cheaper hotels like Elaia Garden Hotel, located a little further from the beaches (5-10 minutes walk). Families with children and road travelers should also pay attention to the Residence Le Spiagge apartment complex.
Finally, Gaeta(Gaeta). This is perhaps the cheapest resort when compared with Sperlonga, Terracina and San Felice Circeo. Meanwhile, the beaches here are just as good, there are also places to walk and things to see (the historical center of the city, the beautiful natural park of Monte Orlando on the mountain of the same name, the Turkish Grotto, etc.) and hotels, of course, are also available: see. , in particular, the hotels Hotel Mirasole International and Hotel Viola, as well as the cozy guest house B&B il Giglio Marino. It is more convenient to get here not through Terracina, but through Formia, which has a direct train connection with Rome. From Rome you can drive to Formia in just over an hour. From Formia to Gaeta it is about 15 minutes by bus. So, if you wish, you can go to Gaetou in one day.
Formia(Formia), by the way, is also suitable for a beach holiday, as is the nearby town Skauri(Scauri), where there is also a railway station and prices are moderate.
To the south are the resorts of Campania, many of which can be reached from Rome. Read more about them.
Ladispoli, Santa Marinella and Lido di Tarquinha are all within an hour and a half's drive north of Rome.
Yes, up to Ladispoli(Ladispoli) From Rome's main station, Roma Termini, you can get there in just 40–50 minutes, and if you go from Roma San Pietro station (next to the Vatican), the journey will take less than half an hour. (By the way, about where it is better to live in Rome, read more in the corresponding article.) From the Ladispoli-Cerveteri railway station to the sea it is only 10–15 minutes on foot. The beach here is sandy (dark volcanic sand) and quite long, there are both paid and free sections (of course, there are more paid sections). In a word, Ladispoli is a good option for a one-day outing, and given the proximity to Rome, you can stay here for several days in order to be able to visit the Eternal City from time to time (there is practically nothing to see in Ladispoli itself, and in general the place is not very picturesque) . There are not many hotels here, but there are still some options: see, for example, Alle Tamerici Hotel, Hotel Villa Margherita and Hotel Miramare.
Santa Marinella(Santa Marinella) is located a little further - about an hour's drive from Rome - and overall makes a more pleasant impression than Ladispoli. This is a small and quiet resort, more suitable for a relaxing family holiday (including those with children). The central (sandy) beach of this town is usually packed to capacity in the summer months, especially in the free part. However, nearby (next to the Odescalchi castle and the Hotel L"Isola) you can find a small “wild” beach - rocky, with crystal clean water. Another (pebble and rocky) beach is located some distance from the city center and its railway station, but it is much more spacious. From the station it’s about 15 minutes on foot, the landmark is Hotel del Sole. This option is also possible: some hotels (for example, Hotel Villa delle Palme) have their own “beaches” in the form of a platform jutting into the sea with sun loungers and beach umbrellas (to swim in the sea, you need to go down into the water using a special staircase).
By the way, if you get off the train one stop earlier - at the Santa Severa station (be careful: not all trains stop here), you can walk (10-15 minutes on foot) to the castle located on the seashore (Castello di Santa Severa). This castle is remarkable both in itself and because it is adjacent to a fairly wide sandy beach - much less crowded than the beach in Santa Marinella. In other words, Santa Severa(Santa Severa) An equally, and perhaps even more interesting option if you need a beach that you can visit for a day from Rome.
Lido di Tarquinia(Lido di Tarquinia)- another beach resort north of Rome, which is worth mentioning separately. This place is quite popular, but at the same time, not trampled by tourists. The beach here is sandy (dark sand), there are paid and free sections. There are many different restaurants nearby. And all around is peace and quiet, pine trees and fields. True, it is more convenient to go here by car, especially since Tarquinia proper is located a few kilometers from here - an ancient and very interesting city.
In general, almost limitless prospects open up for road travelers, since many other interesting places can be found on the coast in the northern outskirts of Rome. It is worth paying attention in particular to the beaches Santo Agostino(Santo Agostino), between Tarquinia and Civitavecchia. Even further north, the beaches of Tuscany begin. Here, we can mention, for example, places such as Ansedonia(Ansedonia) And Cape Argentario(Promontorio dell'Argentario), where it is more convenient to get from Rome than from Florence or Pisa.
