When in Rome, you need only divert your gaze from the tempting shop windows for a moment to discover something remarkable. For example, the Chiesa di Santa Maria del Popolo, in the square of the same name. This early Renaissance church contains some of Rome's finest art treasures: the frescoes of Pinturicchio and Bramante, a chapel designed by Raphael and completed by Bernini, and two large paintings by Caravaggio.
Head to the river to find the Museo dell'arca Pacis, home to one of ancient Rome's most important monuments. The altar was built to commemorate the consolidation of the empire and an end to war under Augustus. It is elaborately decorated with exquisitely delcate friezes and bas-reliefs. The area is an example of extraordinary interweaving of ancient and modern that adds to Rome's charm.
The weather in November in Rome is still quite mild, with maximum temperatures averaging 16 degrees celsius. To check the current weather in Rome click here.
Leonardo da Vinci is the capial's main airport. The express train service will take you to Rome's Termini train station in 30 minutes. Take the shuttle bus to Rome, then explore the city on foot. For more information visit the Travel page.
The Historic 5-star Hotel Hassler is at the top of the Spanish Steps, overlooking the shopping streets. Very luxurious, it has smart restaurants and an exclusive spa.
Imago Hassler has a covered terrace with a fine view over the city and elegant and imaginative cuisine. Casina Valadier, in the Villa Borghese, is ideal for romantic lunch or dinner.
St. Peter's Basilica, the crowning glory of Vatican City, is the most important church in the world. The cornerstone of this church was laid more than five hundred years ago, in 1506. The magnificent altars and monuments inside the church are too numerous to mention, but even those who aren't art aficionados will be wowed by what they'll find inside this amazing basilica, including more works by the renowned sculptor/architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini and also Michelangelo's Pieta.
The Roman Pantheon is the most preserved and influential building of ancient Rome. It is a Roman temple dedicated to all the gods of pagan Rome. As the brick stamps on the side of the building reveal it was built and dedicated between A.D 118 and 125.
The emperor Hadrian (A.D 117-138) built the Pantheon to replace Augustus’ friend and Commander Marcus Agrippa’s Pantheon of 27 B.C. which burnt to the ground in 80 A.D