Rome : Evangelical and Universal

Rome in all its glory

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city of ancient wonders and modern dreams. Once the centre of international affairs and the ultimate seat of power, Rome has more to offer to everyone than any other city that may attempt to compete with it. Visitors to Rome often take guided bus tours that cover large cities in Europe with groups, but this is not the recommended way to travel. To take in the essence of Rome, one must spend at least three days in the city. There are a number of connections into Rome. First off, the vast European rail network can take you right into the heart of the ancient city (Roma Termini). For travellers flying in, Fiumicino Airport is a great choice. The other, smaller airport, Campiano, is served by Europe based low cost carriers. However, if you're coming in by sea, you will probably dock at Civitavecchia, a port just outside of Roman perimeters. On my journey, I had the joy of flying in with Emirates, the Dubai based full-service long haul carrier.

Rome Fiumicino Airport

I remember having great expectations from Rome when I first arrived. When I first arrived, Rome offered so much more than that. I was met by a thriving bustling city that appeared as the centrepiece of Italian affairs. It was difficult to not be amazed by the sheer scale of Rome's fame and glory. From prehistoric times, people have spoken of it in great volumes - a reputation that survives even today.

The most enduring of the Roman landmarks is, of course, the Colosseum, situated in the very heart of the Italian capital. Once upon a time, this megastructure saw the battles of gladiators, slaves and animals. Roman people, as it is fairly well known, had a taste for games of gore. Thousands of them flocked to the stands to see the fights. Today, the Colosseum stands in partial ruins, but its shape is unmistakable. Its walls tell the tales of ages in history. Just next to this is the beautiful Arco di Costantino, an ode to Roman emperor Constantine which bears the inscription translating to "Inspired by Divinity".

Pizza al Taglio

Take a break from all your sightseeing and you will realise that there is so much more the city has to offer. Cuisine has attained perfection in a place that has been soaked up in millennia of human history. The famous pizza is found in hundreds of different styles. This dish in an early form once kept Roman legionnaires fuelled up when they were travelling. If you want a classic, you must go for the Pizza al Taglio, which basically means pizza by the slice. Baked in rectangular plates, this pizza is cut up and served by weight. This is definitely not the old cheese and sauce combination that you get at a local fast food joint. This is real pizza - rich in flavour, luscious and an entire gastronomic experience in itself. Treat your tastebuds to the exotic flavours that have evolved over years of perfection.

Stroll the ancient banks of the river Tiber, as you munch on a soft suppli. One of the most famous street foods in Rome, this dish serves Sicilian fried rice balls that are traditionally filled with marinara meat sauce and mozzarella. When baked, the mozzarella melts inside the coating, leaving a delicious snack that all enjoy.

Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is a historic church that served as the ancient papal seat. Nearby, the Terme di Caracalla, the ruins of a large Roman bath complex, which along with the Roman Forum and Pantheon, highlights the glory of the capital of the ancient world. No visit to Rome is complete without a compulsory stop at the Palatine Hills, an area that once housed imperial palaces and the historic Trevi Fountain, the birthplace of myths and legends. Rome's many museums echo the stories of artists, sculptors and craftsmen. Most visitors also stop at the Vatican city, but that is another story in itself. 

The Trevi Fountain has inspired stories and films

If you are coming to Rome, remember to carry a pair of walking shoes. This city does have great transport options, but nothing beats the thrill of skipping into little bylanes and exploring areas that cannot be served by the transport system. The other thing you will need is a camera. Rome is compact and beautiful, providing enough opportunities to click amazing photographs. Whether you are at the Spanish Steps or the famed Piazza del Popolo, this city has facets that you will always enjoy. Upon arrival, you will meet a city that appears so simple and yet happens to be marvellous and complex in every possible sense of the term. They say no two Roman adventures are the same. Only when one visits, do they discover their own.