Rome - You can’t do everything there is to do in Rome in one day but you sure as heck can tick off a lot so join me as I tackle Rome in a day. 24 hours is not long enough to do the Eternal City justice, but if it’s all that you have then don’t waste a single moment – Rome is waiting.
Start with as much sightseeing as you possibly can. Most sights such as the Vatican, St Peter’s Basilica and the Colosseum are in huge demand and queues to enter literally stretch around the block, and the block’s block… so make sure you can skip the queue by going to see these sights with a tour operator like Contiki.
I begin my espresso version of the Amazing Race around Rome with a visit to an entirely different country – the Vatican. It measures less than half a square kilometre and is home to less than 800 residents. But it has its own radio station; it issues passports, has diplomatic relations with 150 countries and is currently the home of Pope Francis, who ministers to a billion Catholics worldwide.
One of the most spectacular things about the Vatican is the incredible Sistine Chapel, painted into life by Michelangelo.
It’s not possible to take any pictures inside this magical room any more but it is alive with colour and history and is truly beautiful. I’m only allowed in for a short time but that’s ok. I’ve soaked up the brilliance of Michelangelo’s nine frescos depicting the book of Genesis as well as his Last Judgement above the altar, and then it’s on to the Basilica of St Peter.
St Peter was an apostle and one of Jesus closest disciples, and the Basilica was built to honour him. It is the largest church ever built and houses the only work of art that Michelangelo ever signed – the Pieta sculpture.
This gorgeous sculpture of Mary cradling Jesus after the crucifixion is fittingly placed in St Peter’s as this is one of the holiest sites in Christendom. After jostling through the crowds and taking in the wow moments like Bernini’s 30 meter tall baldacchino, a massive four-poster, solid bronze canopy over the main altar.
All too soon I’m out the doors making my way through St Peter’s Square onwards towards the Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. I take a last glimpse back to see where the Pope stands to bless the crowds after Sunday services.
Originally a temple for all the Roman pagan gods, the temple was converted into a church in 609AD.
The Pantheon now contains the tombs of the famous artist Raphael and of several Italian kings. It is one of the best-preserved of all Roman buildings and has been in continuous use throughout its history.
The 16 enormous columns supporting the entrance were quarried in Egypt and transported to Rome. Above their bulk is the inscription dedicating the temple to one of Rome’s most famous generals, Marcus Agrippa.
He was instrumental in defeating Cleopatra and Mark Anthony in a great naval battle for his future father in law – Octavian, who in turn went on to begin the great Roman Empire. So Marcus was really rather important to early Rome.
I move from the Pantheon onwards to the Forum, but not before I stop for a slice of perfect Roman pizza. It is lunchtime after all. Contrary to what pizza purists will have you believe pizza in Rome is absolutely awesome.
I don’t know if it’s the flour they use in the dough or the tomatoes used in the base topping, the fresh basil or the hint of garlic? Or is it the creamy mozzarella that slides down the side of this enormous wedge shaped Italian delights? It is delicious beyond measure, and one slice is definitely not enough. Mine is scrocchiarella – that’s crispy thin crust to us Roman pizza-initiates!
I really should go visit the Trevi Fountain as I’m taking in all these highlights in a fairly linear fashion, but the Fountains will be super-crowded now so I’ll leave them until after sundown.
With lunch done and dusted, thin crust and all, it’s time to move on to the Roman Forum. This was the heart of ancient Rome where business, government, religion, culture and cult was centred. It’s quite miraculous, given that over time the various buildings and temples were routinely plundered and scavenged, that any of Ancient Rome’s monuments are still around to be seen.
And the most iconic surely has to be the Flavian Amphitheatre, better known as the Colosseum.
The Colosseum was built by Emperor Vespasian, founder of the Flavian dynasty, and is truly spectacular. With over 70 entrances this amazing feat of Roman architecture could house between 50 000 and 70 000 spectators and was designed in such a way that each visitor had the perfect view of the spectacle unfolding below.