When choosing a hotel or apartment in Italy in general and in Rome in particular, use not only booking sites, but also price comparison services. We recommend Roomguru.ru.
You should do the same when searching for air tickets. Pay attention, for example, to Skyscanner.ru.
Rome from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Rome.
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The eternal city, where all roads lead, where you can live your whole life in one day-long vacation or get lost for several weeks. The concentration of attractions in Rome reaches such magnitudes that after just a couple of hours in this city, the heart and brain of the poor tourist begin to refuse to accommodate new ones. Therefore, spending a day or two in Rome is simply a crime. You can come here and come and come. The main thing is to be aware that Rome is not Italy. Consider it a separate state or even a separate world. Rome is monstrously old and forever young, it has seen the rise and fall of one of the greatest civilizations on the planet. It is not surprising that its entire historical center has been declared a World Heritage Site.
How to get to Rome
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Districts of Rome
Rome is divided into many zones, municipal districts, suburbs, districts, neighborhoods and other residential areas. Undoubtedly, each of them has its own pearl, but understanding all the intricacies of urban planning is difficult even for Romans of the seventh generation, so for the first acquaintance it is better to choose one of the historical districts, and leave the working outskirts for later.
The city welcomes its guests with the Termini district - the main train station of Rome with the same name. Many travel agencies recommend this place, talking about the cheapness of housing and the convenience of logistics, but in reality these advantages are very doubtful, and there are plenty of other disadvantages: the station areas are characterized by increased noise, dirt, bustle, and some criminal patina, Termini is no exception. And the imaginary transport accessibility is almost ubiquitous in Rome.
Italy: test of 11 difficult questions. Try to answer correctly 11/11:
West of Termini and north of Ostiense, there is a whole galaxy of ancient districts where you can’t walk without tripping over a landmark or bumping your forehead into it: Monti, Campitelli, Celio and Ripa. Yes, these are crowded and very popular areas; the round dances of tourists around the Colosseum do not stop even at night. But if you try, you can find not the most expensive housing on a quiet street a stone's throw from the Forum and enjoy the view of these majestic ruins in the early morning while everyone is sleeping. The number is not the most famous, but incredible beautiful churches It's just overwhelming here.
You can walk around the central part of Rome without fear, but it is better to avoid the “emigrant” quarters. The main danger for tourists is pickpockets, especially gypsies, on crowded streets and on public transport. Many stops even have special signs warning about pickpockets.
Another impressive group of districts is located just above the Colosseum: Trevi, Parione, Pigna and Regola. In addition to endless palazzos, temples and squares, this area is notable for its shops - small private shops, fashion boutiques, markets, and there are also many cozy cafes, bars and gelaterias. The main landmarks are Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and the Barberini metro station.
The north of the right bank tourist center of Rome is occupied by the areas of Ponte, Colonna and Campo Marzio. The first one is recommended for lovers of walking along embankments and bridges - its coat of arms even depicts the Pont Sant'Angelo, and the Vatican is just a stone's throw away. The Column and the Champ de Mars are good for both independent excursions and shopping.
On the left bank of the Tiber large area occupies Trastevere. Ignoring this area is pure sacrilege. First, I crossed the bridge - and was already in the center. Secondly, there are plenty of attractions here. And thirdly, this area is alive, the most ordinary Romans live here, they go to non-tourist shops and cheap trattorias for locals, trade in real, not souvenir markets, and do not dress up in costumes of legionnaires and gladiators. In Trastevere you will feel the rhythm modern society, harmoniously existing within the walls of medieval streets eternal monument. The downside is that the young people here only calm down in the morning.
To the north are Borgo and the Vatican. The main difference from Trastevere: there are many more tourists and pilgrims, as well as scammers, than natives, but if you get deep into the neighborhoods, you will probably find a quiet and inexpensive place.
From areas remote from the center with affordable housing and good conditions We can recommend Eur with its Palais des Conventions and square Colosseum, as well as neat and green Monteverde. Head to Testaccio for nightlife and a tour of small family-run pizzerias.
