Rome: Walking Through History
Rome isn’t just a city—it’s a living museum where history whispers from every cobblestone. For two people who spent years studying Latin, exploring Rome by bike was like seeing the pages of our textbooks come alive.
We left Bagabonda in the harbor of Almerimar. And, after a quick detour in Brussels, we took a few days to discover Rome.
Getting around in Rome
Rome isn’t just a city—it’s a living museum where history whispers from every cobblestone. We explored the city primarily on foot, soaking in every detail up close, and occasionally used Uber for longer distances. We briefly tried taxis but were quickly discouraged. Cigar-smoking drivers racing through traffic in uncomfortable cars with broken taillights didn’t inspire confidence. A memorable bike tour provided another exciting way to experience Rome.
Bike tour in Rome
Our journey began at the iconic Colosseum. The arena, once filled with 50,000 spectators cheering gladiators, showed the weight of history. The scale of this amphitheater is breathtaking, a testament to Rome’s engineering genius and, admittedly, its brutal entertainment.
Next, we pedaled to the Roman Forum, the heart of ancient Rome. Standing amidst these ruins, we imagined Julius Caesar delivering speeches to his people. The Forum is more than ancient stones. It’s the echo of a bustling marketplace, a center of politics. It’s the epicenter of the Roman Empire at its peak. Knowing Latin made every carved inscription a revelation, connecting us intimately to voices from two thousand years ago.
The haunting tale of Nero and the Great Fire of Rome lingered as we cycled through narrow streets near Palatine Hill. As legend suggests, imagining Nero watching the city burn gave us chills. History may never fully untangle Nero’s true role, but the drama still captivates every visitor.
We capped our Roman adventure by tossing coins into the Trevi Fountain, ensuring a return to this enchanting city. The Spanish Steps, always alive with visitors, offered the perfect spot to pause, watch the world go by, and reflect on the layers of history beneath our pedals.
But it was near the Pantheon that we found a good moment and place to find the better ice cream and excellent espresso.
Roman Culinary Delights
Rome’s culinary scene was a revelation of its own. Crisp panini enjoyed on street corners, silky carbonara at lively trattorias, and espresso sipped standing at bustling café counters made every meal unforgettable.
One standout culinary experience was our visit to 53 Untitled, a trendy spot where we savored creative dishes in a stylish, modern setting—a delightful contrast to Rome’s traditional eateries.
Vatican City and Its Influence
We briefly visited Vatican City, Rome’s small yet powerful sovereign state. The Vatican is notably the largest property owner in Rome, evident in the countless beautiful churches and historic buildings spread throughout the city. Each church we passed in Rome seemed to hold a piece of history and artistry, hinting at grandeur deserving of a separate story.
Rome isn’t merely visited—it’s lived, savored, and felt deeply.
Rome Airport
Our smooth departure was aided by Rome’s airport, which, like Amsterdam Schiphol, has invested in advanced security technology. We appreciated being able to keep laptops and liquids in our hand luggage, significantly speeding up queues and making our travel experience seamless and stress-free.
