May 15 Angels and Demons

Set almost entirely in Rome, the movie based on Dan Brown’s book, Angels and Demons, will premier on May 15th. Word is that the moviemakers (including director Ron Howard) were banned from filming in any churches in Italy because the last Dan Brown film, The Da Vinci Code, portrayed the Catholic church in such a negative light. But apparently some shots of the Vatican will make it on the big screen-thanks to secret cameras! If you didn’t see the trailer on SuperBowl Sunday, watch it here.

Christmas in Rome: Where to Go, What to Eat

National Geographic's Intelligent Traveler Blog is celebrating Christmas all over the world. With recommendations from locals and experts, the most authentic ways to experience the season are now in your grasp. Among their recommendations are the Christmas market in Piazza Navona, the hundreds of nativity scenes in every church around the city (St. Peter's pictured), Christmas Mass in St. Peter's, and eating roasted chestnuts and panettone. The Modern Traveler also suggests panforte, an Italian riff on fruitcake (and naturally a thousand times better!). If you can't get to Rome to try it, Whole Foods always sells it!

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?

Piazzale Garibaldi-The Best Views of Rome?

There are two spectacular parks in Rome which offer panoramic views. The Pincio (near Piazza del Popolo) and Piazzale Garibaldi, on the Gianicolo (Janiculum Hill). From Piazzale Garibaldi not only can you see all of the historic center of Rome to the east-the Pantheon, the Colosseum, the Forum, etc-but to the west you have an incomparable view of the dome of St. Peter's. The piazza, which contains a playground for children and hosts live puppet shows ala Punch and Judy, is dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Italian military and political leader who helped unify and liberate Italy in the 19th century. From the piazza it is an easy walk to the Fontanone (the fountain dedicated by Pope Paul V), the American Academy in Rome, and down into Trastevere for food and drink!

Things To Do For Free in Rome

The print version of National Geographic Traveler has a fantastic article on Rome this month. While the full article in not available on-line, their website does have some fun Roman features that will help you plan your trip and save money. Free Rome details various monuments, sites, entertainment and even food that costs niente. Included in the extensive lists are walking tours of the Pantheon and St. Peter's Basilica, free drinks and/or appetizers at various restaurants and festivals such as Estate Romana and the Isola del Cinema film festival on the Tiber Island. There's also a slide show to get you excited about your trip!

Rome at Night

Ian Fisher, the chief of the New York Times bureau in Rome, has a wonderful article on the attractions of the Eternal City at night. He suggests after-hours Vatican tours, outdoor musical performances, restaurants with a view of the ruins, and must-see piazzas and fountains illuminated at night. The Modern Traveler has always been a firm advocate of Rome after dark, especially in the warmer months. There truly is something magical about the gentle summer air and the golden glow of the light in the piazzas.

Long Lines at the Vatican Museums-What can you do about it?

A visit to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peters is essential for any first-time (or fifth-time) visitor to Rome. Unfortunately, the line to get into the Vatican Museums is notoriously long-2 hours is not an unusual wait time. There are a few things you can do.
If you are willing to pay extra for a guided tour:
1. You can ask your hotel concierge to recommend a tour company and guide to take you in. For a premium you will be able to avoid the line and you'll have the added benefit of an expert's explanations of the sometimes poorly marked galleries.
2.You can fax the Vatican tour office at least two weeks ahead of time to request a guided tour. Guided tours for individuals cost 23.50 Euros and must be confirmed by fax from the Vatican to be considered valid. See the Vatican's website for instructions.
If you don't want to work with a guide, you can brave the queue. Two suggestions:
1. Arrive an hour before the opening time (10:00 most days, but check the Vatican Museums website to make sure). There will be a line and you'll have to wait for an hour, but you won't have to wait long after the museum has opened and you will have the added benefit of getting to the galleries and the Sistine Chapel before they get too crowded.
2. Visit St. Peter's first and then at around 1:00 try the Museums. Depending on the day, most of the larger groups will have finished their tours and taken off for lunch, leaving a short line for entrance and galleries less crowded.
Remember that weekends, holiday seasons (especially Christmas and Easter), and summer months are always the busiest. And try to avoid the "Free Sundays" that occur at the end of each month. Mama mia, you've never seen such crowds!

Christmas in Rome

Winter can be an exciting time to visit Rome, especially during the holidays. The Italians celebrate Christmas in grand style, with decorations (see St. Peter's pictured) and food (especially sweets like biscotti and torrone) unique to the season. Watch out for crowds, however, as all of Italy seems to descend on Rome during this time -and decide to fare un passagiata (take a walk) through the city all at once. Piazza Navona even hosts a special Christmas Market, complete with Santa Claus, a Nativity, and special stalls selling holiday goods. However, shopping thoughout the city can be unpredictable as many shopowners close down between Christmas and New Year's.