Great Cities of Europe

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<F14>ROME</F> <F14><L7>Basic Information</F> Documents Required: United States and EC citizens require only a valid passport for visits not exceeding three months. American Consulate: 119A Via Vittorio Veneto; 6/46-741. Currency: The basic unit of currency is the lira (plural, lire) Banks: Opening hours are 8:30A.M.-1:30P.M. and 3-4P.M. Monday through Friday. Customs: Visitors may export up to one million lire worth of goods (about $650). The export of antiques and modern art objects is restricted; special permits are available from the Export Department of the Italian Ministry of Education (Ministero Beniculturalie Ambientali, 27 Via Del Collegio Romano, Rome; 011-39/ 6-6723). Climate: Rome is fairly mild throughout the year. Summer daytime temperatures range from 70-90 degrees, while winter temperatures rarely drop below 40. Rain is common from October through December. Tipping: In restaurants and hotels, a service charge is almost always included. Waiters expect a small tip in addition. Taxi drivers receive 10 percent of the fare. Tourist Information: Ente Provinciale per il Turismo di Roma, 11 Via Parigi; 6/48- 8991. Airports: Leonardo da Vinci Aiport, 22 miles southwest of Rome, serves both international and domestic flights. Some international charter flights use Ciampino Airport, 10 miles southeast of Rome. Take a bus, train, or taxi to the city center from either airport. Getting Around: Buses and trams are the mainstay of Rome's public transportation network. Buy tickets at tobbaconists and newstands; metro tickets can also be bought at the station. By bus or tram: Eight tram routes serve mainly suburban areas. Buses run from 5:30A.M. to midnight, when 28 night routes continue service to the next morning. By metro: Two lines cross the city in a giant "x", meeting at Stazione Termini in the center of the city. Line A runs 5:30A.M.-11:30P.M., and Line B runs 5:30A.M.- 9:30P.M. By taxi: Licensed cabs are yellow or white and all have meters. Taxi stands are located throughout the city-- you'll have a hard time hailing one in the street. Postal and Telephone Service: Ufficio Postale Centrale, 19 Piazza San Silvestro, is the main post office. Most public telephones do not accept coins; buy phone cards at tobbacconists and newsstands. To call Italy from the United States, dial 011-39, then the city code (Rome is 6), and the local number. Public Holidays: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday; Liberation Day (April 25), Labor Day (May 1), Feast Day of St. Peter and St. Paul (June 29), Feast of the Assumption (August 15), All Saints' Day (November 1), Immaculate Conception (December 8), Christmas Day, Feast Day of St. Stephen (December 26). Electric Current: Plugs are standard European, with two round pins. The current is 220V. <F14>Time Line</F> Beginning of the City 753b.c. Legendary date of the founding of Rome by the brothers Romulus and Remus. Archeological evidence suggests Rome was a simple farming community until 600B.C. Republic 509b.c. After 200 years of rule by kings, the tyrant Tarquinius is driven out and a Republic established. 200-100b.c. Punic Wars pit Carthage and Rome against each other. Carthage is defeated. 58b.c. Beginning of Julius Caesar's rule. In 49 B.C., Caesar crosses the Rubicon and makes himself master of Italy, ending the Republic. Empire 27b.c.-14a.d. Octavian, Caesar's great-nephew, becomes the first Roman emperor as Augustus. His reign was a golden age when writers such as Virgil, Horace, Ovid and Livy lived. 79-81a.d. Short reign of Titus includes the destruction of the Temple at Jerusalem. 306-337 Reign of Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor. He legalizes Christianity in 313 and moves capital to Byzantium, renamed Constantinople. 337-476 Final decline and collapse of the Western Empire. In 455, the Vandals enter and plunder Rome. German chieftain Odoacer deposes the last emperor, Romulus Augustulus, and makes himself master of the Italian peninsula. Dark and Middle Ages 493-593 Germanic tribes invade Italy and threaten Rome. 590-604 Papacy of Gregory the Great, distinguished by sensitive handling of the Lombards, marks the beginning of effective papal intervention in politics. 900 Rome is torn by struggles between rival princes. Powerful families compete for the papacy. 