Rome - A Couple of Questions
Apr 22nd, 2015, 08:25 PM
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Rome - A Couple of Questions
I'm typing our bring-along itinerary for Italy, and had a couple of quick questions.
We'll get to Rome Sunday morning, May 3rd taking the train from Milan, and we're staying in an apartment near the Colosseum. After we drop off our things, we'd like to visit the Colosseum/Forum/etc. since it's right down the street.
This is the first Sunday of the month, so most museums in Rome are free, including the Colosseum/Forum. I'm sure it will be busy and there may be lines. Is there a better entrance than the one at the Colosseum that we could use and maybe have a shorter line to wait in?
Monday, we plan to visit the Capuchin Crypt museum in the late morning. Can anyone recommend a good place for lunch nearby? We'd prefer to spend around 10 euros per person for an entree.
Thanks so much!
Lee Ann
We'll get to Rome Sunday morning, May 3rd taking the train from Milan, and we're staying in an apartment near the Colosseum. After we drop off our things, we'd like to visit the Colosseum/Forum/etc. since it's right down the street.
This is the first Sunday of the month, so most museums in Rome are free, including the Colosseum/Forum. I'm sure it will be busy and there may be lines. Is there a better entrance than the one at the Colosseum that we could use and maybe have a shorter line to wait in?
Monday, we plan to visit the Capuchin Crypt museum in the late morning. Can anyone recommend a good place for lunch nearby? We'd prefer to spend around 10 euros per person for an entree.
Thanks so much!
Lee Ann
Apr 22nd, 2015, 11:00 PM
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There is only one entrance to the Colosseum and the lines/wait are very long as there are security checks to enter. Best advice I can give is to go very late in the day when the crowds have thinned out.
You could always visit the Forum/Palatine area first - use the entrance near the Arch of Constantine - although being first Sunday it will also be a long, long wait.
The Capucin Crypt is on Via Veneto which has a lot of traffic and expensive cafes. There is a little trattoria which I like - called Da Olimpio - it's looks like a bit of a dive from the street but is family run and well priced food. It's on Via degli Avignonesi which is about a 10 min downhill walk from the Capucin Crypt.
You could always visit the Forum/Palatine area first - use the entrance near the Arch of Constantine - although being first Sunday it will also be a long, long wait.
The Capucin Crypt is on Via Veneto which has a lot of traffic and expensive cafes. There is a little trattoria which I like - called Da Olimpio - it's looks like a bit of a dive from the street but is family run and well priced food. It's on Via degli Avignonesi which is about a 10 min downhill walk from the Capucin Crypt.
Apr 23rd, 2015, 01:36 AM
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This will be a three-day holiday weekend, so the crowds will be worse than usual. I think it's a good idea to go in the late afternoon. The last entrance is at 18:15, and it closes at 19:15.
You could go earlier to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which should be somewhat less crowded than the Colosseum. Don't overlook the Palatine Hill, as many tourists do. It has the ruins of the ancient palaces of the emperors and other V.I.Ps of ancient Rome, in a beautiful park-like setting, with great views of the Roman Forum and Colosseum. There is also a little museum there, with statues and other artifacts, including household items, found at the site. On the lower level, there is an interesting exhibit about the prehistoric development of the city (which began on the Palatine Hill).
You could go earlier to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, which should be somewhat less crowded than the Colosseum. Don't overlook the Palatine Hill, as many tourists do. It has the ruins of the ancient palaces of the emperors and other V.I.Ps of ancient Rome, in a beautiful park-like setting, with great views of the Roman Forum and Colosseum. There is also a little museum there, with statues and other artifacts, including household items, found at the site. On the lower level, there is an interesting exhibit about the prehistoric development of the city (which began on the Palatine Hill).
Apr 23rd, 2015, 09:56 AM
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We're meeting our Airbnb apartment owner at 1:00, and I think that we'll spend some time figuring out things in the apartment and maybe picking up some breakfast items. I suspect we won't go to the Colosseum until at least 2:00.
