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LA BELLA CITTA ROMA...
ARRIVERDERCI ROMA...
LA DOLCE VITA - IN ROMA...
Your head starts singing on such mentions, and the first time you see Rome, you know you'll be back. Yes, of course, go to the Fontana di Trevi, and throw your coins in the fountain to guarantee your return. So many old traditions and customs, Rome is an amazing mix of the truly ancient mixed in with 21st Century kids, technology, architecture - and it all works somehow.
First go to a hill, there are the famous Seven Hills of Rome, or to the top of the Spanish Steps and take in the landscape and rooftops of Rome and you will be awed by its immense size. One of its many wonders is that given the incredible space taken over by its Catholic churches, they are rarely filled anymore. In fact, there are probably more tourists in St. Peter's on Sunday than there are Mass-goers. A truly sad fact, but a true one.
Rome is the seat of a very ancient Civilization, one that conquered much of the then existing world. In fact, Hadrian's Wall running through key parts of England, gives power to the rule of the Roman Emperors. But it was the advent of Christianity in the form of Roman Catholicism that changed the face of this great City. The old Appian way, still cobblestoned, reminds one that Roman chariots tore along these streets, and Roman legions marched along it. And, in the Hippodrome, famed chariot races, just like the ones in Ben Hur, were a major form of entertainment for the masses.
Everywhere you turn there are major statues to the Emperors, and to the Saints. But the broad Boulevards where modern-day Romans congregate are 21st Century honking traffic nightmares. Gone are the leisurely sidewalk cafes, yes they're still there, but so much people watching has given way to the car. And the Fiats are so tiny at least 10 can fit into one space that most US cars would fit. It's a feat of great Roman engineering. And watch out, those little bugs and beetles might be small, but with heavy pedal to the metal, Rome is a pedestrian nightmare.
There are so many hotels to delight the senses in Rome. The Hotel Hassler atop the famed Spanish Steps has seen so much history and Hollywood celebrities it forgets it was a Papal Palace at one time. Tom Cruise when he was marrying Katie Holmes chose it to bunk his Hollywood star friends. They were impressed! And the rooftop restaurant is a veritable window on to Rome - off in the distance the dome of St. Peter's is easy to spot. It is also a quiet oasis in a very noisy City. The Excelsior was a favorite to Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton and still serves as a magnet for visiting movie stars, rock stars, and ruling VIPs. The NERO Group with hotels in all the finest cities throughout Italy, has a fabulous four-star hotel by the banks of the Tiber before you cross over into Vatican City.
ANTICA PESCA is the hottest, and one of the oldest restaurants in Rome - and now it has come to Brooklyn! So, whether you're in NYC or Rome, the delights of this fantastic restaurant will be yours.
I'm closing this chapter on Rome, hoping to have whetted your appetite for this glorious City. We'll go looking at some of its most famous sights next time. Until then, Ciao!
July 13, 2023