1084 Norman troops expel Emperor Henry IV from Rome and sack the city. 1100-1200 Discontent and rivalry between the papal and imperial parties. Renaissance 1308 Papacy transferred to Avignon, France. Rome loses its importance as the focus of affairs. 1378-1417 Great Schism in the Church, when Europe is divided in its support for rival claimants to the papacy. 1506 Michelangelo is commissioned to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. 1623-1644 Pope Urban VIII's reign. Baroque period in Rome, presided over by the sculptor, painter and architect Bernini. 1700-1721 Under the papacy of Clement XI, Rome's prestige declines. Revolution 1798 Rome attacked by the French; Napoleon's forces occupy the city. 1814 Papal States are restored to the Vatican. 1848 Mazzini and Garibaldi begin the revolution (Risorgimento) that leads to the unification of Italy and the final secularization of most papal territories. 1861 Whole of Italy, apart from Rome, is unified under Victor Emmanuel II of Sardinia and Savoy. 1870 Rome is added to the Kingdom of Italy and becomes capital. The political power of the popes is confined to the Vatican. World Wars 1922 Mussolini's march on Rome marks the beginning of Italy's Fascist government. 1944 Fascism brought to an end with the liberation of Rome by the Allied forces. 1946 Establishment of the Italian Republic. Today 1978 Polish Cardinal Karol Wohtyla becomes John Paul II and the first non-Italian pope since 1523. </L7> <F14><L6>Hotels</F> Hassler Villa Medici $$$ 6 Piazza Trinita dei Monti 6/678-2651 Stars and royalty are a large part of the clientele. Sole al Pantheon $$$ 63 Piazza della Rotonda 6/678-0441 Renaissance charm overlooking the Pantheon. Plaza $$$ 126 Via del Corso 6/67-2101 Spacious rooms in a 19th-century building decorated with period designs. Forum $$ 25 Via Tor de' Conti 6/679-2446 Simple, with unrivaled views. Fontana $$ 96 Piazza di Trevi 6/678-6113 Small rooms in a 13th-century monastery across from the Trevi Fountain. Teatro Di Pompeo $$ 8 Largo del Pallaro 6/687-2566 Quiet and romantic. Cafe Stefazio $ 553 Via della Marcigliana 6/871-20042 B&B in the countryside, with a sauna and tennis courts. Margutta $ 34 Via Laurina 6/679-8440 Pleasant, especially the two rooms on the roof with fireplaces and terraces. <F14>Restaurants</F> Antica Enoteca Capranica $$$ 99 Piazza Capranica 6/684-0992 Rome's finest in a converted 16th-century palace. La Rosetta $$$ 9 Via della Rosetta 6/656-1002 Fish in a festive, crowded locale. Dal Bolognese $$$ 1 Piazza del Popolo 6/361-1426 Bolognese cuisine. Da Mario $$ 55 Via della Vite 6/678-3818 Tuscan dishes, specializing in game. Il Capitello $$ 4 Campo dei Fiori 6/683-00073 Cooking from Calabria, in the south of Italy. La Campana $$ 18 Vicolo della Campana 6/686-7820 Traditional Roman. Buca Di Ripetta $ 36 Via di Ripetta 6/321-9391 Old-fashion trattoria favored by locals. Paris $ 7/A Piazza San Calisto 6/581-5378 Creative Roman-Jewish cooking. La Sagrestia $ 89 Via del Seminario 6/679-7581 The best basic pizza. </L6> <F14><L1>Sites</F> Colisseum Piazza del Colosseo 6/700-4621 Built in the first century as an arena that seated 87,000 people for gladiator fights and public events, it was used as the main quarry for Renaissance buildings. Forum Via dei Fori Imperiali Once the political, religious and commercial center of Republican Rome. A guide is recommended to distinguish the ruins. Pantheon Piazza della Rotonda Best preserved of all the ancient monuments of Rome, built as a temple to all gods. It has stood majestically for close to 2,000 years. After dark, the rotunda is even more impressive when floodlights emphasize the grandeur of its dome and columns. Arch of Constantine Piazza del Colosseo The Arch of Constantine was erected by the Senate in 315 to commemorate the Emperor's victory at the Milvian Bridge. The best of its reliefs were taken from earlier monuments to Trajan, Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius. Catacombs of Saint Calixtus Via Appia Antica Among the largest of the underground galleries in Rome, excavated to four levels and containing the tombs of thousands of third- and fourth-century Christians. Trevi Fountain Piazza di Trevi Nicolo Salvi's fountain, completed in 1762, was begun only after more than a century of planning after Bernini's abandonment