Posts in ‘Things to do in Rome’

Rome City Hall has banned snacking near its famous monuments in the city’’s historical centre, according to reports.

A £40 fine will be slapped on those who violate the ban which runs until the end of October, the Associated Press said.

Officials told the news agency they want to preserve artistic treasures and decorum in a city that has millions of visitors every year.

The ordinance also bans the homeless from making makeshift beds and people loitering around at night, as they are “often drunk [and] not only leave all manner of litter on public grounds and in the fountains, but also disturb the peace”.

Rome is the latest Italian city to take steps to protect its historical sites.

Venice banned picnics in public places and bare torsos in St. Mark’’s Square, while Florence is clamping down on men who wash the windshields of cars for payment.

Rome – Visit some of the ancient landmarks such as the Colosseum or tour the opulent Vatican.

Many visitors to Rome hope to experience some of the ancient culture that has made the eternal city famous - however, few would expect to catch a full-blown chariot race.

But that’’s exactly what could be on offer as the historical society Vadis Al Maximo hopes to stage a major chariot race event next year.

Speakung to ANSA, Vadis Al Maximo head, Franco Calo, explained: ””The event would last three days, starting on October 17, at the same period when the race took place in Roman times.

””If possible, we hope to involve charioteers from all over the world””

He said the society has plans to transform all the main squares of the capital into scenes from Ancient Rome, using props on loan from the Cinecitta film studios.

””According to our calculations, the Circus Maximus area could hold up to 35,000 people,”” he said.

In Roman times the course in the Circus Maximus could accommodate 12 chariots, each drawn by teams of four horses.

Rome – Visit some of the ancient landmarks such as the Colosseum or tour the opulent Vatican.

Traditional Roman food is often hard to come by, but Checchino dal 1887 brings it to you on a platter.

Dishes include Quinto Quarto, Il Padellotto, I Rigatoni con la Pajata, L”insalata di Zampi, La Trippa, Le Animelle, Il Cervello and Gli Schienali, together with Bue Garofolato, the ancient rural dish whose original recipe is owned by the restaurant.

As the name suggests, the restaurant opened in 1887 when a young couple, who ran a wine shop in the Testaccio caves, decided to replace it with an Osteria con cucina (a tavern with kitchen) because a slaughter-house was being made opposite it.

When the new slaughter-house was ready (1890), its workers got used to coming to the tavern to cook the meat that they received as a part of their incomes.

Thus dishes like La Pajata alla Romana, La coda alla Vaccinara, Il Padellotto were born.

Located in the Testaccio district, you can enjoy your meal with a bottle of wine from the cellar which stores around 600 different types.

Special Interest – Nightlife – From an extravagant meal to an eerie ghost walk – plenty of things to keep you entertained after the sun goes down.