Rome Revisited

My first photo taken with my sister on the left in 1973--a Vintage Colosseum photo...

I took these photos in April, 2012.  Its all about the architecture and the artistry of the food. Above left Trevi Fountain; right Colosseum; lower left Santa Maria Maggiore; lower right is the Vatican Rotunda.

 

2015 photos

After the British Museum in London and the Louvre in Paris, the Colosseum is the third most visited cultural site in Europe.  Since the collapse of the House of the Gladiator's in Pompeii, the Italian Ministry of Culture has been under fire to restore historic monuments before they are irreparably damaged. The government has begun to seek private donations to finance the renovations.  At the end of this post, you'll find Travel Information that will help you around Rome.

The Eternal City

Year 1999 photo I took.

Inside the Colleseum...the top floor is missing to expose the underground floors.  This photo is one I took in 1973.

Near The Roman Ruins, the Piazza del Camidoglio, designed by Michelangelo, is on the Capitoline Hill.  Its often considered the most beautiful square in Rome.

The Ruins

The Forum ruins (photos year 1999)

The Roman Forum 

Santa Maria Church, the largest church in Rome.  

The Vatican City

St. Peter's dome from inside (at the Vatican) 1999 photo...

Sistine Chapel

Travel Information:

Rome has experienced growing pains but it's so much better than my first trip there in 1973. First, there are new automated ticket kiosks in the Rome Termini Station where you can purchase tickets to just about anywhere.  View their Trenitalia site for the times schedule which is the same when you see it on the kiosks.  You don't need to buy tickets on the internet but you may want to buy in advance at the kiosks depending on the season.  Trains get very crowded and you may have to stand.  Always try to choose the fast train to your destination.  

Rome Fumicino Airport:  There is one main terminal (5) where all International flights arrive.  I met my three travel partners at the airport as we arrived on three different airlines. I felt totally comfortable in the airport.  We all came out the same terminal and found each other with no problems within an hour or so of each other.  I saw four machine gun armed guards walking the catwalks at all times.  The Leonardo Express Train will take you directly into Rome Termini Train Station within 30 minutes for 14 Euros each.  This train is non-stop.  Airport website here.

Once in Rome, we took the hop on hop off bus where you can sit on the top of the bus and see the sites in several hours.  You can use your ticket for the entire day.  Also, there's walking...yes, we walk everywhere...from hotel to the sites and back.  Don't be afraid to just get out there and see the sites in pairs.  Grab a map from the hotel and mark your sites.  You usually can see several sites not far from your hotel and take a bus to see the other sites.  We had no problems doing this.


ATM/Credit Card:  When I arrive in Europe I immediately use the ATM to take out Euros.  The Rome Airport ATM was only in Italian (all other ATMs used English) but you can clearly denote the sums to choose from up to 250 Euros that you can take out in one transaction.  I don't use the Exchange booths at the airports as there are added fees and surcharges.  You'll get your best rate by just taking euros directly from the ATM.  There is always an added fee for converting Euros to Dollars on your credit card bills.  In 2012 there was a .027 additional fee for any transactions on my American Express card.  Your credit card will show the Euros, conversion to dollars, and finally a transaction fee. 


You'll get your best conversion rates by using ATM's and Credit Cards.  Finally, remember to use all Euros before you go home.  You don't want to exchange any at the exchange booths. Again, they'll charge way to much.  

Update 2015--I suggest getting some euros in advance prior to leaving your home state or country.  This will allow you to have cash immediately at the airport.