Rome is the capital of the country Italy and the largest and most populated city in Italy also. It is home to St Peter’s square and the Vatican City the home to the Pope. Other famous architectural buildings that exist within this city include the Coliseum, the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain. Rome is supposedly one of the most romantic cities in the world with its famous bridges, art and even Michelangelo’s Last Judgement. Enough to keep any tourist busy during any time of the year, however more contemporary accolades exist within Rome such as a thriving music scene, excellent food and drink and a film and cinema scene also. For those wanting to fit all of these activities into one holiday a car would be a must, or maybe even a moped, this seems to be the preferred method of travel. For those wanting to hire cars there are car hire companies based in Rome’s airport including Hertz, Auto Europe, Car Rentals and Any Car Hire.
Rome Airport information
Named after the famous artist, Rome Leonardo da Vinci Airport (FCO) is located 16 miles southwest of the city center. There are three terminals in the airport with information desks in each. From these you can gain assistance for cheap car hire in Rome. In terms of facilities, ATMs and Bureau de change are located throughout, as well as access to wireless Internet. There is a multitude of shops available, including duty-free, as well as a good selection of food outlets. In addition, there is a lost property service, and the Atahotel Executive Center has excellent business resources. Disabled facilities include lounges, elevators, toilets and wheelchairs when requested. The Hilton Airport Hotel is connected to all four terminals.
Places to visit around Rome
The place to start when viewing Rome has to be where it all began: Palatine Hill. Here stands the Piazza Campidoglio, a creation of Michelangelo. Surrounding this piazza are three magnificent palaces: the Palazzo del Conservatori, the Palazzo dei Senatori and the Palazzo Nuovo. Within the latter can be found the world’s largest collection of classical statues, including Romulus and Remus with the Capitoline Wolf.
Another landmark is the Sistine Chapel. Within its halls, let yourself be enveloped by Michelangelo’s great artwork, which bursts out from the walls around you. Then, behind the altar, is another iconic work of art: DaVinci’s Last Supper. The Vatican Museums are any art lovers dream: four miles of one of the most magnificent collections of art on earth. You can marvel at the Rahael rooms, admire the Etruscan Museum, and then lose yourself amongst the plethora of statues and figurines in the Pio-Clementino Museum.
The Colosseum is another magnificent attraction. Even though just the skeletal remains are left of this impressive structure, you can still admire the columns in their Corinthian, Ionic and Doric styles and have a glimpse at the underground constructions, created to move the animals into the main arena. The Pantheon, built by Hadrian in 120AD to appease the Gods, is another invigorating piece of architecture, featuring impressive columns and a dramatic dome. It houses Fra Angelico’s tomb and the Carafa Chapel.
Built in the 4th century, the Basilica di San Giovanni is the cathedral of the diocese of Rome, which makes it more important than any other in the city. If you want to catch a glimpse of the Pope himself, then it’s here that he holds Mass for particular religious celebrations. Otherwise, inside is the table thought to have been used by Jesus for the Last Supper and, over the road, is the Palace of the Holy Steps, thought to have been traversed by Christ as he was put before Pontius Pilate.
St. Peter’s Basilica is as magnificent inside as out. This stunning building contains a vast array of world-renowned sculptures by artists including Michelangelo and, in the center aisle, a bronze statue of St. Peter by Arnolfo da Cambio, his foot wearing away due to the adoring kisses from passing pilgrims. Tours can also be had of the Vatical Grottoes, which are home to the papal tombs. You may not have a Pope mobile to get around all these attractions but a car hire in Rome is simple and just as affective!
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