Tuesday 13 December 2011

5 Great Pizza Restaurants in Rome

Italy is the home of Pizza and a visit to Rome is a great opportunity to experience pizza in its best form. Below are some of the best pizza restaurants in to try in the city.

O Pazzariello
This is a small restaurant which provides a big experience. The chef is positioned in the middle of the restaurant meaning that the customer can watch them create the pizza from fresh. The skill demonstrated to create so many pizzas to such a fantastic standard is a joy to behold.

Est! Est! Est! dei Fratelli Ricci
Having served deep pan food since the 1930s this restaurant is well versed in providing high quality pizzas to locals who have high expectations. The decor is traditional Italian which adds to the experience and makes it more authentic.

Remo
There can sometimes be a bit of a wait here unless you book in advance, but it is well worth it to experience the wide thin crust pizzas which have been attracting people for decades. There is a loud and happening atmosphere inside the restaurants and outside seating is also an option.

Da Vittorio
A visit to this restaurant will enable you to experience some of the most unique pizzas anywhere in Rome. The chef prides himself on creating traditional pizza from Naples which is soft, thick and very filling, yet extremely pleasant to eat.

You might also be interested in:

Friday 11 November 2011

Travelling from Rome Airport to the City Centre

The main airport in Rome is around 30km outside of the city centre, but travel to and from the airport is made easy by the public transport networks in the area.

Possibly the easiest and most direct way of travelling from the airport to the city centre is the rail link which runs directly from the airport into the Rome’s central train station, a journey which is not affected by traffic and generally takes about fifteen to twenty minutes. There is also the option to get a train which stops at various stations on the way to the central station, and this is a popular option with many as it is a few Euros cheaper.

If you are travelling on a budget and do not mind the journey taking slightly longer, you can opt to take the airport bus. This costs around half the amount of the train equivalent and run as much as every half an hour. The bus runs to and from the central train station, making ongoing connections extremely easy.

As would be expected from a major international airport, there is a good network of taxis which trawl the airport to city centre route. These taxis are ideal for those who are in a rush but do not come recommended in general due to the fact that the prices can be quite high.

Tuesday 11 October 2011

Lazio vs. AS Roma – The Ultimate Sports Experience

The city of Rome is blessed with having two top class football teams, AS Roma and Lazio. Both clubs play in the top flight of Italian football and appear in European competitions on a regular basis. Both clubs have a large fan base of passionate and colourful fans that create a unique atmosphere in the stadium that they share, the Stadio Olympico.

When visiting Rome it would be shame not to indulge in the one of the many sporting events which take place in the city, and the twice yearly fixture between AS Roma and Lazio are the most passion driven and anticipated occasions. There are two reasons that the fixture is so highly anticipated, the first being that both clubs boast a full rota of international standard players who produce the highest level of football which is on a par with anything that can be experienced in Europe, and the second being that both sets of fans are hugely passionate and create a cacophony of noise, with both sets believing that they support the best side in the city.

When the two sides come together the combination of noise from both sets of fans is quite unbelievable, and the passion felt by the fans spills onto the pitch ensuring a wonderful game of Rome football which never fails to disappoint.

Tickets for the derby games in Rome can be acquired from the ticket office in the stadium and from various ticket vendors around the city, although it is recommended to purchase early as this game tends to sell out quickly. More on the Rome v Lazio local derby game. Interested also in Barcelona football tickets for sports in Italy when travelling?

Sunday 4 September 2011

A Guide To Rome Termini – Rome’s Main Train Station

Rome Termini is the main train station serving the city of Rome, and with Rome being one of the most visited cities in the world the numbers of passengers who pass through this highly important portal is phenomenal. In fact, Rome Termini is one of the largest train stations in Europe with an impressive 29 platforms at present. Despite having been built in the mid 20th century the station is highly modern as a result of a renovation which was completed in 2000.

The majority of traffic into Rome Termini comes from all of the major cities in Italy, with many people commuting into the city daily for business purposes, whilst many others travel here for the historical, cultural and entertainment features. Aside from the domestic trains Rome Termini has daily services to various major cities from around Europe, including Paris, Vienna, Munich and Geneva. International travel can be in high demand so it is recommended that passengers hoping to use such a service purchase tickets well in advance, an option which will also prove more economical.

The commercial opportunities at the station are vast whilst there are various passenger resources including bars, restaurants, banks, travel agencies and even a chapel.

Rome Termini is conveniently located to reach all parts of the city, especially as the public transport links are so strong. There is a metro line at the station whist taxis and various buses wait outside.

