Rome is the Italy capital for popular tourist attractions. As the country’s capital city, it requires no introduction. Even so, it is incorrect to believe that you can see and do everything there is worth doing in Rome in one day. It is a vast and sprawling city and it is best to reserve at least three days to see the best of Rome.

Many travel packages to Italy will include Rome. If you are not on a guided tour however, you may not know exactly how best to navigate around Rome. To make it easier for you to move around, it is best to divide Rome according to sections. Most tourists start off at the modern center. This is after all the most popular site for hotels, restaurants and shopping establishments. With this center as your Italy capital base, you can move up to the north center, which is Romes widest part or to the east to Nomentano. To the west of the modern center is the Vatican, Trastevere and Old Rome while to the south is Colosseo, Esquilino-San Giovani, and Aventino-Testaccio.

Every tourist on vacation to Italy would probably be interested first on seeing the ancient ruins and landmarks of Rome. From the modern center, you only have to move down to Colosseo to see the Roman Forum and Trajans Forum. The major point of interest in this part of the city however is the ancient Colosseum. Farther down in Aventino-Testaccio is the Flavian Palace and the Circus Maximus.

In Old Rome, tourists flock to the Pantheon. This was built in honor of the gods of ancient Rome and is today used as a church. It is considered the best preserved ancient structure in Rome. Aside from this ancient structure, Old Rome also has plazas and cathedrals that are examples of medieval and Renaissance art and architecture.

Colosseo and Old Rome are the Italy capital centers of cultural and historical sightseeing. Tourists who want to sample Italian shopping should stick to either the modern center or head off to the indoor market of Esquilino-San Giovanni.

Vatican City deserves special mention. There are a number of special spots to see in the city but the most popular of them all is St. Peters Basilica. The tourist lines can be long so make sure you are dressed appropriately before you even line up.

Remember that Rome is not just the Italy capital for tourist sightseeing. It is also the country’s political and social capital. This means you have to prepare for busy streets and crowded tourist spots.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, March 4th, 2010 at 4:10 am in Italy Travel.