Where does the dress code apply?

First of all, let there be no doubt about it: the dress code is for both the museums and the basilica, and every other church in Rome. There’s often a misunderstanding that only the basilica itself enforces the dress code. This is not the case!

Dress code 101

Then, the dress code itself: your knees and shoulders cannot be “nude”, but should be covered at all times. Women can wear long(er) skirts to accomodate this, and men should wear long pants. Men wearing capri length pants are known to have been turned away.

However, being creative is possible. Visitors wearing tank tops can use a long scarf to cover their shoulders, and if you don’t want to wear a long pair of pants all day you can try the variety with zip-off legs.

When in doubt while putting together your wardrobe, just remember: no knees, no shoulders.

Not following the rules

If you show up at the Vatican museums or St. Peter’s basilica without proper clothing, there’s a good chance you’ll be denied entry. In the end, however, nothing is certain. It’s all up to the judgement of the guards on duty when you enter, and some people have seen the inside of the museums or basilica while wearing shorts. Counting on a laps of judgement on the guard’s part isn’t favorable though, so wear pants and a top that covers your shoulder to be certain. The rules might not be always strictly enforced, but they are the rules.

• First of all, there’s simply no need for it. Trains in Italy hardly ever sell out, and the number of available trains on the most popular lines (Florence, Venice) is plenty. Rest assured that you’ll have a train available for you when needed.
• Booking a ticket in advance puts you in a tight and cramped travelling schedule. Railway tickets are only valid for several hours when booked in advance. The added assurance of having your train ticket with you in advance is totally not worth the stress of having to reach the train station on time. We advise you to opt for flexibility instead. Besides, even if you book in advance, what if you miss a connecting flight, bus or train? You might not even make the train you booked a ticket for at all.
• Unlike popular belief: there’s no need to buy a ticket from the clerks at the service desks in Termini station. Most people decide to queue up in an enormous line for buying tickets, while instead you can use one of the many vending machines on the far side of the terminal. The terminals are multilingual (including English) and using them should be pretty straightforward. Just be sure to keep your luggage close to you when using the vending machines, pick pockets are known o operate in the Termini station area. Either way, enduring the queue to speak to a service desk employee is only advisable if case of problems.
• The Trenitalia booking system might be down. Every now and then, problems occur with either payment processing or the booking system itself. Don’t count on the website to work at the exact moment you need it – it might be down for maintenance.

1. While you’re walking through Rome’s bustling city center or enjoying the many historic sights, you’ll often see the letters “SPQR” engraved into stone or brass. It’s an abbreviation that stands for the latin “Senatus Populusque Romanus“, or “The senate and the people of Rome” in English. It’s still used extensively on drain covers today.
2. As our site introduction reads, a common nickname for Rome is “the Eternal City”. It’s also known as “Caput Mundi”, which is latin and means capital of the world”. During the height of the Roman empire, Rome pretty much was the center of the (western) world. Alas, even the greatest empires fall eventually.
3. The sovereign state of Vatican City is located entirely within Rome’s city limits, and is the world’s smallest city state. It’s a famous destination for pilgrims around the world.
4. Romans are famous for their extensive use of arches and masonry. The aquaduct of Segovia, which was built to bring water into the city, was built with no mortar. Amazingly, the structure is still in operation today!
5. Italians are well known for their love for pasta: it is estimated that they eat as much as 60 pounds of pasta per year!

View of the medieval center of Tarquinia.

Tarquinia is one of the best touted towns for Etruscan remains, and for good reason. When it is not filled with tourists, the place is quite reminiscent of the original ancient town making it a lovely place to visit for an afternoon. Tarquinia is home to the region’s finest Etruscan museum, just outside the Rome.

