What can one say about a city that has existed unto itself for thousands of years?
Rome fits our criteria for an outstanding, educational family travel adventure that combines art, history, architecture, food and culture. You can spend a few days or an entire month exploring the glory of Rome, as it exists today and as it was in ancient times, and leave amazed and enlightened about this wonderful, mad city.
When in Rome, do as the travelling mom has done! Here is our 'Top List' - our 'must see's and do's' for one of our favourite cities, in order of our own family's and children's favourites.
1. The Coliseum - Gladiators! Christians! Wild beasts! My children's imagination ran wild as we walked through the ancient stands, peering down onto the subterranean caverns where animals and prisoners would have been kept and led up (using an ingenious pulley system) to their (violent) deaths. The scale of this stadium is impressive, even more so when we consider that it still stands today - a testament to the Roman Empire's engineering and architectural prowess. [ttm tip: Take the kids' photos with the modern Romans in ancient costume vying for your tourist dollars outside the Coliseum. Kitschy but priceless!]
The area around the Coliseum includes the Arch of Constantine, the Palatine Hill and the Imperial Forum, all of which are highly recommended to appreciated the magnificence of the Roman Empire. The scale of the ruins is incredible, and the kids will have some freedom to explore and stretch their legs.
2. The Pantheon - Saved from destruction through its consecration as a Christian church in the 7th century, this ancient temple built first by Agrippa and then by Hadrian is an architectural and historical jewel. The dome and oculus, the bronze doors and royal tombs, and the original portico are marvels of the ancient world. A visit to this structure is an excellent beginning to anyone's architectural education, whether young or old! [ttm tips: Visit the Pantheon when it's raining to watch the rain fall through the oculus into the middle of the building. Also, avoid the hawkers in the square outside the Pantheon.]
3. Campo de' Fiori - This lively market square is bustling with vendors of fresh produce and flowers (hence its name fiori), but also with stalls of clothing, jewelry, toys and trinkets. You can spend a wonderful few hours exploring the kiosks for gifts for home; and give the kids some Euros to spend on their own treasures. The price for an Italia or Roma soccer jersey may be cheaper here than on more high-brow streets in other neighbourhoods. And who can resist the temptation to haggle?
4. Ostia Antica - The site of Rome's ancient sea port lies 40 minutes outside the city by commuter train, and makes for an outstanding day trip if you wish to see the well-preserved ruins of a Roman town. Ostia Antica was rediscovered and dug out from centuries of sand burial, and the ruins showcase an amazing, sophisticated society, complete with baths, bakeries, gyms, temples and latrines. (The kids will love learning about the 'sponge sticks' in the communal toilets.) However, keep in mind that the site is large and requires a lot of walking. The ancient stone road isn't that stroller-friendly, so we'd recommend a visit here if your children are 8 years and older.
5. Trevi Fountain - You'll have to battle the crowds to get a photo, and to turn your back and throw your pennies in to ensure a return to the city (as the story goes), but it's the most magnificent fountain in Rome. A must see.
6. St. Peter's Basilica & Dome - We've documented in great detail a visit to the Vatican Museums, which makes our Rome list. As part of your itinerary at the Vatican (reserve an entire day), your family should visit St. Peter's Basilica to feel the immensity of the space and admire the many great works of art, particularly Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Pieta. If you feel up to it, climb the 350 steps into the Dome. The view will be worth it, even if the slope and height freaks you (and the kids) out! [ttm tip: Your kids may get a big kick out of seeing the Swiss Guards in their fancy 16th century uniforms. Posing with them was one of my children's Rome trip highlights.]
7. San Clemente Church - This Church is within walking distance of the Coliseum and is worth the visit to descend 60 feet underground and view the many layers and 2,000 years of Roman history on this one site. The stunning tile works, paintings and ongoing archaeological work underground are fascinating and a little bit spooky and claustrophobic.
8. Trastevere Neighbourhood - Our favourite! A real Roman neighbourhood with great and affordable restaurants, cool & quirky shops (with less mark-ups than other more touristy areas), the beautiful Santa Maria church, and a short but uphill walk to the Gianicolo for more fabulous views of the city and the Seven Hills of Rome. [ttm tip: Architectural (and LEGO-building) fans will want to find the Tempietto, a perfectly proportioned, small 16th-century temple, found on the Gianicolo hill.]
9. Pincio & Borghese Gardens - Rome is not a lush, green city. The predominant colours are brown and beige, and trees (and shade) can be very hard to come by in the heat of summer. The best place to be for a leisurely stroll in landscaped, green gardens is the Pincio and Borghese Gardens. You can bring a picnic to enjoy, rent bicycles, and visit the Gardens' small funfair (great for small children). The views of Rome are also superb from this higher vantage point.