ROME - A WEEK IN THE ETERNAL CITY.
Once known as the Capital of the World it certainly feels like the centre of it all.
Romans do it large. This city, says, ‘Everything you’ve heard is true. We do it bigger than anyone else.’
The last time I visited the eternal city, was over 25 years’ ago. I was in a hotel watching the news as Princess Diana had died and had only faded memories of standing at the Colosseum, sirens and heavy traffic.
It’s a sound that has endured. This city never lets you forget you are in Rome and that this is the real deal.
Take yourself to Piazza Republica and see what I mean. Travelling around, the city opens up with such grandeur that it verges on the orgiastic of scale. It’s simply magnifico!
Romans love a piazza. I’d never seen a city with so many squares of such abundance. They are the kings of concrete. And f***k me can they construct a fountain.
If that’s not enough, the city is adorned with sculptures and artwork that lie in situ with artwork resting serenely in chapels strewn all over the city; Caravaggio in your local chapel? Yes please.
Roman palazzo’s of the historical prominent families appear to pop up all over the place and it is a surprisingly green city with plenty of parks and gardens to get lost in. This sprawling metropolis really has it all.
And, you can spend big here, simply on surviving. Food and drink costs on a par with London. Hunting around for cheap eats became a personal challenge. Though it’s hard to be disappointed with the quality. Romans take lunch more seriously.
Coffee is a birthright. Drink it espresso style, neat. Cappuccino, unless in the morning, is a no-no.
Romans are stylish and good looking and appear to be quite partial to vintage designer gear.
Flea markets you can pick up discarded war memorabilia and posters of Mussolini, American 45 records and Burberry coats for under £80. Only in Rome.
It will be no surprise They have great leather, boutiques and high street outlets. Max Mara appears to be on most street corners.
I stayed in Barberini, inner north west of the city, near the Spanish Steps. Close to one of the most worthy galleries - Palazzo Barbirini - hidden gem in the city.
Mondays are closed. I read a guide book that suggested walking around, as an activity for a Monday, or tossing coins into a fountain. But walking is the best way to get around, burn off those carbs and get a sense of this city’s scale. Though, take heed of the many hustlers selling tat on streets. Avoid looking like a tourist and you should fare well.
This is a surprisingly easy place to get to know, but you must plan your site seeing well, remember to bring your walking shoes a healthy appetite.
Rome top tips:
Trastevere for a lively Saturday night.
Palazzo Barberini for surprising collection of artwork in a quiet neighbourhood
Espresso any time of day! Skip the cappuccino in the afternoon.
Famine flea market for amazing vintage designer goods.
Begin your evening at the Spanish steps and stroll down to Del La Corso