We could still reserve tickets online ahead of time, though we'd have to pay a service charge (don't remember what it is). Would it be worth it to avoid lines?
Blueeyedcod, thanks for the restaurant recommendation.
Lee Ann
We could still reserve tickets online ahead of time, though we'd have to pay a service charge (don't remember what it is). Would it be worth it to avoid lines?
Blueeyedcod, thanks for the restaurant recommendation.
Lee Ann
Apr 23rd, 2015, 10:01 AM
#6
anything to avoid that long queue, elendill.
if you buy on line, you can use it when you like; it is valid for two consecutive days, though only allows admission to each part once. So you can do the colosseum one day, the Forum and Palatine Hill the next.
if you buy on line, you can use it when you like; it is valid for two consecutive days, though only allows admission to each part once. So you can do the colosseum one day, the Forum and Palatine Hill the next.
Apr 23rd, 2015, 06:12 PM
#10
>>>This is the first Sunday of the month, so most museums in Rome are free, including the Colosseum/Forum.<<<
Typically, even a free entrance still requires you stand in line a get a ticket for many Rome sites (my experience in Rome for the free cultural weekend done in Sept in the past).
The entrance for the Colosseum is at the Colosseum. That's the only entrance to access it (on the side towards Via di Fori Imperiali).
For the Forum/Palantine, entrance at Via di San Gregorio 30 (Palantine area, but will also give you access to the Forum after a trek) and on Via di Fori Imperiali at Largo della Salara Vecchia 5/6 (between the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia close to where Via Cavour runs into Via di Fori Imperiali) for the Forum (and you would also have access to Palantine). I'm unaware of any entrance booth at the Arch of Constantine and Coop doesn't list one as being there, but it is possible they have one, but not updated their website.
The entrance on Via di San Gregorio leads to trekking uphill to the Palantine area. On the far side, you come back down to the Forum.
Since the Forum/Palantine used to be free until a few years ago, perhaps they just open the entrances areas and don't require a ticket. Colosseum entrance is more line controlled (lanes, etc.).
Typically, even a free entrance still requires you stand in line a get a ticket for many Rome sites (my experience in Rome for the free cultural weekend done in Sept in the past).
The entrance for the Colosseum is at the Colosseum. That's the only entrance to access it (on the side towards Via di Fori Imperiali).
For the Forum/Palantine, entrance at Via di San Gregorio 30 (Palantine area, but will also give you access to the Forum after a trek) and on Via di Fori Imperiali at Largo della Salara Vecchia 5/6 (between the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia close to where Via Cavour runs into Via di Fori Imperiali) for the Forum (and you would also have access to Palantine). I'm unaware of any entrance booth at the Arch of Constantine and Coop doesn't list one as being there, but it is possible they have one, but not updated their website.
The entrance on Via di San Gregorio leads to trekking uphill to the Palantine area. On the far side, you come back down to the Forum.
Since the Forum/Palantine used to be free until a few years ago, perhaps they just open the entrances areas and don't require a ticket. Colosseum entrance is more line controlled (lanes, etc.).
Apr 23rd, 2015, 06:21 PM
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Not that you asked, but I highly recommend taking a tour. You get to see underground which you can't see otherwise, which was really excellent. And our guide really knew his stuff and made the visit much better than just walking out, looking around and so on. Well worth the cost.
Apr 23rd, 2015, 08:32 PM
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DebitNM, I asked the apartment owner and she said the market next door to our apartment will be open Sunday afternoon.
kybourbon, Blueeyedcod said further up the thread that there is an entrance by the Arch of Constantine. Thanks for letting me know where the Forum entrance is. I figured there should be one on Via di Fori Imperiali somewhere.
