RomaPolacchi

Thanks to eternallycool.net , news of recent archaeological discoveries in Rome have reached my long-deprived ears. Scholars think that they may have found the famous rotating dining room in the emperor Nero's Domus Aurea and a new amphitheater has been unearthed in Portus , just outside of ancient Rome's port, Ostia. The amphitheater could seat 2,000 people and may have been part of an imperial palace. I am anxiously awaiting more news from the summer's excavations. Stay tuned!

If you are on your honeymoon or you are just in the mood for romance, you will find unlimited opportunities for charming walks in Rome. The walk from the Galleria Borghese to the Pincio , one of the most famous strolls in Rome, should be done in time to watch the sun go down over St. Peter's (pictured). For you archaeology buffs, a walk on the Palatine Hill will take you out of the crowds and into shady paths with lovely views of the Forum (and some interesting ruins-like the house of the Emperor Augustus- as well). An evening passegiata in Trastevere will inspire you to move to Rome and become a starving artist. Don't miss the Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere and its namesake church, whose 12th century Byzantine mosaics are illuminated at night. If your legs are up to it, head up to Piazzale Garibaldi on the Gianicolo (Janiculum Hill) for the best view of Rome. Don't forget to linger by the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola. And last, if you need to get out of the hustle...

Ostia Antica was the port of ancient Rome. From here Roman traders would leave for locations around the Mediterranean, and traders from all over the Roman world would bring their goods here to be taken up the Tiber River to be sold in markets in Rome. Ostia was a prosperous city with all the features of a tiny Rome: an amphitheater, bath complexes, temples, markets, apartment buildings and lavish villas. Today Ostia is one of the best preserved ancient Roman archaeological sites, due to the fact that silt from the Tiber River covered it for the better part of 1500 years. Some would say that it is even better preserved than Pompeii. To get to Ostia, it's best to take the Metro line from the Porta San Paolo ("Piramide") station to Ostia Antica . If it's a particularly hot day, feel free to take the train on to Ostia Lido (the beach) after your visit to the ruins. You'll get a taste of the typical Italian beach experience-gelato, crowds, and spirited cafe life.