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Weekend in Rome What to see in Rome The Basilicas Your hotel is located within easy walking distance of the Basilica of St. Peter - the greatest and most famous of the basilicas of Rome. You first see the immense dome of St. Peter's looming over the grandiose ellipse of the Piazza S. Pietro lined with the Bernini colonnade like two arms opened in a perpetual and universal invitation. During the Jubilee Year this piazza has been regularly packed with pilgrims. You may then visit also the Basilica of St John Lateran, the first Christian church built in Rome by Constantine and the site of the papal cathedra (throne) and nearby the Holy Stairs which pilgrims traditionally ascend on their knees; and the Basilica of St. Mary Major, built in the 4th century on the spot where, according to legend, snow fell in August. Finally you can visit the Basilica of St. Paul-outside-the-Walls, 4 kilometres from the city centre: bathed in a golden light filtering through the alabaster windows are circular portraits of the 265 popes - with just a few spaces left to fill! The Piazzas Rome is famous for its beautiful Piazzas, most of them featuring spectacular fountains: the Piazza di Spagna with its exuberant flight of stairs (the famous "Spanish Steps"), the Piazza del Populo with its central Obelisk and, of course, the enormous Piazza Navona - once used as an athletic arena - now with its three fountains a popular venue for street artists and market stalls. Imperial Rome No visit to Rome is complete without a visit to the ancient Roman Forum and the impressive Colosseum. Throughout Rome you will see triumphal arches, obelisks, bath houses and other buildings dating back to the imperial era, blending in harmony with architecture from later times. If you visit the church of San Clementi (not far from the Colosseum) you enter a time machine, with three levels. The present church, dating from the 12th century, is built over a larger 4th century basilica, which was built over a Roman "house-church" and an ancient temple of Mithras. Times Long weekends in Rome departing any Thursday to Sunday Prices 2002 - £425.00 per person The price includes:
*Flights will be on any available scheduled flights from a London airport Please note that bookings received within 8 weeks of departure are subject to a £25.00 surcharge Special Pilgrimages Ltd, 55-57 Queens Road, Southend-on-Sea, Essex, SS1 1LT |