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Going to Rome!


Dust's Sister

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Dust's Sister

Any tips on going to Rome such as places to stay ? My agenda is to see all I can about our church history.

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Actually my friend and I are planning a trip to Rome , for the sole purpose of experiencing and touring places of Rome to do with the history of the Catholic Church.. Our goal is to find a home or retreat to stay at any suggestions out there...

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JudgedByGod

I was just there this summer! It was the most amazing place that I've ever been! We stayed at the [url="http://reservations.bookhostels.com/guideforeurope.com/hostel.php?HostelNumber=767"]Tiber Hostel[/url]. It was extremely conventient. They provide a bus that travels back and forth to the metro but if you don't feel like waiting for it, it's about a mile walk (we did that most of the time). It's something like $20 (US dollars) a night. We stayed in the Twin Privates and shared bathrooms. If you're looking for glorious hotel stay, this isn't for you, but you can really see Rome and have a pilgrimmage this way. I really suggest it!

In terms of what to see, oh boy have I got a list for you!! Go to all of the large and well known churches like St. Peter's (obviously!!), Santa Maria Maggiore, San Giovanni in Laterano, the Sistine Chapel, etc. But there are definitely some not so well known places that we went to which I wouldn't trade for the world!! I don't remember all of the names of them (when you get closer to your trip I can hopefully have my Rome guide handy and can tell you). Near Santa Maria Maggiore there is a church tucked in a corner called Basilica di Santa Prassede where you will find the pillar from the scourging. Make sure to go to Via Veneto, 27. It sounds creepy, but the Capuccins that are there, had been buried but they ran out of room and they now display their bones in the rooms. The thought of it was gross at first, but I would have regretted it if I hadn't walked inside. Also, make sure to go up the dome at St. Peter's. It's the most amazing view of the city! Another thing we enjoyed was going to St. Peter's square at night. It's the most beautiful site and so peaceful just to sit in the middle of the square (there are very few people there at this time) and gaze at the beauty of everything around you. Oh, and make sure to try the gelato!! This is the most amazing ice cream kind of dessert stuff you will ever find! You'll find a gelateria on about ever street, but our favorite was right outside of the Vatican walls (you'll find it on the way to the subway). I hope this helps some! There are so many other places that you should see (including the church with a side room that contains pieces of the true cross, 2 thorns, and so many other amazing relics!!) but unfortunately my tour book is at home and I'm in my dorm room right now. If you have any other questions, just let me know!

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People say to beware of the gypsies and beggars who populate Rome. They'll pick-pocket you. There have been stories of Gypsy kids physically mobbing and attacking people, so you should probably only carry around whatever money you need for the day, and leave anything valuable in the hotel. Some of the beggars are legit, some make it a career.

If you want to do the Scavi tour (which is the underground crypts of the martyrs of the Church, including St. Peter), you have to contact them like a month before you go, and arrange tickets. I'm not sure how you would go about doing that, but if you google around, you can probably find a forum somewhere and get the information.

I've heard you can find monasteries/convents that welcome pilgrims to stay. Not sure about any specific info on that either, but it might save you some money.

Edited by Era Might
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JudgedByGod

[quote name='Era Might' date='Apr 8 2006, 09:07 AM']People say to beware of the gypsies and beggars who populate Rome. They'll pick-pocket you. There have been stories of Gypsy kids physically mobbing and attacking people, so you should probably only carry around whatever money you need for the day, and leave anything valuable in the hotel. Some of the beggars are legit, some make it a career.
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Yeah, definitely don't give money to the gypsies. You'll see them infront of almost every church and feel extremely bad for them. In reality, those sick kids that you see, they've actually been drugged. It's the sadest sight to see how they look and they have these eyes that just beg you to help them, but it's because their parents have drugged them. I actually heard this straight from a priest that was living over there. What ever money you need to keep on you, make sure to get one of those travelers pouches that fits under your clothes. That way you won't have to worry about being pick pocketed. Oh, and don't ever leave any bags lying around (we had a girl's backpack stolen inside of a church). Don't worry too much about it, just make sure to have a cautious eye.

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Mary-Kathryn

[quote name='Dust's Sister' date='Apr 7 2006, 09:55 PM']Any tips on going to Rome such as places to stay ? My agenda is to see all I can about our church history.
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Me, hubby and young'uns went two years ago. We went during the "rainy" season [actually it was over Thanksgiving break] so I'm not sure how it will compare to going during Springtime. There were no lines or crowding, so it was a great time for taking children.

We flew a certain Italian airline to get there...be very sure to pack a least a couple of oufits in your carry-on. I thought of the kiddies, but forgot myself. They lost my luggage....for 4 days...I was a pilgrim in the true sense of the word <_< Also I had each child bring a large bottle of water...that particular airline wasn't keen on providing water.

As for things to see......Saint Peter's Basilica...it's magnificent beyond words, St Pauls Outside The Walls...their court yard garden is so peaceful, Saint Mary Major...I was there on a Friday and went to confession, San Giovanni Laterno, the Roman forum which turned out to be a hit with all of us, the Roman Colliseum [wow!], the Spanish steps, and on and on. The best thing to do is to get a travel guide book and plot out what you want to see. We loved doing this without a tour group because we could choose when to get up, when to stop, and where to go. With kids, it worked very well.

When we inquired at the hotel desk about Mass times at St Peter's, we were given a couple of times. We went [we could walk, we weren't that far] and ended up at the Latin Mass. Security seemed strict during the Masses. They made sure that people were very quiet and respectful, and that no one was taking pictures inappropriately. My memory isn't the sharpest, but I believe we had Mass at the altar of Saint Peter's Chair.

The best part was the noon blessing by JPII. Yeah, he was a small figure way up high, but to hear his voice and be in his presence was good enough! Unfortunately we couldn't be in the Wednesday general audience since we were flying in that day. BUT...perhaps you could get in on a private audience!!!

We were warned and warned about pickpockets and how good they are. The gypsy children will break your heart but it is their way of life...of course the one's I saw were begging or playing music for money not stealing me blind :unsure:

Hope this helps
Mary-Kathryn

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Fides_et_Ratio

Umm, depending on your hotel.. don't leave your valuables there either. That's what undergarments are for... :lol:

And yes, do be aware of the pickpockets (they are EVERYWHERE), and especially where it's crowded and people are bumping up against each other. Walk places when you can (it's good excercise) and you'll also be avoiding the metro and buses where much of the pick-pocketing takes place (be aware also while standing in line)... Actually, those small pouches that fit under your clothes are awesome--then you'll know if someone is trying to get your money, passport, etc.

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