“Don't leave Rome without doing as the Romans do. Enjoy the vacation, make time for yourself and walk. Lose yourself. Because every single alley, every single street gives you something – it's beautiful...”
Rome Unveiled: Benedetto’s three-hour walking tour
Rome at a glance
Firstly, a visit to the Vatican is a must. The Vatican city is home to the Pope, St Peter’s Basilica, and the Vatican Museums, which I would say rank among some of the most important museums in the world.
Secondly, the Roman Forums and the Colosseum. Did you know that the Colosseum used to be a lake? The Romans are famous for their love of entertainment, and they also managed to turn the Colosseum into a temporary lake to hold naval battles.
Lastly, since it is an open-air museum – the city. Take a three hour tour, either a walking tour or a golf-cart tour so that you can cover more of the city's attractions, squares, churches and alleys.
Historic Landmarks and Squares
We normally start from the pretty Villa Borghese park and make our way down to the Trevi Fountain. People come from all over to throw coins in to make a wish, it's beautiful, the most important fountain we have in Rome.
From there, we make our way down towards Piazza Venezia. A big square which has the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a war memorial dedicated to the Italian soldiers, and the monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of Italy.
Ancient Streets and Neighbourhoods
As we move along, we reach a street called Forum Imperial, which brings you right to the Colosseum. Instantly you can see the historical magnificence of this street, which easily transports you back 2,000 years.
We then travel to the trendy and colourful Trastevere district, a funky, bohemian neighbourhood where many of the old Romans used to live – you can feel our heritage deeply here.
Scenic River Views and Architectural Marvels
After a while, we will walk alongside part of the Tiber River and enjoy the views before arriving at the Vatican. From the Vatican you can view Castel Sant’Angelo, the oldest residence of the Pope. We’ll head down to the captivating Piazza Navona, with its stunning Baroque fountains and vibrant street art, and then arrive at the breath-taking dome that is the Pantheon, an ancient Roman temple.
A hidden gem
There are so many private places inside the Forum that many people don’t know about – it’s opposite the Colosseum so many overlook it altogether. One is a charming little church named San Clemente, where you can see the stunning architecture from a different perspective. These hidden places, almost unchanged from ancient times, make you feel like you’re walking in the footsteps of ancient Romans from 2,000 years ago.
A Caravaggio favourite
Another of my favourite places is the Galleria Borghese. This gallery has a little room with five or six Caravaggio’s inside and the one I like most is the Boy with a Basket of Fruit. There is such sensuality in his face, juxtaposed with the ordinary basket of fruit, glossy apples, and grapes. You see Caravaggio himself right there, in the application of light and shade, the beauty of youth.
And in that small room, there are four or five paintings of the same style, from the same artist, who is one of the best in the world, and you really feel like you’re a part of something special. You feel the humanity of the human being.
A vibrant, modern-day icon atop the Spanish Steps.
Phone Number*
Address
Via Sistina 69
00187, Rome
Rome
00187, Rome
Rome
A vibrant, modern-day icon atop the Spanish Steps.
Phone Number*
Address
Via Sistina 69
00187, Rome
Rome
00187, Rome
Rome
A vibrant, modern-day icon atop the Spanish Steps.
Phone Number*
Address
Via Sistina 69
00187, Rome
Rome
00187, Rome
Rome