Destination of the Week

Roma

If you follow the adage, when in Rome, do as the Romans, you’re going to have one terrific time on a trip to The Eternal City.  The problem is where to start!

Most people would say it’s the rich history.  Others will reply that it’s the vita corrente – the fast pace that Rome presents among buildings, ruins and artifacts that go back thousands of years.  A few will say, “Wine!”  Not many though, because the wines of Rome aren’t as well known as those of Tuscany, Veneto, or even Sicily.  Nonetheless, the Lazio region offers fine wines . . . perfect matches for the Roman cuisine which, we’re sure you know, can be sampled for weeks without repeating a taste.

South and north of Rome you’ll find vineyards and wineries producing merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and pinot nero but Rome’s history is really tied to the whites like Frascati and a very special Malvasia del Lazio.  The quality ranges from table wine to fine reserve, worthy of your cellar. You’ll find the tastes big and crisp, especially the abbacocato and cannellino.

After you’ve had a chance to explore the history (we know that’s where most people want to start . . . it’s OK), set your sites on towns like Monetfiascone.  There’s a special wine there that’s great if you buy it here but even better if you savor it in its surroundings.  You’ll find Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone without even asking.  The name came about over 1000 years ago when a visitor realized the quality of the wine and next to the word “Est!” – indicating an inn – outside a building, he repeated the word with chalk two more times – along with the extra exclamation points.

Now . . . about that history.  There’s not much we can say here that you haven’t heard.  All we can do is reiterate the beauty and awe that you will experience gazing on the thousands of years of history that unfold right in front of you.

The most famous of the sites is the Holy See.  In the strictest interpretation, Vatican City isn’t in Rome – it’s its own country but it’s in Rome and it is home to some of the greatest treasures of sculpture, art gardens and edifices anywhere in the world.  At The Basilica of St. Peter, make the climb to the top of the cupola.  It’s not a place for claustrophobics but the reward is a view of Vatican City, The Tiber River, The Appian Way and most of Rome.

Of course, The Sistine Chapel is a must-see.  The restoration presents Michelangelo’s great work more closely to the beauty of its origin.  If you have any doubts about the wait in line, they’ll vanish the minute you enter the darkened chamber. 

From there, see The Forum, the center of Roman activity well into the 4th century.  Then see The Colosseum, and the Piazza di Spagna.  Also on your list should be the Castel Sant’ Angelo, The Pantheon – with its dome resting on a perfectly laid out series of columns and pediments.  Then, of course, toss a coin into Trevi Fountain. That’ll ensure your return for another visit.

Along the way you’ll be on the Via Appia Antica – The Appian Way.  Any first-year Latin student has read about this road which extended from Porta di San Sebastiano all the way to Brindisi.  As you pass points like the catacombs and tombs and The Chiesa Di Domine Quo Vadis, it’s amazing to stop for a moment and imagine togas, armor, and chariots and horses rolling along next to you.  It was all right there.

The list goes on – the Museo e Galleria Borghese, one of the greatest private collections of art in the world including Bellini, Botticelli, Domenichino, Rubens, all collected by the Cardinal Scipione Borghese before being conveyed to the state early in the 1900’s.

If you have time, head to Ostia, on the coast.  If you’re going in August, that’s where you’ll find everyone as Rome slows down for vacations, store closings, and to escape the heat of the city.  Ostia’s at the mouth of the Tiber.  Along with great museums, there are the ruins at the city’s entrance, the Roman baths, and the Piazzale delle Corporazioni with its multitude of mosaics.

Another trip should be to Tivoli, a summer getaway for a thousand years.  The gardens and fountains at the Villa d’Este are nearly overwhelming.

Want to really treat yourself – book a wine and food tour.  There are plenty of opportunities to taste Rome in an exclusive way – being chauffeured from restaurant to wine bar and on, sampling wines and cuisine to your heart’s – and stomach’s – content.  They’re not as expensive as you’d imagine and perfect for just relaxing and taking in the city – figuratively and literally!

It’s the Eternal City . . . but visit Rome now.  You’ll never regret it.

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