The Piazza Campo de’ Fiori has been a meeting place for centuries. In the center of the plaza is a statue of Giordano Bruno, a monk burned for heresy in the year 1600.

The not as well known Croatian born scientist Marco Antonio Dominis managed to die a natural death in September, 1624 but a few months later his heresy was declared manifest, and by order of the Inquisition his body was taken from the coffin, dragged through the streets of Rome, and publicly burnt in the Campo de’ Fiori, along with his works, a few days before Christmas of that same year. Some say that Dominis was the first to develop the theory of the rainbow, and he was an expert on tides, but that wasn’t what got him in trouble. For over one hundred fifty years the piazza has hosted a fish and produce market. This is an in spot at night.

Roman colosseum

The Salario district is in northeastern Rome. Its centerpiece is the neo-Classical Villa Torlonia built in the mid-Eighteenth Century for an extremely wealthy family. But times changed and the property was rented for only one lira per year. When you consider that the tenant was none other than Benito Mussolini, that rent hardly represented the property’s true value.

After BM lost his job (and his life) the villa was allowed to decay, but it has now been reopened as a museum operated by the municipality of Rome. Don’t miss the medieval-style Casina delle Civette (House of the Owls) on its grounds.

Villa Albani

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The St. Regis is equidistant to Rome’s most popular sites and to the city’s traditional shopping areas.  Simply step outside the hotel to begin your magical tour of the Eternal City.

An abundance of hidden historic gems are to be found within walking distance of the hotel including the recently restored ‘Fountain of Moses’, the quaint basilica ‘Santa Maria Della Vittoria’ and the grandiose ‘Baths of Diocletian’.

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If you are going to Italy for vacation, you must go see Rome.  Rome is such an exciting place, you’ll surely need to plan ahead to make sure you make the most of your time to maximize your vacation time and dollars.  It doesn’t matter if you are making the trip by yourself, as a couple, or with the family in tow,  we have you covered.  I gathered the best tips from our members on seeing the top sites, getting the most for your dollar (or Euro) and where to get the best food to satisfy any appetite.

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