Strolling around the Villa Borghese Park when staying in Rome Apartments

Situated in central Rome and coverig a large area The Villa Borghese Park in Rome is packed full of art and nature, and is a site of real beauty.

Visiting the Vatican in Rome when staying at a Rome Apartment

No matter what religion you are, or even if you have none, a visit to the Vatican is something one must do when staying at an apartment in Rome.  The Vatican is one of the most wondrous sites in Rome, with some of the most important architecture and art in the world, as well as being the spiritual home of Christianity.

The Vatican City is the sovereign state, that is, it’s own country, sitting in the heart of Rome across the river Tiber from the main city centre.   It is easy to walk to, and into, with no border crossing, in fact just a white line at the edge of St Peters Square marks part of the border between it and Italy.

Below is a brief guide of what to see and do when visiting the Vatican.

The Swiss Guards protecting the Pope.

The Swiss Guards

Since the 14th century this colourful private army has protected the Pope in the Vatican City.  Actually mercenaries from Switzerland, the Pontifical Swiss Guards are the smallest army in the world.  Their dress is bright and colourful, similar to medieval court jesters, but don’t let that fool you, they are deadly serious about protecting their clients, and are now armed with sub-machine gun as well as the traditional halberds, the long poles with double axe blades at the end.

St Peters Square

This is the large square in front of St Peters Basilica that can be crowded with people when the Pope is giving mass from the balcony of the Basilica.  Oval in shape the space was designed to allow as many people as possible to view the Pope when giving blessings.  The current layout was deigned by Lorenzo Bernini in 1667, who was responsible for the impressive colonnades around the edges.  At the centre is an obelisk, almost 26 metres high, created in the 13th century BC in Egypt, moved to its current position in the square in 1586 from its position just to the left of The Basilica at the Circus of Nero where it was placed on AD37 by Emporer Caligula.

The view of St Perers Square from the top of the Basilica.

St Peter’s Basilica

With the capacity to hold 60,000 people, and with an interior dome high enough to accommodate the statue of Liberty this is the largest Basilica in Christianity.  Thought to be the burial place of St Peter, who was crucified upside down by Emperor Nero in 64 AD at the Circus of Nero next to the current Basilica, this is a place of pilgrimage for Christians.

The sheer size of the interior will astound you and the opulence of gold and marble is indeed awe-inspiring.  Laid out in the traditional cross shape, at the centre is the alter over which is the stunning baldacchino, created by the designer Bernini, it is a pavilion like construction, 30 metres tall and made of bronze, which creates a “holy space” above and around the alter serving to frame the holy sacrament of the Eucharist.

As a place of Christian worship there is a strict dress code; no vest tops, no hats, and no short dresses.  There are free tours in the afternoon and frequent masses.  If you are feeling energetic and can handle very narrow steep steps then it is possible to climb to the top of the dome, squeezing between the space between the interior and exterior dome to the cupola for an amazing view of St Peters Square and Rome beyond.

The Vatican Museums

Several museums and chapels contain some of the worlds most treasured art, including works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, and of course Michelangelos’s decorated Sistine Chapel.  On the last Sunday of every month the museum is open for free for everyone, so either go or avoid depending on how happy you are to queue for hours.

Apartments Near The Vatican City

Loving Rome Apartments have several apartment accommodation rentals close to the Vatican.  If you intend to visit the Vatican over several days then staying near the Vatican in Rome apartment accommodation rentals can be really convenient as you will be just a short walk away, but also close to all the other amazing sites Rome has to offer.

A Luxury Rome Apartment near The Vatican City

For a luxury experience you can try a 2 bedroom San Pietro Vivaldi Rome apartment,  set in beautiful gardens just a  5 minute walk from The Vatican City.    With all the facilities you may need such as air-conditioning, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer and well equipped kitchen it’s the perfect base for exploring all Vatican City, and Rome has to offer.

Budget Rome apartment near to the Vatican.

If you are on more of a budget then consider the Candia Rome apartment, brightly and simply furnished, with air-conditioning, a washing machine and TV, this is fantastic value for a 2 bedroom bedget Rome apartment.  For a 1 bedroom option, just as close to the Vatican, try the Rome apartment Callisto. Recently refurbished, with lovely views over to Gianicolo Hill, it’s a wonderful choice for a small family or group of friends on a budget.

Why choose a vacation apartment rental?

Vacation apartment rentals are a great way to  visit beautiful cities such as Rome and not spend a fortune. By their very nature apartments are perfect for self catering.  All apartments found on the Loving Rome  apartment vacation rental website have kitchens. Making your own breakfast or lunch-time snack means you can save your pennies for that special treat in one of Rome’s fabulouss trattoria.

Vacation apartment rentals in Rome also offer much more space for your money. One apartment for four guests might cost half the price of two hotel rooms. There is also much more space to relax in as most Loving Rome apartments have a separate living room. Loving Rome has made finding your prefect vacation apartment rental a real pleasure.  

Great apartments in the best locations

The Loving Rome  website allows you to search against your preferred criteria such as

• Luxury
• Cheapest
• Best value for money
• Best for young couples
• Best for families
• Most recommended

It really is that easy.

How to Find the Best Self Catering Apartment Accommodation in Rome.

Rome Vacation apartment rentals

Trying to find the best self catering holiday apartment rentals in Rome? Need a fast, reliable search for your next holiday apartment rental in Rome?  Here’s a great solution. This website has some fantastic tools to help you find the prefect apartment rental for your next trip to amazing Rome.