Rome: The Traveler's Dream Destination
A Festival of History and Culture
A Festival of History and Culture
A traveler's dream of Rome from the 19th century by Rudolph Wiegmann (1834) via Wikimedia Commons.
- Rome is one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites in the world with nearly 3,000 years of human history.
- A festival of architecture, the arts, culture, and the mysteries of the past.
- The world capital of Catholicism, but also of pasta, pizza, espresso, and gelato.
- The experience of a lifetime, but often out of reach for many travelers.
Imagine yourself flying into Rome!
Aerial view of Rome: The Colosseum is at the center next to the Roman Forum, the Circus Maximus is on the left near the Tiber River.
Photo: "Roma dall'aereo" by Oliver-Bonjoch, via Wikimedia Commons.
Campo de' Fiori!
The public market at the Campo de'Fiori. Apartments are available for rental on the left side facing directly onto the piazza.
Photo: "Campo dei Fiori" by Myrabella via Wikimedia Commons.
Campo de' Fiori and the Centro Storico of Rome
The Campo de'Fiori in the heart of Rome's centro storico.
The Campo de' Fiori is one of the most lively and colorful piazzas in Rome and an ideal place for arranging one's accommodations for a stay in Rome. It is situated in Rome's centro storico, the historical center of Rome, which is within five to 20 minutes walking distance of all of Rome's major tourist attractions:
St. Peter's
The Vatican Museum
The Pantheon
The Roman Forum
Piazza Navona
The Spanish Steps
The Trevi Fountain
The Colosseum, etc.
Map source: Wikipedia.
St. Peter's
The Vatican Museum
The Pantheon
The Roman Forum
Piazza Navona
The Spanish Steps
The Trevi Fountain
The Colosseum, etc.
Map source: Wikipedia.
People strolling through the Campo de'Fiori in the late afternoon.
The public market at the Campo de' Fiori (pictured above the map) is cleared out in the afternoon, and the piazza is transformed into an open space for relaxing at the cafes and restaurants.
At the center of the piazza is a statue of Giordano Bruno, a monk who was burned at the stake as a heretic here in 1600. He is celebrated today as a martyr and hero of intellectual freedom.
Longtime friends of mine have apartments available on the Campo de' Fiori (located on the far left by the lamppost), and I would be happy to refer you to Barbara and Bruno to arrange for your stay there. Please note that I do not receive any financial benefit from this referral. I like to help my friends, of course, but I also want to share with travelers the unique experience of staying at the Campo de' Fiori..
Photo: "Brunostatue," via Wikimedia Commons.
At the center of the piazza is a statue of Giordano Bruno, a monk who was burned at the stake as a heretic here in 1600. He is celebrated today as a martyr and hero of intellectual freedom.
Longtime friends of mine have apartments available on the Campo de' Fiori (located on the far left by the lamppost), and I would be happy to refer you to Barbara and Bruno to arrange for your stay there. Please note that I do not receive any financial benefit from this referral. I like to help my friends, of course, but I also want to share with travelers the unique experience of staying at the Campo de' Fiori..
Photo: "Brunostatue," via Wikimedia Commons.
The Campo at night when bar and restaurant patrons gather to socialize.
The Campo de' Fiori changes throughout the day:
In the morning, there is a public market with fruit, vegetables, and Italian specialties (top photo).
In the afternoon, it becomes a leisurely open area for socializing (above).
In the evening, people gather for the lively restaurants and bars along with the spectacle of the street performers (left).
It is the ideal location for experiencing the vibrant culture of the piazzas that makes Rome such a unique tourist destination. Photo via Wikipedia.
In the morning, there is a public market with fruit, vegetables, and Italian specialties (top photo).
In the afternoon, it becomes a leisurely open area for socializing (above).
In the evening, people gather for the lively restaurants and bars along with the spectacle of the street performers (left).
It is the ideal location for experiencing the vibrant culture of the piazzas that makes Rome such a unique tourist destination. Photo via Wikipedia.
The Campo Apartments
A typical living room in the Campo Apartments.
There are six apartments available for your visit to Rome that can accommodate 4 to 8 persons each.
Free WIFI access is available in all of the apartments.
An example of one of the bedrooms arranged as a double.
Each apartment has 3 to 4 bedrooms that can be arranged in various configurations as single or double beds to accommodate couples, families, groups, etc.
One of the living/dining room areas with kitchen at the Campo Apartments.
