LIFESTYLE

TRAVEL

ROME

For three weekends this spring, the eternal city, so romantic and fashionable, turns back the clocks and opens the arena gates for thousands to watch as 30 warriors commence battle. Of course, just because the Azzurri are in town, the city doesn’t lose any of its charm. The added feature of a continental invasion creates a higher fervour of charismatic atmosphere. The picturesque Piazze will look even more spectacular when awash with a sea of tri-colour, green or red shirts on match weekends.

The ‘world’s biggest open air museum’ is not just about art and architecture. Locals gather in the Piazze every day to discuss life over espresso, oblivious to the thousands of tourists that admire their photogenic city. They gather on the glorious Spanish Steps or eat gelati at the Trevi Fountain. Perhaps the most famous is the Piazza Navona where the bustling waiters at surrounding cafes yield chairs and tables at the slightest hint of good weather with al fresco dining on the menu. The Piazza del Campidoglio is home to the Italian government and the Piazza Venezia is considered to be the heart of Italy’s greatest city.

Some take the tourist track; others veer away from its well trodden paths. If you choose the former, be sure to get up as early as possible to minimise queuing.

Rome is an outdoor city and all is there before you. The elliptical Colosseum is the biggest structure of its kind in ancient Rome, the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, the Baths of Caracalla and Roman Aqueducts are all legacies of the mighty empire that once ruled across all of the nations Italy will face in the Six

Nations. Visit the Papal residence; smallest state in the world and Michealangelo’s restored Sistine Chapel. There are 11 museums in Vatican City including the Vatican Gardens. Take a stroll in the Villa Borghese Gardens where some of Europe’s finest art lurks in the trees.

The main shopping district stretches southward from the Piazza del Popolo with the high fashion boutiques at the north end of the Via del Corso. For those who get hungry while shopping (or bored) there are an abundance of cafes and restaurants nearby, including the colourful Cafe-Bar-Pizzeria, and ‘Friends’ on the Vil della Scrofa. It is the one place you can not feel guilty about eating pizza.

Check In

For the best choice of accommodation in Rome be sure to book early to avoid disappointment but you can also pick up some great late deals on the internet. www.rome.info

Rock Up

This quickest way to get to Rome is by flying. Terravision run buses into the city at regular intervals synchronised with flight arrivals. A whole host of airlines also fly to Fiumicino (Leonardo da Vinci) Airport which is south west of the city. The two-line metro system that operates in the centre is a quick and easy way of getting around. Buses serve a much wider area and give you a great chance to mingle with the locals and other tourists but be aware of pickpockets.

CLASSIC SPORTS SERIES / 73