Basilica Square, Rome

Advantages: So many amazing sights to discover, a truly wonderful city.
Disadvantages: Tired feet and too much traffic

..., but there are still a fair few steps to climb when the lift ends so it is not suitable for anybody who finds steps a problem (although sometimes I count myself in this category!) After viewing the inside of the building from the dome, you can continue your ascent further to take in the marvelous views of Rome from the top of the Basilica. These are truly breath taking, and the view of St. Peter’s square from above is quite spectacular. The stairs that take you up to the roof however, are quite tricky in places and the passageways become quite narrow. I found it a little claustrophobic at times, and can see how it might be some people’s worst nightmare! If you can cope with the climb though it really is worth all the effort. THE VATICAN MUSEUM, which includes the SISTINE CHAPEL, would also be at the top of my recommendations list. This is situated... Read review

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Advantages: See opinion
Disadvantages: Not a thing....well....maybe the traffic!!

..., exactly 1,300 years after the consecration of the first basilica on the site in 326 AD. You can climb to the very top of the Basilica’s walls that surround St. Peter’s Square, and stand and gaze in wonder at the vista of one of the worlds’ greatest capitals. Or you can wander through the Vatican itself, immersing yourself in the history and great works of art that are everywhere around you. The Sistine Chapel, with the frescoes on its walls and ceilings painted by the great Michelangelo, and the Vatican Library which contains a priceless collection of manuscripts from the Christian and pre-Christian eras, are wonders in their own right. ~ ~ Off course, Rome has far more to offer the visitor than the Vatican alone, which in actual fact is not part of Italy at all, but an independent state in its own right. A visit... Read review

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Advantages: A lifetime of sights to see, excellent transport, amazing ice cream
Disadvantages: Very busy

...in Cosmedin: a sixth century church with the stone Bocca della Verita (mouth of truth), which reputedly chomps off your hand if you are a liar. A great tacky photo opp. Vittoria Emmanuele Monument (Piazza Venezia): a gigantic wedding cake of a monument built to celebrate the first king of Italy, which also contains the tomb of the unknown soldier and th Altar of the Fatherland, and is patrolled by rather sadistic guards, who scream at pensioners that have collapsed on the long flight of steps. But neverminding them, there is a wonderful view of the Vatican from the top. The Santuario della Scala Santa (opposite Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano): one of the most holy sights in Christiandom - the steps that Jesus climbed when he was bought before Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. They were brought to Rome to form the stairway to the Pope... Read review

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