Hotel Capo d'Africa in Rome

An award-winning boutique hotel close to the Colosseum, Capo d'Africa is a an easy home base for the tourist who wants all the comforts of space, efficiency and modernity. Breakfast is included in the price (rooms start at under 200 Euros if you book in advance) and every Wednesday they offer live jazz. Located in a 19th century palazzo, this thoroughly updated hotel is perfect for visits to the Roman Forum and Nero's Golden House.

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).

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.

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?

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?

A History of Imperial Forum Excavations at the Capitoline Museum

Mussolini may have been a despot, but he did initiate the excavations which uncovered a vast majority of the ancient ruins you see in Rome today-the Forum and Markets of Trajan, the Forum of Augustus (pictured), the Forum of Nerva and the Forum of Caesar. While some might argue that Mussolini's Via dei Fori Imperiali (the road that runs from the Piazza Venezia to the Colosseum) effectively severed the Imperial Forums in two-not exactly what the Romans intended-his program of excavations did make these amazing ruins accessible to everyone. You can learn more about Mussolini's excavation program at the Capitoline Museum until November 23rd. The exhibition, titled "L'invenzione dei Fori Imperiali. Demolizioni e scavi: 1924-1940 (The invention of the Imperial Fora. Demolition and excavations: 1924-1940)" highlights photos, paintings and artifacts from these excavations.

More Amazing Views in Rome

The monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, the king under whom Italy was unified in the 19th century, may be an eyesore and a source of annoyance to many native Romans. But the view from the top of the building is amazing. From this vantage point in the center of the city you can see every dome, palazzo and archaeological ruin worth seeing in Rome, including a bird's eye view of the Roman Forum. There are even two free museums celebrating the military history of Italy to visit within the structure. The monument and museums are open Tuesday through Sunday.
Readers: Where do you think you can get the best view in Rome?

A Restaurant With A View-Hotel Forum

Every streetcorner in Rome offers a splendid view-but some spots are definitely more picturesque than others. What could be more lovely than to dine, al fresco, with a view of the most famous site in the ancient world? The restaurant at the Hotel Forum sits high atop the roof and looks out over the Roman Forum with the Colosseum to your left and the Capitoline Hill to your right. During the day you can watch the world go by-and at night you'll be captivated by the magic of the empty Forum. Be sure to make reservations for dinner. The hotel is located at Via Tor de' Conti 25-30 (near the Fori Imperiali).

Roman Forum-No Longer Free

For a decade entrance to the Roman Forum has been free. Not any longer. Be prepared to pay 9 Euros to get in the gates. While some may lament the loss of free access, the Modern Traveler is hoping that this will mean fewer crowds and more revenue for the upkeep and excavation of the Forum and other sites. You can use the Roma Archaeologia Card to get in to the Forum (buy it at the entrance to the Palatine Hill) and to avoid lines at the Colosseum. Remember, the best time to go is first thing in the morning when the gates open at 9:00. Get there even earlier-they may open them before. Not only will you have the run of the place, but there is something magical about the morning light in the Forum.

Fontana delle Tartarughe in the Jewish Ghetto

The historically Jewish neighborhood of Rome is still today a thriving neighborhood of kosher food shops and trattorias. The center of the neighborhood is Piazza Mattei, where you will find the Fontana delle Tartarughe (Tortoise Fountain), by Taddeo Landi in 1584. The Jewish Ghetto is nestled between the Roman Forum, the Tiber River and the Campo dei Fiori, making it the perfect place to stroll or have lunch on your way from one to another. The Ghetto is famous for the carciofi alla Giudea, deep-fried artichokes. Try the restaurant Giggetto al Portico d'Ottavia, located at Via del Portico d'Ottavia 21a-22, for an authentic experience. The restaurant is right next to the ruins of the Portico Octavia, built in the 1st century BCE by the emperor Augustus.

Roman Forum opens every day at 8:30 AM

When visiting Rome, don't be fooled by those who claim that the Forum Romanum opens at 9:00 am. You, no ordinary tourist, now know that the portae open at 8:30. You will have the whole place to yourself-a rarity in the chaos of Rome.