When its amore one seeks, Rome’s venues are often overshadowed by rival Paris. The next time you are in the Eternal City, however, check out one of these great places for that perfect romantic moment. With its unmatched concentration of art and history, scenery, and vibrant people, make Rome a city of monumental charm.
In our ongoing love affair with ‘Bella Roma”, here are some sublime experiences…
> Aerial Aperitifs… Try one of these roofs with a view… the rooftop restaurant La Terrazza of the Eden Hotel or the Hotel Splendide Royal’s beautiful terrace restaurant, The Mirabelle (or its bar)… Rome’s fabled ever changing light is the main attraction at the Hotel Exedra’s rooftop, overlooking the spectacular Piazza della Repubblica, the Diocletian’s Baths and the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli (designed by Michelangelo)…. Hotel Raphael, take the elevator to the top floor, wind through the hallway and then walk up two flights to reach this rooftop bar. The Raphael is just behind Piazza Navona and from the roof you are virtually at eye level with the great dome of the Chiesa Santa Maria della Pace.
> Art Overlooked…Going to the Capitoline Museum’s Palazzo Nuovo in late afternoon on a crisp winter day, when no one else is there. Your only companions are half-drunk, smirking fauns and busts of Hadrian and Homer. Found in the Renaissance created n Piazza del Campidoglio, on top of the famous Capitoline Hill, part of a central trapezoidal piazza conceived by Michelangelo Buonarroti in 1536 and executed over a period of over 400 years.
> San Pietro Straight Up…Taking your first step over the threshold of St. Peter’s Basilica. When the ethereal light of the low afternoon sun is broken into celestial beams by the basilica’s well-placed windows, Bernini’s stained glass dove of the Holy Spirit against the church’s terminal apse flickers with searing tones of amber. With a diameter of around 43 meters, the beautiful dome was Michelangelo’s last great work. From the top of the dome you will have the best views of the papal palaces and its gardens. Make the effort to climb the 330 stairs to view the inside of St. Peter’s. You can also get great panoramic views of Rome on the outside as well when you make the climb.
> Appian Adventures …Treading the ancient paving stones along the leafy Via Appia Antica, and leaving the hustle and bustle of the centro far behind. From the catacombs to the ruined villas of Roman patricians, there’s a quiet but heavy sense of history here. Umbrella pines and farmland that seem to be steeped in antiquity perfume the air, transporting you back to the time when this was Rome’s Regina Viarum (Queen of Roads) Part of the route exists as Via Appia (SS7), but it is a paved, modern highway. The stretch indicated here is closed to traffic; the ancient roadway passes through grassy fields and shady groves and by the villas of movie stars (Marcello Mastroianni and Gina Lollobrigida had homes here) and other VIPs. Pick a sunny day, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a bottle of water. (You can take Bus 660 from the Colli Albani metro station Line A) for Via Cecilia Metella at Via Appia Antica.)
> Testaccio…Mixing with locals at the lively Mercato di Testaccio. No other market in the city has such a strong sense of community: Yuppies and jovial retirees shuffle from stall to stall, passionately debating the latest political scandal—or soccer (football) league standings—while they expertly pick out the freshest culinary delights. Perhaps more so than any other Roman neighborhood, Testaccio has a salt-of-the-earth flavor drawn from its working-class slaughterhouse past.
> Forum Shopping…Gazing over the ruins of the Foro di Romano (the world’s first mall!) and Palatine from the Capitoline Hill terraces in the evening and, from there, strolling down Via dei Fori Imperiali, where strategically placed floodlights cast dramatic glows over solitary columns and the arches of the Colosseum. The ruins of Rome at night are truly, disarmingly spectacular.
> Pincio Terraces… The Pincio Giardinia have always been a favorite spot for strolling. Today, the Pincio terrace remains a favorite spot to cool off overheated locals. Pathways are lined with white marble busts of Italian heroes and artists… The Pincian Hill is one of the seven hills of ancient Rome, and they are still separated from the southwest corner of Villa Borghese by a stretch of ancient walls. From the balustraded Pincio terrace you can look down at Piazza del Popolo and beyond, surveying much of Rome.
> Trastevere Travels…Wandering the untouristed, narrow back streets of Trastevere and discovering shops, eateries, and slices of local life not listed in any guidebook. Separated from the rest of the old city by the river, this picturesque neighborhood has been able to maintain its own identity since ancient times, when it was called simply Trans Tiberim (“across the Tiber”).
> Caffe Comportment…Master the art of taking a caffe at a real Roman bar. Walk into the bar, greeting all with a smile and “Buon giorno.” Pay for your drink first at the cassa, and take your receipt to the bar counter. Slip a 10- or 20-cent tip on top of the receipt, and place your order with the barista. Drink your coffee as the Romans do—standing up at the bar.
> Borghese poses…Encountering Bernini’s sculptures at Galleria Borghese. Grimace in determination as David does against daunting adversary Goliath, or gape at the amazing detail of Apollo and Daphne. The paintings and ceiling frescoes throughout the gallery make for colorful counterpoints. (FYI…the gardens are free but Gallery aka Museo is by appointment).