Monday 11 July 2011

Best Roman Attractions in Rome

The ancient Romans are amongst the best known of all empires as they stretched far and wide across the globe. Rome was the headquarters for the Romans and today you can still see a large number of surviving  artefacts. Below are some of the best genuine Roman attractions you would not want to miss on your trip to Rome.

The Pantheon

Religion played a significant role in Ancient Rome and this building was the temple to the many gods whom the Romans prayed to. The dome is wonderful to experience and the many tombs around the building are truly inspiring.

The Colosseum

This amphitheatre as the largest entertainment venue in Ancient Rome and was used to host events such as fights to the death and athletic competitions. Visiting today you can get a feeling for the size of the place and also take a guided tour.

Piazza Navona

The Piazza Navona area is steeped in history having originally been built by the Romans. You can still view some fantastic architecture and statues from over the years, but it is the knowledge that this place had such a vibrant role in Roman life which provides the real intrigue.

Baths of Diocletian

Roman baths were common around the empire and this site can be considered as somewhat of a flagship structure, and although the structure is largely now destroyed, one section of it has been preserved and provides a real insight.

If you are visiting Italy from abroad, Symondstravel.com is also worth checking for information on Italian and European travel insurance.

Saturday 25 June 2011

The Glory of St Angelo, Rome

Rome is one of the most historic cities in the world and among the flag-bearers is the glory of St Angelo, Rome.

Ancient Rome was the heart of the famous Roman Empire which was had such a dramatic effect on the world, and whose legacy still lives on. But which areas within the city of Rome are best to visit to experience the history within it? Well, it makes sense to have St Angelo as one of the best places to visit in Rome, and here’s why...

The glory of St Angelo, Rome – what gives?

St Angelo is a charming and genuinely enchanting area which is absolutely packed with some of the best architecture you will experience, both in terms of quality and in terms of mystery and wonder.

One of the most popular buildings in the area of St Angelo is the cylindrical shaped National Museum of St Angelo. This building has a vast and colourful past, which includes being a prison, a fortress and a mausoleum, and is now home to one of the best museums that the city has to offer.

When the sun is going down and the lights around these buildings come on, there are few better sights in Rome...

Interesting activities around St Angelo in Rome

Moving along from the St Angelo Museum, you can take a stroll along the famous bridge which extends from it and walk along the river Tiber enjoying the architecture which is located along the bank.

Along the streets branching out from the river bank you can find a range of authentic local shops and restaurants which enable you to gain a true insight into life in Rome.

Is that it then? Well, absolutely not! The glory of St Angelo has so much more to offer in person, and if going on a Rome holiday, the best justice you can do for yourself is to tour the area of St Angelo.

Monday 9 May 2011

5 Reasons why Rome is a great Stag location

Each year thousands of groups of men depart the UK on stag do’s to celebrate the marriage of one of the men in the party. Traditionally stag do’s are a time for lots of drinking, showing ones affections to the groom and partaking in activities which enable group bonding and a talking point for the rest of the trip. Rome is a popular destination for stag do’s and Rome stag weekendsbelow are 5 reasons why.

Weather - The weather in Italy is traditionally sunny and is certainly better than the often dour conditions that we experience here in the UK. This is especially the case in the summer time when temperatures are often around 35 degrees Celsius, which creates ideal conditions for a stag do.

Food and drink - It is no secret that the male of the species likes to eat and drink, and the city of Rome is one of the best in the world to engage in these activities.

Nightlife - Rome has numerous areas in which there are clubs and bars for the stag do to party the night away whilst enjoying the company of the local female population. Establishments range from small bars to large clubs.

Daytime activities - As with most modern cities, there is plenty to do by the way of activities in Rome. Whether you would prefer to do something adrenaline driven such as go karting or something more cultural such as visiting the Vatican, there is something to suit everyone here.

Travel time - Rome can be reached from the UK in only a few hours via plane - find Rome deals.

Thursday 7 April 2011

Romantic Locations in Rome

There are certain locations in the world which are synonymous with the notion of romance. This reputation has emerged over the years as a result of tradition, events and culture. One such city is Rome, the capital of Italy. For centuries the city has attracted people from all around to enjoy the scenic surroundings and glorious food which make it difficult not to get in the romantic mood. Below are some of the most romantic Romance in Romelocations around the city.
Trevi Fountain at dawn - To really enjoy this glorious fountain and understand why it is so romantic you should arrive her early in the morning to avoid the crowds of people which can detract slightly from its romantic qualities. This is a great location to propose.

