Rome, the capital city of Italy, is a mesmerizing blend of ancient history and modern vibrancy. It’s renowned for its rich cultural heritage, with iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon bearing witness to its storied past as the center of the Roman Empire.

Rome, Italy, founded in 753 BC according to legend by Romulus and Remus, has evolved from a small settlement on the Tiber River into one of history’s greatest empires. As the capital of the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire, Rome wielded power across Europe, Africa, and Asia through conquest and cultural exchange. From the rise and fall of the Roman Kingdom to the establishment of the Republic in 509 BC, Rome’s history saw periods of expansion and internal conflict. During the Imperial era, emperors like Augustus, Nero, and Hadrian shaped the city with monumental architecture, engineering feats, and legal reforms.

After Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity in the 4th century AD, Rome became the center of the Roman Catholic Church, home to the Pope, and a spiritual beacon during the Middle Ages despite invasions and periods of decline. The Renaissance and Baroque periods brought a revival of Rome’s grandeur, with artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini leaving enduring marks on its landscape. In 1871, Rome became the capital of a unified Italy, solidifying its status as the Eternal City.

Today, Rome’s iconic landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican City, and St. Peter’s Basilica continue to fascinate visitors. Its rich tapestry of art, architecture, cuisine, and history has earned it UNESCO World Heritage status, making it a timeless destination that honors its ancient past while embracing the modern world.

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1. The Same
   1. Ancient Sites of Rome
   2. Local Cuisine
2. The DINKs
   1. The Vatican City
   2. Sovereign Military Order of Malta
3. The Family
   1. Coliseum Underground Tour
4. Summary

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The Same

Both the Dinks and the Family have visited a few times as it often serves as the hub for international travel. I can’t believe how much we can get in within a single day. While it is a ton of walking, everything is in one central location.

Ancient Sites of Rome

• The Coliseum: As a symbol of both Roman innovation and the poignant echoes of bygone eras, the Coliseum remains a must-visit destination, inviting visitors to step back in time and imagine the resounding cheers and epic battles that once echoed within its walls.
• Arch of Constantine: Located right next to the Coliseum and was commissioned in celebration to Constantine’s victory over Maxentius.
• The Roman Forum: This ancient plaza was the center of political, religious, and commercial life in ancient Rome. Visitors can explore the ruins of temples, basilicas, and government buildings.
• Circus Maximus: Once a massive chariot racing stadium, Circus Maximus is an archaeological site where visitors can imagine the thrilling races and events that took place here in ancient times.
• Spanish Steps: The Spanish Steps are a famous gathering spot in Rome. They lead up to the Trinità dei Monti church and are a popular place to sit, people-watch, and enjoy the atmosphere.
• Trevi Fountain: The Trevi Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece and one of the most famous fountains in the world.

*Note: The DINKS love downloading Rick Steve’s free audio tours prior to their trips so they can use the audio tour as a guide to their walking tour. They enjoyed the Heart of Rome audio tour.

Local Cuisine

In Rome, trying local cuisine is an essential part of experiencing the city’s rich culinary heritage and as always we both make a effort to try local dishes.

• Cacio e Pepe: A simple yet iconic pasta dish made with spaghetti or tonnarelli (thick spaghetti-like pasta), Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. The creamy sauce is created by mixing the cheese with pasta water and pepper.
• Carbonara: Another famous pasta dish originating from Rome, carbonara features spaghetti or rigatoni tossed with a sauce made from eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, pancetta (or guanciale), and black pepper. It’s known for its rich and creamy texture.
• Supplì: A popular Roman street food, supplì are fried rice balls filled with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and sometimes ground meat. They are crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
• Roman-style Pizza: Unlike Neapolitan pizza, Roman pizza (pizza alla romana) is characterized by its thin and crispy crust. Classic toppings include simple combinations like Margherita (tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil) or Marinara (tomato sauce, garlic, oregano, and olive oil).
• Gelato: While not exclusive to Rome, enjoying gelato in the Italian capital is a must. Look for gelaterias that offer artisanal flavors made with high-quality ingredients.
• Roman-style Porchetta: Roasted pork belly seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and other herbs. It’s often served as a sandwich (panino con la porchetta) or as part of a main dish.

The DINKs

We branched out to visit technically two different “countries” while in Rome; One the smallest in the World and the only country without land.

The Vatican City

The Vatican City, officially known as the Vatican City State, is the smallest independent state in the world, both in terms of area and population. Situated within the city of Rome, Italy, the Vatican serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church and is the residence of the Pope, the leader of the Catholic Church.

• While often you can do things on your own, we do recommend a tour here as the line to get in often wraps around the building. Key features and attractions of the Vatican City include:
  • St. Peter’s Basilica: One of the most iconic landmarks in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica is a magnificent Renaissance church that serves as the centerpiece of the Vatican. Visitors can admire its stunning architecture, including Michelangelo’s famous dome, and explore its ornate interior, which houses priceless works of art, including Michelangelo’s Pietà.
  • Vatican Museums: The Vatican Museums are a complex of art galleries and museums located within the Vatican City. They showcase an extensive collection of artwork and historical artifacts amassed by the Catholic Church over the centuries, including masterpieces by Renaissance masters such as Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio. The highlight of the museums is the Sistine Chapel, renowned for its ceiling painted by Michelangelo.
  • St. Peter’s Square: Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, St. Peter’s Square is a grand elliptical plaza located in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. It features a stunning colonnade, topped with statues of saints, and an imposing obelisk at its center. The square serves as a gathering place for religious ceremonies and papal audiences.
  • Apostolic Palace: The Apostolic Palace, also known as the Papal Palace, is the official residence of the Pope within the Vatican City. It houses various papal apartments, offices, and ceremonial rooms, including the Papal Apartments, where the Pope resides, and the Vatican Gardens, a tranquil oasis of greenery within the city.
  • Vatican Gardens: The Vatican Gardens are a series of landscaped gardens and green spaces located within the Vatican City. Covering approximately 23 hectares, the gardens feature lush vegetation, fountains, and sculptures, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Sovereign Military Order of Malta

The only country without land. The Sovereign Military Order of Malta, also known as the Order of Malta or simply SMOM, is a unique and ancient institution with a history that dates back to the 11th century. Originally established as a Christian chivalric order during the medieval era, its primary mission was to provide medical aid and care to pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land during the Crusades. Today, the Order of Malta is a sovereign entity with diplomatic relations with over 100 countries and maintains its own sovereign status, including its own currency, passports, and diplomatic corps.