Lee Ann
kybourbon, Blueeyedcod said further up the thread that there is an entrance by the Arch of Constantine. Thanks for letting me know where the Forum entrance is. I figured there should be one on Via di Fori Imperiali somewhere.
Lee Ann
Apr 23rd, 2015, 10:40 PM
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Hi Elen,
We just got back from a trip to Rome. If interested, I invite you to read my trip report where I tell of our experience at the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-adventure.cfm
We just got back from a trip to Rome. If interested, I invite you to read my trip report where I tell of our experience at the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-adventure.cfm
Apr 23rd, 2015, 11:00 PM
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ElendilPickle - There is no entrance to the Forum on Via dei Fori Imperiali. There is an exit near the Temple of Antonio & Faustina but the only entrance(s) are on Via di San Gregorio and another one near the Arch of Titus (although that is periodically closed).
I would strongly recommend downloading a podcast or audio guide for the Forum/Palatine as it is difficult to understand without context. There are no signs outside the structures in English or Italian.
Oddly enough the best guide I have found is this one - you can order it from a supplier before you go or buy it from one of the many vendors outside the Forum & Colosseum.
http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Rome-M.../dp/8881620308
I would strongly recommend downloading a podcast or audio guide for the Forum/Palatine as it is difficult to understand without context. There are no signs outside the structures in English or Italian.
Oddly enough the best guide I have found is this one - you can order it from a supplier before you go or buy it from one of the many vendors outside the Forum & Colosseum.
http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Rome-M.../dp/8881620308
Apr 24th, 2015, 01:51 AM
#16
CoopCulture (the official website for them) lists the entrances for the Forum/Palantine as the ones I stated (right side of my link). I've used the Palantine entrance for the Forum.
http://www.coopculture.it/en/heritage.cfm?id=4
The Rome Tourism board includes an entrance near the arch, but I've always found the tourism board website to be less up-to-date for any changes (as much as a couple of years - YMMV). From the English version of their website (Italian versions get updated before any English versions which might not get updated at all):
ingresso al Foro Romano da Largo della Salara Vecchia, altezza di via dei Fori Imperiali di fronte via Cavour
Address: Via di San Gregorio [ centre on the map ]
Zone: Rione Celio (Terme di Caracalla) (Roma centro)
ingresso al Palatino
Address: Via Sacra [ centre on the map ]
Zone: Rione Campitelli (Foro Romano- Campidoglio-P.Venezia) (Roma centro)
ingresso al Foro Romano, di fronte all'Arco di Tito
***The ticket, which is valid for the Colosseum and the archaeological area of the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill, may be purchased at the ticket offices in Via di San Gregorio (Palatine), Largo Salara Vecchia - Former Largo Romolo e Remo (Roman Forum), Piazza del Colosseo (Colosseum) and Via Sacra (Roman Forum, Arco di Tito) or at the ticket offices of two museums: Palazzo Altemps and Terme di Diocleziano during their opening time (€ 2,00 booking fee).
The exits are located at the Arch of Titus and the Mamertino prison (closed both entrances and exits at S. Teodoro and at Capitoline hill).***
From the Italian Ministry of Culture (no English version):
Biglietti:
Biglietterie: l.go Salara Vecchia e v. di S.Gregorio,30
Colosseo/Palatino/Foro Romano: biglietto unico
There used to be an entrance on the far side (which I used a few years back), but I'm pretty sure that's is closed off now.
You can download Rick Steves audio guide free from Itunes (he has a map on Itunes you can d/l outlining the things in his audio guide). You can also rent audio guides on site (5€). At one point, they were offering video guides for a few euro more, but I don't see a price for those so maybe they decided the equipment to do that was too fragile and costly.
