…there is so, so, so much to do and see! But we all know the major sites, coliseum, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, etc. So I thought instead I’d share two new discoveries that were a refreshing break from the crowded tourist route.
Wandering the ancient roads of Ostia Antica
Ostia Antica
Ostia Antica, approximately a thirty minute metro ride outside of Rome, is the harbor city of ancient Rome. If you like ruins but don’t like the masses of people getting in your way, then Ostia Antica is a welcome site. You can truly invision the harbor city in its glory days and can easily find yourself wandering an ancient road all by yourself. When we went there were a lot of school groups but they tended to stay on the main path so detour onto one of the parallel paths to feel like you are stepping back in time.
Escaping the heat at the Protestant Cemetery
"Life is divided into three terms - that which was, which is, and which will be. Let us learn from the past to profit by the present, and from the present to live better in the future" - William WordsworthThe Protestant Cemetery
The Protestant Cemetery is surely the best quiet, cool oasis on a hot day in Rome. It is like stepping into a dream (yes, I know I am talking about a cemetery) but this is possibly the most peaceful lovely one there is. Located in the Testaccio neighbourhood it is reserved for non-catholic foreigners and is the oldest cemetery that is currently still in use having started in 1730.
I may have geeked out for two reasons here, firstly being a literature major I was reminded that I need to haul out my big old anthology of poetry after having seen the graves of Wordsworth, Shelley and Keats. Secondly, there is a cat sanctuary attached to the cemetery so in the hot afternoon sun you can finds cats finding shady spots among the grave sites.
As Rome is one of those cities that everyone should visit at least once, I highly recommend these wo spots as a break from the crowds.
The Protestant Cemetery is surely the best quiet, cool oasis on a hot day in Rome. It is like stepping into a dream (yes, I know I am talking about a cemetery) but this is possibly the most peaceful lovely one there is. Located in the Testaccio neighbourhood it is reserved for non-catholic foreigners and is the oldest cemetery that is currently still in use having started in 1730.
I may have geeked out for two reasons here, firstly being a literature major I was reminded that I need to haul out my big old anthology of poetry after having seen the graves of Wordsworth, Shelley and Keats. Secondly, there is a cat sanctuary attached to the cemetery so in the hot afternoon sun you can finds cats finding shady spots among the grave sites.
As Rome is one of those cities that everyone should visit at least once, I highly recommend these wo spots as a break from the crowds.
xo J
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