Rome
Few cities pack a punch like Rome. It’s a baffling and contradictory combination: breathtaking beauty and illustrious cultural heritage on one hand; a tradition of political mismanagement, unchecked tourism and creaking infrastructure on the other. The city was recently spruced up for the Catholic Church’s Jubilee year and the changeover of Popes happened so gracefully that the Eternal City’s marvels enthused more than usual.
Rome has its challenges but its dynamism is born of this friction. The improvements being made are far from superficial and you won’t fail to notice the Metro Line C construction that has ripped up Piazza Venezia and the Via Fori Imperiali. Despite this, the city is welcoming crowds like never before. Visits to sites such as the Vatican and the Colosseum should be carefully planned and perhaps even given a wide berth to avoid the disappointment (and exhaustion) of the unavoidable stampedes.
Here, we visit the less-frequented corners of the city to uncover its charms – not least the engaging, passionate and characterful people who call it home. Despite the chaos, the problems are beginning to appear surmountable as Rome continues to shine, forever offering its visitors new (and old) allure. Buon viaggio!
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