Rome, Italy – walking through an open-air museum

The website ‘Rome Travel’ describes Rome as a ‘modern and interesting city’. Well, that could just be the understatement of the year! Of course it’s interesting! Far more than that, it’s amazing.

Rome is one big historic (open-air) museum and with so much to see you always experience a lack of time. The fun thing about this museum is that you can reach all major attractions by foot. If you stay somewhere in Rome central, just walk and experience the history.

In 2009 we stayed in a beautiful apartment close to the Spanish steps. From that area we went by foot walking to the Vatican, the Colosseum and all other major attractions. By walking the city you know what I mean when I state that in Rome history looks at you around every corner.

By showing you particular photographs, this post explains how I think of Rome being one big historic museum. The history, the buildings, the people, they all seem to blend in to become one great experience. Walking down a street, looking up as you come around the next corner and again be amazed by great architecture or just the Roman way of living.

The best dinner we had was on the first evening, when we strolled the historic streets close to the Spanish steps. We found this small restaurant with terrace outside, almost in the middle of this narrow street. A pizza and a glass of red wine, listening to the sounds of the city and the echoes bouncing between the buildings. It was amazing.

Diversity of Rome

The diversity of Rome comes in many forms. What about throwing coins over your shoulder in the Trevi fountain, standing in line at St. Peter’s square in Vatican city, eating pizza at Piazza del Colloseo, watching nuns from all over the world carrying their suitcases across the streets, drinking an espresso in Da Luigi Trattoria, gazing at the hole in the ceiling of the Pantheon, well, you get my point. And, I almost forgot, what about the fashion designers shops, even the Ferrari store? Modern shopping, but well embedded in historic architecture.

Do you also think Rome is “just interesting”? If all roads lead to Rome (even yours one day, I am sure), how could this city be just interesting? Take at least 3 days, put on your walking shoes and off you go! Experience various districts and enjoy the major sight seeing spots. But please don’t forget one thing: when you come around the next corner, stand still for a moment, look up and look around. Be amazed, history repeats.

If you like to read more blog posts on Rome, please visit Prolific Living’s “Pantheon in Rome”. This Dutch blog presents the 7 loveliest neighborhoods in Rome, including hotel tips!

And of course don’t forget to check my own post about 3 off-the-beaten-track places in Rome (very worthwhile reading if you plan to visit Rome!)