Transport in Rome
Public transport in Rome is well organized under the auspices of ATAC. The cost of a single ticket is 1.50 EUR, it is called BIT, it is valid for 100 minutes from the moment of composting (or one pass through the metro turnstile). If you plan to spend several days in Rome and move around actively, buy a travel pass. There are tickets for 24, 48 and 72 hours, as well as for 7 days, at prices of 7 EUR, 12.50 EUR, 18 EUR and 24 EUR respectively. They are valid in the subway, trams and city buses, and, like BIT, are sold in vending machines at train stations, in bars, tobacco shops and newsstands. Prices on the page are as of November 2018.
All tickets must be punched in small yellow boxes, otherwise the controller will slap a hefty fine and no “Russo tourists don’t understand” will give you a ride.
Ground transportation
An extensive bus network runs throughout Rome, including the outskirts, and tram lines greatly complement the system, allowing you to travel without delays during rush hour. Please note that service times may vary on weekdays and weekends. At night, the number of buses is reduced significantly, but you can still get to the desired point. Buses often fly past small stops, don't be shy to wave to the driver.
If there is no bus for a long time, look for the sign “Sciopero” at the stop. It means a driver's strike and automatically blesses you to walk or hunt for a taxi.
In the evening, it’s good to take a ride through the streets of Rome on the rare trams TRAMbelcanto and TRAMjazz; the pleasure is not cheap, but the atmosphere is soulful.
Metro
The main shopping streets in Rome are Via del Corso, Via del Tritone and Via Nazionale, which starts at Piazza Venezia, runs northwest and is the central artery of the area, which consists almost entirely of shops. The latest, exclusive models of shoes, clothing, accessories and jewelry from Armani, Gianfranco Ferre, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Laura Biagiotti, Valentino, Rocco Barocco, Trussardi and many others are sold in the Piazza di Spagna area.
Prices in Rome are lower than in Milan, higher than in Naples. In winter, from January 15 and in summer, from August 16, the sales season starts (sconti and saldi); if you get closer to the end, the discounts reach 70%.
A couple of minutes walk from the Trevi Fountain is one of the most prestigious shopping centers Rome - Alberto Sordi gallery. It is history and art in itself, take a look here if only for the sake of interest - hundred-year-old shops are not found on every corner. The modern malls Euroma2 and Roma Est also deserve attention, although they are more difficult to get to, but when has this stopped a real shopaholic?
Those who like to spend a day in outlets will have to go out of town: the second largest in Italy, Castel Romano, is 25 km away, and the Valmontone outlet, one of the largest in the world in terms of area, is about 45 km away. But there are several family mini-outlets in the center of Rome - look for the UPIM signs, this chain works with Italian brands and offers good discounts all year round.
Be sure to visit at least a couple of flea markets in Rome: Porta Portese with the opportunity to find everything under the sun, buy spices at Mercato Campo de Fiori, look for an original wardrobe item at Mercato Monti, Vintage Market and Borghetto Flaminio, and at Mercato delle Stampe find a rare comic book or your favorite book in an old edition.
In the narrow streets of non-tourist areas, look out for inconspicuous grocery stores that can surprise gourmets with incredible sauces, sweets, cheeses, sausages and coffee. Be sure to visit the authentic book and stationery shops - they trade in second-hand books, sell old and new postcards, posters, reproductions and cool calendars. The streets near the Vatican are crowded with religious-themed souvenirs; you will also find themed Roman-Italian things, but first compare prices in several shops.
What to try
Pizza in all its forms, delicious ice cream from old family gelaterias, coffee, coffee and more coffee.
For lovers of non-alcoholic fizzy drinks, we advise you to go on a hunt for the local drink of the gods - “chinotto”, an unusual and aromatic soda made from the extract of bitter orange fruit. Try several different varieties and find the best one. The unusual refreshing taste of “chinotto” will make you run for a long time (and, most likely, unsuccessfully) through Russian grocery departments: this drink, alas, is brought to us extremely rarely, if not by accident.
There are small drinking fountains scattered throughout Rome: you can and should drink water from them! It is much tastier than some Russian mineral water and is absolutely harmless, since it is still delivered through ancient aqueducts. In addition, it is economical: having bought a 0.5 liter bottle of water once and paid about 2 EUR for it, you can constantly replenish the supply of life-giving moisture absolutely free in these same fountains.
