Awesome view of the entire city of Rome! Great hang out place in the summer! Loveread more

A Moment to Savor A…read moreclear evening... Warm spring air... Not as crowded as expected... Only one truly annoying flower vendor... Watching the sun set slowly in the west... Holidays can be a stressful mad dash to check as many attractions as possible off "the list," but it's moments like these that will stay in your memory forever.

Stunning building and well maintained garden. The whole place is now open to the public due to the…read moregenerosity of Pope Francis. I hope Pope Leo and all the other future popes will keep this beautiful place open to the public. The observatory tour (additional cost) in my opinion is a ripoff. The tour guide basically just showed us the way and had very minimal explanation about the history of the place. You can learn about it yourself from just reading the signs.

This retreat of the popes has only been open to the public since 2014 so take advantage and visit…read more But book ahead so you don't miss out on the tour of the gardens.

Worthwhile aside during one of your strolls across the Eternal City. The island is easy to reach…read moreand not too far out of the way. It is best added to an existing planned route.

Isola Tiberina is the world's smallest inhabited island-- to get there, you'll cross Rome's oldest…read moreoriginal bridge, not far from Capitoline Hill. The island, while cute to stroll around, is also home to a tenth-century basilica, fully operational hospital and annual film fest that will have any modern movie junkie totally enamored. Excellent pasta and you absolutely must try the Basil gelato at Tiberino restaurant!

We wandered here in November 2023 after a trip to Ostia Antica. This is a scenic landmark from…read morewhich to catch some amazing views of the Mediterranean on one side, and back towards Italy on the other. The day we came, a storm whipped up and we were coated in salt water. We joked at our meal after about shaking salt out of our hair into our food for seasoning. I would recommend this boardwalk and scenic location for a great place to spend some time.

This is a fantastic place to see when staying near Fiumicino Airport. We visited in the early month…read moreof May, and it was perfect. The walk out to this beautifully designed pier was so relaxing, breezy, and cool. The sounds of the seagulls and waves crashing around us were all breathtaking. It's unimaginable to think that this part of Ostia was all under water in ancient Roman times. The mouth of the Tiber River was actually in Ostia Antica. Geology over time created this beautiful seaside village. It almost seems appropriate to see a statue of Neptune on a tiny rocky landing near the pier. I couldn't help but believe it may be Aquaman rising from the city of Atlantis. We didn't venture out to the beach. However, we had a great view of it from the Pontile. The pier that was here before was destroyed by German troops during WWII because of its strategic importance to the allies. What you see today was built as a victory memorial. A very nice design & symbol. It's where the Roman's go for a weekend getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. What's interesting is that the Pontile is directly connected to Porto San Paolo (near St. Paul's Basilica) utilizing the ancient Via Ostiense. This ancient road becomes Viale della Marina as you enter Lido di Ostia. It's the road to the sea. I totally recommend a visit to this area for those (like us) who have already seen the sights in Rome. It's the villages and suburbs outside the big cities that tend to be more memorable. There is ancient history everywhere that hasn't been explored enough. They're still unearthing ancient ships and artifacts in and around Rome. But, the best part of this visit to this Roman beach was the view and peacefulness of the sea.

I have a surprise for you and can't tell you what it is... Just follow me. Is what I was told…read more.. Walking up a hill, I really didn't want to walk much as my feet hurts and I was cold... There it was, San Pietro's dome! How? I don't know, I guess you can see San Pietro from anywhere in Rome? The night I went, hardly anyone was there. Just us and another group. Perhaps we avoided tourists by going there in the evening. If you happen to be around, stop by and take a peek through the hole!

#154-2016: This time…read moreI wanted to tour Rome with the eyes of the tourist that doesn't know she is a tourist. So, yes, I did fall for main attractions (though skipping über-crowded spots such as 'bocca della verità" "colosseo" "palatino" "pantheon") and then, one day, after eating at the Testaccio market.... boom... I decided to open yelp and find the nearest landmark..and came across Fabrizia's review of this location... Armed with patience, motor skills and a good set of lungs, I walked up the hill on to the Cavalieri di Malta square.... I was huffing and puffing by the time I reached the top of the steep walk but I was all the more worth it... The square itself is very anonymous.... it is the contouring locations that hold all the magic. The Knights of the Order of Malta have kept guard to to the place of birth of Jesus in Nazareth for centuries and have provided the Vatican with their services for a long while. As compensation, they have been gifted thus amazing location (among other possessions) up on the hill overlooking an amazing view. So, you cautiously approach this door (shut to the public) that divides Italy from Malta. Yes, across this door is a beautiful garden which belongs to Malta and allows the eye to overview 3 countries in one: Malta, Italy and the Vatican City. Yes... because through the peeping hole, you will be able to see the dome of the S. Peter's Cathedral. Trying to snap a picture that shows all 3 is a nearly impossible event (with a normal phone camera) but the naked eye sees all things.... and what a view So, next time you are in Rome... allow yourself a detour, the view will be worth the walk up that hill ...

