Guyssss my trip to Rome is exceedingly imminent! Though I’m heading out with the famalam, there’s no real plan set in stone. So let’s just say I’m hoping to hijack the trip and head on to a few of the places on the bucket list below…
Palatino (Palatine Hill)
I expect history when I head to Rome and nothing says history more than Palatino or Palatine Hill. It’s one of the most ancient parts of the city, the most central of Rome’s seven hills and where Romulus supposedly founded the city in 735BC. It was also home to many a Roman Emperor back in the day, as well as the ruins of the Roman Forum and Imperial Palace. I’ll be honest, I’m more of an Ancient Greek history nerd, but the thought of walking within the ruins of one of the greatest Empires known to man is pretty exciting.
Villa Borghese & Gardens
Snaps from Rome photo diaries are usually splashed with faded sepia and warm Summer tones, but the gardens of Borghese look like they’re a welcome respite from the Ancient Ruins of the city and offer a more refined side of the city. The museum also holds the reputation of being the ‘Queen of all private art collections’, playing host to pieces by Caravaggio, Raphael, Titian, and Bernini. The museum is currently displaying a some pieces by couturier Azzedine Alaia’s – Rihanna and Naomi Campbell are big fans.
St Peter’s Basillica
This trip will be part holiday, part pilgrimage for me. So you can bet the Vatican is super high on my family’s list to visit when we’re in town next week. St Peter’s Basillica not only holds some serious religious significance for the Roman Catholic church (as the home of St Peter’s tomb), it’s quite possible one of the greatest examples of Renaissance architecture still standing today.
Rione Monti
New York has Williamsburg. London has Shoreditch and Camden. Rome has Monti. Supposedly the ‘hippest’ and gentrified neighbourhood, attracting a much younger crowd. During the day it’s best known for it’s quirky boutiques and alternative vintage shops, whereas in the evenings it boasts fantastic restaurants and bar. I don’t know how much of the night life I’ll get to experience as I’ll be with my parents and lil’ sis, but Monti sounds like my kinda place during the day!
Colosseum
And finally: The big one. The attraction thousands of tourists flock to. The Colosseum. The iconic amphitheatre was once home to gladiatorial contests and other public spectacles. In it’s heyday it could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators – and to be fair it probably welcomes in just as many tourists in a week! I’ve been to visit before, but I’m keen to get more of a scope on it’s size and scale. I have a feeling photos online won’t do it justice.
That’s definitely plenty to be looking forward too! – though if any of you have been to Rome I’d love to hear your recommendations.
R.xoxo
