The Roman Colosseum
Frommers Star Ratings System
Every hotel, restaurant, and attraction listed in this guide has been ranked for quality and value. Heres what the stars mean:
| Recommended |
| Highly Recommended |
| A must! Don't miss! |
AN IMPORTANT NOTE
The world is a dynamic place. Hotels change ownership, restaurants hike their prices, museums alter their opening hours, and buses and trains change their routings. And all of this can occur in the several months after our authors have visited, inspected, and written about these hotels, restaurants, museums, and transportation services. Though we have made valiant efforts to keep all our information fresh and up-to-date, some few changes can inevitably occur in the periods before a revised edition of this guidebook is published. So please bear with us if a tiny number of the details in this book have changed. Please also note that we have no responsibility or liability for any inaccuracy or errors or omissions, or for inconvenience, loss, damage, or expenses suffered by anyone as a result of assertions in this guide.
Venices Rialto Bridge at sunset; built in the late 16th century, it is the oldest bridge over the Grand Canal.
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Florences iconic 14th-century Ponte Vecchio () crosses the Arno River. Once home to butchers, its now lined with jewelry shops.
A Look at Rome, Florence & Venice
T he classic itinerary that forms the heart of this guidebookRome, Florence, and Veniceshowcases three of the worlds most magical destinations. The highlights are legendary: In Rome, thrill to the ruins of the Roman Forum, best reached by first ascending the Capitoline steps designed by Michelangelo; the treasures of the Vatican; the elegant bones of the once-mighty Colosseum; and the Pantheon, designed by Hadrian in the 2nd century. In Florence, Michelangelos David stands tall in the Accademia Museum, and the Ufizzi and the Pitti Palace are packed with priceless art. In Venice, float on the canal on a gondola or watch the world go by from a cafe seat on the Piazza San Marco. Italy can support a lifetime of travel, but our EasyGuide approach gives you all the tools you need to make your trip as pleasurable and uncomplicated as possible. Buon Viaggio!
), once a pagan temple, and since the 7th century a Catholic church, is one of Romes best-preserved ancient buildings.
Rome
The interior of Saint Peters Basilica () in Vatican City; one of the holiest sites in all Christendom, the church was built on the tomb of St. Peter.
), inspired by a 1505 design by Bramante, allows visitors to pass in both directions without encountering one another.
The Roman Colosseum (), inaugurated in a.d. 80, was once the site of bloody gladiator contests and wild animal fights. It could also be flooded for mock naval battles.
Now a jumble of ruins and fragments, the Roman Forum () was once the center of commercial, political, and religious life in the ancient Empire.
Neptune presides over the baroque Trevi Fountain (), where tossing in a coin is supposed to guarantee a return trip to Rome.
) in a range of flavors. At least one cone (cono) or small cup (coppetta) per day is practically a requirement when visiting Rome, especially in the summer!
The School of Athens by Raphael Sanzio adorns the Stanze di Raffaello (Raphael Rooms) of the Vatican Museums (), in what was once the library and office of Pope Julius II.
) hosts a colorful produce and souvenir market by day and a lively restaurant and bar scene at night.
Al Ceppo () restaurant is renowned for its grilled and roasted meats, but be sure to save room for dessert!
) and the Vatican, viewed from the Tiber River; a climb to the top of the dome offers breathtaking views of Rome.
The ancient ruins of Pompeii, reachable via a day trip from Rome, reveal the preserved Roman city, including plaster casts of Vesuviuss victims in their moments of death in August,.
Florence
A local vibe pervades in the neighborhoods of Oltrarno, San Niccolo & San Frediano, collectively known as Florences lively Left Bank. See .
Fresh produce, exotic spices, pizza vendors, and gourmet food stalls are all on hand at Florences Mercato Centrale ().
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