of the project in 1644. Legend dictates that anyone who throws a coin into the water will return to Rome. Fontana dei Fiumi Piazza Navona Bernini's love of theatrical effect is epitomized in his most famous fountain. It was commissioned by Innocent X in 1648. Spanish Steps Piazza di Spagna Elaborate and graceful stairs lead from Piazza di Spagna to the church of Trinita dei Monti. They were built between 1723 and 1726 by Francesco de Sanctis, and remain one of the most popular of all Rome's tourist sights. Palatine Hill Via di San Gregorio 6/679-03333 At a height of approximately 164 feet, the Palatine provides an unusual combination of formal gardens and archeological remains. Santa Maria in Trastevere Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere The first church of Rome dedicated to the Virgin; it is believed it was built around 200 A.D. St. Peter in Chains Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli Founded by the Empress Eudoxia in 432 to house the chains that had bound St. Peter during his captivity in Jerusalem. Also famous as the resting place of substantial parts of Michelangelo's Tomb of Julius II. Santa Maria Sopra Minerva Piazza della Minerva Concealed behind a plain Renaissance facade is the only Gothic church in Rome. It was founded in the eight century on the site of a temple of Minerva. Vatican City The world's smallest independent sovereign state, created in 1929 and ruled by the Pope. Occupying less than a square mile on the Tiber River, the Vatican is self- sufficient with its own judicial system, banks, and post offices. St. Peter's Basilica Piazza San Pietro For the many thousands for whom a journey to the eternal city is a pilgrimage, St. Peter's is the climax. Sistine Chapel Vatican Museum Complex Michelangelo painted the story of the Creation, the Fall, and the Last Judgment between 1508 and 1512, covering much of the 10,000 square feet of ceiling while on his back. Campo dei Fiori Literally translated as field of the flowers, in the 16th and 17th centuries it was the scene of public executions; it is now better known for its fruit and flower market. </L1> <F14><L2>Museums and Culture</F> Galleria Nazionale D'Arte Antica Via delle Quattro Fontane 6/481-4591 Italian art from the 13th-18th centuries. Capitoline Museums Piazza del Campidoglio 6/678-2862 Its two buildings, the Palazzo Nuovo and Palazzo dei Conservatori, face each other in Michelangelo's Piazza del Campidoglio. Together they contain an impressive array of art, including an outstanding collection of antiquities. Galleria Borghese 5 Piazzale Scipione Borghese 6/854-8577 Founded by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, one of Bernini's most important patrons and the greatest art collector of the early 17th century. <F14>Performing Arts</F> Teatro Dell' Opera 1 Piazza Beniamino Gigli 6/488-1755 November through June. The company also gives summer performances at the Baths of Caracalla. Accademia Di Santa Cecilia Orchestral concerts are held at the Auditorio di Via della Conciliazione, 4 Via della Conciliazione; 6/654-1044 and the Sala Accademica di Via dei Greci, 18 Via dei Greci; 6/679-0389. </L2> <F14><L5>Shopping</F> Armando Rioda 90 Via Belsiana 6/678-4435 Hand-crafted, lower-price copies of Italian luxury leather goods. Bassetti 5 Via Monterone 6/689-2878 High fashion clothes for men and women. Berte 107-111 Piazza Navona 6/678-5011 Toyshop both children and adults will enjoy. Massoni 48 Largo Goldoni 6/679-0182 Fine hand-made jewelry. Pineider 68-69 Via Due Macelli 6/678-9013 Famous Italian stationer. Le Quattro Stagioni 30 Via dell'Umilta Italian ceramics. Trimani 20 Via Goito 6/446-9661 Rome's oldest wine shop. </L5> <F14><L3>Children</F> Villa Borghese Piazzale Flaminio Rome's largest park, perfect for roller-skating and cycling. There are mini-trains and pony and trap rides. Boats can be rented at the Giardino del Lago. The small zoo, Giardino Zoologico, displays feeding times near the entrance. Alla Ringhiera 81 Via dei Riari 1/656-8711 Puppet shows. Marina Menasci 87 Via del Lavatore 39-1/678-1981 Hand-made toys from northern Italy; Pinocchios are the specialty. Horsedrawn Carriages Rent them in Piazza di Spagna, Via Veneto, and Piazza San Pietro, and at the Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, and Stazione Termini. <F14>Night Spots</F> Caffes