By L. Roberts
Find adventure and excitement in Rome, where some of the best things in life are free. From the Forum to the Spanish Steps, there are tons of things to do and see in this beautiful ancient city. Take advantage of all that life has to offer; la vita e bella!
Roman Forum
See the Roman Forum, the ruins of the Colosseum and Palatine Hill with a combo ticket that's good for a two-day period. This is where ancient Romans gathered to do their business, politics, religious worship, and to be entertained. Now mostly a series of ruins, it's still an impressive place to visit for the history-minded and anyone looking to get a glimpse of ancient Rome.
Pantheon
Unlike the Forum and the Colosseum, the Pantheon is still in good repair and has been in continuous use for over 2,000 years. A tour of the Pantheon will give you a better look at ancient Roman architecture, as it is one of the most intact ancient structures in the city, featuring the oldest dome in Rome. The Pantheon is currently in use as a Roman Catholic church, known in English as the Church of St. Mary and the Martyrs, but can also be toured as an historical and architectural structure.
The Vatican
Check out the Vatican Museum, gardens and Sistine Chapel with a guided tour. Entry is free on the last Sunday of the month; tours cost 30 Euros per person. For another exciting Vatican event, get an audience with the Pope on Wednesdays. You can apply online for your ticket (do this before you go, as you may need up to a month in advance). Remember that dress code at the Vatican will be enforced: No shorts or tank tops are allowed, and women's shoulders must be covered.
Appia Antica
Check out the earliest roads of ancient Rome on the Appia Antica. This ancient road can be walked on Sundays, when no cars are allowed. If you're looking for a relaxing walk through the Roman countryside, with or without a free guided tour (which start at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.), be sure to tour this impressive Roman road.
Spanish Steps
Check out the longest, widest staircase in all of Europe---the Spanish Steps, or Scalinata della Trinita dei Monti. The steps lead from the Piazzi di Spagna to the Trinita dei Monti church at the top. At the base of the steps, you can also find the Keats-Shelley House, a museum that provides a home for a library dedicated to the British romantic poets, and which is most famous as the house where John Keats died.
Trevi Fountain
Throw a coin into this famous Baroque-era fountain before you leave Rome. It's a Roman tradition for visitors to toss change into Trevi Fountain; supposedly this ensures that you'll be back one day for another visit to this beautiful city.
About the Author:
Laura Roberts is the editor-in-chief of Black Heart Magazine and author of the weekly sex column, "V for Vixen," at Hour.ca. She is currently working on her first book, a guide to the sexy side of Montreal.
