Rome's inspiring Baroque sights
The flamboyance of Bernini's art continued to influence Rome's style even a century later. Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain -- dating from the 1700s -- is a watery avalanche of Baroque. While the architect who designed it had no inkling of electrical illumination, it seems made-to-order for floodlighting, which heightens the drama. It's said that if you throw a coin into this fountain, you will return to Rome. Every day, tourists test this superstition, trying to ensure their return to this Baroque-filled city. It sounds silly, but I do this every year and it seems to work.
IF YOU VISIT...
SLEEPING: Residenza Cellini, in the heart of Rome, feels like the guest wing of a gorgeous Neoclassical palace (splurge, www.residenzacellini.it). Hotel Aberdeen perfectly combines quality and friendliness with 37 comfy, modern rooms (moderate, www.hotelaberdeen.it).
EATING: Ristorante la Pentolaccia is a dressy, tourist-friendly place with tight seating and traditional Roman cooking (Via Flavia 38, tel. 06-483-477). Vecchio Boro, near St. Peter's Basilica, offers pasta, pizza slices and veggies to go (Borgo Pio 27a, tel. 06-8117-3585).
GETTING AROUND: Sprawling Rome feels more manageable if you think of it as a series of neighborhoods huddling around major landmarks. Sightsee on foot, by city bus, by Metro, or by taxi, and make it a point to visit sights in a logical order.
TOURIST INFORMATION: www.turismoroma.it.
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Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European travel guidebooks and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio. Email him at rick@ricksteves.com and follow his blog on Facebook.
(c)2014 RICK STEVES DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
