Visit Rome: The Cradle of Western Civilization

Rome, the magnificent capital of Italy

 

 Rome is the capital of Italy, in the region of Lazio and Rome the same province city, it is located in the west central Italy, near the Tyrrhenian Sea, and its extension reaches both banks of the Tiber River. The city has an area 1,285 square kilometers, taking into account the Tiber Island.

The Roma population reaches 2.7 million. It is one of the most visited cities in the world with an average of 12 million tourists a year who come to tour Rome. The official language is Italian him, the official currency is the Euro and the time zone is GMT + 1.

Traditionally it is given the founding of Rome in 753 BC on the Seven Hills located near ancient Rome. Currently Rome is divided into two main areas, the historic area located in the city center, composed of all monuments and historical sites, and the surrounding area or periphery, consisting of modern buildings and traditional neighborhoods of the city .

The area known as the historic center is made up of 22 districts or "Rioni", the oldest belonging to the sixth century BC and the last one created in 1920 and known as Prati and name. The historic part of Rome is surrounded by the Aurelian Wall.

As part of the communal territory of the town, stands the Vatican, dioceses of the Catholic Church and home to the Pope, as independent state since 1929 due to the Lateran Pact. The Vatican has an area of ​​land of 0.349 square kilometers and a population of nearly a thousand. In the Vatican you can find the world's largest dome in the Basilica of San Pedro.

 

Rome is home to the Italian parliament and all government bodies and Italian and international art institutions. Rome caters mainly economically from tourism and trade. The fashion house, the jewelry and luxury goods shops are predominant in the main streets of Rome, the center of fashion and style settles over the city.

In the cold winter season it is not excessive, so it is wearable. The weather cools and temperatures average between 5 and 15 degrees Celsius. Between January and February temperatures can drop to zero degrees.

Perhaps the least ideal time is in autumn, due to the constant rains during September and October. In spring, in the months of March and April, rain is also common.

Transportation in Rome is not complicated, its metro system divided into two main lines that border the city make the entrance accessible anywhere in Rome. The main station is Termini, there can also find the bus station and the departure of national and international trains. Between the two subway lines, the most used is the A line, especially useful for tourists, as it has stations in major places like the Plaza de Popolo and Piazza Spagna, among the highlights. Line B is mainly used to go to the Roman Coliseum or the Forums.

If transportation is desired bus tickets can be purchased at the stations and on the newsstands located throughout the city. The cost for the bus or subway is a short euro, but the best option is to purchase the BTI form, consisting of a ticket valid for three days and useful to the subway or the bus, the cost is 11 euros . Another transportation option is the tram and filobus, both through the city completely, they are not as used by tourists, but it is also a good alternative to get around in the Roman city.
 

There is no excuse for visiting this magnificent city, flights to Rome from other cities are very cheap, for example, Rome and Madrid flights Barcelona Rome flights. Therefore, the city offers one of the largest hotel deals at the European level, so you can find hotels in Rome.

The impressive Roman monuments
What to visit in Rome

    The Forums

    During the time of the Empire, the Forum was the center of discussion to do political, commercial and religious, exactly from the second century BC, when Rome became the capital of the empire for centuries. The forum were meeting places and discussion, as important as the Colosseum and the Stadium. The Forum lived the emperor and his closest followers of political and military order. It was a strategic location for Roman life.

    Today Forums are divided according to their origin and access is possible by the various areas of income, for any of them is priced entry. The ruins are impressive and highlights the Roman Forum and the Coliseum.
        The Trajan Forum

        

Forums to travel between the Trajan Forum, located near Piazza Venezia, previously has been named as one of the wonders of the classical time stands out. At present it is only possible to know a small part of the ancient market town since mostly it is damaged or ruined. This forum is the first visit in any of the courses they choose to visit the old part of Rome.

        Located on the floor of what was the commercial area of ​​Trajan's Forum, you can be found Trajan's Column, one of the most admirable classics preserved until today. The work dates from the year 113 A.D. and it was built to commemorate the emperor's victories. The monument is 40 meters high and on the surface can be spotted scenes of the victorious campaigns. In principle, the monument was part of the Basilica Ulpia. The Trajan Forum stands out as the last of the Roman Forum.
        The Palatine Forum

        The Palatine Forum is located in Via di San Gregorio, you can be reached most easily by bus lines 75, 81, 116 and 117, and also using the metro Coliseum. The Forum is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 9 am to pm.