And what a spectacle it was. It’s quite eerie wondering around the ruins of this mighty building that was used for gladiatorial contests, re-enactments of major battles, executions and the wholesale slaughter of man and beast. All for the entertainment of the unwashed masses.
It is almost impossible to put a number to the amount of gladiators, animals and criminals who met with a sticky end in this amphitheatre. But this was entertainment Roman style and with all the excess they were known for I’m pretty sure hundreds of thousands of souls still haunt this ruin. The carnage was sickening.
The Colosseum has fallen into near complete disarray as centuries of leaders, popes and vandals sought to use the marble and metal as spare parts and building material for other structures.
The next ancient wonder on my hit list is virtually unrecognisable – it’s the Circus Maximus. If it hadn’t been listed on the map I would have gone past it without even knowing it was there, such is the rack and ruin that is the Circus. But in its heyday 250 000 spectators (about half of Ancient Rome’s population) would fill the seats to watch the daily chariot races.
With no entrance fee charged the rich would rub shoulders with the poor, men and women would be seated together (almost unheard of back then) and the races would take place from dawn to dusk. It must have been quite something to see.
Much like the Nascar and Formula 1 racing of today. But if no-one pointed it out you’d probably think it was just an ordinary park…
With the sun about to set and my legs in need of a rest I look for a trattoria near the Piazza di Spagna. I start with the antipasti. A platter of prosciutto, olives, cheese, salami, crostini covered in juicy tomatoes topped with basil and a carpaccio covered in marinated artichokes, rocket and parmesan shavings. Followed by a bowl of fresh pasta covered in marina sauce.
The Spanish Steps lead down towards the crossing of three roads. Roads are called “Vie” or “Via” in Italian while “tre” equals three. So tre + vie = Trevi, the Trevi Fountains. Even in the evening the fountains are crowded with people who have come to view them and to indulge in the legend.
You’re supposed to throw three coins, one at a time, over your left shoulder into the fountain to ensure you come back to the Eternal City. One coin means you'll return to Rome; two, you'll return and fall in love; three, you'll return, find love, and marry.
The legend has its roots in Ancient Rome where people would often throw coins into rivers, lakes and fountains to make the Gods of Water favour their journey, bringing them home safely.
It’s a lovely, romantic idea but nowadays the purpose of the coins is to raise funds for fountain maintenance and to fund Caritas, a Roman Catholic charity, who run food programmes for the needy. And when you consider that every day nearly €3000 and other currencies end up in the fountain this is an excellent way to fund a charity.
But don’t be tempted to go all La Dolce Vita and splash around in the fountain like Anita Ekberg and Marcello Mastroianni. You’ll be arrested and fined €500 (over R5 000) for your troubles.
Rather head for the Gelateria San Crispino around the corner from the Fountains and end your day of sightseeing with one of Italy’s most amazing foodie gifts to mankind – Gelato. Be sure to ask for the Contiki special – you may just get an extra scoop on the house!
In less than 24 hours, with a bit of planning and skip the queue tickets you can see the major sights of Rome. Plus get your fill of pizza, pasta, antipasti and gelato.
Just like an espresso- short, intense and packed with flavour- Contiki’s Italian Espresso uncovers the best of Italy in just eight days. Pack in art, history, shopping and more.
If You Go...
Priced from R13 795 per person sharing this 8-day easy pace tour will show you Italy and the Vatican City. This price includes 7 night’s twin or triple-share hotel accommodation with breakfast daily, three dinners, and sightseeing of all major cities, hotel tips, local taxes, service charges and more.
Enjoy a guided tour if a Tuscan Winery with Chianti and antipasto, a locally guided tour of the Vatican, private boat through the canals and islands of Venice, and a special access Rome sightseeing tour.
To book contact your ASATA travel agent or Contiki on (011) 280 8400 or visit www.contiki.com