The apartments also feature a living room/dining room area with:
full kitchen (not typically available in hotels)
Color TV
Ceiling or floor fans
Washers & dryers (also not typically available in hotels)
(Note that Italian washers and dryers are smaller in capacity with a longer washing cycle than those in the U.S.).
full kitchen (not typically available in hotels)
Color TV
Ceiling or floor fans
Washers & dryers (also not typically available in hotels)
(Note that Italian washers and dryers are smaller in capacity with a longer washing cycle than those in the U.S.).
A typical bathroom in the Campo Apartments.
The apartments have 2 to 3 bathrooms each to accommodate families, travel groups, etc.
The bathrooms feature either a shower enclosure or a bathtub with shower curtain.
Italian specialty food items on sale at the public market. Photo via Wikipedia.
About accommodations at the Campo Apartments
The Campo Apartments can accommodate large student and youth groups, adult travel groups, families, couples, etc.
While different from a hotel, the Campo Apartments are very comfortable with even more amenities than hotels offer such as kitchens and washers.
I have many fond memories of my own stays in the apartments with my visiting guests.
The apartments offer great views of the Campo de'Fiori from many of the bedrooms, and from one of the living rooms.
There is no elevator service, however, so luggage must be carried up the stairway to the entrance to each apartment. But they will gladly help you out with that.
The Campo Apartments can accommodate large student and youth groups, adult travel groups, families, couples, etc.
While different from a hotel, the Campo Apartments are very comfortable with even more amenities than hotels offer such as kitchens and washers.
I have many fond memories of my own stays in the apartments with my visiting guests.
The apartments offer great views of the Campo de'Fiori from many of the bedrooms, and from one of the living rooms.
There is no elevator service, however, so luggage must be carried up the stairway to the entrance to each apartment. But they will gladly help you out with that.
For more information about the Campo de'Fiori apartments, see the following link: http://www.campodefiorisquare.com/
What to consider for your visit to Rome
Campo de'Fiori awaits you!
I highly recommend staying in the heart of Rome's historical center in the most colorful piazza in Rome, the Campo de' Fiori!
Once you arrive at the Campo de' Fiori, you will discover how the highlight of your visit can be the experience of the unique culture of the Italian piazza right at your doorstep.
Photo via Wikipedia.
So much to see and do in Rome!
Guided tours are offered by a variety of tour companies in Rome, but all the major sites, the colosseum, the forum, St. Peter's, etc., are easily within walking distance of the Campo de' Fiori, or, if you prefer by taxi which is fairly inexpensive. With a bit of reading from a travel guide in advance of your visit, you can take in all of these sites in an informed and enjoyable way.. I would recommend purchasing tickets online in advance for a visit to St. Peter's in order to avoid the line, but that's not necessary at most of the other sites.
If you are interested, I can put you in touch with a friend of mine who offers tours of the open market at the Campo de' Fiori as well as Italian cooking lessons. There are places where you can see gelateria demonstrations nearby, and I have lots of suggestions for places to shop for genuine but affordable Italian artifacts, leather goods, and those unique Italian shoes..
Photo via Wikipedia.
If you are interested, I can put you in touch with a friend of mine who offers tours of the open market at the Campo de' Fiori as well as Italian cooking lessons. There are places where you can see gelateria demonstrations nearby, and I have lots of suggestions for places to shop for genuine but affordable Italian artifacts, leather goods, and those unique Italian shoes..
Photo via Wikipedia.
Buon appetito!
There are lots of choices for restaurants nearby the Campo de' Fiori to experience traditional Roman cuisine at an affordable price.
How about appetizers such as fiori di zucca and bruschetta at the Trattoria Ai Balestrari, http://www.aibalestrari.com/welcome.html?lang=en, or a wonderful pasta carbonara at the nearby Hostaria Romanesca https://www.facebook.com/anticahostariaromanesca/?rf=287913821313407(the best in Rome), and other great Italian cuisine such as a pasta cacio e pepe at the Maranega https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187791-d2327884-Reviews-Maranega-Rome_Lazio.html
Rome's wonderful varieties of pan pizza.
There are also great places nearby for casual dining or takeout for panini (sandwiches); for chicken, pasta, etc. at a tavola calda (hot table) ; and pizzerias with pizza al taglio, pan pizza by the slice.
Photo by Shoebill2 via Wikimedia Commons.
Please note that I am offering this blog about travel to Rome and Italy because of my love for the people and the culture, so that I can share with you the opportunity to explore Rome and Italy at an affordable cost. My suggestions are for your benefit, and not as a referral service to benefit others..
What else to consider for your visit to Rome and Italy
Lots of options for your flights to Rome.
Roundtrip airfare from the U.S. or other points of origin to Rome is typically the most expensive part of your travel budget, but there are ways to economize.