Cafes and restaurants in Rome
In Rome there are trattoria and hosteria - analogues of the Russian concept of “tavern”. Such establishments, as a rule, have good cuisine. Eating here costs slightly less than in a restaurant - about 15 EUR for a full lunch or multi-course dinner.
Rosticeria - small restaurants with home cooking. This is the most economical option - lunch or dinner here will cost about 9 EUR. Rosticherias are usually located in quiet side streets, away from busy tourist spots. Italians themselves enjoy visiting them. Well, most cheap way have a snack - take pizza to go for a price starting from 3 EUR.
Do not try to ask for a piece of pizza in an establishment under the guise of Pizzicheria - this is an ordinary grocery store, a small grocery store. Cheese and ham - please, pizza - very unlikely.
They have breakfast in Rome on the run, swallowing a cup of coffee and a croissant in three minutes. As a rule, they also dine in bars (panini sandwiches or take-out pizza - pizza al taglio). Dinner starts around 19:30 and lasts until midnight.
When choosing a restaurant for dinner, be guided by the audience. The best sign good place- several noisy Italian families and groups of different ages at neighboring tables.
Roman cuisine is tasty, but very controversial. For example, for frying they often use not refined olive oil at all, but fat from salted prosciutto ham. If you have a strong spirit and stomach, we recommend that you go all out and taste the oxtail stew that has been popular in Rome for several thousand years - “coda alla vaccinara”, pig brains, stewed offal and veal intestines as a main dish or as an ingredient in pasta, tripe with cheese under the code called "trippa" or fried testicles of a ram or bull. There will be something to remember and tell later.
Those who do not agree to such experiments can treat themselves to saltimbocca rolls, lamb abbachio in spices and herbs, baccala cod fillet with vegetables in the form of evaporated thick fish soup or one of the many pastes. Just remember about the possible tripe or salted pork cheeks-guanciale in the composition. If you’re really scared, then choose “cacio e pepe” - traditional Roman spaghetti with grated cheese, olive oil and black pepper. For an appetizer in both cases, order the bruschetta-that-was-a-little-burnt.
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Guides in Rome
Entertainment and attractions in Rome
The futility of trying to embrace the immensity is just about Rome and its attractions. Every time you set off from your hotel to a pre-designated point on the map, you will be distracted again and again, stopped and surprised by unexpected finds. It is difficult to offer a universal recipe that allows you to cover as much as possible without being scattered into the unplanned. Try to book an individual excursion and discuss this point separately with the organizer. Another option is walks based on books and movies. Or you can organize Roman Fountain Day or Roman Archeology Day. Choose for yourself.
7 things to do in Rome
- Feel the spirit of the Empire while standing in the arena of the Colosseum.
- Drinking water from a public fountain is just like in the time of Nero.
- Select Latin from the Vatican ATM and withdraw EUR “quantum satis”.
- See how Rome was born on the Palatine Hill.
- Throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain (you should not swim in it).
- Dine like a real Italian in a tratoria or hosteria, ordering, for example, oxtail soup.
- Take the example of Placido Domingo and sing E lucevan le stelle on the battlements of the fortress of San Angelo.
Ancient Rome
The beauty of studying ancient buildings lies in the relative crowding of most of them. Here's a whole plan for the day: walk from the Forum to the Colosseum, take a photo at the Arches of Titus and Constantine, climb the Capitoline Hill or the Palatine, mentally putting on a toga, sit on the thousand-year-old stones of the Forum of Caesar, fighting off annoying gladiators, go to the Forum of Trajan and touch Column of the same Trajan. Then turn around and walk to the Circus Maximus, take a walk from it and explore the Baths of Caracalla, return and check yourself at the Mouth of Truth, and then gaze at the Theater of Marcellus in the twilight. The next day, don’t forget about the Pantheon, the obelisk in Piazza del Popolo, the Mausoleum of Augustus and the Campus Martius.
Squares and fountains
The most “live” sights of Rome, especially after the ancient ruins. Richly decorated, the squares are always bustling with throngs of tourists, artists, painters and musicians. Must-see: . Obelisk included. No less interesting are Piazza Barberini with two Bernini fountains - the Fountain of the Bees and the Triton, Campo dei Fiori with the monument to Giordano Bruno, Piazzale Colonna with the Column of Marcus Aurelius, the intersection of the Four Fountains and Piazza dei Republic with the Fountain of the Naiads. And don’t forget about the main fountain of Rome - the Trevi Fountain!
