A wide avenue leads to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Chaotic and captivating, the Eternal City has much to offer history, art and food lovers, despite high costs and minor hassles. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
Art and sculpture abound in St. Peters Basilica in Rome, where entrance is free. (Richard Derk / Los Angeles Times)
The triumphal Arch of Titus at the Roman Forum. A bas relief on the arch shows Roman soldiers pillaging Jerusalem around AD 80. (Richard Derk / Los Angeles Times)
The Spanish Steps in Rome, built in the early 1700s, are a popular tourist resting spot. The 138 steps climb a steep slope. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
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Tour buses allow passengers to hop on and off to see the sights in and around Rome at their own pace. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
Rome’s museums are mounting many compelling exhibits, such as the Sebastiano del Piombo show at the Palazzo Venezia. This spring, museum offerings also include The 19th Century: From Canova to the Fourth Estate at the Scuderie del Quirinale and a show at the Museo del Corso on life and art in Rome in the 15th century. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
Tourists can save money at a bar, cafe or pasticceria by standing at the counter instead of sitting at a table. Prices are cheaper, the food is just as good, and its easier to people watch. (Susan Spano / Los Angeles Times)
The Colosseum is one of Rome’s most visited ancient landmarks. (The wooden walkway in the center is a modern addition.) At the site, costumed gladiators pose for pictures, and tourists can experience a new way of touring the Colosseum, called the Time Machine, which uses hand-held video monitors showing digitalized images of what the arena looked like in ancient times. (Richard Derk / Los Angeles Times)
