Mid Century Italian

2 Dec, 2005 in art pottery by admin

Mid Century Italian

Rome: Much More than an 'Italian Job'

Rome is a thriving modern day metropolis that also offers visitors the opportunity to experience almost two and a half thousand years of history, an unbridled amount of culture, sporting and musical festivals, and the best and worst of Italian gastronomic delights!

With a population approaching 3.7million the capital of Italy is the third-most visited tourist destination in the EU and is served by three airports, excellent rail links and a series of radial roads whose locations have remained largely unchanged since ancient Roman times. Of course, the roads are wider and smoother than their ancient counterparts, but the radial grid system still makes it difficult for cars to get quickly around the city.

Unfortunately, that means traffic in Rome today hasn’t changed much from the congestion highlighted in the 1969 film classic ‘The Italian Job’. But, thankfully most of the outstanding visitor attractions are within easy walking distance of the city centre meaning that motorised transport isn’t necessary for the majority of visitors.

For those staying outside the city centre try to book a hotel that is near the Metro which stops close to most of the major attractions; the two lines intersect at Rome’s Termini railway station. More Metro lines are being built but the sheer number of archaeological finds as tunnels are excavated means that completion dates are forever being moved back!

However, there is plenty of choice when it comes to staying in the city centre. The sheer amount and diversity of hotels in Rome means that all types of visitors, from budget-conscious backpackers to affluent travellers in search of five-star luxury can be accommodated. There are also entertainment and dining options to suit all types of tourist, as you would expect from a modern and lively European capital.

When it comes to sightseeing however, one building is a ‘must-see’ - The Coliseum. It dominates the city skyline and is one of the capital’s most outstanding examples of ancient Rome’s architectural ambition, attracting more than 4million visitors per year. An elliptical amphitheatre completed in 80AD, it seated 50,000 spectators in its heyday and only ceased to be an entertainment venue during the early medieval era.

However, despite its size it took less than ten years to build and was the largest ever amphitheatre to be constructed in the ancient Roman Empire. Although used as a quarry until the mid-18th century much of The Coliseum’s inner wall structure still survives today, overlapped by a significant portion of the larger external wall.

There are many other impressive buildings in Rome, including the impressive Pantheon and the Sistine Chapel, but when it comes to the one you really must see when visiting the city do not miss out on The Coliseum, or you will regret it!

About the Author

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

If you had to choose one of the following to be your house for the next 5 years which one would it be?

A super contemporary loft space.
An Italian villa. (not necessarily in Italy)
A mountain chalet.
A rustic log cabin-type house.
A trendy mid-century modern.
A classy, up-scale hotel suite.
A farm house.
Other (what?)

You forgot to mention a cave, but I will let it slide.

A balinese villa, would be my choice.

Antique Mid Century Italian rock crystal small ashtray/