Holidays in Rome

Rome is a city built on thousands of years of history and evidence of that is around every corner and in every piazza. To visit Rome is to travel back in time to the heart of the Roman empire and to witness what is often regarded to be the birthplace of western civilization. Rome does not however only offer history; it is one of the fashion capitals of the world and its shopping reflects that. Rome is also one of the culinary capitals of the world and is famous for its food and wine.

Enjoy your Holidays in Rome

For anyone that has an appreciation for history, a holiday in Rome is the ideal city break; however, Rome offers much more than just interesting history. Rome has been called the Capital of the World and the Eternal City and has more than two thousand years of history. Through this time the city has evolved into a unique hub of art, culture and fashion; the list of things to do in Rome is endless.

Visit Rome for its history

It is hard to avoid the history of Rome when you walk through the city streets but there are a number of buildings that have to be visited during a holiday to the city. Perhaps the most important of the historic buildings within Rome is the Colosseum. This giant amphitheatre is the largest that was ever built and sits in the centre of the city. Built almost one thousand years ago, the Colosseum can hold almost eighty thousand people.

Another of the great masterpieces of Rome is the Trevi Fountain. Built in the 1760s this fountain was once the terminal point of the Aqua Virgo Viaduct that was built over two thousand years ago. The fountain, that depicts the taming of water horses and a chariot made of a giant shell, has an interesting tradition: it is said that if a visitor should throw a coin into the fountain, then they are guaranteed to return.

During your visit to Rome, you will find a number of unforgettable museums and galleries that will suit anyone from a history aficionado to small children. Whether it’s the Vatican’s museums, the Museum of Contemporary Art, or one of Rome’s many catacombs, there are hundreds of ways to top up on culture in Rome.

Visit the Vatican City

As the Vatican City is an independent country in itself, Rome is the only city with an entire country within its limits. If curiosity to see a country with only 840 inhabitants does not cause enough temptation to visit this religious enclave, the famous ceiling painting of the Last Judgement by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel should. The Vatican City of course is also home to the Swiss Guard and St. Peter’s Square which are not to be missed.

Food during your Rome visit

For when you inevitably get tired of exploring Roman ruins, shopping in Rome or simply exploring the city, it is important to sit back and sample the Italian food. Any of the city’s hundreds of cafés will be able to supply you with ample coffee and gelato, but if you want a true taste of Italy, wait till the evening when the pizzerias fire up the wood burning ovens. Any of the small places selling pizza al taglio, or pizza by the slice, will do for a quick afternoon snack, but the difference between wood fired pizza and electric is worth the wait.

Rome is home to some of the world’s finest food and all things historical. Book your trip with Swiss Holidays to discover Rome yourself.