Roman History Buffy Traveling to Italy...?

Question

Keeping it brief, I am a history buff especially when it comes to Ancient and Medieval Rome. I prefer doing my own sight seeing, but guided tours are OK if that is all there are. I was hoping for ANY suggestions you have for someone going on a Roman History vacation in Italy, sights, locations, hotels, anything. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Just walk, without fear - you just run in to surprises everywhere.  Ostia Antica is a very cool place that is often overlooked (need to train it to get there, but worth it).

Also, spend an evening in Trastevere - not as historical, but a great place for restaurants, gelato, and people watching.

Answer 2

If you love ancient roman history, you must see the 'Casa Romanae' houses and the area around the Celian Hill (near the Colosseum):

http://www.italyheaven.co.uk/rome/areas/...

Despite being just five minutes from the wonderful Colosseum, this area is a little off the 'tourist track', probably because it is mostly residential.

The churches and streets are wonderful, but the hidden houses are just incredible ... I visited twice, I was so impressed!

Have a wonderful time, you will love retracing the steps of those ancient heroes and villains and their histories :-)

Answer 3

A good off the beaten path spot for a history buff like your self would be "La Villa Farnesina."  Its in the Giancolo neighborhood in Rome, which is beautiful on its own.  But this little off the beaten track mansion has Raphaels "Galatea" in it.  If you go up the stairs there is a painting of old Rome, in the master suite, that one would have seen in the 16th century.  If you look close, there is a German inscription carved into the frescoe.  It claims the day and date that German and Spanish troops saked rome, 1573 I think, september.  Its a really cool testament to history!

Answer 4

you can go Rome on your own and start to visit the city starting from the centre this is the best period to go there

Answer 5

If you have time visit Pompeii and Herculaneum near Naples.  You can get a train from Rome.  If you love Roman history they are the best places of all.

Answer 6

Read our Italy travelogues:

http://www.thetravelzine.com

Have a great trip!