Travelling to Rome! Advice? Suggestions?

[Spem in alium]

I am planning a research trip to Rome sometime during this year, likely for a month to six weeks. 

I'm tossing up between going either in July or in October. Any recommendations? On the one hand, I want to go earlier so that I can have more time to write my thesis afterwards, but on the other, I've heard how hot and busy Rome gets during the holiday period.

Also, can anyone suggest any good places to stay (which are preferably cheaper, and close to the Vatican)? I have been interested in convents mainly.

Blessings!

[Nihil Obstat]

I have heard that Domus Australia is a good place to stay. 

[Spem in alium]

I have heard that Domus Australia is a good place to stay. 

​I did check out Domus. I have a few contacts working there or associated with it, which would help me, but it seems expensive and doesn't seem to have availability for a month (I'd prefer to stay in one place rather than move about). I will keep it in mind though, as a few people have suggested it to me.

[Ancilla Domini]

I'd definitely recommend going in October. Rome isn't just hot in the summer - it's deathly. You wind up planning your sight-seeing around where there are water-fountains to bathe your neck in.

I'm afraid I can't really suggest any places to stay, though, since the only times we've gone, we've stayed with friends.

Edited April 20, 2015 by Ancilla Domini

[Sponsa-Christi]

Yes, definitely go in October rather than July. Not only is Rome excruciatingly hot in the summer, but things might also start to close down. (And in August, almost everything in closed.) October is the start of the Roman academic year, so I imagine that more libraries would be open. 

The Pontifical Irish College has a reasonably-priced pilgrim hotel called the Villa Irelanda. This is over by the Lateran, but it's close to a few major bus stops, so it would be easy enough to get to the Vatican from there. If you're willing to stay outside of the city of Rome, the Venerable English College also has a guesthouse called the Palazzola. For a six-week stay, though, it might be better if you could find a convent that took boarders, though unfortunately I don't have any suggestions. You could also try writing to the Lay Centre to see if they would have any possibilities for you. You may also want to check out the Lay Students in Rome facebook page.

[Gabriela]

I agree with October, cuz it is mighty rainy on the Mediterranean in the winter. And, yeah, hot as hell in the summer.

If you're staying 4–6 weeks, you should look into staying with a good Catholic family. They often rent out rooms 'round there.

[Spem in alium]

I'd definitely recommend going in October. Rome isn't just hot in the summer - it's deathly. You wind up planning your sight-seeing around where there are water-fountains to bathe your neck in.

I'm afraid I can't really suggest any places to stay, though, since the only times we've gone, we've stayed with friends.

​

Yes, definitely go in October rather than July. Not only is Rome excruciatingly hot in the summer, but things might also start to close down. (And in August, almost everything in closed.) October is the start of the Roman academic year, so I imagine that more libraries would be open. 

The Pontifical Irish College has a reasonably-priced pilgrim hotel called the Villa Irelanda. This is over by the Lateran, but it's close to a few major bus stops, so it would be easy enough to get to the Vatican from there. If you're willing to stay outside of the city of Rome, the Venerable English College also has a guesthouse called the Palazzola. For a six-week stay, though, it might be better if you could find a convent that took boarders, though unfortunately I don't have any suggestions. You could also try writing to the Lay Centre to see if they would have any possibilities for you. You may also want to check out the Lay Students in Rome facebook page.

 

I agree with October, cuz it is mighty rainy on the Mediterranean in the winter. And, yeah, hot as hell in the summer.

If you're staying 4–6 weeks, you should look into staying with a good Catholic family. They often rent out rooms 'round there.

​​Thank you, all. I think October is looking like the better option. One of my Sisters will actually be in Rome in July, so if I went then I would have someone around to meet with, but as I much prefer cooler weather I think I will aim for later on.
I am very interested in Villa Irlanda. And when I looked at it, I realised that it's not too far at all from the library I need to visit (30-35 min walk), or from a church I'd like to see. I will contact them! 
I also really like the sound of staying with a family. At the moment I am planning on travelling by myself, and I know my parents (and my Sisters) would prefer me to have company. 

[Sponsa-Christi]

​I am very interested in Villa Irlanda. And when I looked at it, I realised that it's not too far at all from the library I need to visit (30-35 min walk), or from a church I'd like to see. I will contact them! 

​Even if you couldn't stay at the Villa Irlanda, the staff there are very nice (and Anglophone!), so they could probably even give you better suggestions than we could of places to stay in that area that would suit your needs. 

[Spem in alium]

​Even if you couldn't stay at the Villa Irlanda, the staff there are very nice (and Anglophone!), so they could probably even give you better suggestions than we could of places to stay in that area that would suit your needs. 

​Thank you! Great idea! I just contacted them letting them know of my situation and asking if they could suggest any other places if they don't have vacancies. 

Edited April 20, 2015 by Spem in alium

[Ash Wednesday]

Watch out for pickpockets in the touristy areas and train stations. Have your bags/purses on you at all time, don't set it down where it can be easily snatched. A friend and I were in the Rome area and she had set her bag down to buy some travel tickets and just as she had set it down, two people distracted us both at the same time "asking" us questions, and a third person swiped her bag, just like that.

We were there during October and the weather was lovely.

 

[Spem in alium]

Thanks, Ash. I've heard a bit about the pickpocketing situation in Rome, so will definitely keep things close. 

[Ancilla Domini]

Watch out for pickpockets in the touristy areas and train stations. Have your bags/purses on you at all time, don't set it down where it can be easily snatched. A friend and I were in the Rome area and she had set her bag down to buy some travel tickets and just as she had set it down, two people distracted us both at the same time "asking" us questions, and a third person swiped her bag, just like that.

We were there during October and the weather was lovely.

 

​Oh yeah, right! Especially around the Pantheon.

And speaking of the Pantheon....these a great café there that has Coffee Granite, which are amesome.

Edit: That's Granite pronounced "granitAY" not...rhyming with planet.

Edited April 21, 2015 by Ancilla Domini

[Nihil Obstat]

Someone tried to pickpocket me on the metro. At one of the stops there was someone yelling a bit, just causing a tiny bit of a disturbance outside. As I was looking over to try to see what was going on, I felt a hand brush my pocket, just for a second. So apparently not a great pickpocket. Luckily I had been keeping my wallet in my front pocket during the trip. 

[Spem in alium]

I have a travel pouch which I used when I went to the U.S. - I wore it underneath my jacket and would put my valuables (passport, money, phone, etc.) in there. I'm thinking I will use it again for Rome.

I heard back from Villa Irlanda - they were so helpful! They have a room which they'll reserve for me until I hear if I've been awarded a travel grant, and they can give me a discount because of my extended stay, as well as organise transport to and from the airport for me. Thanks again for the recommendation! I think that's where I'll be!

[IgnatiusofLoyola]

I have no suggestions about where to stay, but I know a very cool place to visit when you visit Rome. It's called Vatican City and it's actually a separate country!

It's worth the wait in line to see the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Square and Basilica are more incredible than you can imagine.

Others here may have tips on how how you can get an audience with the Pope. Also (I'm sure you know this, but just in case), don't buy anything from a seller that claims the item is blessed by the Pope. The blessing has to come AFTER the item is purchased. Apparently, the gift shop at the Vatican can arrange this.

Vatican City isn't very big as countries go, so I thought I'd bring it to your attention so you wouldn't miss it.

P.S. Although I visited Vatican City many years ago, one of my memories is that the WC's there didn't have toilet paper. Perhaps this situation has improved, but you may want to bring your own just in case.