Churches and cathedrals
The most difficult point of the program - there are too many churches in the old part of Rome, everyone can tell interesting story, and even the most inconspicuous building inside can turn out to be a real masterpiece or contains works of art by the greatest artists and sculptors. Of course, you can’t miss St. Peter’s Basilica, Il Gesu, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, the Lateran Basilica or Santa Maria del Popolo, but believe me, near your hotel there will probably be a smaller church, but unique in its own way. And a short walk will result in an acquaintance with the not-so-famous work of Michelangelo or Bernini, the traditions of free masons, Jesuits and Capuchins, the mystery of rituals or a fascinating service. Churches usually don't charge money to enter, but donations are encouraged; buy a postcard, for example, as a souvenir. You can see almost everything inside, keep quiet, do not violate the photography bans, if any, and do not go beyond the fenced areas. The main thing is not to be shy or doubtful, open the doors of all the churches on your way and thus become familiar with the treasures of world culture.
The Museum of Roman Civilization, next to the Planetarium and the Museum of Astronomy, will help you compare ancient and modern Rome. The National Museum of Rome boasts a rich collection of ancient sculpture, and for contemporary art, head to MAXXI and MACRO. From the unusual, pay attention to the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, the Museum of Lost Souls and Purgatory (not for the faint of heart and impressionable), the Museum of the Italian Police and the Museum of Criminology in a former prison, the Pasta Museum (of course!), there are museums of aviation and automobiles, military and weapons museums and the Napoleon Museum. Based on your interests, choose yours and go.
Every first Sunday of the month, many public museums, archaeological areas, galleries, parks and gardens in Rome can be visited for free.
Other unusual
Do you want to surprise your friends with unexpected stories and photos? Visit the square Colosseum - the palace of Italian civilization, and just stroll through the unusual and interesting Roman EURO district. Be sure to take a walk along the pedestrian bridges in the city center at sunset - live music, surprise performances and excellent shots are guaranteed. Castel Sant'Angelo is remarkable in itself, but it's worth taking the time to walk around it, with the bonus of second-hand book markets, green lawns and excellent views. We advise connoisseurs of Italian cinema to visit the famous Cinecitta studio in the southeast of the city. And excursions through underground Rome will help add a little mysticism.
One of the best ways To explore the main attractions of the city and save money at the same time - buy a Roma Pass tourist card. Each card is equipped with a microchip, which will make it easier for guests to use public transport and visit museums. In addition, its owners can receive SMS or letters to email address with information about cultural events taking place in the city.
Rome in books and films
You can love Dan Brown or call him pop, but following in the footsteps of the heroes of Angels and Demons is a fascinating experience. For romantic people, the films “Roman Holiday” and “Crazy in Love” are suitable, for couples - “Roman Adventures”. Everyone, without exception, should watch “Fellini’s Rome”, read “Camo Coming” by Henryk Sienkiewicz, “Rome. Walking around To the Eternal City"Henry W. Morton, anthology "Russian Letters about Rome", "Rome Was Here. Modern walks through the ancient city" by Viktor Sonkin and something else about ancient times in the spirit of "One Day in Ancient Rome" by Alberto Angela or "Ancient Rome" by Claude Moatti.
Probably, Rome is not the most “childish” city; you need to get to know it, having behind you the emotions from the books you’ve read, recognizing the streets and churches familiar from textbooks and films, remembering the stories of the great Empire and its descendants, not to mention the fact that it would be nice to be physically ready for hours of walking along stone pavements and quiet corridors of museums. But if you had to travel with your child, it is better to do it in the summer, when you can visit local amusement parks.
The most important amusement park in Rome (if not Italy) is Rainbow Magicland, which opened in 2011 on the outskirts of Valmontone. Rainbow Magicland will be of interest to both very young travelers and older children, and some attractions will bring adult guests back to childhood. There is a Russian-language website.
A healthy outlet has been built literally across the street from Magicland. An excellent opportunity to combine business with pleasure.
