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Uncovering Rome in a Day

Uncovering Rome in a Day

This is a guest post by Roberta Summer. Roberta loves travelling to exotic locations, cocktails and Japanese food. She hails from Madrid where she learnt flamenco and has since travelled extensively to explore her passion for dance and languages.

PortofinoThere is so much you can say about Rome and most of it I’m sure would revolve around the following: impressive architecture and seemingly endless iconic buildings, mouth-watering Mediterranean cuisine and history… loads of it.

I was lucky enough to visit a few months ago when I joined a cruise of the Med (lucky girl, I know) and took in a range of Mediterranean hot spots in one magnificent week. As well as Ajaccio, Monaco and Mahon I also stopped in Portofino (totally gorgeous and a real must if you ever get the chance) and Italy’s magnificent capital, Rome. I’d always wanted to go and despite only having a day there (the disadvantage of a cruise I’m afraid) I had enough time to soak up the epidermis of the city’s appeal – and fall in love with it.

The Colosseum in RomeI think it’s fair to say I’m not an avid architect enthusiast, dedicated culture vulture or history buff but I am able to appreciate a good view – and in Rome there are plenty of them. The Colosseum was my first port of call, right in the centre of the city’s district better known as ‘Ancient Rome’. The amphitheatre certainly doesn’t disappoint and despite having seen it numerous times in print – viewing it in all its travertine and tufa glory (the structures core components) certainly projects another level of appreciation. Standing 50 metres high and containing 80 entrances (most of which are, as you would imagine, now closed) it exudes a grandeur that must have appeared almost intimidating back in 80AD – the time of its inauguration.

For more jaw-dropping moments the Pantheon is hard to beat.  As one of the capital’s largest temples it can’t fail but leave you just a little in awe of its sheer size and impressive preservation.

To soak up a little of the street-side atmosphere I recommend heading over to the Spanish Steps where you can people watch, soak up the laid back atmosphere then head onto Via Condotti to browse the designer shops on the city’s most exclusive street.

GelatoAs well as sights, you can’t go to Rome without making the most of the food.  There are many restaurants and cafes to choose from where you can find mouth-watering home-cooked Italian cuisine, however, I think if you’re short on time and can only try one thing, make it a gelato. Italian ice-cream really is as good as they say it is and there is nothing better than nipping into one of the many gelaterias, selecting one (two, three or four…) of their home-made gelatos and gently strolling through the streets…

And if, like me, you can’t stay for longer just make sure you swing by the 18th century Trevi fountain. Where legend has it if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the water you’ll be assured of a return visit…

Flickr Photos: newpn2000, webmink, roboppy
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.

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