The Etruscan necropolis of Tarquinia

There is a rather large collection of Etruscan tombs on the top of hill just outside of the main city. Nearly 6 000 graves where dug out into the spongy volcanic soil, and decorated beautiful multi-colored frescoes from the 6th until the 2nd century BC. About 15 of the tombs are open every day for the public, including a number from different eras so visitors get a good idea of the different building styles that were applied. Every tomb is documented separately, and has a short description displayed upon entering. The collection of painted tombs at Tarquinia is said to be among the best  Etruscan remains up tot this day.

Note: Be aware that there’s a very steep winding stair when entering or exiting the tombs.

The archeological museum

Besides the Etruscan tombs, there’s also an extensive archeological museum (or Museu Archeologico) in Tarquinia, it’s located on the Piazza Cavour – Tarquinia’s main square. Tickets combining both the museum and the Etruscan tombs mentioned earlier are available.

Photo by Yellow Cat via Flickr.

A rooftop scene from Subiaco.

Subiaco is a town in the Italy’s Lazio region, and makes for a great day trip from Rome. It is famous as a religious and tourist resort for the holy grotto called Sacro Speco which is located inside St. Benedict’s Abbey, with the additional Abbey of St. Scholastica nearby. Moreover it is renowned as the earliest Italian city where books were being printed in 15th century.

Historic background of the region

Ancient settlers in this area were called the Aequi, meaning “people of Italy”. During 304 BC the Romans defeated the settlers, and introduced civilization as well as took benefit from the river water of the nearby Aniene river.

The name of this city (in Latin: Sublacus) originates from the artificial lake which was created when the river was dammed off by emperor Nero. Sublacus can be translated as “under the lakes”, which refers to the location of the town that grew in close proximity to the lake.

Unfortunately prosperity in the region didn’t last, and the entire town and villa were deserted shortly after the fall of the Roman empire, becoming nearly forgotten ruins in the passing of time.

The Subiaco Monastery

Subiaco’s main sight is without a doubt the spectacular hillside monastery, which provides entrance to the Sacro Speco, the sacred cave in which St. Benedict chose to live alone for three years. Thanks to this the monastery is a popular pilgrim’s destination, but the beautiful location of the complex (the monastery clings to a mountain cliff) makes it a prime stop for less-religious travelers as well.

Photo by XcBiker via Flickr.

The Circo Massenzio, one of the many sights along the Via Appia Antica.

The Via Appia Antica, which goes from Rome to Brindisi, is the most famous aged Roman highway that can still be seen and visited today. The stretch near Rome is now part of an archaeological and natural park called the Parco Regional dell’Appia Antica which makes a beautiful day out, mainly on Sundays at what time the part is closed for traffic.

It’s possible to hike a very lengthy way completely on the old road, so it’s a first-class idea to obtain a small map from the tourist center at very beginning of the Via Appia Antica and acquaint yourself with public transport options along the route in case you find yourself out of energy or time to retrace your steps back to Rome.

In order to make the best out of your excursion, you’ll have to  prepare yourself for a very lengthy walk – comfortable walking shoes are a must. Don’t forget to carry drinking water with you, and don’t throw away your empty bottle: you can simply refill your bottle at various taps (nassoni) along the route.

How to reach the Via Appia Antica

Today, the Via Appia Antica starts at Porta San Sebastiano, one of the many ports in the Aurelian wall that once surrounded Rome. The first part of the road will be less appealing to visitors – the most beautiful part of the Via Appia starts with the authentic Roman cobblestones at the tomb of Cecilia Metella and continues for many kilometers.

The Via Appia Antica can be reached easily by taking metro line A to San Giovanni, hopping off and then taking bus 218 opposite the basilica, or by taking metro line B to Pyramide and taking bus 118 from there.

Photo by Salvatore Freni via Flickr.

Sights and attractions in Bracciano

The most genuine tourist appeal in Bracciano is Castello Odescalchi, a vast castle that was built for military advantage over the surrounding area. The charming medieval streets of the nearby town are also well worth exploring and evocatively romantic. Walking on the old castle walls, visitors may find themselves in a place forgotten by time: a lair of winding, leaning medieval alleys and lanes.

