5 Must-Dos: Rome

01 Jul 2011

The essential quick guide for discerning travellers
BY GILLIAN PRICE

1. STEP BACK IN TIME

Get a glimpse of Rome’s glorious past in the ancient structures dotting the bustling capital city of Italy. Don’t miss the Forum, located in a valley between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, which was for centuries the centre of Roman public life. This was where government convened, business deals were struck and people worshipped amid the maze of alleys, evocative ruins and majestic temples. Nearby stands the amazing Colosseum, an arena with 50,000 seats where – from AD80 to about AD523 – spectators took in the sight of gladiators and wild animals battling it out. At the foot of Aventine Hill lies the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla, huge, brick-lined public baths built between AD212 and AD216.

The Roman Forum was the centre of public life for centuries.

2. FASHION CENTRAL

Shopping hysteria may set in as you cruise the streets radiating out from Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps. The pedestrian thoroughfares of Via dei Condotti, Via del Babuino and Via Margutta are lined with dazzling window displays of world-famous labels such as Gucci and Salvatore Ferragamo. Be thrilled by the jewelled footwear of Venetian designer Rene Caovilla (www.renecaovilla.com) and the exquisite baubles at Pomellato (pomellato.com), from delicately coloured precious stones clustered around gold rings and pendants to fun charms. Tailor an outfit at Battistoni (Via dei Condotti 61A, Tel: 39 06 697 6111) – known for its smart, conservative style – or swoon over its shoes, bags and accessories in classic designs.

3. STATE OF THE ART

Immerse yourself in contemporary creativity at Rome’s spectacular MAXXI National Museum of the XXI Century Arts (fondazionemaxxi.it). Designed by award-winning UK-based architect Zaha Hadid, the building itself is a design marvel. It is also an awe-inspiring showcase of photography and contemporary art from Italy and the world by creative luminaries such as Anish Kapoor and Mario Merz. A kaleidoscope of temporary exhibitions complements the museum’s permanent collections. Check out the largest exhibition venue in Rome’s centre, Palazzo delle Esposizioni (palazzoesposizioni.it), open after five years of upgrading works. Sprawled across three floors, the 108,000 sq ft space contains a cinema, a bookstore, an auditorium and two eateries.

4. BESPOKE STAYS

Luxuriate in the exclusive and exquisitely decorated penthouse owned by the Ferragamo fashion family. Portrait Suites (lungarnohotels.com) offers a choice of 14 suites and studios in the high fashion district of Via dei Condotti. You can even enjoy a leisurely breakfast on its lovely rooftop terrace, which boasts magnificent views of the city. Residenza Napoleone III (residenzanapoleone.com) in Via dei Condotti continues to up the ante on luxury. Named after Emperor Napoleon III,  who lived here in 1830, it boasts spacious suites impeccably restored to their former splendour – think canopied beds, antique furnishings and 16th-century tapestries. Alternatively, opt for an oasis of cosy comfort at Buonanotte Garibaldi (www.buonanottegaribaldi.com). Boasting a tree-lined courtyard, this guesthouse in the charming Trastevere district has three bedrooms that are decked out in orange, green and blue colour themes.

The ultra-luxe Napoleone Suite at the Residenza Napoleone III boasts the trappings of a classic Roman palazzo as well as modern conveniences.

5. TRADITIONAL EATS

Artichokes are a firm culinary favourite, and can be found in markets and restaurants from October to June. They are typically prepared in two ways: plump globe artichokes are served as carciofi alla romana, in which the vegetable is braised until it’s soft and luscious with just a hint of its trademark bitter tang; or as carciofi alla giudia, deep-fried artichokes, a preparation that originated in the Jewish quarter. Taste these dishes at Giggetto al Portico d’Ottavia (giggetto.it) or Sora Margherita (Piazza delle Cinque Scole 30, Tel: 39 06 687 4216) in Rome’s ancient ghetto, a maze of narrow streets that used to house the city’s Jewish community.

• CURRENCY
  Euro
• VISA
  Requirements vary. For details, visit www.esteri.it/visti/index_eng.asp.
• BEST TIME TO VISIT
  In spring (late March to May) and autumn (September to mid-November) when temperatures hover around 25ºC. Avoid the peak tourist season from June to August.
• HOW TO GET THERE
  Visit singaporeair.com for schedules and fares.
• MORE INFORMATION
  en.turismoroma.it

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