Rome - The Tale of Two Empires
The imperial city of Rome tells the story of two empires, the original Roman Empire and the Empire of the Catholic Church. Our journey takes you from the Vatican City through the heart of modern Rome to the Colosseum visiting wonderful fountains and sites along the way. We recommend you organise your tickets for the Vatican Museum, Colosseum and other sites in advance. An early start at the Vatican will help you avoid the crowds.
After your visit to the Vatican our stroll will take you across the square to the Castel Sant Angelo and the Ponte Sant Angelo. The Castel was originally constructed as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Both the castel and bridge were constructed around A.D 135.
The next stop is the Piazza Navona, a site with a long history and exciting history. As a word of warning the Piazza can become rather crowded on Christian holy days like Christmas and Easter. A short walk from the Piazza Navona is the Pantheon, and amazing edifice which is unique and mysterious, this is a great place for Gelato and a cold refreshment on a hot day. The Roman Pantheon is the most preserved and influential building of ancient Rome. It is a Roman temple dedicated to all the gods of pagan Rome. As the brick stamps on the side of the building reveal it was built by Hadrian between A.D 118 and 125. The Pantheon is an architecture lovers delight.
The baroque Trevi Fountain is nearly always crowded as tourists engage in the romance that surrounds this beautiful fountain. The fountain is a fantastic work of art that is much more than a mere sculpture. a jewel that is nestled in the historic centre of Rome.
Our journey now takes us toward the original roman empire, on the way passing the impressive and breathtaking Piazza Venezia which always surprises with its size and dominance of the surrounding architecture.
The final part of our stroll takes us into the heart of ancient Rome with a visit to the amazing and awe-inspiring Colosseum. A visit inside the Colosseum is a must to truly appreciate the size and scale of this ancient stadium. Surrounding the Colosseum are the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum and Palatino Hill, make sure you leave plenty of time to explore. The Palatino Hill provides great photo opportunities in Romes fantastic early morning or evening light.
The Journey
We start our journey at the Vatican Museum, an early start means less crowds. From the Vatican Museum it is a short stroll to Saint Peters Basilica. Turn right out of the exit and follow the wall along Viale Vaticano, turn right at the intersection with Via Leone IV. Follow the wall of the Vatican City, and turn onto Via di Porta Angelica, which will take you all the way Saint Peters Square.
On leaving Saint Peter's Basilica head across the square and down the Via del Conciliazione, this will take you directly to the Castel Sant Angelo. From the Castel, head across the Ponte Sant Angelo to the otherside of the river Tiber.
Cross the main road along the river and turn left and then almost immediately left into the Via di Panico. At the Piazza dei Coronari turn left onto the Via dei Coronari. Walk along Via dei Coronari for about 400 meters and continue onto Piazza di Tor Sanguigna. Turn right onto Via Agonale and this will lead you into the Piazza Navona.
Depart the Piazza Navona via the Corsia Agonale. Turn left onto Corso del Rinascimento and then turn left onto Via del Salvatore. Turn right onto Via della Dogana Vecchia and the Palazzo Giustiniani on the left. Turn left onto Salita dei Crescenz. Turn right onto Via della Rotonda and you are at the Pantheon.
On leaving the Pantheon head north out of the Piazza and turn left and walk east on Piazza della Rotonda towards Via della Minerva. Veer a slight left onto Via del Seminario and follow this street for about 200 meters. Cross Piazza S. Ignazio and continue onto Vicolo de' Burrò. Turn right onto Via di Pietra and continue across Via del Corso onto Via delle Muratte and follow this road about 200 meters to the Piazza del Trevi.
On leaving Trevi Fountain walk south on Via della Stamperia towards Via del Lavatore and continue south onto Via di S. Vincenzo. Turn right onto Largo Pietro di Brazza and continue onto Via dell'Umiltà for about 200 meters. Turn left onto Via del Corso and continue down the street about 270 meters until you arrive at the Piazza Venezia.
Leave Piazza Venezia by walking south-east on Piazza della Madonna di Loreto and along Via dei Fori Imperiali past Foro Romano and Plantino Hill to the Colosseum.