25 – 28 JANUARY 2018:
5 friends on a weekend getaway to soak up some culture – where better than Rome?
Rome, the capital of Italy was a perfect choice – nice food, lots of history and a great atmosphere with street musicians and artists. None of us had ever been to Rome before, and we were not disappointed.
HOTEL – COLOSSEO GARDENS
This was the perfect place to stay in Rome for us. It’s located within a 10 minute walk from the Colosseum. We had two double bedrooms and a sofa bed, a large television, a kitchen with washing machine and dryer, and a cooker. It was tidy, modern and had everything we needed for our mini break. We would definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting Rome, and from what I recall it was very reasonably priced!
https://www.myextrahome.com/apartments_Rome_colosseo-gardens_9.asp
COLOSSEUM
Colosseum or Coliseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an oval amphitheatre in the centre of the city of ROME, Italy. Built of travertine, tuff, and brick-faced concrete, it is the largest amphitheatre ever built. The Colosseum is situated just east of the Roman Forum. Construction began under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72, and was completed in AD 80 under his successor and heir Titus. Further modifications were made during the reign of Domitian (81–96). These three emperors are known as the Flavian dynasty, and the amphitheatre was named in Latin for its association with their family name.
The Colosseum needs no introduction. Everyone has seen the Gladiator and everyone knows what this building is. It is one of the most recognisable ruins in the world. The Colosseum really has to be seen to appreciate the scale, and to soak up some of the atmosphere of the place.
VATICAN CITY
Vatican City, a city-state surrounded by Rome, Italy, is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. It’s home to the Pope and a trove of iconic art and architecture. Its Vatican Museums house ancient Roman sculptures such as the famed “Laocoön and His Sons” as well as Renaissance frescoes in the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling.
Amazing place but I would recommend booking a tour as there’s so much information to take in – you don’t want to miss any, especially if you want to really immerse yourself in the history.
The Sistine Chapel is as beautiful as you would imagine. No wonder it took Michelangelo 4 years to paint! A real work of art!
TREVI FOUNTAIN
The Trevi Fountain is a fountain in the Trevi district in Rome, Italy, designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini. Standing 26.3 metres high and 49.15 metres wide, it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world.
Lots of people, almost too busy to be able to appreciate the fountain fully, but definitely worth a visit.
You walk around Rome, a city with lots of people in every direction. Then suddenly you find yourself in front of this magnificent fountain which is absolutely stunning. There was a beautiful majestic atmosphere which makes you forget you’re in the middle of a city. It’s a shame you can’t put a coin in to the fountain and make a wish – that is strictly prohibited.
SAM FIELDEN - TRAVELS 