Rome Is Flooding

Rome declared a state of emergency last week as the Tiber River's water level rose to an unprecedented high. Tiber Island was about to be submerged and a lake formed around the Colosseum. More rain and hail were expected to fall this weekend but the Tiber's floodwaters have subsided. Stay tuned to find out how this has affected the monuments in the city.

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?

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!

Tiber Island Attractions

In the middle of the Tiber River is an island once home to a temple to the god of healing, Asklepios. Today the island still is place of medicine, housing a hospital since the 16th century. The relics of Saint Bartholomew who was skinned alive and later became the patron saint of sufferers of skin diseases are actually buried on the island in a church (pictured at right) named for him. The island is more than just a hospital and a church, however. During summer nights there is a cafe with lively music and sometimes a film festival set up on the north end of the island which could provide a diversion on your way to and from Trastevere. There is also a very good restaurant called Sora Lella on the island at Via Ponte Quattro Capi #16.