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It's hard to describe Rome in a few words; a city so
vast and rich in art, monuments and exquisite views, a
historic city, which has preserved its charm and
independence throughout the centuries.
Rome’s history can be read in every monument, and
palazzo; in fact, each and every stone bears witness to
the periods of splendour, decay, wars, and numerous
architectural styles. The city could be described as a
gigantic open-air museum, visited each year by millions
of tourists, scholars and pilgrims from all over the
world.
It is hard to believe that Roman civilization began with
a small settlement of shepherds and farmers near the
Tevere river, on Palatino (one of the seven hills on
which Rome was built and where most of the Roman
archaeological treasures were found. Later the city
extended over six other hills: Quirinale, Viminale,
Esquilino, Celio, Aventino and Capitolino.
Aventino, the area in which Hotel Villa San Pio
stands, is rich in important medieval monuments
such as the Santa Maria in Cosmedin basilica, where the
famous Bocca della Verità, or mouth of truth, is housed
with its fabulous rose garden. Many sites
are based
within 10
minutes of
the hotel,
including historical
treasures,
which
promises to
charm all
visitors. Every Sunday
morning, San
Anselmo
church is
the place to
listen to
live
Gregorian
singing.
Next door to
the church
is the
Knights of
Malta Square,
home to the
famous
keyhole
through
which you
can view St
Peter’s
dome. The
fifth
century San
Alessio
church
boasts a
wonderful
bell tower
that rises
up five
floors. Even
older is the
Basilica San
Sabina, from
where guests
can take a
short stroll
through an
orange
garden to
enjoy views
of
Trastevere,
the oldest
part of town.
If you are
going farther into the city, the visit
must include
a tour
around the
legendary
Colosseum,
the biggest
amphitheatre
built in
antiquity.
Other interesting places
to visit in Rome
Villa Borghese
Spanish Steps
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Trevi Fountain
Roman Forum
Vatican City: St Peter's Basilica and Vatican Museum |