On hot days, visit one of the water parks closest to Rome. The easiest way to get to Hydromania Park is located on the western border of the city; the journey with 1-2 changes by metro and bus will take about 1.5 hours. 35 km to the east, near the military airport of the town of Guidonia-Montecello, one of the largest water parks in Europe, Aquapiper, operates in the warm season, and to the north, near the port of Civitavecchia, the Aquafelix park, beloved by residents of central Italy, is located. The Zoomarine amusement park in the coastal village of Torvaianica combines water slides, a swimming pool, an aquarium, a sea lion and dolphin show, a science and educational center, as well as several calm land-based attractions and a cafe.
Tourists traveling to Rome should learn in detail not only where to go and what to see, but also the rules of conduct in Italy. Some things are still not worth doing in Rome, despite all the loyalty, hospitality and openness of the Italians.
What is the best thing not to do under any circumstances in Rome?
1. Gladiators stand around the Colosseum, the Forums and several monuments in the center of the capital. These are men dressed in ancient clothes with whom you can take pictures. Naturally, not for free. Tourists try to do this without paying. This is not encouraged because for them it is a way to make money.
2. If you decide to go for a ride, it’s better to hire a taxi driver in the parking lot rather than catch a ride. You risk seriously overpaying - 2 or even 3 times. A cheaper option is to walk to the nearest public transport stop and hire an official taxi.
3. A picnic in a park or public place is common in our country. It is enough to stock up on provisions, choose and marinate meat and buy a grill, but in Italy such a vacation can be very expensive. Especially if you decide to stay close to sculptures and monuments. Such an act threatens with a huge fine from the police. The same punishment awaits those who decide to cool off in the fountain or walk along the fenced lawns.
4. If you really want to eat, it is better to have lunch or dinner on a quiet Roman street than to agree to go to a restaurant in a tourist area. The fact is that in Rome there are many loud restaurant “barkers” who invite you to visit their wonderful establishments. The dishes can be, to put it mildly, of questionable quality or very expensive. Choose more modest places - real Roman pizzerias, osterias and small family restaurants can be found on the neighboring streets. There you will find Italian cuisine at affordable prices: excellent house wines, perhaps even free prosecco or limoncello. This is a fairly common gesture on the part of the owner of an Italian restaurant.
5. Kiosks in the center of the capital and in city villas offer food and drinks at inflated prices! For such buns and water you risk paying twice as much!
6. Nomadic traders are considered illegal in Italy. Tourists should not buy souvenirs and other small items from them. You can pay a fine for buying from such tramps, and the prices of souvenirs are also steep.
7. You cannot enter a church, especially in the Vatican, wearing revealing clothes. Your outfit must cover your arms and legs.
8. Leaving a coin in the fountain for good luck is not best idea! This is allowed to be done in Rome only in a specially designated place - the Trevi Fountain, which has recently become an official assistant to the Roman treasury, will gladly accept coins from generous tourists.
9. A hotel on the outskirts or in an area of the city remote from the city center is not the best option for the traveler. Transport in Rome is irregular and there are frequent worker strikes. The trip to the central attractions may take longer, and in the end it will cost even more than renting a room in the center.
10. Don't buy bottled water. In Rome, to get drunk, you can use special fountains with drinking water(nasoni). It's free! Rome has long been known for its drinking water, and its quality is confirmed by numerous licenses that are posted on the city administration website.
When approaching Rome, you can often hear the surprised exclamations of some passengers: they did not even think that the city was located on the sea. In fact, seaside Ostia is for Rome like Zelenograd is for Moscow: a remote area of the city where you can arrive by bus or train. It's next to Fiumicino airport, so if you have a long layover in Rome, you can take a taxi to Ostia and be on the beach in twenty minutes. The sea here is not as clean as in Sardinia or Salento, but swimming and sunbathing is quite possible during the season. The line of beaches begins within the city, and then stretches along the Tenuta di Castelporziano nature reserve - where you can ride a bike if you wish.
Farm products near the Circus Maximus
There are many traveling markets in Rome on weekends. Farmers from Lazio and neighboring regions bring their cheeses, sausages, vegetables, fruits and other products here. For example, every Saturday and Sunday near the Circus Maximus there is a market of the Campagna Amica association (you can look for other places). Prices for farm products are higher than in the store, but the products are usually worth it. At the same time, you can try gorgonzola, grana padano, truffle oil, and other products. Just ask: “Posso provare?” Nobody forces you to buy anything after tasting - you can say “buono, grazie” and move on.