At the northern side of the hill there’s a beautiful belvedere with attractive and peaceful sights over lake Bracciano and its green landscape spotted with olive woodlands and groves. Lots of benches are available to sit on and just take in the view.

Panorama of Lake Bracciano from Castello Odescalchi.

The main square of Bracciano is a lovely, slow-tempo scene where neighboring residents pass the time. You can find a visitor’s center here, but keep in mind that afternoon siestas are common in Italy. There’s also museum in the town featuring a miniature version of Bracciano called the Museo Civico.

Eating and drinking in Bracciano

Bracciano is a first-class spot for dining because the surrounding countryside yields a wealthy range of fresh products, like eels and fish from the lagoon accompanied with shot game animals and nuts from the nearby countryside. Inside the piazza of the castle, a handful places can be found to drink and eat. Bracciano also offers quite a lot of enjoyable picnic spots such as a small community park situated in between Bracciano’s castle and piazza.

How to reach Bracciano

Bracciano can be a fabulous day trip form Rome, and a great addition if you’re spending part of the day to visit other sights around Viterbo as well. The train from Rome to Viterbo stops in Bracciano every hour, so a train ride is by far the most enjoyable way of discovering both cities.

Photo by computerjoe via Flickr.

The surroundings of the Cerveteri necropolis.

The necropolis at Cerveteri is a magnificent attraction for those into Etruscan archeological remains. It has chambers, interlinked by corridors to give off a roomed like house. The chambers are built along streets, just like any normal urban setup. Back in the day, these rooms contained anything that was considered useful in the afterlife, typically, this included precious metals, decorations and even pets. It can easily be considered walking in the city of the dead as you go down the street. The feeling can be described as eerie yet intriguing and displaying the soul of Etruscan culture.

In 2004, UNESCO awarded the sites at Tarquinia and Cerveteri world heritage status. This effectively meant that the artworks in the necropolises of Tarquinia and Cerveteri are now regarded as masterpieces of creative genius.

How to reach Cerveteri

There are two ways of getting to Cerveteri from Rome using public transport, namely by train or by Cortral bus. The Cortral bus journey will last roughly one hour. The Contral buses are, by and large the most convenient for they leave you right in the centre of the town. Departure is from Lepanto Metro sation (Linea A). There is a ticket vendor underground and the bus stops are just above the underground station. However, due to the intense traffic in and out of Rome, buses may be stuck in traffic for quite some time. Use of the metro stations further along the bus route will help you avoid this and it is advisable that these be used to avoid the frustration of being caught in traffic.

The Cerveteri town center and how to reach the necropolis

There is nothing really special about Cerveteri, although there is a rather outstanding central piazza where the municipal building and museum are located. It’s a small old town and there are a number of pleasant streets and shops as well as eateries. The modern developments are found on a plain. The bus terminus in Cerveteri is most convenient for the museum and the older parts of town. The necropolis is a 25 minute walk from town. Take the country roads and follow the signs downhill headed to your right. It’s not hard to find the way and the walk is not demanding. There are taxis to the archaeological site if you do not want to walk.

The archaeological site comes with a bar, a picnic area and a bookshop for those who are avid readers. There are a lot of good places to eat in Cerveteri and a good hint is probably to arrive early, eat in Cerveteri and then spend the whole afternoon in the ruins. It is most enjoyable.

Photo by XcBiker via Flickr.

A bridge in Vulci, built in 60 BC.

Vulci is situated in the northern part of Italy’s Lazio region. Once an Etruscan city, Vulci is now abandoned but most of the Etruscan ruins that were unearthed in excavations from 1828 onwards are resident in a former castle.

Historic background of Vulci

Vulci, also known as Volci, is pretty much an Etruscan city found in the Viterbo province due north from Rome. The Vulci people are among the legendary twelve pillars of Etruscan civilization. These twelve merged into a league named the Etruscan League, which can at best be described as a confederation of self-interest. However, this league split once it was confronted by the central Roman republic government. The Etruscans were soon assimilated and Vulci was deserted. All that is left of Vulci is the archeological park, with no hint of modernity. Of course, this certainly has its charms as well.

