A recent survey commissioned by Autoclick.co.uk* of Italians in the Centro region of Italy found that when it comes to sight-seeing the Coliseum is just as popular with locals as it was with 7-10 million tourists that visit each year.
Here’s a guide to the most popular (and one you might not know about)
Trevi Fountain (5%)
Perhaps one of the most famous fountains in the world, the Trevi fountain was finished in 1762 and every day an estimated 3,000 Euros are tossed into the water. The fountain appears in the movie La Dolce Vita and the famous scene with Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg was completed only after Mastroianni had been fitted with a wetsuit under his clothes and had drank a bottle of vodka.
Imperial Foras (6%)
The Foras were constructed between 46 BC and 113 AD by a succession of Emperors often to gain favour by spending money on public projects. In the 1930’s Mussolini ordered construction of the Via dei Fori Imperiali, as a result a big section of this area is now covered with asphalt.
Old Town (11%)
Despite its popularity with tourists, the Old Town in Rome still retains all of its character and charm. Areas such as Campo de’ Fiori, the Pantheon and the Ghetto are full of great cafes and romantic restaurants and a famous scene from The Talented Mr Ripley was filmed at a cafe in Piazza Navona.
The Coliseum (29%)
The Coliseum is the largest amphitheatre ever built and construction of this amazing structure began under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72. The scene of many barbaric Gladiator flights throughout history (including a fight between Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris in Way of the Dragon) thankfully it’s a peaceful place these days, but its historic splendour is a must for all sightseers.
Out of the city – Lake Bracciano
Head 30 miles out of Rome and you’ll find the gorgeous Lake Bracciano. The 3 towns that border it are Bracciano, Anguillara Sabazia and Trevignano Romano and all have an abundance of inexpensive restaurants and cosy trattoria. Motorboats are forbidden on the lake, but canoes and sail crafts are very popular so it’s a superb place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Rome for a few days.
The highlight is Castello Orsini-Odescalchi (Castle Bracciano) it was the location for Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’s wedding, but don’t let that put you off. It’s spectacular panoramas of the lake are matched only by the delicious, local spinach-like Chicoria and local wine.
* Stats by www.Autoclick.co.uk
Autoclick is a car rental company catering to customers looking to rent a car in Europe for either business or pleasure.
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