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38 maltatoday, TRAVEL SUNDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2013 The world's largest openair museum Why go? Whether you are in Rome for three days, three weeks or three months, there is something fascinating about this city, where old and new stand side by side. Whether you are there just to laze about in cafés, do some shopping or check out the incredible historical sites, Rome is no less impressive today than it was at the height of the Roman Empire. Ancient, Renaissance, Baroque, contemporary, political, papal, passionate, vivacious, frivolous, monumental – Rome's got it all. What to do? Take a tour around the imposing Colosseum where gladiators fought to the death for the entertainment of the rich and the poor alike. Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the 188m long and 156m wide structure was commissioned in 72 AD by Emperor Vespasian. Eighty archways provide easy access to 55,000 spectators who were seated according to rank. Just outside the Colosseum is the Arch of Constantine, a 25m high monument built to mark the victory of Constantine over Maxentius at Pons Milvius. Pay a visit to the pagan temple. The Roman Pantheon is the most preserved and influential building of Ancient Rome. The temple was built by Emperor Hadrian to replace Augustus' friend and Commander Marcus Agrippa's Pantheon of 27BC, which was burnt to the ground in 80AD. Visit the smallest State in the world – the Vatican City with its variety of treasures from St Peter's Basilica, Castel Sant Angelo, the 11 Vatican Museums, Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Gardens. The Fontana di Trevi is the largest most famous Baroque fountain in Rome. Toss a coin in the fountain and make a wish as Neptune watches over. Italy is famous for its food and its fashion, so while in Rome, take a look around the shops. Though it is an expensive city you will find good value for money on leather items – shoes, bags, belts and gloves, and decorative items. Check out Via Borgognona in the area around Piazza di Spagna for the designer labels – Prada, Valentino, Gucci, Fendi, Missoni and Armani. The lively open air markets are open from Monday to Saturday Tourists mill around where gladiators once fought to the death in the mighty Colosseum where you can pick up myriad of items from fresh flowers to fruit and vegetables, fresh fish, spices, decorative items, toys and kitchen utensils. Where to stay? Hotel Palazzo Manfredi (www. palazzomanfredi.com) boasts a truly magnificent location, directly opposite the Coloseum. The view from the boutique hotel's 17 rooms is of some of Rome's most stunning monuments. While here take the opportunity to dine at the rooftop restaurant Aroma, fast becoming one of Rome's most sought-after dining venues. In one of the most exclusive areas of historic Rome, between the Villa Borghese Gardens and the Borghese Gallery, with easy proximity to the Spanish Steps and Via Veneto, this graceful 19th century residence has been transformed into the grand hotel of Aldrovandi Palace Villa Borghese (www.aldrovandi.com) surrounded by sub-tropical gardens and one of central Rome's very few swimming pools. Check out the quirky fusion and unconventional styles of 66 Imperial Inn (www.66imperialinn.com). The five bedrooms are as frivolous as they are welcoming, flaunting an irreverent melange of classic décor, contemporary design and oriental furnishings right in the heart of central Rome. with chickpeas, lentils, skater or beans or the traditional mains and desserts. La Gensola (www.osterialagensola.it), is one a great fish restaurant steeped in tradition. Located at a 14th century palazzo, you can savour pasta with sea-urchins, grilled cod with tomato sauce and incredible cuts of tuna. You can't spend any amount of time in Italy and pass up the opportunity to get your hands on a pizza. Bir e Fud (www.birefud.blogspot. com) offers the choiciest ingredients atop fantastic pizza bases, while doubling as a great beer house. Lots of tasty Roman appetizers and a great atmosphere make this a great spot for a night out. How to get there? Air Malta operate regular flights to Rome's Fiumicino airport. Flights leaving on 21 November, returning on 28 November were priced at €183.46 including tax. Where to eat? Try Roman specialities like Roman style gnocchi or cuttlefish with snowpeas at the rustic, family run trattoria of Da Lucia (www.trattoriadalucia.com), opened in 1938. Get a feel for the Jewish-Roman tradition at Sora Margherita. In the heart of the Jewish Ghetto, this is the prefect place for anyone looking for an authentic atmosphere and good food. Order the pasta soups Toss a coin and make a wish in the Fonata di Trevi as Neptune watches over The Roman Pantheon is the temple where pagan gods were worshipped The world's most well known Catholic Church, the enormous St Peter's Basilica