Rome, Inexpensively

Wikipedia

          This post will follow the theme of the previous one: European travel on a budget. And, by request, I will be covering Rome this week! I’ve always wanted to travel to Italy – it holds so much charm. It’s one of those places that I just want to explore. Like, rent a car and drive everywhere type of exploring. Have you ever seen Letters to Juliet? It takes place in Verona (the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet), and the beauty of the country stunned me. So, without further ado, here’s how to be fiscally responsible and make the most out of Rome.

rome-in-italy.com

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            First, and perhaps most impressively, the Pantheon is free of charge. For those of us who aren’t entirely history buffs (I’m guilty…), the Pantheon is a temple to the gods of ancient Rome, built by magistrate Marcus Agrippa in 27-25 BC (and rebuilt in AD 120 by Emperor Hadrian) to memorialize Actium’s victory over Antony and Cleopatra. It is most well-known for its distinctive perfectly spherical shape attached to a porch with sixteen Corinthian columns. The Pantheon also houses the tombs of painter Raphael, Vittorio Emanuele II (the first king united Italy had), and his heir, Umberto I. As well as massive amounts of history, the Pantheon also has an artistic appeal – the rare Gothic Murals of the Madonna and Child from the 7^th century is visible above the alter. So there you have it: one of Rome’s most prominent landmarks and pieces of history completely free.

livinginrome.com
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           Second, for those who are more inclined to openness and wish to escape the city, you could take a stroll or a bike ride on the Appia Antica. No cars are allowed on the ancient road on Sunday, so (for free) you can take a leisurely walk and view famous sights, depending on what trail you take, such as the San Callisto catacombs, the moments of the “Regina Viarum,” where you can see a Roman suburb housing tombs and villas, ancient walls along beautiful countryside, the Almone river and its springs, aqueducts, and much, much more. Here is the website for the complete trails, maps, and attractions:




http://goeurope.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=goeurope&cdn=travel&tm=983&f=10&su=p531.56.342.ip_&tt=2&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.parcoappiaantica.it/en/testi.asp%3Fl1%3D1%26l2%3D3%26l3%3D1%26l4%3D0

photoatlas.com

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            Third, on the last Sunday of every month, you can visit the Vatican, the religious and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. This usually costs fifty lucre. However, you can not simply walk into the Vatican. Reservations are required, but it would be an undoubtedly unique and amazing experience. It is also possible to secure reservations for only 10 Euros to get an hour and a half tour of the archeological excavations under the Vatican or for the viewings of the Sistine Chapel. For reservations and information regarding dress code and the Vatican history and facts, visit this website:http://goeurope.about.com/od/vaticancity/Vatican_City_Information_for_Visiting_the_Vatican_in_Rome.htm

Ai Balestrari
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            One of the most expensive costs of travel, once you’ve arrived, is food. So check out these delicious yet inexpensive restaurants in Rome: Ai Balestrari on Via dei Balestrari 41, which features a strolling guitarist and speciality Roman meals such a fried artichockes and spaghetti in a pecorino cheese and pepper sauce, Da Franceso in the Piazza del Fico, which has various pastas and an antipasta bar, or Da Augusto on 15 Piazzo de’ Renzi, an affordable pizza and pasta joint that’s a favorite among locals. 



Sites used:
http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1V1Z8g/www.divinecaroline.com/22241/77202
http://goeurope.about.com/cs/rome/a/rome_free.htm (great list for more free attractions in Rome)

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-pantheon