car hire Rome

Rome’s history is incredibly long and amazingly rich. Many of the landmarks popular with travellers date as far back as the 1st century. For this, tourists owe a debt to the series of emperors who ruled Rome in those days, all of whom built ambitiously, hoping to also build a legacy. The rise of Christianity in the 4th century also contributed to the plethora of impressive edifices: At that time many of Rome’s enduring basilicas were constructed (including Santa Maria Maggiore, San Pietro, and Santa Croce). During the papacy’s glory years (the 1500s), it aligned itself with Italy’s highest-profile patrons, such as the Medicis, and with the country’s most prestigious artists, like Raphael. This led to a proliferation of stunning Renaissance and Baroque buildings and fountains. In advance of 2000’s Jubilee Year, when some 16 million Catholics visited Rome, the city restored and cleaned up many of these renowned attractions.

The number of attractions to be seen in Rome can be overwhelming. Rome wasn’t built in a day, as they say, and you won’t be able to see it all in a day. Many sights here could be considered required visits, but the Colosseum is one just about everyone agrees on. This archaic site of gladiator battles is simply unforgettable.

You can retrieve your car hire at Ciampino Airport, which is well-positioned for any number of potential short road trips outside Rome. The hill towns of Castelli Romani are easily explored by car. Marino, 25 kilometres from Rome’s city centre (and closer still to the airport), is a hill town that draws many visitors, especially in October, when the grape harvest begins. During this month, the fountains of Marino spout wine instead of water. Rocca di Papa is perhaps the most picturesque of the hill towns. About 10 kilometres past Marino, this idyllic spot faces the Alban lakes and looks out over the papal palace of Castel Gandolfo. Strawberry season arrives in the spring at Nemi, another popular destination, particularly in May during the strawberry festival. The strawberries grown in Nemi are thought to be some of the best in Europe.