Albergo del Senato at the Pantheon

The Pantheon is my favorite building in Rome and Piazza della Rotonda is the quintessence of the Eternal City. Albergo del Senato is located directly on the Piazza and from its rooms you will think you can actually reach out and touch the great dome of the Pantheon. This 3-star hotel occupies a 19th century palazzo that has been redesigned utilizing all the modern amenities while keeping its antique details. The hotel provides a beautiful breakfast (double rooms start at under 200 Euros in the high season) and has a breathtaking rooftop terrace bar from which you can contemplate the beauty of the Pantheon high above the crowds. Book a superior suite for a truly elegant Italian experience.

Take a Walk in Rome with the Washington Post

Giovanna dell'Orto, a former resident of Rome and well-known journalist, takes readers on a walk to her favorite (and mostly free) sights in Rome. She hits many of the Modern Traveler's favorite spots, like the Capitoline Hill, the Forum, the Pantheon, Tiber Island and Via del Governo Vecchio. Along the way she stops for pizza, gelato and pasta. She doesn't forget to stop at the Trevi Fountain to throw in her coins, ensuring that she will come back to Rome again.

Giada's Roman Favorites

Giada de Laurentiis has her own website and social network: giadadelaurentiis.com. Among the event calendar, blogs and occasional recipes are Giada's worldwide favorite restaurants and hotels. Naturally, the Modern Traveler is most interested in her Roman favorites. Three hotels that Giada recommends are the Hotel de Russie, Grand Hotel de la Minerve (near the Pantheon) and the Boscolo Hotel Exedra (Piazza della Reppublica). Her restaurant choices are even more interesting. For cafe life and excellent pastries, she recommends Caffe Greco on the Via Condotti. Ciampini is her choice for gelato and chocolate croissants, and Gusto makes her list for pizza and antipasti. Giada is never wrong when it comes to food, so Buon Appetito!

Most Romantic Things to Do at Night in Rome

Nighttime is the most romantic time in Rome. The sounds of traffic are muted, the dusk hides any debris or graffiti that the harsh sunlight illuminates, the streetlights cast a warm glow over the cobblestones, and the busloads of tourists have gone back to their hotels. So what should you and your loved one do with yourselves? Well, after you have a romantic dinner there are a myriad of options. For music lovers, in summer you can head to the Baths of Caracalla for an outdoor opera performance. Aida is always a favorite! In other seasons, the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma always has something spectacular going on. If opera is not your preference, head to the Theater of Marcellus for classical music in the ruins of the ancient theater (through the end of September). While you are in the vicinity of the theater, be sure to take a stroll through the Jewish Ghetto-at night it is so charming. Don't miss the Fontana della Tartarughe in Piazza Mattei. Also near the theater is the Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill) from where you can see the most beautiful view of the Roman Forum at night. Unfortunately the Forum is not open for evening tours. In general, walking around Rome is one of the most romantic evening activities. The Modern Traveler's favorite evening walk is from Trastevere (after a lovely dinner), across the Ponte Sisto, through Piazza Navona and to the Pantheon. Isola Tiberina (Tiber Island) is also a romantic spot for you and your honey to canoodle. And in summer there are cafes and a film festival to entertain you.
Readers: Do you have any suggestions for romantic nighttime activities out and about in Rome?

Hadrian: Empire and Conflict at the British Museum

Through October 26th, artifacts relating to the emperor Hadrian from 28 museums around the world will be on exhibit at the British Museum. Hadrian, one of the Modern Traveler's favorite emperors, was known for stabilizing the vast borders of the Roman Empire, his great love for Greek culture, his reconstruction of the Pantheon, and his relationship with Antinous, a Greek youth who died in Egypt. So if you find yourself in London (hopefully on your way to Rome!) be sure to visit this very special exhibition.

Ban on Eating Near Public Monuments in Rome

A recent ruling in Rome has banned all snacking near major monuments like the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon! If you are caught dribbling your gelato on something famous, be prepared to pay a fine of about $80. The ban is in effect until October, when the tourists go home. Yet another reason to visit Rome after the high season!

Town and Country Recommends: Trattoria

Near the Pantheon at 25 Via Pozzo delle Cornacchie is a modern Sicilian restaurant where celebrity chef Filippo La Mantia cooks in full view of the diners. Stars such as Scarlett Johansson and John Travolta have sampled the modern interpretations of the Sicilian traditions here. Sicilian cuisine is an interesting mix of tastes from Italy, North Africa and the Normans who conquered Sicily in the 11th century. Don't be surprised to see pasta and couscous on the same menu at Trattoria. And be sure to try granita if it's available-you will love this refreshing dessert.

