WITH its deep and
enthralling history, impressive art and exquisite food and wine, Italy’s capital
city is a buzzing metropolis where ancient and new live side by side in
seductive harmony.
Discover the hidden histories of the Eternal City’s
extraordinary monuments, from millennia-old ruins to glorious cathedrals and
Renaissance masterpieces.
One-stop flights from Singapore to Fumicino airport are
available on Emirtate, Qatar, Air France and British Ariways; Kuala Lumpur is
served by Emirate flights (emirates.com).
The Rome metro system is relatively cheap and efficient,
with single trips around US$2.00 (rome.info/metro). The city is quite compact,
so walking about is a viable alternative.
Grab a copy of Rome Mape Out for an in-depth guide to the
city. To get the latest on the city’s culinary scene, check out the Parla Food
blog (parlafood.com).
The huge white il
Vittoriano, which sits at the opposite end of the Via dei Fori Imperial
from the colosseum, may divide opinion aesthetically, but there’s no doubt
about the fantastic view from the top – take the lift up for free. With all
ancient riches on offer, Rome’s modern art gallery, the Galleria nazionale d’Arte Moderna is often overlooked – a shame
given its fantastic collection of 20th century paintings and
scultprues (gnam.benicutlural.it).
For high-end fashion, check out the designer names on Via dei Condotti. But fot
the best in cutting-edge boutiques and vintage clothes, try the more bohemian
Via del Governo Vecchio, between Piazza Navona and the Tiber. A small but
perfectly formed b&b set in an ancient palazzo (where breakfast can be
taken) on a narrow cobbled street, Acro
del Lauro combines woodbeamed rustic charm with a modern minimalist. It has
friendly style. It has friendly owners, too (arcodellauro.it). With a great location
between the central Piazza del Popolo and the Tiber, Okapi Rooms is a decent-value base, set in an attractive 19th-century
building. Rooms are simple but pretty, with terracotta floors ,terraces and
ancient-style carvings (okapirooms.it).
There’s a real aristocratic granderu about the recently renovated Villa Spaleeti Trivelli, with its
large, elegant rooms set in a classical villa, tapestries on the walls and
splendid views over expansive, manicured gardens (villaspaletti.it). Enjoy gelato (ice
cream) like you’ve never tasted before at Il
Gelato Bistro, with savoury flavours such as Szechuan pepper, tuna and
tomato, clery, and prosecco alongside classic versions (circonvallazione
Tronfale, 11). L’Asino d’Oro’s
cusine is so good, they could get away with doubling their prices –
Umbrian-influenced dishes such as slow-roasted rabbit in a rich berry sauce are
complemented by a relaxed atmosphere (lasinodororoma.it).
The Menu at upmarket Ristorante
L’Arcangelo mixes Roman staples with modern innovations. Favourites include
tripe with mint and pecorino, or spicy pigeon with apples and mustard (Via
Belli 59-61; 00 39 06 3321 0992).