Eustachio Il Caffe 82 Piazza Sant'Eustachio 6/686-1309 The best coffee in Rome. Tre Scalini 28 Piazza Navona 6/688-01996 After dinner, head here for tartufo, a chocolate ice cream ball surrounded by whipped cream and topped with grated bitter chocolate. Babington's 23 Piazza di Spagna 6/678-6027 Fresh brewed tea and lounging. Clubs Gilda 97 Via Mario de'Fiore 6/678-4838 Live music and dinner, plus people-watching. Piper 9 Via Tagliamento 6/841-4459 Disco that is a perennial favorite with locals. Le Stelle 22 Via Cesare Beccaria 6/361-1240 Pop, rap, and funk until dawn. Casanova 36 Piazza Rondanini 6/654-7314 Dancing in downtown historical Rome. </L3> <F14><L4>Excursions</F> Tivoli 23 miles east of Rome Modern Tivoli is a lively town with a population of 45,000. Originally called Tibur, wealthy Romans built summer homes here. The most splendid is Hadrian's Villa, begun in 125 A.D. and completed ten years later. Ostia Antica 15 miles southwest of Rome Ostia was once the main port of Rome; its ruins were buried and preserved in sand. As at Pompeii, the ruins of Ostia provide insight into daily urban life in Roman times. </L4> <F14><L8>Sunshine Guide To Rome, Italy</F> Seasons: Rome has a four-season year. Spring (March and April) weather is changeable--wet and gloomy spells alternating with bright and sunny spells. The Italians, who don't like this unpredictability, call it tempo matto ("crazy weather"). Summer (May through September) is hot and dry. Autumn (October and November) is the season of heavy rains and mild temperatures. Winter (December through February) is the season of moderate rains and cool temperatures. The better days of this period are considered "bracing". Sunniest Months: July and August are exceptionally sunny, with bright sunshine on some 88% of the daylight hours. Rome is a sunny city, and for the year as a whole, some 62% of the daylight hours will be sunny. This will range from a high of 89% in August, to a "low" of 47% in December. During the summer, the cumulus clouds tend to increase and grow during the afternoons, making the mornings the sunniest time of day. During the winter, the early morning mists make the afternoons sunnier. Warmest Months: Late June through early September is the hot season. During these months, however, the low afternoon humidities make the sensible temperatures (the ones you actually feel) about a degree or two cooler than the table temperatures. The hottest actual temperature of the year will be around 95 degrees (it will only feel like 92 degrees), and will probably occur in July or August. From late May through early October, most nights will be hot enough that you will sleep better with some sort of room-cooling. Coolest Months: December through February. At this time of year, you can expect frosty mornings on one or two days a week. These below-freezing temperatures don't last, though; and you can expect the afternoons to warm up appreciably. Winter afternoons range from chilly to mild, with cool being the norm. Winter nights are chilly and damp. The coldest temperature of the year will be around 27 degrees, and will probably occur in January. Some amount of snow will fall in two winters out of three, but it rarely stays on the ground for long--especially in the city. Driest Months: July and August. Some 72% (five days out of seven) of the year's days will get no measurable precipitation; that is, they will get less than a hundredth of an inch. July will have about twenty-nine such days, whereas October will get only twenty. A "dry day" in the table, however, is one with less than a tenth of an inch--a more useful measure. It takes at least that much to wet the ground under the trees. Things To Know: In summer, the late afternoons are made more bearable by the westerly ponentino which usually blows in from the Tyrrhenian Sea about that time, dropping temperatures and bringing a delightful freshness to the otherwise hot summer air. Romans consider early October (before the heavy rains start) as the most romantic time of year. Picnics and country excursions are popular, a continuation of the ancient celebration of "ottobrate". Once the heavy rains start, these outdoor excursions cease completely, and Rome concentrates on its "city life". Weather Copyright 1995 by Patrick J. Tyson, Box 492787, Redding CA 96049. All rights reserved. </L8>