Vintage market
Rome's most famous flea market is called Porta Portese - a Sunday market with a 50-year history. They sell everything here - from penny rings to antiques. But lately, locals have been complaining that there is too much consumer goods here, and the number of interesting vintage items has noticeably decreased. For the latter, it is recommended to go to the Ponte Milvio market, which opens on the embankment near the Olympic Stadium every first and second Sunday of the month. They sell old furniture, clothes, shoes and jewelry here. You can find worthwhile things for a good price.
Botanical Garden
If you don't like crowds, check out the Sapienza University Botanical Garden in Trastevere. On weekdays it is quiet and deserted here - only green parrots fly from palm to palm. And a photo against the backdrop of a bamboo grove, a Japanese garden or orchids will get no less, or even more likes, than a banal photo “I’m at the Colosseum.”
Bar Freni e Frizioni
In Trastevere, it’s generally very cool to walk along the narrow alleys, occasionally stopping in for a drink and refreshment in a cafe. They're on every corner here. True, with the rise of the euro, it has become more difficult to go on a spree in Europe. For those who want something cheap and cheerful, we recommend checking out the Freni e Frizioni bar from 7 to 10 pm. This establishment, opened on the site of an old auto repair shop, pleases not only with its friendly atmosphere, but also with its evening aperitivo. During this time, by purchasing one serving of alcohol (from 6 euros), you get unlimited access to the buffet. There are several types of pasta and risotto, salad and fruit - enough for a hearty dinner.
Coffee on the roof
Another way to make yourself beautiful for little money is to go to the cafe on the roof of the Capitol Museum. To do this, as soon as you reach the Capitoline Square with the sculptures of Michelangelo, you need to turn right and go towards Piazzale Caffarelli. There will be an entrance to the museum building - it is not the main one, and there is no sign there, and you do not have to pay for entry. Climb the stairs to the top floor and you will find a cafe. Its main advantage is the terrace with stunning views of the city. The coffee here is also very good.
Cycling along the Appian Way
Rome is not a very cycling city, there are few bike paths and quite heavy traffic. You can ride along the Tiber embankment - there the bike path runs right by the water, or in the Appia Antica park. True, it’s better to come there on the weekend. Despite the fact that only local residents have the right to drive cars there, on weekdays the traffic is quite intense. In general, this is a very pleasant park with the ruins of old castles and villas of wealthy people along the ancient Roman road. After the trip, you can relax on the grass or quench your thirst at the city fountain. By the way, many people don’t think of plugging the tap with their finger - then the water will flow through the hole on top and it will be more convenient to drink.
Biopolis Cafe and Shop
There are interesting places not only in the center of Rome, but also on the outskirts. So, if you suddenly find yourself in the north-east of the city, in the area of the Libia metro station, go to Biopolis. Everything here has the prefix bio-. In a cafe you can eat a sandwich with smoked fish, wash it down with a glass of organic wine, and buy organic fruits in the store. They also sell superfoods, cosmetics without silicones and parabens, as well as household chemicals in bulk. Customers can bring their own containers and not harm the planet with another plastic liquid soap bottle.
Giubbonari street
Most often, Russians in Rome can be found in the Via del Corso area - there, not far from the Spanish Steps, shops are concentrated famous brands, from mass market to luxury. But all these brands are represented in Moscow in one way or another. If you want something less famous, you should go to Giubbonari street, which is not far from Campo de' Fiori. There are a bunch of inexpensive shops with clothes and shoes from small Italian brands. You can take a break from shopping by buying ice cream at the Grom cafe - it’s homemade and natural.
Patisserie Andreotti Via Ostiense, 54
It is more profitable to leave Rome from the Roma Ostiense train station. Local trains stop here: a ticket to the airport costs 8 euros, while a trip on the Leonardo express train from Termini station will cost 14. The money you save can be spent on sweets at the Andreotti pasticheria, which is located nearby. They have been making excellent cakes with cream, chocolate and fruit here for 80 years. After all, a crisis is not a reason to deprive yourself of the modest joys of Italian life.
