Loving Apartments Helps Visitors Conquer the Famous Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps, also known as, Scalinata di Spagna, are one of the biggest touristy areas to visit in Rome. Located in the Piazza de Spagna, the steps serve as a hangout area and a place to take photos of the most memorable, and longest stairs in all of Italy.

The steps were constructed from 1723 to 1725 under the funding of French diplomat, Étienne Gueffier and the French King. The steps got their name from the Spanish Ambassador who once resided in the square.

At the top of the steps is the church of Trinita dei Monti, which is located in the Piazza Trinita dei Monti. At the base of the steps is the Fontana della Barcaccia. The fountain is a prime example of the popular Baroque style and recounts the flood of the River Tiber in 1598. It depicts a sinking ship that is intended to represent the folk tale that a fishing boat in the flood was found in this exact spot. For more information on the fountain check out: http://www.glasssteelandstone.com/BuildingDetail/159.php

The steps are free to visit and open to the public at all times. Picnic lunches are not recommended as the authorities are attempting to keep the steps clean. A nice resting area after shopping along the designer shops and boutiques.

Loving Apartment provides several apartment rental options located in close proximity to the Spanish Steps, one being the Margutta Loft, which is also part of the luxury collection. The apartment provides plenty of space with high ceilings and an open living room. The rooms are decorated more modernly with sleek furniture and more neutral colors such as whites, browns, and the camel color filling each room. The newly renovated apartment was once home to the famous artist, Lorenzo Gigotti. The studio includes a terrace with a dining table and chairs, which allows visitors to enjoy breathtaking views of the city. The studio also includes one bathroom, a living room, bedroom, and kitchenette. For more information visit the Loving Rome Apartments website: http://www.lovingrome.com/

Loving Apartments Offer Proximity to the Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain has been a must see in Rome for years. People from all over the world come to toss a coin in the fountain to ensure their return to Rome. The legend has led to numerous new interpretations such as throwing in two coins will spark a new romance in one’s life and throwing three coins will lead to a marriage or divorce. It is said that more than 3,000 Euros are thrown into the fountain each day and are collected to help the poor.

Although this may be the main reason for the fountains popularity, others come to see its baroque style. The Trevi Fountain is massive as it stands 85 feet high and 65 feet across making it the largest baroque fountain in the City. If you have ever visited Rome, there are fountains in nearly every piazza and square, so this is quite an accomplishment.

Historically, the site is a meeting point of three roads marking the terminal point for the ancient source of water also known as the the revived Aqua Virgo. Romans used a  fountain to give recognition to the endpoint of an aqueduct and in 1629 Pope Urban VIII continued this tradition of the Romans and asked for a newly constructed fountain. He died and the project was dismantled. Then in 1730 Pope Clement XII commissioned the new fountain and construction began in 1732. Finished in 1762 by Giuseppe Pannini, the Baroque style continues to impress. The Stonework and large statues provide a look into Rome’s historically rich past.

Visitor’s can enjoy the Trevi Fountain from less than half a mile away, thanks to Loving Apartments. Although Loving Apartments offers numerous accommodations in Rome, one of the closest to Trevi Fountain is in the Pierret. The suite includes one bedroom, a bathroom, and a refrigerator. It is very charming and traditional, as the building is a restored XVIII Roman building. Overall, it is in the heart of Rome overlooking the Spanish Steps, another touristy destination, and gives visitors a great insight into the beautiful architecture of Rome. For more information on other places around the Trevi Fountain visit: http://www.lovingrome.com/Rome-Apartments-Rome-close-to-The-Trevi-Fountain-poil-104-en.html.

For more information on Loving Apartments please visit their website: https://lovingapartments.com/.

Sistine Chapel and its Rich History

While you’re in Rome, there are many “must see” sites.  Among them being the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Forum, and many more.  One that can never be missed is the Sistine Chapel.

The Sistine Chapel’s lengthy history is only part of its splendor.  It’s happenings now are of just as much importance as they always have been.  The Sistine Chapel is the papal headquarters for the conclave, or the process of choosing a new pope.

The events that occur at the Sistine Chapel have a huge impact on the Catholic and Christian world, but the art inside the chapel is for everyone to enjoy.  Works from Botticelli, Perugino, Ghirlandaio  and, more famously, Michelangelo can be found in this historic landmark.

Michaelangelo’s works that depict scenes from the Bible’s Old Testament can be found here.  The famous paintings on the vault, or ceiling, and his painting of judgment about the altar are believed to be the token pieces of his career.

The chapel is located inside the walls of the Vatican City, which can be found very easily via public transport.  Many apartments in Rome are located very close, as well.

Such a rich and historic destination should not be looked over during your holiday in Rome.

Loving Rome Apartments offers the perfect accommodation for your stay.  We offer apartments of all shapes and sizes for every budget and preference.  With many apartments to choose from, you are sure to be satisfied with your choice.  Loving Rome Apartments also offers our special Map feature, which lets you pick your apartment according to where you’d like to be.

Visit our Loving Rome Apartments Website for a full listing of apartments available in Rome.

Rome’s Piazza Navona Comes to Life During Christmastime

During your stay in a Rome apartment over the holidays, don’t forget to visit the beautiful Piazza Navona Christmas Market.  This Christmas Market takes place from 26 November 2010 to 6 January 2011.

At this beautiful market, there are all kinds of trinkets and gifts to be found.  Many small tokens of Rome await you.

If all of your gifts have already been purchased, the views of the architecture and lights will be enough to satisfy anyone.  The culture in the market shows years of history and seasoned perfection.  Local vendors gather each year to make this a truly authentic experience.

Children can find Santa Claus here, and even collect gifts from him.  If the light in the children’s eyes isn’t enough to fill your hunger, you may always take in a great holiday spirit or some great seasonal bites. Sweets, chestnuts, candies, the famous torrone, sugared apples, liquorice and many other delicious treats await you.

In the Piazza Navona, the Fountain of Moor and the Fountain of Neptune can be found.  Both of these fountains are popular tourist destinations, as they are magnificent sights.

Located in downtown Rome, many apartments and accommodations are located very near.  Loving Rome Apartments is ready to accommodate all of your needs.  At Loving Rome Apartments, all of our short stay accommodations are fully furnished, including a full kitchen complete with accessories.  When you come back from the market with all of your amazing Italian food, you can enjoy a quiet candlelit evening at your home away from home.

Festival of Sacred Music

Starting October 23rd, the Festival Internazionale de Musica E Arte Sacra, or “International Festival of Sacred Music” will be held as Rome as its host.

The Papal Basilicas of Rome will house this three day event, giving it one of the 17.00most historic and beautiful venues any sacred music festival could ask for.

At 17.00 on Saturday the 23rd, the Cathedral of St. Patrick Choir, New York (USA) will start the festival off with a Russian ensemble.

Other musicians involved include the organist of the Mainz Cathedral, Albert Schönberger, Mainz Cathedral Wind Ensemble “Mainzer Dombläser,” and Wiener Philharmoniker, among many choirs and other features.

This year celebrates the ninth annual Festival of Sacred Music.  The Fondazione Pro Musica e Arte Sacra, a non-profit organization that works to raise money to preserve sacred places of music, could not be happier.

The festival comes to an end on 26th October, with the final service at 21.00 in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

Join Loving Paris Apartment is this joyous event in a comfortable apartment accommodation.

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.