Gladiators Fight in the Colosseum-No joke!

Will 2009 be "the year of the Colosseum?" The new virtual tour of ancient Rome, 3D Rewind Rome, which is shown on the site of the old gladiators training school, already has tourists excited about immersing themselves in the events of the ancient city. Umberto Broccoli, the head of archaeology on Rome's city council, has proposed nighttime gladiator events in the Colosseum alongside recitations from famous Latin poets. And to top it off, extensive renovations are planned for the Colosseum, the Palatine, the Roman Forum, the Imperial Forum and Nero's Golden House. An exciting time to visit-especially as there are many deals to be had in Rome right now (more on those deals in the next post).

Most Romantic Walks in Rome

If you are on your honeymoon or you are just in the mood for romance, you will find unlimited opportunities for charming walks in Rome. The walk from the Galleria Borghese to the Pincio, one of the most famous strolls in Rome, should be done in time to watch the sun go down over St. Peter's (pictured). For you archaeology buffs, a walk on the Palatine Hill will take you out of the crowds and into shady paths with lovely views of the Forum (and some interesting ruins-like the house of the Emperor Augustus- as well). An evening passegiata in Trastevere will inspire you to move to Rome and become a starving artist. Don't miss the Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere and its namesake church, whose 12th century Byzantine mosaics are illuminated at night. If your legs are up to it, head up to Piazzale Garibaldi on the Gianicolo (Janiculum Hill) for the best view of Rome. Don't forget to linger by the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola. And last, if you need to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city for a day, take the train to Ostia Antica. Pack a picnic lunch and wander among the ruins for the afternoon. Be sure to visit the amphitheater, public baths and forum.
Readers: What's your favorite walk in Rome?

Roma Archaeologia Card and the Colosseum

If you are interested in visting the Roman National Museum sites (Palazzo Massimo Museum and the Octagonal Room of the Baths of Diocletian), the Colosseum, the Palatine Hill, the Baths of Caracalla, the Tomb of Cecilia Metella and the Villa of the Quintilii, perhaps you should consider purchasing the Roma Archaeologia Card. The card will get you into all of the above-mentioned sites for 20 Euros. It saves you a few Euros and it will save you waiting in line at the Colosseum, which is worth paying any price! Buy the card at the entrance to the Palatine Hill (near the Forum Romanum). If you don't plan on visiting all of the sites that the card covers, you can still avoid the long line at the Colosseum without purchasing the card. As luck would have it, the regular entrance fee to the Palatine Hill also includes entrance to the Colosseum.