Some travelers save, for example, by booking separate flights from the U.S. to a connecting hub in Europe (Amsterdam, London, Paris, etc.), and from there to Rome.
This can also provide you with another travel destination through a layover at your connecting hub. Why not explore Amsterdam, for example, on your way to Rome at no additional flight expense? Photo via Wikipedia.
Some travelers save, for example, by booking separate flights from the U.S. to a connecting hub in Europe (Amsterdam, London, Paris, etc.), and from there to Rome.
This can also provide you with another travel destination through a layover at your connecting hub. Why not explore Amsterdam, for example, on your way to Rome at no additional flight expense? Photo via Wikipedia.
Licensed Rome taxis are metered with set fares.
Here's what to consider for transportation from the Rome airport to accommodations in Rome..
There is a set fare of € 48.00 for licensed and metered, city of Rome taxis, from the airport into Rome (as well as back to the airport for your departure). Just make sure to ONLY take licensed metered taxis. Unlicensed taxi drivers may approach you, but avoid them because they will overcharge you..
But instead of the taxi, you can take the train from the airport for about € 8.00 and then a taxi from the Trastevere train station for around € 12.00 for a total of € 20.00 as an economical alternative.
Photo via Wikipedia.
There is a set fare of € 48.00 for licensed and metered, city of Rome taxis, from the airport into Rome (as well as back to the airport for your departure). Just make sure to ONLY take licensed metered taxis. Unlicensed taxi drivers may approach you, but avoid them because they will overcharge you..
But instead of the taxi, you can take the train from the airport for about € 8.00 and then a taxi from the Trastevere train station for around € 12.00 for a total of € 20.00 as an economical alternative.
Photo via Wikipedia.
Rome's buses connect to major attractions.
Although many tour sites in Rome are within walking distance from the Campo de' Fiori, it can be very economical to take pubic transportation when the distance is not convenient for walking, for example, to the catacombs..
A one-way ticket for the bus and subway is only € 1.50 which you can purchase at any newsstand or tobacco shop. This is another way that you can make your visit to Rome affordable.
Photo via Wikipedia.
The many varieties of wine in Rome.
Besides suggestions for nearby restaurants and takeout sites, market tours and cooking lessons, I can suggest the option of an enjoyable evening at an enoteca to learn about and sample Italian wines.
Photo by OneArmedMan via Wikimedia Commons.
The Noisy But Charming Atmosphere of the Campo de' Fiori
The dynamic social scene of the Campo de'Fiori at night. Photo "Roma-campo dei fiori" via Wikimedia Commons.
Visitors to the historical center of Rome should be aware that the Campo de' Fiori is one of the most active piazzas in Rome.
The merchants begin setting up the open market early in the morning, and the bars and restaurants draw large crowds of people who socialize late into the evening.
I think you will find the festive atmosphere of the Campo especially entertaining.
But it is also fairly loud throughout the day. Fortunately the Campo apartments have double pane windows to insulate against the noise.
The merchants begin setting up the open market early in the morning, and the bars and restaurants draw large crowds of people who socialize late into the evening.
I think you will find the festive atmosphere of the Campo especially entertaining.
But it is also fairly loud throughout the day. Fortunately the Campo apartments have double pane windows to insulate against the noise.
Rome: The Walker's Paradise!
Walking the cobblestone streets of Rome. Photo by Randi Hausken via Wikimedia Commons.
Rome is truly a walker's paradise! It is perfectly suited for active travelers who enjoy energetic walks in a city filled with labyrinthine streets opening up into vibrant piazzas.
Walking your way around Rome will allow you to see the many layers of Rome's historical development that appear at every turn in the city. Lots of healthy exercise along the way will generate a great appetite for enjoying the wonderful Italian cuisine. Just make sure to bring the most comfortable and durable shoes you can find for walking securely on Rome's cobblestone streets.
If you do not enjoy walking or standing for extended periods of time, or if you have a medical condition that makes walking or prolonged standing difficult, it's easy enough and convenient to take public transportation, and taxis are surprisingly affordable. Wheelchair rentals are also available, for example, at places such as the Vatican Museum.
Walking your way around Rome will allow you to see the many layers of Rome's historical development that appear at every turn in the city. Lots of healthy exercise along the way will generate a great appetite for enjoying the wonderful Italian cuisine. Just make sure to bring the most comfortable and durable shoes you can find for walking securely on Rome's cobblestone streets.
If you do not enjoy walking or standing for extended periods of time, or if you have a medical condition that makes walking or prolonged standing difficult, it's easy enough and convenient to take public transportation, and taxis are surprisingly affordable. Wheelchair rentals are also available, for example, at places such as the Vatican Museum.