The Vulci archeological remains

Vulci was situated near the Tyrrhenian Sea coast, about 80 km due northwest from Rome. It lay on the Fiora River that runs between Montalto di Castro and Canino. The site was since abandoned thus leaving only the city’s ruins and cemeteries. The wall’s perimeter measures roughly 6.5 km and there are still scanty remains of them and the Roman buildings that were once within these walls.

The former wealth that is attributed to the town is proven by the necropolis from 1828 onwards, namely Bronzes, Greek vases and other remains that can now be found in the Vatican. 15000 tombs had been excavated by 1856. These were wholly subterranean, though little is now left to be seen aside from the Cuccumella and a few smaller tombs. Most of the tombs however date from as far back as the 8^th century BC.

By the 8^th century BC, Vulci was already a very active settlement. Presence of Greek labour in 6^th century BC led to a mini boom in production of sculptures, bronze objects and ceramics of a remarkable standard. Vulci’s struggle for independence from Rome ended in 280BC after it gave up vast tracks of its territory, before eventually declining and disappearing.

Be sure to visit the Etruscan National Museum. This can be found in the La Badia Castle and can give you access for 2 Euros.  Guided tours are also available and a trip to François’s tomb as well as the Tomb of Inscriptions can be arranged for groups. The tomb of Inscriptions will no doubt fascinate you with its original Etruscan inscriptions that have made it through the times.

Reaching Vulci

Take the A12 Autostrada from Rome to Civitavecchia. Proceed into the E80 that passes through Aurelia. After you pass Tarquinia, depart from the E80 at Montalto de Castro and then just follow the signs.
Photo by Steffen Schulz via Flickr.

Relaxing under the sun in Ponza: just amazing.

Ponza is a member of the Pontine group of islands and is the in fact the largest of them all. Located between Rome and Naples, the Pontine islands are a very pretty archipelago off the coast of the Italian mainland. Ponza island is endowned with blue waters and a lovely mountainous landscape that really make a visit to this island worthwhile.

Unspoiled paradise

Ponza can be defined as the opposite version of Capri. It is cheaper yet less spoiled and is the favorite hotspot for rich and wealthy moguls who prefer the serenity and privacy offered here to recreate in low profile. The main settlements on the island are Ponza Porto and Le Forna, which is due north. The most cost effective option for residing on Ponza is to simply rent a room. The rooms are usually very standard and located around Le Forna rather than the port. There are also hotels to accommodate those who require a little more comfort. Most Italians go on holiday in July but the prices at this time are very high relative to other times of the year.

The island is just a few hours from Rome and has clear water that is unspoilt. There is an array of rocks from which to take a breather should you feel like resting whilst swimming. The beaches are long and excellent. There are also boats available on hire at the port as well as for trips into the wild sea. Restaurants on Ponza are perfect and are open late into the night for those who want to drink and dance.

Sights and attractions

Monuments and tourist sights are a bit of a rarity on Ponza. Resultantly, the main appeal on this island is its shoreline, atmosphere and landscape. Boat trips can be arranged to have a better view of the other islands in the archipelago, including the Zannone nature reserve. The Grotte di Pilato can be seen along the shore. These three caves are where Romans dug fishpools to obtain seafood. Underwater, there are wrecks just waiting to be seen, whilst on shore there are ruins to visit including a Roman necropolis and the Roman port remains at Santa Maria.

The most popular beach in Ponza is Chiaia di Luna. This is a long stretch of sand that is accessible on foot from the port. Piscine Naturali (natural pools ideal for bathing whilst enjoying sunshine) are near Le Forna at the opposite end f the island

There is a bus service to service the island as well as water taxis that peruse the island beaches and coves.

Photo by Seba Sofariu via Flickr.