Rome
Rome is the capital city and a special commune of Italy as well as the capital of the Lazio region. The city has been a major human settlement for over two millennia.
Details
Before visiting any town or city make sure you know the basics. General details and important information.
- Emergency Services: 113
- Language: Italian
- Currency: Euro
- Country Code: IT
- Travel Visa: None required
- Population: 2,778,000
Risk Level
Researching various official sources, we perceive the risk to holiday makers and travellers are as follows;
Travellers Tips
Top travel advice and interesting tip bits of information from experienced travellers.
Emergencies
For the Emergency services just dial 113 from any phone.
The dispatcher/operator may or may not speak English.
Hospitals in London
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Tourist Offices
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Travelling Around
The best way to get around Rome is on foot. And because many of the best attractions are clustered together in traffic-free zones, walking makes the most sense. However, some places, like Vatican City, are pretty far from the central historic district, necessitating the use of the metro or a taxi.
Airports
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Train Stations
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Rome Safety
Where can I keep up with the news?
What are the top safety tips?
Stay Alert
Be alert at all times and be aware of your surroundings. Take the usual safety precautions so you do not become a targets for pickpockets. Don’t put your wallet or mobile phone in your back pocket. Put any valuables items in a dark colour shopping bag when going out to avoid attention.
Pick pocketing is the main crime in Rome and occurs in populated tourist areas. Just make sure you keep your money in your front pockets and make sure you keep an eye on your bag at all times. Bus route Number 64 is notorious for pickpockets so be careful when travelling along this line.
There are not many severe crimes in Rome, as police have started putting plain clothed police officers on duty on buses and on streets. Be aware if you visit Rome during one of its many events during the year as its a prime time for thieves and opportunists to operate.
Tipping in Restaurants
15% will be more than likely included in your bill. It is then custom to tip an extra 5% to 10% if the service has been good. If the 15% is not included in the charge then it will state ‘servizio non compreso’.
Which areas should I take extra care?
Take extra care around the train station area in Rome as it is a known hang out for opportunists.
What are the common crimes?
Pickpockets
Beware of pickpockets as they tend to operate in tourist areas, keep your belongings secure at all times and be careful if strangers try to make conversation or distract you as it could be an attempt to steal your valuables.
Car Theft
Car thieves normally target expensive cars but there are some exceptional situations where rental cars have been broken in to. Park the car in well lit areas and use car park with CCTV. Don’t leave valuables on your car seat as it could attract criminals, drive with the car door locked all times.
Street Crime
Tourists are more of a target in Rome for street crimes such as muggings and pickpocketing. However, taking simple precautions such as using a money belt can make you both safer and also help you feel comfortable.
Improve Your Personal Safety
Knowledge – the more you have the better equipped you are.
Awareness – the more you see the safer you become.
Response – the right reaction can change a situation.
Annual Events
Annual events allow a city come together for some amazing experiences. If visiting at this time, make sure you have your accommodation booked and are always aware of your surroundings when travelling around.
Events
Festa di San Giovanni
Residents of the San Giovanni district celebrate this day by feasting on some interesting delicacies: lumache in umido (stewed snails) and porchetta (roast suckling pig). The Pope also leads a candlelight procession to San Giovanni in Laterano. On the 24th of June each year.
Festa della Repubblica
The Italian national day, commemorating Rome’s shift from being ruled by the monarchy to forming a republic. There is a military parade, an opening of the gardens of Quirinale Palace, and musical performances by the forces. Taking place on the first Sunday in June.
Antiques Fair in Via dei Coronari
Via dei Coronari is considered to be one of Rome’s most beautiful streets, and is well known for its antique shops and experts, so it’s no surprise that this is the home of a thriving antiques fair, as well as beautiful architecture and little shops that line the street. Taking place in May each year.
Festa della Primavera
This festival celebrates the arrival of Spring and beautiful, blooming azaleas. 3,000 vases of these spring blooms are arranged on the Spanish Steps. Held in late April each year.
Holy (Easter) Week
Rome is a pilgrimage for Catholics all over the world during Easter week, as they gather at the various basilicas or listen to the Pope’s address from the Vatican. On Good Friday, a procession of the Cross makes its way from the Colosseum to Capitoline Hill. On Easter Sunday, St Peter’s traditionally holds papal blessings.
Festa di Santa Francesca Romana
The patron saint of motorists, who was believed to have the ability to be in many places at once, draws Roman drivers to the church of Santa Francesca Romana to have their vehicles blessed on this special day. Held on the 9th March each year.
Carnavale
An amazing Carnavale held in the city where the streets are filled with celebrations and processions every year on the Sunday to Thursday before Lent. Usually held between February and March each year.
Rome Highlights
Which areas are great to visit?
The Spanish Steps
137 steps located between the Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinità dei Monti. A great sight built as the artist imagined them, many visitors choose to climb the steps and take in the wonderful view from the top.
The Pantheon
Built around 2000 years ago, the building is dedicated to the Gods and has a large hole in the ceiling to make people feel closer to god. Inside the Pantheon is unique and doesn’t fit with the other churches on Rome at also holds the body of Raphael in the tomb of Raphael.
St Peter’s Cathedral
Definitely one of the largest and most spectacular churches in Rome, with again architecture done by Michaelangelo and impressive views of the city, climbing the stairs to the top gives an awesome perspective on the city and you can see many of the famous places around Rome.
What are the highlight attractions?
The Colosseum
One of the oldest standing monuments of Rome, its guided tours are amazing for showing what went on in the amphitheatre and the gladiators who fought there. It is an amazing example of what the Romans achieved in buildings and architecture.
Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain)
The beautiful fountain is situated in the Piazza di Trevi. Visitors who throw money in it is said that they will return to the city, if they throw in more coins they will marry and live in Rome. It was designed by Nicola Salvi and was created in 1762, attracting lovers and couples from all over the world.
Sistine Chapel
The world famous chapel in the Vatican City has a beautifully painted ceiling designed by Michaelangelo. It took him four years to paint and consists of the painting where God is touching Adams finger whilst both on separate lands, Earth and Heaven. No photography or filming to be taken in the chapel, in the Vatican City there is also a strict dress code no shorts, bare shoulders allowed.