Piazza Navona - If you are sceptical that the romantic qualities of Rome can be diluted by the swathes of tourists which are in the city at most tomes during the year, the small and quaint streets which lace the area of Piazza Navona are the perfect way to escape these crowds and enjoy the true romance of the city.

Pincio - The romantic qualities of these gardens have provided inspiration to writers from centuries. The quaint, green setting, the flowers, benches and historic monuments around the gardens create a truly romantic environment.

Campidolglio - This area is lightly lit at night time which creates a perfect mood for a romantic walk. This area is too often ignored by tourists, at the expense of Piazza Navona. Campidolglio is a great location though to go as a couple for a romantic walk.

Wednesday 9 March 2011

Things you didn’t know about the Colosseum, Rome

Rome is hugely attractive with tourists seeking historic and cultural experiences. One of the most famous historic attractions in Rome is the Colosseum. Here are some interesting facts about the Colosseum which you might not know to whet your appetite ahead of your visit:

As well as being used as a centre for entertainment, the Colosseum has also been used for a number of other purposes over the years. These Colosseum factsuses include housing, a fortress and a religious shrine. Keep an eye open for clues to these uses when you visit.

The Colosseum was in active use for around 500 years. It is amazing that a structure can survive so long and still function to its original purpose. The last recorded games here were in the 6th century.

The games held in the Colosseum are renowned for being bloody affairs, but did you know that records show that the games cost the lives of around 500,000 people!!! This is a complete alien concept in the modern age, but the purchase of slaves with the sole purpose of killing them was common in ancient Rome.

When the Colosseum was initially built it was done so without the use of mortar. The bricks were held together using iron clamps. This questionable technique makes it even more amazing that the structure has survived a long as it has.

Monday 7 February 2011

Spring Events in Rome

With the diversity of attractions which Rome has to offer there is good reason to visit at all times of the year. Throughout the year there are a number of events which take place in and around the Rome eventscity which provide a perfect excuse to visit. Below are some events to suit different tastes which take place in Rome during Spring:

Feast Day of San Giuseppe - This is the Italian equivalent to father’s day but is celebrated in quite a different fashion. The day is also a celebration of the life of Saint Joseph and the tourist can view scenes from his life being played out around the city. There is also a succession of firework displays and bonfires.

Rome Spring Festival - Held yearly, this festival is held in and around the Spanish Steps area of Rome. There are a whole range of activities and events which are designed to celebrate the local culture. The banks of the river come alive with music concerts and entertainment whilst a number of sporting events occur in the area.

Rome marathon - There are few better ways to see so much of a city than to run through and around it. Each year the Rome Marathon provides the perfect opportunity to do just this. Whether you are a serious runner who seeks a new challenge or an amateur who wants to raise money for charity you will love the atmosphere at this event. Few marathons in the world have such an exquisite setting.

Find more Rome events guides online and also Rome Jazz Festival, Italy.

Thursday 27 January 2011

Rome’s Most Famous Ice Cream Parlours

If you have visited Rome and come back home without visiting one of its famous “gelaterie” or ice cream parlours, you are guilty of missing out on one of the most decadent cold desserts of Italian origin. The Romans give as much importance to their ice cream as they do to Itallian ice creampasta and coffee and visitors simply must taste this delicious ice cream of Rome because it is not only top quality, but also original.

When I was in Rome, I learned the basic difference between “ice cream” and “gelato.” The Italian “gelato” is smoother and richer than the ice cream you will find in ice cream parlours elsewhere. This is because the Italians churn the mixture and avoid loading it with cream and sugar. They also sell it in cups and cones. Also, since you pay for your “gelato” per cup, you can request 2 – 3 flavours in your cup.

Never leave Rome without visiting San Crispino, a narrow and long shop, which looks just like Italian ice cream parlours did before glass display cases were invented. San Crispino offers several flavours of gelato made of nuts, fresh fruits and even liqueurs; you will find San Crispino branches all over Rome.

During my last visit to Rome, I had visited the Colosseum and was longing for some ice cream when I spotted the Tre Scalini. This delightful place is located in the Piazza Navona and you must not fail to taste the chocolate ice cream ball rolled in chunks of chocolate with a cherry at its centre. You can eat this delightful gelato delicacy as you people watch at the square. If you are interested in traditional Italian flavours, you can visit the 19th-century Giolitti, which is located a short distance from the Pantheon. Try the rare combination of fudge chocolate with tart lemon sherbet and you will never forget it.