I'm arriving a day early for the Rick Steves Heart of Italy in late October. Interested in a good, relaxing way to get a feel for the city with possibly one lessor known tourist stop.
Posted by
11606 posts
The 4th c. Basilica of San Clemente which is built on now exposed layers of antiquities, fascinating.
Perhaps your tour will go there but if not, I highly recommend that you visit it.
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Thank you Suki
Posted by
Atlanta
5235 posts
If the tour isn't going to Ostia Antica, that would be an option. Easy to get there using public transit, usually not very crowded, and great from a historical and archaeological point of view. Very similar to Pompeii.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16618 posts
Nelson, here's the website for San Clemente. Note that you must make a reservation to access the archeological layers under the present basilica:
https://basilicasanclemente.com/eng/
A short-ish walk south of S. Clemente is the interesting round church Santo Stefano Rotundo (St. Stephen in the Round).
It was also built (as many were) upon bits of ancient Rome, and as with S. Clemente, there is Mithraeum in the subterranean level (although it isn't accessible to visitors). Decorating (I'll use that term loosely) the interior walls of the church is a Cycle of Martyrdom: 16th-century frescoes of umpty saints meeting their unfortunately ends in all sorts of very nasty ways. Ew. I'd read, after we'd visited, that this is a popular church for weddings. Who'da thunk it.
https://www.turismoroma.it/en/places/church-santo-stefano-rotondo-al-celio
https://www.cgu.it/it/santo-stefano-rotondo/
The church is open from the last Sunday in March to the Saturday before the last Sunday in October with the following time (summer time): Tuesday> Sunday, 10:00 to 1:00, and 3:30 - 6:30. Closed Mondays. Free.
East/NE of S. Stefano is the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano: an important lady that also has a very long history, is one of the 4 major papal basilicas in Rome, and is officially the "Pope's church" when he wears his Bishop of Rome hat. Free.
https://www.turismoroma.it/en/places/basilica-st-john-lateran
https://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/san_giovanni/index_it.htm
Church open 7:00 - 18:30; Cloister open 9:00 am - 6:00 pm; Baptistry open 7:00 - 12:30 / 16:00 - 19:00
All together, they form sort of a triangular walk. I'm not Catholic or even very religious but have found many of the old Italian churches - including these 3 - to be interesting and well worth the shoe leather. Most are also free so they're budget-stretching art/architecture/history bargains as well! Contributions to the alms boxes are welcome.
Posted by
Los Angeles
1199 posts
If you like museums, consider the Borghese Gallery. Your visit is limited to two hours, and they limit the number of people inside. You would need to purchase tickets in advance for a timed entry.
In general, look at the tour itinerary and compare with areas or specific sites in the guidebook that interest you. A stroll through Trastevere or Monti would be a low-key activity. Weave in a couple of churches to take a peek in.
The tour barely scratches the surface of what Rome has to offer, so you have plenty of options.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16618 posts
Nelson, are you talking about activity for a partial arrival day right off a transatlantic flight? As well, do you know the name/location of your hotel? If so, we can see what would be closer versus further away for on-foot exploration.
As much fresh air as possible is the recommended remedy for jet-lagged brains. :O)
Posted by
OP
7 posts
Kathy,
I'm arriving late morning on October 26. Staying at the Dharma Style Hotel. Our group is meeting at the hotel on the 27th at 3pm. So I have a whole day. When traveling to Europe, I try to stay up and get on a local schedule. Nothing strenuous.... coffee, easy walking, people watching,. sightseeing. Thanks for your help