Rome with a twist

Angel or Demon? Worry not, the eternal city of Rome has something for everybody, says Raul Dias!


The undisputed Mecca of fun coupled with some serious culture vulturing possibilities; Italy’s pulsating capital—Rome is attracting young travelers like never before. Be it eating, site-seeing or indulging in a fair bit of retail therapy, Rome guarantees you a rollercoaster ride as you find yourself traipsing through ancient ruins while boogying the night away at one the many nightclubs that dot this city by the Tiber. In fact, the season’s latest blockbuster based on the celebrated novel by Dan Brown, Angels and Demons is also set in Rome. So how about exploring Rome as an Angel… and no, we haven’t forgotten all you Demons out there!


Culture

For Angels: Make sure you dutifully tick off all the important Roman must-sees like the Coliseum, The Pantheon and the sublime St Peter’s Basilica on your list. These sites are best enjoyed as early in the morning as possible, when they are spared the throng of other tourists so you can marvel at their splendour in peace. But do visit the famous Trevi fountain after dark and you’ll be part of something wondrous. Now here’s a little penny-saving tip for the frugal Angel: On the last Sunday of every month, the Vatican Museums waive their € 14 entrance fee so you can gaze at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel for absolutely nothing. Ah bliss!


For Demons: Bring out the blood thirsty warrior in you by signing up for a day class at a Gladiator School where you will be shown how to master the basics of hand-to-hand combat based on the ancient Appian way. A well recommended school to pick up some swashbuckling skills is the famous Roman Gladiator School that conducts daily two-hour class taught by professional fighters who have dedicated their lives to learning and now teaching the ancient art of gladiatorial combat. Check www.viator.com for details.



Dining

For Angels: The best thing about Rome is that you are never too far away from some awesome food at quite reasonable prices. One of your best bets is to scour the local markets like the one in the heart of the Campo dei Fiori Piazza and feast all your senses on a vast array of fresh produce and simple delicacies like a slice of classic Buffalo Mozzarella Pizza Margarita for just € 1. Another hidden gem in Rome is a place called Antica Osteria da Giovanni on Via della Lungara 41/a just north of Trastevere near the Tiber. No where else will you get a hearty primo, or first course, for a mere € 2 or a meat course for less than € 5.


For Demons: If a decadent splurge is on your mind, then once again you are in the right place, for Rome sure does cater to the hedonistic demands of the Demon as well. Be chic like the stylish locals and dine the night away at El Toulà (the Hayloft), Via della Lupa 29B, an elegant establishment set near the fabled Caffé Greco and some of the most upscale boutiques in Rome. Be warned that this indulgence won’t come cheap, but we guarantee you your money’s worth of haute cuisine that is served in a subdued, tasteful setting of antiques, paintings and their legendary flower arrangements in antique Murano crystal vases.



Shopping

For Angels: Finding success in your angelic pursuit of some discount buys in Rome is quite a challenging feat. But fear not, you too can get your fill of some true-blue Italian fashion without breaking the bank. For fashions without eye-watering designer price tags, make your way to Via del Corso, a bustling pedestrianised street that runs from Piazza del Popolo down to Piazza Venezia. This shopping hub, which attracts a young crowd, provides a welcome feast of more affordable clothes and shoe shops. But the super best bargains in Rome can be found around the Pantheon and Via Del Governo Vecchio. Factory outlet clothes shops abound and you’ll also find fantastic deals on jewellery and other fashion accessories.


For Demons: Although Italy’s more famous fashion Capital Milan is the place to splash that cash, Rome too has some fabulous places to immerse yourself in a shopping frenzy. Besides the iconic and super trendy Via Condotti for all your designer wear, Rome boasts of some hidden gems like the bohemian Via del Boschetto street in the Monti District where you can find art galleries and quirky homewares stores like Archivia. But, if you’re looking for something more up market, then head down towards the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps) in Tridente where you can go ga-ga over some delectable objets d’art. For those of you with a fascination for antiques then the best streets for antique shopping are Via dei Coronari, in the Centro Storico, and Via del Babuino that lies between the Piazza del Popolo and the Spanish Steps.


Partying

For Angels: If you happen to be in Rome in the summer, then you’re in for the treat. In the months of July and August there are numerous free concerts that are held in cloisters, courtyards of palaces and among ancient ruins. There are also a number of discounted concerts that are a very affordable way to indulge in a bit of music on your trip to Rome. The Estate al Tempietto is the programme run by the Tempietto Orchestra every evening from July to September in the archaeological area of the Teatro Marcello. If it rains the concerts are held in the nearby basilica of Saint Nicholas in Chains. Also the Villa Pamphili in Musica festival, held in July, is a series of concerts in the gardens of Villa Doria Pamphili whose programme includes comic opera and jazz as well as XX century classical music.

For Demons: Nothing will satiate the Demon in you like a raucous toga party, trust us! The ultra happening Yellow youth hostel on Via Palestro is famous for its legendary toga parties that it hosts for both residents and outsiders alike. Starting from the Coliseum the madness continues through to the Forum and onto the streets, ending in a pub crawl that will show you a whole new side to this ancient city. So drape on that white bed sheet and get ready for a wicked time you won’t forget in a long time. Check www.yellowhostel.com for details.

(First published in Yuva)