If you want an in depth walking tour of the Forum, read Walter's posts (ParadiseLost). For years, he was Fodor's resident expert on the area (and other ancients sites around Rome). Some of his links to pics and references no longer work and you can't search the ParadiseLost screen name anymore. He has a passion for the Forum so his posts are quite detailed.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...lking-tour.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...our-part-2.cfm
http://www.coopculture.it/en/heritage.cfm?id=4
The Rome Tourism board includes an entrance near the arch, but I've always found the tourism board website to be less up-to-date for any changes (as much as a couple of years - YMMV). From the English version of their website (Italian versions get updated before any English versions which might not get updated at all):
ingresso al Foro Romano da Largo della Salara Vecchia, altezza di via dei Fori Imperiali di fronte via Cavour
Address: Via di San Gregorio [ centre on the map ]
Zone: Rione Celio (Terme di Caracalla) (Roma centro)
ingresso al Palatino
Address: Via Sacra [ centre on the map ]
Zone: Rione Campitelli (Foro Romano- Campidoglio-P.Venezia) (Roma centro)
ingresso al Foro Romano, di fronte all'Arco di Tito
***The ticket, which is valid for the Colosseum and the archaeological area of the Roman Forum/Palatine Hill, may be purchased at the ticket offices in Via di San Gregorio (Palatine), Largo Salara Vecchia - Former Largo Romolo e Remo (Roman Forum), Piazza del Colosseo (Colosseum) and Via Sacra (Roman Forum, Arco di Tito) or at the ticket offices of two museums: Palazzo Altemps and Terme di Diocleziano during their opening time (€ 2,00 booking fee).
The exits are located at the Arch of Titus and the Mamertino prison (closed both entrances and exits at S. Teodoro and at Capitoline hill).***
From the Italian Ministry of Culture (no English version):
Biglietti:
Biglietterie: l.go Salara Vecchia e v. di S.Gregorio,30
Colosseo/Palatino/Foro Romano: biglietto unico
There used to be an entrance on the far side (which I used a few years back), but I'm pretty sure that's is closed off now.
You can download Rick Steves audio guide free from Itunes (he has a map on Itunes you can d/l outlining the things in his audio guide). You can also rent audio guides on site (5€). At one point, they were offering video guides for a few euro more, but I don't see a price for those so maybe they decided the equipment to do that was too fragile and costly.
If you want an in depth walking tour of the Forum, read Walter's posts (ParadiseLost). For years, he was Fodor's resident expert on the area (and other ancients sites around Rome). Some of his links to pics and references no longer work and you can't search the ParadiseLost screen name anymore. He has a passion for the Forum so his posts are quite detailed.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...lking-tour.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...our-part-2.cfm
Apr 24th, 2015, 03:42 AM
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The entrance to the Roman Forum is on Via dei Fori Imperiali, as KYBourbon said, near the Temple of Faustina ed Antonio. The entrance on Via di San Gregorio is to the Palatine Hill, although it's very near the stair that brings you down to the Roman Forum. There is an exit at the Capitoline Hill end of the Roman Forum. If you go straight ahead at this exit, you return to Via dei Fori Imperiali; if you turn left, you ascend to the Capitoline Hill, where the Capitoline Museums and the Campidoglio (Rome city hall) are located.
There is also an exit near the Arch of Titus, which I've never used. It was probably used as an entrance back when the Roman Forum was free to enter. The other exit certainly was used as an entrance.
Here are two maps that show the entrance and one or both of the exits. The first map is very detailed. You can see the entrance about half way along the horizontal axis, right by the Temple of Faustina ed Antonio (number 4 on the map). The road just above the entrance is Via dei Fori Imperiali. The map also shows at least one of the exits, at the Colosseo end, right by the Arch of Titus, which is labeled (Arcus Titi) but not numbered. I can't see the other exit, but it's a very busy section of the map.
http://www.planetware.com/i/map/I/ancient-rome-map.jpg
Rick Steves has a very abbreviated map of the Forum and Palatine Hill, but this makes it easier to see the entrances and exits.
https://cdn3.ricksteves.com//Project...a436/forum.pdf
This map is turned 90 degrees with respect to the other, so the entrance, and Via dei Fori Imperiali, are on the right. The Temple of Faustina ed Antonio is number 8a. The Arch of Titus is number 3, right above the exit. The exit I always use, at the other end, is near the Temple of Settimio Severo (14).