Museo Barracco-Antiquities from Around the World

Italian nobleman and archaeologist, Giovanni Barracco, donated his personal collection of antiquities to the city of Rome in the early 20th century. Included in this collection are Egyptian artifacts from 3000 BCE to the Roman period, and Mesopotamian, Cypriot, Greek and Roman objects. Sculpture is the focus of the collection, which Barracco deemed "the mother of all the arts." Today the collection is housed in the Museo Barracco at the Palazzo Farnesina, built in 1523, a lovely example of Renaissance architecture. The museum is located on Corso Vittorio Emmanuele at Via dei Baullari in the vicinity of Campo dei Fiori, the Pantheon, and Largo Argentina and is closed on Mondays.

Albergo Abruzzi-Moderately Priced Hotel in Rome

Concerned more about the location of your hotel than over-the-top luxury? Don't mind walking up a few flights of stairs (with your bags)? Then you should be aware of the many mid-range hotels that Rome has to offer within the Centro Storico (historic center). A perennial favorite is the Albergo Abruzzi, perfectly situated on the Piazza della Rotonda opposite the Pantheon. While the noise from the piazza at night is considerable, the view is incomparable and the location can't be beat. The rooms are simple, clean, and recently renovated. A double room starts at 195 Euros, which is certainly a deal considering you get a private bathroom (the hotel used to have only shared bathrooms), continental breakfast, and the most fascinating part of Rome at your doorstep. Check out the special discounted rates in February. With your discounted airfare, you'll have enough left over for a shopping spree on the Via Condotti!

Obelisks of Rome-Piazza della Rotonda

You may notice that Egyptian obelisks feature prominently in almost every piazza. There are thirteen obelisks in Rome which came from Egypt or were made in Rome. The first obelisks came to Italy from Egypt with Augustus (then called Octavian) after his defeat of Antony and Cleopatra in 30 BCE. The obelisk in the Piazza della Rotonda in front of the Pantheon was commissioned by the pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BCE and erected in front of the temple of Ra in Heliopolis, Egypt. The obelisk was brought to Rome in the 1st century BCE and set up in the Temple of Isis. In 1711 Pope Clemens XI moved the obelisk to a fountain in the Piazza della Rotonda and placed the Chigi family crest, an 8 sided star above 6 mountains, atop it.

What's Rome without Gelato?

You will certainly be tempted by gelaterias on every corner in Rome. But not every gelateria is created equally. One gelateria that you must visit is conveniently near the Pantheon. Ice cream and antiquities? What a wonderful combination. Giolitti, located at Via Uffici del Vicario #40 (head north on Via del Pantheon and turn right) is a sight of great wonders. There are countless gelato and sorbetto flavors in combinations you have only dreamed about. To order your gelato to go, pay first at the register (cono piccolo-small cone; cono medio-medium; cono grande-large) and then push your way to the front of the gelato counter, hand the man behind the counter your receipt, and in your most clear and confident voice, tell him the flavors that you want in Italian. Everything is labeled, of course. If you'd like to sit down, there are certainly tables available. It will cost you more, but you can order all sorts of exciting gelato creations from the menu. Buon Appetito!

"1,000 Places to See Before You Die:" Restaurants in Rome

The New York Times bestseller, 1,000 Places to See Before You Die is more than just a checklist of famous sights and monuments. It also includes restaurant and hotel recommendations. For Rome, four restaurants were recommended by the well-known travel author, Patricia Schultz. In Trastevere she recommends the classic trattoria Da Checco er Carrettiere (Via Benedetta). For a local favorite near the Pantheon, try Da Fortunato al Pantheon (Via del Pantheon). Also near the Pantheon is La Rosetta (Via della Rosetta 8), where fresh seafood is flown in every morning and evening. Der Pallaro offers an authentic experience (without a menu!) in Campo dei Fiori (Largo del Pallaro). Buon Appetito!
1,000 Places to See Before You Die

Two Stationery Shops Near the Pantheon

The Italians are known for their paper. You can visit two cartolerias (stationery shops) on your way from the Pantheon to Giolitti's for gelato. Head north up Via del Pantheon. On your right you will find Il Papiro, a stationery shop with locations all over Italy (and now New York and Los Angeles!). Il Papiro is known for its gorgeous handprinted Art Nouveau and Florentine patterns. They also have a very charming monogram line. If Il Papiro is a little pricey for you, keep walking. On your right, when the street name changes to Via della Maddalena, you will find the Cartoleria al Pantheon. The papers aren't as unique as Il Papiro, but you can find all sorts of goods for your budget. Particularly appealing are the monogram embossers for books and correspondence.

The Mystery of the Pantheon

The Pantheon is the most spectacular ancient building in Rome and the eternal favorite of this writer. On a recent trip to Rome I was amazed by the shaft of light shining through the oculus (eye) in the roof which illuminated the circular dome, walls and floor. On dozens of visits in the past to the site this phenomenon has never revealed itself to me, and yet it was very likely the intention of those who designed it 2,000 years ago. In essence, the oculus functions as a grand sundial, by which the ancients could not only count the hours of the day, but also the passage of the seasons. To see it yourself, aim for mid-afternoon on a clear day, when the sun is brightest in the sky.