Category Archives: Rome Attractions

Crypts, Bones and Catacomb: Creepy? Not Really

Crypts, Bones and Catacomb: Creepy? Not Really

I have been putting off any visit to catacombs and crypts for a while as I find them creepy to say the least.  I think it didn’t help that I was brought up in an Asian family that was superstitious and going underground to a place that was once a burial ground is not something ... Read More »

Attraction in Rome: Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo

Attraction in Rome: Basilica di Santo Stefano Rotondo

A few weeks ago, as I was in Celio, I dropped by Santo Stefano Rotondo to get some relief from the heatwave that we have been experiencing in Rome.  What’s wonderful about this Basilica is that there is usually hardly any visitors here.  Its tranquil grounds is welcoming, a huge contrast to the gruesome frescoes ... Read More »

Attraction in Rome: St. Paul Outside-The-Walls

Attraction in Rome: St. Paul Outside-The-Walls

It was by chance that we stopped by this lesser known attraction in Rome as my niece was having her piano recital in the vicinity (this story is for another day). We often drive by St. Paul Outside-The-Walls and while I would have a few seconds to admire this stunning Basilica, the last time I ... Read More »

Attraction in Rome: Santi Quattro Coronati

Attraction in Rome: Santi Quattro Coronati

This attraction in Rome for me is a haven when you need to get away from the “busy-ness” of the city. While the book, “The Secrets of Rome” describes Santi Quattro Coronati as ” a gigantic fortress appears, powerful…” and the walk up from the Colosseum do give you the sense of this, it’s a ... Read More »

Attraction in Rome: Palazzo Valentini

Attraction in Rome: Palazzo Valentini

What is fascinating about this attraction in Rome is not the Palazzo itself but what lies beneath and how with the use of technology, these ruins are brought to life. I had heard about Palazzo Valentini from my sister-in-law who was arranging a trip for my niece and her classmates. She had mentioned that with ... Read More »

Attraction in Rome: St. Peter in Chains

Attraction in Rome: St. Peter in Chains

This attraction in Rome, St. Peter in Chains (San Pietro in Vincoli) is only a short walk from Colosseum but often overlooked by visitors to the city. I, myself, am guilty as I first heard about St. Peter in Chains from the book  “The Secrets of Rome” which I got as a gift last Christmas.  ... Read More »

Off the beaten path: The Park of Aqueducts

Off the beaten path: The Park of Aqueducts

This is a guest post written by Agnes from understandingrome.com and I want to thank her for this insightful post as it was also an eye-opener for me. If you want to go off the beaten path, this would be a fascinating tour. In 312 BC the censor Appius Claudius decided to harness the natural ... Read More »

Things to do in Rome on Christmas Day

Things to do in Rome on Christmas Day

Recently someone asked what attractions are open on Christmas Day and Eve and things to do in Rome on those days.  It was a great question because it had never crossed my mind as it’s time spent with family, cooking, prepping and just enjoying the holiday spirit (or stress). While shops and most paid attractions ... Read More »

Attraction in Rome: Teatro Marcello (Theatre of Marcellus)

Attraction in Rome: Teatro Marcello (Theatre of Marcellus)

This is one attraction in Rome that visitors often walk by as the make their way to La Bocca della Verita (The Mouth of Truth), stare at it in awe and continue walking on. Few know that you can also walk through the incredible ruins of the Teatro di Marcello which will take you back ... Read More »

La Bocca della Verita (The Mouth of Truth)

La Bocca della Verita (The Mouth of Truth)

La Bocca della Verita (The Mouth of Truth) may not be grandiose like the Colosseum or the Pantheon but don’t be surprised to still see a line here. My fascination with La Bocca della Verita is thanks to the film “Only You” which had beautiful scenes of Italy and created a desire for me to ... Read More »