I don't know if or when the Palatine Hill was ever free to enter. When I first was in Rome, 20 years ago, it wasn't free. The Roman Forum was free to enter until about seven or eight years ago.
There is also an exit near the Arch of Titus, which I've never used. It was probably used as an entrance back when the Roman Forum was free to enter. The other exit certainly was used as an entrance.
Here are two maps that show the entrance and one or both of the exits. The first map is very detailed. You can see the entrance about half way along the horizontal axis, right by the Temple of Faustina ed Antonio (number 4 on the map). The road just above the entrance is Via dei Fori Imperiali. The map also shows at least one of the exits, at the Colosseo end, right by the Arch of Titus, which is labeled (Arcus Titi) but not numbered. I can't see the other exit, but it's a very busy section of the map.
http://www.planetware.com/i/map/I/ancient-rome-map.jpg
Rick Steves has a very abbreviated map of the Forum and Palatine Hill, but this makes it easier to see the entrances and exits.
https://cdn3.ricksteves.com//Project...a436/forum.pdf
This map is turned 90 degrees with respect to the other, so the entrance, and Via dei Fori Imperiali, are on the right. The Temple of Faustina ed Antonio is number 8a. The Arch of Titus is number 3, right above the exit. The exit I always use, at the other end, is near the Temple of Settimio Severo (14).
I don't know if or when the Palatine Hill was ever free to enter. When I first was in Rome, 20 years ago, it wasn't free. The Roman Forum was free to enter until about seven or eight years ago.
Apr 24th, 2015, 04:24 AM
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ElendilPickle - the tribe has spoken lol - apologies I always left the Forum via this exit I mentioned on Via dei Fori Imperiali, with locals who are friends, and often wondered why there were no people lined up for tickets - it must be a well kept secret as around the corner at the other entrance the lines are huge.
This entrance/exit is closed at the moment due to extensions to the metro but perhaps someone who has been to Rome in the last month or so could verify for sure as I was just passing in a taxi and saw the hoardings so I could be wrong.
This entrance/exit is closed at the moment due to extensions to the metro but perhaps someone who has been to Rome in the last month or so could verify for sure as I was just passing in a taxi and saw the hoardings so I could be wrong.
Apr 24th, 2015, 07:39 AM
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I have to apologize to Blueeyedcod. I had forgotten about the Metro C construction, and I haven't been to the Roman Forum since the work on the new station began. It seems as though the entrance is now just where she said it was, on the Via Sacra near the Arco di Tito.
<< I biglietti possono essere acquistati presso:
- biglietterie di Via di San Gregorio (Palatino), di Largo della Salara Vecchia - ex Largo Romolo e Remo - (Foro Romano), piazza del Colosseo (Colosseo), <b> via Sacra (ingresso al Foro Romano, di fronte l'Arco di Tito)</b>
- presso la bigliettera di Palazzo Altemps e del Museo delle Terme di Diocleziano, durante gli orari di apertura di tali biglietterie (supplemento € 2,00 di prevendita). >>
http://www.060608.it/it/cultura-e-sv...-palatino.html
<< I biglietti possono essere acquistati presso:
- biglietterie di Via di San Gregorio (Palatino), di Largo della Salara Vecchia - ex Largo Romolo e Remo - (Foro Romano), piazza del Colosseo (Colosseo), <b> via Sacra (ingresso al Foro Romano, di fronte l'Arco di Tito)</b>
- presso la bigliettera di Palazzo Altemps e del Museo delle Terme di Diocleziano, durante gli orari di apertura di tali biglietterie (supplemento € 2,00 di prevendita). >>
http://www.060608.it/it/cultura-e-sv...-palatino.html
