europeannovice

Nikki--Thanks for the link on the Yale history course.

Bilboburglar--excuse my ignorance--why is there a section that Jews avoid in the Forum?

Hi Flanneruk--thanks for your input!

StCirq--Yes DH and I are very interested in antiquities and archeological sites. However, DS probably not so much after the first one or two so I have to factor that into the planning.

Thanks Greg--will have to have some Sfogliatelle--my favorite pastry.

IMDonehere

Jews did not want to walk under the Arch of Titus, as it was under him that Jerusalem was conquered. But the since the statehood of Israel, which ironically today 60 years ago, Jews now walk under the Arch.

Nikki

You can see the depiction of the spoils taken from the temple in Jerusalem on the inside of the arch. I didn't know the part about not walking under it. But I wasn't there before the founding of the state of Israel (wasn't that 68 years ago, in 1948?).

kleeblatt

The Roman Forum, unless you're a true archeaological buff, can be incredibly boring whereas the Coloseum is magnificent in its grandness.

Make sure you get tickets on-line to avoid lines.

Nikki

On the other hand, I find the Roman Forum magical. When I first went to Rome with my husband, having visited once before, I walked with him on the evening of our arrival up Michelangelo's steps to the top of the Capitoline hill, and took in the view of the Forum. As we stood admiring it, I said that we would go into the Forum in the morning. He said, awestruck: "You mean they let you go in there and walk around?" He couldn't believe it.

IMDonehere

Sorry my math was off. It was 1948.

EYWandBTV

If you are near the Forum, visit Trajan's Market, extensive remains of this huge complex.

BAHItaly

We only visited I would always say they are a must see.
Then went to Sorrento which was a nice break and day trips form there. My husband drove it but it hectic driving conditions.

annhig

he Roman Forum is the only such site I've ever been to where an actual physical human was essential at first visit: I've frequently returned (what's visible is constantly changing), but I'm still grateful to the teacher who took me round the first time: I suspect an unguided first visit can easily turn into a ghastly set of incomprehensible ruins. >>

flanner - I am on visit no 3 and it's still a pile of stones so far as I'm concerned; I think it's more a lack of imagination than lack of interest. as for the colosseum i first saw it in company with my DS who was so transported by being in Rome and the hugeness of everything that it was all marvellous, but we particularly enjoyed the Palatine hill as you really got an idea of people living there.

I think that the OP should just take it a day at a time - after all apart from the Colosseum there is really not need to book anything.

J62

My visits to the forum my last few trips have consist of sitting on a ledge high up on the hill overlooking the ruins, watching the tour groups meander through the pile of rocks like schools of sardines as I enjoy my leisurely Rome picnic of cheap Italian wine, cheese, rosciutto & lovely rustic bread baked in an ancient stone oven.

Listening to the stories the walls do tell is more enjoyable than hearing another tour guide rattle off facts and figures I'll never remember anyway.

La dolce vita, Roman style.

europeannovice

Thanks all for the historical information. I will do a little more background reading before we visit. Looking forward to it.

Next question--what is there to see at Circus Maximus? Is it an open field now where once stood a stadium? Is it worth a stop to visit? Is it walking distance from the Forum and Colosseum?

Finecheapboxofwine

We visited the Colosseum and the Forum in one day with a restaurant lunch in between. Circus Maximus is close by and probably a 15 minute walk from the Colosseum. We didn't visit the Circus Maximus but I probably wouldn't do the three of them in one day anyway.

Whathello

I loved the Circus Maximus. It gives a real idea of what it was.

kleeblatt

The Circus Maximus is a big field that's used for exhibitions, etc. It's interesting if you can imagine how it once was otherwise you may just see a big field. The Coloseum, the Roman Forum and the Palantine Hill are all next to each other while the Circus Maximus borders the Palantine Hill on the other side.

I've been there about five times with different people and, to be honest, after two-three hours, most people have had enough. The Palentine Hill is interesting because of its location, its "house" ruins and its views. I enjoy it more than the Roman Forum. However, what I do like is walking through the Forum and using the exit that takes you up the stairs and back into the city. There's something magical about that.

bilboburgler

Normally the queue for the palantine hill entrance is far shorter than for the Col. But the tickets give you access to both