I was very disappointed in Rome as a city, as a monarchy, republic and empire continue to impress.
The city of Rome is dirty, garbage and tourists have taken over the city. The ubiquitous mess, tumult and crowds. The walls are scrawled, tenement houses and any free space. Away from the tourist attractions, it's even worse – dirtier, garbage is everywhere, as well as dog poop. The streets are ugly, there is little green, the urban planning seems chaotic and in general the whole thing resembles gray Warsaw under communism.
You cannot visit the city in 5 days, but we saw everything, what we wanted and even more and of course we walked everywhere. We made approx 30 I rode a bike and went to the gym twice a week since September, that's the best way to visit.
I am delighted with the Pantheon, Hadrian's mausoleum, the Trevi Fountain is really beautiful. It was interesting to visit the underground Piazza Navona and the Domitian Stadium, The visit to the Basilica of St. John Lateran.
In Rome, I was captivated by the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hills, where you can find respite from the crowds in a huge area and delve into the history of the empire. It's worth booking a full day for a popular one “triumwirat” and explore the excavation site at a leisurely pace.
Biggest disappointment, despite visiting the arena as well, it's the Colosseum, maybe like Colossus (Nero) not missing… On them the Spanish Steps, The Mouth of Truth, Borghese gardens (plus few tourists).
It is worth, always worth it. History overwhelms the city, tourists destroy “climate” and intimate atmosphere of sightseeing. It is noisy, quickly and just a selfie came out, without reflection.
I'm not going back to Rome, I'm not drawn to this city. I knew right away, that this is the first and last time unlike Naples, which seems dirtier and smellier. I am drawn to this city, running around it and with great pleasure I will visit it again.
The greatest discovery and gem of Rome for me is Via Appia Antica, which we have been able to pass from 1 mili from Ciampino (11 Roman miles) and an aqueduct, which happened to be on ours by accident “route”. Another entry.
