A VISIT TO ROME

St. Peter's Square (Vatican)

Rome, the city of seven hills raised on the banks of the Tiber River, is one of the capitals of Europe that attracts more tourists. His unquestioned historical importance, coupled with the fact it was one of the most important cradles of Western civilization, move each year millions of visitors attracted by the ruins of its ancient past and the richness of the many works of art it contains. Besides all the monuments and traditional museums that can be visited, with payment of entry, the own city, itself, is an outdoor museum. Stroll through its streets and squares contemplating its stately buildings, the art of their sources and its countless historical remains scattered in every corner, is a feast for the eyes that carries our minds to bygone days of splendor. The attractiveness of the Vatican, a tiny state embedded in this city, which, for centuries, holds the highest authority of the Catholic Church, represented by the Pope as the successor to the chair of St. Peter, is an added incentive to visit  the city, especially for all the Catholics of the world.

Basilica of St. Paul (Rome)

Plan a trip to Rome, to fully enjoy all the attractions that this city offers  and minimize the possibility of encountering unpleasant surprises, requires consideration of some important basic aspects, among which may include the following:

Accommodation.- As in all the most densely populated cities, the facilities and services of the hotels, for the same category, are quite different from what we may be accustomed to finding in populations of average type. For this reason, the choice of accommodation, well located, suitable, comfortable and with good service, is a top priority. If you have a good economic level, it is advisable to choose one of the excellent hotels that are located in the prestigious Via Vittorio Veneto, that, surely, will fill, amply, all our demands. Otherwise, if our resources are limited, we can explore other options within a large range of accommodation that could meet our minimum requirements. The most importantly is choose a hotel that is located within the heart of the city, which has not less than 4 stars category and, if it is possible, to have reliable and direct references of that establishment.

Restaurants.- At the time for the revitalization, it is best to choose a good restaurant, well qualified and prestige. The difference in quality / price ratio of a good restaurant, with respect to the many mediocre places that are scattered throughout the city, is reason enough to spare no efforts in this regard. Another option could be to try to eat at one of the traditional “trattorías”; restaurants that serving typical Italian and traditional meals in a more informal, with prices generally lower, although in these places there are also substantial differences between them. 

In any case, what we do have to keep in mind, is ensure previously of the prices the items that we pretend consuming, since, otherwise, we can find very unpleasant surprises. Although can not generalize, there are many unscrupulous establishments whose specialty is precisely the of diddle the tourist, and, besides, make it in such a way that there is no other recourse than the protest; although, unfortunately, is useless.

Temple of Hadrian (Rome)

Visits.- As visits are the source and reason for every tourist who comes to Rome, is very convenient carry out a careful planning of them, at least the most important. In this sense, it is highly recommended make visits in group, not very numerous, and accompanied by a competent guide, especially when we go to crowded places such as the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Colosseum, Roman Forum, catacombs, and so on. The advantages that this method offers are very important: to ensure schedules, avoid long queues to get the mandatory passes, enter to different precincts, visit places reserved for groups only and get the most out of our visit having a direct personal information what we are watching. The travel agencies can offer, in addition, guided tours programs, organized for serious and reliable operators usually adequate and with reasonable price, although this can be hired on arrival at destination. In any case, this is an issue essential to avoid wasting time and patience. As guidance, the minimum number of days to visit the most important of Rome, including the obligatory walk through the streets, and not to say anything else that I went through there, is five or six full days in the city.

Regarding the visits, is necessary to keep in mind a very important recommendation: Never hire any tourist visit with alleged agents operating in the street; although they claim to act on behalf of officers agencies, in most cases are false, and, with high probability, can be scammed. Another important  issue that must be considered is not to fall into the trap of accepting pictures with individuals characterized like roman gladiators or other people dressed for the occasion, as it may be surprised to demand exorbitant amounts of money per it. The care with your wallet and belongings in general must be extreme, since the number of thieves operating in the city, especially in collective transport and places of more public attendance, is extremely high.

Piazza Navona (Rome)

Transport.- Even though the information that is usually found on this, not usually recommend using the taxi, claiming that the circulation in Rome is chaotic and taxis are very expensive, the truth is that it is so not. Although urban traffic, as in almost all major cities, is hardly a virtue, the truth is that neither differs much from most of the cities on your level, and  even better than some of them. What is important, to avoid surprises, is that you never take a taxi stopping those who are circulating,  go always  to the official stop for to take a taxi, or request this service directly from the hotel, and, in all cases, to require always the use of taximeter. The underground, although it is the most economical, is hardly recommendable. the huge influx of passengers that use this transport, especially at certain times of day, causes that the use of this service, in many cases, is quite a feat, delicate and dangerous for people with reduced mobility, elderly and children. If you decide to live this experience and get out unscathed, with all their belongings intact, you probably has had lucky and may envy how comfortable they must find canned pilchard. In terms of bus and tram, the first turns out to be rather complicated for no good knowledge of the lines and the second has no stops at more suitable places for the tourist.

Vatican Museums (Rome)

In other matters, remember that, even though in the invoices can be found with concepts unfamiliar for you, such as service and / or covered, which can lead to think that the tip has already been charged in advance, the truth is that always are waiting for it, even provide you a form, if you pay by credit card, to reflect as far as you are willing to carry out your generosity. As the picaresque in Italy is quite widespread, extreme precautions, do not pay by card where does not offer the utmost confidence, and, above all, do not lose sight of the card.

In any case, if you still do not know Rome, and you intend to go one day, the best thing I can recommend, without reservation, is the desirability of taking into account these few specific suggestions. I am sure you will appreciate it.  if so, for my part, I can only wish you “buon viaggio, buon soggiorno e sicuro ritorno.”

C. Díaz Fdez.

Oviedo, September 22, 2011