The apartment lies just beyond the walls of Vatican City. Every Catholic’s pilgrimage and the official residence of the Pope, Vatican City also houses one of the world’s most famous art collections, the Sistine Chapel, and of course, St. Peter’s Basilica. A separate city-state since 1929, a visit to Vatican City is not to be missed. The apartment is even closer to Piazza Cavour, named for Camillo Benso – the Count of Cavour, who was one of the leader’s in Italy’s Unification. Piazza Cavour is also home to Rome’s largest cinema, Teatro Adriano. This colossal theater is a hot spot for films stars when blockbusters debut in Italy. To visit the Vatican, take bus #492 from Piazza Cavour (toward Stazione Metro Cipro). After 3 stops, exit at Crescenzio/Risorgimento and walk down Via del Mascherino to reach St. Peter’s Square. To reach Piazza Navona, famous for its fountains and artists, walk to a side street off Piazza Cavour called Via Cicerone. From here, take the #30 bus (toward Laurentina). After one stop, exit at Zanardelli. Finally, simply continue on Via Zanardelli to Via San Agostino and finally to the north-end of Piazza Navona. From here, you can also easily reach Campo de` Fiori, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps by foot. To get to the Spanish Steps (though it may be easier to walk from the Trevi Fountain – Via del Corso to Via dei Condotti), you may also want to consider taking the #913 bus (toward Augusto Imperatore). Exit after one stops at Augusto Imperatore, and walk down Via della Croce to reach the steps. To visit the Colosseum, begin by walking down Via Federico Cesi to where it meets with Via Vittoria Colonna. From this road, take the #87 bus (toward Largo Colli Albani). Exit after 13 stops at Labicana/Colosseo. From here, walk along Via dei Fori Imperiali to see the ancient Roman ruins and arguably, the world’s most famous arena, the Colosseum. To reach the charming, bohemian neighborhood of Trastevere take the #30 bus (toward Laurentina). Exit after three stops at Via Torre Argentina, one of Rome’s main bus stops. From here, take the #8 tram 3 stops to Trastevere. Or if weather permits, walk alongside the tram for a great view of Rome’s island, Tiburina. Where to Eat & Drink – Rome is filled with thousands of great restaurants, but here are a few great places nearby your apartment: Café = Near the Vatican in Piazza Risorgimento, you’ll find the stylish RisCafè. In the mornings, it’s a peaceful place to linger over coffee, at lunch snack on panini sandwiches and salads, and in the evening it become a raucous bar. If you're feeling adventurous, try their signature drink, the "Italian Spicy," a curious mix of basil, tomato juice, vodka and ginger ale. Open 9:30 am - 2 am. Piazza Risorgimento, 14. Tel 06 397-534-30 For Dinner = Al Vecchio Galeone is a family-owned restaurant serving seafood, brick-oven pizzas, and traditional Roman cuisine. Be sure to try the homemade gnocchi (potato pasta). Dinner is served from 7:00pm everyday except Mondays. Via della Madonna del Riposo, 36. tel 06 663-5926. Drinks = Off Piazza Risorgimento, Fonclea
is restaurant and pub that hosts live music most nights, generally jazz and blues. Mellow out here after a long day of sightseeing with a glass of wine or ice cold beer. Via Crescenzio 82/a , tel 06 689-6302