It's the Roman theater of Ancient Ostia. What's not to love?…read more It was built by Agrippa under the reign of Augustus back in the 1st century BC. It was rededicated after it was expanded to 4000 seats in 196 AD. It was the work of Septimius Severus and Caracalla that prompted the rededication per the inscription on the plaque on the theater that still exists today. We weren't able to step inside or step up to the viewing area due to construction and/or restoration. I'm assuming they are fixing the crumbling steps since it's currently used as an amphitheater-type concert venue. I think it would be cool to visit it in the evening as a spectator in a venue. The theater was built to be a part of a corporate complex called Piazzale delle Corporazione. The theater is prominently displayed as you're walking through the square. This is where you can get great photo opportunities during its restoration. We enjoyed our visit here. It's a great way to actually see ancient Roman city life and imagine what is was like in that century.

Rome's OG Netflix. This semi-circular masterpiece could once seat up to 4,000 people, all crammed…read morein to laugh, cry, and judge each other in togas. Now it mostly hosts echoes and pigeons, but if you're lucky, you might catch a confused tourist trying to re-enact Julius Caesar. It was built by Agrippa (yes, that Agrippa--Augustus' bestie) in the 1st century BCE. Still more structurally sound than some 21st-century buildings. She's undergoing a little restoration. Amazing!

It was even better than I thought it would be. Listening to Rick Steves' audio guide ahead of time…read moretotally helped with navigating around the site. I also purchased a very thorough map (Ostia Antica Modern Passion) for a few euros that was recommended at the ticket office. It came in very handy because it's actually quite a long walk, and almost impossible to see everything in 3 hours. This map actually helped in prioritizing the must see sights. Our online ticket timed entry was 9:30am, but you can just purchase it there. There really wasn't a whole lot of people around on a weekday. There's a free public restroom and vending machines with water next to the ticket office. The only other restroom is near the café. Just start on the main road and work your way up. Everything is well marked with interesting facts and descriptions. It was amazing to see the well-preserved buildings and mosaics intact. It didn't seem like that in Pompeii. Then again, this ancient port city had been covered by sand dunes for centuries compared to a pyroclastic flow & ash. It's great that some of the dedication plaques and mosaics have not been unearthed and placed in a museum. Most of them are the originals. The statues and other artifacts are in the museum on site. Do not leave without visiting that museum. It's next door to the café. What I love is that they have steps leading up to viewing points. There was one at the Baths of Neptune and another near the Thermopolium of Via di Diana. Take advantage of these viewing areas. You'll be amazed at what you can see up there. There is one at the Theater overlooking the Plaza of the Guilds, but the theater is currently under renovation or construction. I didn't get that chance, but there is a lovely view of it from the corporate guild as you're walking around that square. It was interesting to look at all the mosaic merchant signs. You can get an idea of what they were selling by the picture & design. I'm not going to ruin it for you. There is so much more to see and write about. It's a must visit in my opinion. Especially if you're into seeing what Roman city life was like back in that time period. There are birds and flowers all over. Mainly just poppies that randomly pop up here and there. It's peaceful & quiet compared to Ancient Rome. I don't think many people know about it. There is a cute café, bookstore, and museum past the warehouses (Horrea) to the right towards the Tiber River. It was a very relaxing time. Check it out if you're staying anywhere near the airport.

Ostia Antica is often suggested as a convenient alternative to Pompeii and without the mass…read morecasualties. And it is both convenient and not tragic. This ancient Roman port city of approximately 50,000 residents has some must see elements, many of which are only found by extensive exploring: Necropolis as you enter Baths of Neptune and amazing mosaic Condo complex Communal toilets Granaries for storage of grain from Alexandria Millstones Tip: it is a huge site; use the bathroom at the entrance before you enter; the only other bathrooms were at the cafe and bookstore Tip: you navigate most of the site on an ancient road; it is very uneven; wear sneakers! Tip: rent the headsets, which provide helpful commentary

The Roman theater that actually predates the famous Colosseo, the Teatro di Marcello was started by…read moreJulius Caesar though he was assassinated before it completed. This is worth a stop on any visit of the city. Classic arches, corridors, tunnels let you walk where ancient Romans once walked. And so much other history. Definitely do not miss visiting the Marcello Theater. While there wasn't an exhibit going while I was here, it's still worth checking out to see the amazing structure. [Review 19156 overall - 311 in Italy - 126 of 2023.]

Many warm and fuzzy September evenings!!…read more Who doesn't loveeeee this place. It's the less busy but just as stunning teatro! I love running /walking by here at crack of dawn and even at late night. Roma gets super dark at night in the surrounding area but this place, this place is always lit up. To be here back when the gladiators were in action?! Hmmm! One can dream. Nodaway, it's used for less fighting and more for that marvelous warm and fuzzing evenings. I've been here for a stunning Mozart concerto series. I happened to walk past this area one night looking for food in the jewish ghetto. And I spent a good half hour listening like a kid in an ice cream shop! This was almost a decade ago. Needless to say, I've tried to make it in for the concerts here on my later trips. And finally did after 6 plus years have passed by!! Talk about better late than never. The dates never quite worked but I'm so glad I finally planned my trip around it. Yea!! That was a few months ago. Now the concert I went was for a violin concerto with poetry reading in the beginning. It is performed and brought together by very laid back and art loving Romans. It's rather casual. But the feeling you get listening to beautiful violinist while surrounded by such amazing historic ruins? Out of this world!! We sat on plastic chairs and got lost. Well I did anyway :) It was a perfect evening!! Mainly because of my very first experience! Andmaybe because of all these years of anticipation! I don't even care to analyze. I just know that it was a warm and fuzzy evening. And I can't wait to go back in a few months!!! Oh yea, you can see the former gladiator quarter too!! How cool is this place!