Travel guide
Rome

The 12 keywords Rome

1. #Calcio

What would Italy be without calcio ? Rome lives to the rhythm of the victories and defeats of its two rival football teams: A.S Roma and S.S Lazio. You might as well say that during the derbies, the atmosphere is electric! You should also know that Francesco Totti, former player of A.S Roma nicknamed "Il Capitano", is a real myth in Rome!

2. #Hills

Rome is nicknamed the "city of seven hills". To shine in society, here are their names: Palatine, Aventine, Caelius, Capitoline, Esquiline, Quirinal and Viminal! We also recommend climbing the Pincio and the Janiculum, two hills of modern Rome, from which the view is breathtaking. Don't forget to bring good shoes!

3. #Churches

What could be more obvious than to visit a church in the capital of Catholicism? Rome has more than 250 of them. Among them, the four major basilicas: San Giovanni in Laterano, Santa Maria Maggiore, San Paolo Fuori le Mura and the unmissable Saint Peter's. A word of advice: visiting them requires appropriate clothing, so avoid shorts and tank tops!

4. #Gelato

Gelato is an institution. In summer and winter alike, Romans love this sweet treat. If some gelateries remain faithful to the classic chocolate/pistachio, others are more inventive with original flavours such as basil or violet. In any case, don't forget to add panna (whipped cream) to your ice cream!

5. #Grandebellezza

Rome and the cinema have a long history! Known for its Cinecittà studios, the Italian capital has also been the setting for legendary films such as Fellini's La Dolce vita or Vacanze Romane with the unforgettable Audrey Hepburn. Recently, Sorrentino's La Grande Bellezza revealed the "great beauty" of Rome to the world.

6. #Nasone

In summer, the heat can be stifling, so the nasoni are appreciated! These fountains in the shape of a "big nose" - nasone - pour out fresh drinking water all the time. There are more than 250 of them in the centre. Tip: to drink the Roman way, plug their main hole to let the water flow out of another hole in the middle of the pipe!

7. #Pinsa

If pizza is known to everyone, pinsa is reserved for the Romans! This specialty has very ancient origins: according to some researchers, Virgil mentioned the pinsa in his Aeneid! Rectangular in shape, it is more digestible than pizza thanks to the use of a mixture of soya flour, rice and wheat and a longer fermentation time

8. #SPQR

These four letters are everywhere: SPQR or Senatus Populusque Romanus - the Senate and the Roman people. On manholes, historical monuments, even tattooed on the arms of the inhabitants, they remind us of the Republic and the Roman Empire or... the replica of Obelix which becomes: Sono Pazzi Questi Romani (They are crazy these Romans!)..

9. #Spuntino

Before lunch or dinner, Italians allow themselves a spuntino, a snack in French. In Rome, apart from the inevitable slice of pizza that is sold by weight, it is the supplì - a small ball of fried rice - that is the star of the spuntini ! The most classic ones are filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce and can be found in pizzerias by the slice.

10. #Roads

If Parisians orient themselves according to the nearest metro station, the Romans prefer to indicate the main streets! This vast road network is a legacy of the Roman Empire. So you will often hear about the Aurelia, the Appia, the Tuscolana, which are very busy every day. But don't worry, all roads lead to Rome!

11. #Vespa

Wasp" in Italian. When you hear the noise of these characteristic scooters, you can understand why! In Rome, the public transport system sometimes leaves something to be desired, so the Vespa is one of the best ways to get around. Don't hesitate to rent one to experience your Roman holiday like Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck

12. #Villa

In Rome, the many villas are great places for walking. Among the most famous is the Villa Borghese, which has a gigantic park and museums such as the Borghese Gallery and the National Gallery of Modern Art, as well as the Villa Medici, the seat of the French Academy in Rome. Nearby, don't miss the Villa d'Este either.