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Rome Hotels
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Rome is more
than a fascinating European capital city; it is a whole
spectacular encyclopedia of living history. Rome is
halfway down Italy's western coast, about 12 miles
inland. It has been said that every road in Rome leads
to eternity. The city is vast, though the historic
center is quite small. The whole experience of Rome is
so powerful as to be almost overwhelming at times. The
best way to prepare for a visit is to study a little of
the history of the region, to be as well rested as
possible, and to arrange an itinerary that allows time
to explore, rest, and reflect on the magnificence of it
all.
Rome in the year 2000 is at its best. The 2700 year old
city has been scrubbed and polished thoroughly to remove
multiple layers of grime and pollution for the Jubilee
celebrations. Jubilee years are festival years,
especially for those of the Jewish and Catholic faiths.
The Jubilee year is based on an Old Testament tradition
that every 50 years God has proclaimed that slaves are
to be freed, debts forgiven and land returned to its
original owners. Millions of extra tourists are expected
to visit the Vatican and Rome during the years 2000 and
2001 on Jubilee pilgrimages. This is also the first Holy
Year in recent history during which Eastern European
Catholics have been free to travel, further swelling the
numbers of visitors. It is an ideal time for anyone to
experience the beauty and grandeur of Rome. The
monuments have been newly restored and the streets and
buildings are sparkling clean.
There is a steady stream of spectacular festivals,
exhibits and events for the whole family. Guided walking
tours and bus tours for every energy level and budget
provide great assistance in becoming acquainted with the
past and present of this amazing city. Rome is a city in
which it is recommended that driving and walking
anywhere near areas of traffic be avoided if possible.
The streets are extremely congested, and drivers are not
considered to be responsible for watching out for
pedestrians. The public transportation is excellent and
offers the convenience of buses and subways at a nominal
cost.
Whether the visitor is seeking a quiet, romantic café on
the Campo de' Fiori; a fast food McDonald's with air
conditioning on the Piazza della Repubblica or a cozy
and intimate family operated restaurant with one or two
exquisitely prepared selections of the day on the Piazza
Santa Maria, there is great food for every taste.
The city boasts a wide variety of shopping
opportunities. Spanish Square presents high fashion
selections while the more modestly priced clothing is to
be found on the Via del Corso and Via Tritone. North of
Spanish Square are areas famous for their antique shops
and art galleries. Porta Portese hosts a huge flea
market every Sunday morning.
Rome does not go to sleep at sunset. Open air symphonic
concerts, ballet and opera performances, live rock and
jazz are all available.
Rome lays claim to two pro football teams , Roma and
Lazio. Rivalry is fierce between them. Basketball is
gaining in popularity. It is played in the Palazzo dello
Sport designed for the 1960 Olympics.
The city's 300 fountains, its sculpture, its glorious
panorama of ancient, medieval, Renaissance, baroque and
modern art, music and architecture are all part of the
reason that Pope Gregory XIVs remark in the 16th century
is still true today. Pope Gregory said of the joys of
exploring and discovering the city, "a lifetime is not
enough."
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