FlyBaboo

FlyBabbo

Rome

The eternal city does not confine itself to its history: Rome is a very lively city, whose art and art of living are one and the same.

Turning into an alley, you may discover an Etruscan fresco or a fragment of a Byzantine statue at the entrance of an underground pathway, just like in Fellini’s Rome. It could be a mirage or a piece of history dating back 2500 years. Rome is a place of continuous excavations on several levels and where the monuments are only the visible part.

Top five reasons you should make a trip to Rome

    1. Art – Simply put, Italy has an amazing amount of art, paintings, sculptures, monuments, masterpieces etc.  Rome itself houses many of these and any art lover could spend every moment discovering art covering nearly 2,800 years at the various galleries and museums.
    2. The Vatican – Even if you don’t belong to the Catholic Church, a visit to the Vatican is a necessity.  Did you know that Vatican City is the world’s richest country in the world per square foot?  I digress; at the Vatican you can see priceless treasures, climb the top of the dome and visit St. Peters Basilica (don’t forget to take in the view)
    3. Food – O.k. food is very important when traveling and Rome certainly didn’t disappoint. You will enjoy a huge range of restaurants suiting a variety of budgets!  Of course, you’ll want to indulge in pizza and fresh pasta until you are blue in the face!  Don’t forget to enjoy a nice glass of Italian wine too!
    4. Weather – You can basically visit Rome at any time of the year.  The weather it typically sunny and pleasant!
    5. Heritage – There is a great history and heritage in Rome that is unlike any other place.  From the amazing architecture, the melodious language and wonderful people, this place oozes Italian heritage and is definitely worth a visit.

Top Five Over Looked Sights

    • Museo Nazionale delle Paste Alimentari – Yes, this is the National Museum of Pasta Foods and it is really fun and interesting to visit!  Pasta was invented in Italy in the 12th century.  You’ll learn how pasta is made from durum wheat, how they make dried pasta and how eating it al dente makes it easier to digest!  There is a small admission charge and the museum is open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm daily.
    • Capuchin Crypt – If you love scary movies and haunted houses, make sure you visit the Capuchin Crypt.  The bones of thousands of deceased monks have been used to decorate every surface in the most macabre designs.  The admission charge is a donation and it is open 9:00 am until noon, 3:00 pm to 6:00pm from Friday to Wednesday.
    • Museo Barracco – This museum traces the development of sculptural art in the ancient world.  Assyrian and Egyptian works are highlighted, along with Etruscan, Roman and paleo Christian art.  Its original Greek sculptures are second only to the Vatican’s.  It is open Tuesday to Sunday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and admission is € 3,00.
    • Museo della Casina delle Civette – One of the restored buildings in Villa Torlonia, Mussolini’s abode as prime minister, this Art Nouveau cottage displays ceramic and stained glass decorations, including owl motifs, which gives it its name ‘The Little House of the Owls’.  Now a public park, it is open from 9:00 am until one hour before sunset.  There is a small admission fee.
    • Pyramid of Caius Cestius – Just like the Egyptian’s, many ancient Romans used to build their tombs as pyramids – the Pyramid of Caius Cestius is the only survivor.  It was made to form part of the defensive wall around the city.