        According to history and tradition, it would place the brothers Romulus and Remus became the foundation of ancient Rome can be found around the most impressive residences of the Roman Empire. Within the Forum you can be found the villa and the Domus Domus Flavio Augustaza, two of the most visited places by tourists. The first was used as a site for imperial assemblies and the second was used as private residence of the emperor.
    The Colosseum

   

 The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in Rome and capacity was built porencargo of Vespasian in 72 AD on a site that was part of the Domus Aurea Di Nero. It presents an elegant and monumental structure

    This consists of about eighty arches that welcome 55 000 spectators able to enter the premises. His inauguration was given in the year 80 B.C. by Emperor Titus Caesar. In antiquity, the Coliseum was covered by an immense canvas driven by pulleys to the days of excessive sun.

    The Coliseum looks impressive to visitors, its monumental structure and several levels found beneath the surface for centuries has captivated those who have been privileged to study it or cross it. Its function was to entertain the audience with performances of struggle and most heartbreaking of Roman blood.

    The Coliseum can be reached using the Colosseo Metro or buses 75, 81 and 85. The visit can be made through different tourist itineraries and stays open from April until September, from 9 am to 7 in the afternoon. In the months of October to March, it remains open from 9 am to 3:30 pm.
    The Domus Aurea

    The Domus Aurea is located on Via della Domus Aurea, you can be reached using the Metro Colosseum or through lines 75, 81, 85 and 87 bus. It is open from Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 8 pm. Booking with time to visit is necessary.

  

  Found in good state of restoration time and therefore closed to the public, the Domus Aurea again is open to be visited, although the current area is on serving, much less the original, you can admire the monumental design of its interior, a former Palace originally occupied the entire south side of the Palatine Forum. Its total area was similar to 25 coliseums.
    Church of the Gesu

    It is located in the Plaza de Ges, you can easily use the lines 40, 46, 62, 64, 70, 81 and 492 bus. Public access is available Monday to Sunday from 6 am to 7 am and 15 pm. There is an interval from noon until 4 in the afternoon when left untreated.

    The church was built between 1568 and 1584, it is considered the first Jesuit church founded in Rome. It is a representative monument of the time of the counter. Most notable is the pulpit, the high altar and the extraordinary beauty of the dome. The decoration with which account the church is another reason why it's worth your admiration.
    San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane

    Built in 1634, the church is one of the most important monuments of Rome, was formerly known under the name of Church of San Carlino and the order of the Trinitarian barefoot. The beauty of its forms between concave and convex and the genius of its architecture, along with the imposing dome; They are the major attractions of the church and a sample of the genius who was his mentor, the master Borromini.

    It is located on the Via del Quirinnale, number 23. The arrival by bus is the most feasible, using the lines 52, 53, 61, 62 and 95. The customer service is 9 and 30 am to 12 noon and 30 .
    The Pantheon

   

 The Pantheon is located on the Place de la Rotonda, it can be accessed via the bus lines 40, 46, 62, 64, 70, 81, 87, 116 and 492. Access to visitors is prepared from 8 and 30 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to pm.

    The Pantheon is regarded as the most representative monumental milestone of the Roman Empire, besides being the best preserved historic site of their civilization. It was built in 118 AD, is a temple whose aim was to revere the mythological gods.

    Its circular shape preceded by a loggia square columns and a pediment. The central part is made up of a sphere of radius 43.3. Access to the interior is restricted to a single entry, known as the oculus and located at the top of the Pantheon. Today the Pantheon serves to house the remains of the most important people in history and Roman and Italian tradition.
    The Vatican Museum

    It is located in the Vatican City, the most recommended way is using the tram 1B2 or the lineas23 buses, 40 and 64. The customer service is reserved from Monday through Saturday from 9 am to 2 later. The last Sunday of each month admission is 9 am to pm.

    The museum boasts one of the finest art collections in the world. Originally built as a residence for the popes of the Renaissance, in the eighteenth century for the first time was part of an art exhibition of works collected by the popes until then.

   

 Among the highlights, is the Gregorian Egyptian Museum, which stores important documents of ancient Egyptian civilization. Sample includes mummies, sarcophagi and tombstones. The statues of the Roman period are also seen in the exhibition.

    The memorial museum is a must on any tour intending to do for Rome. The magnitude of its collections and impressive architecture that surrounds it, are two of the reasons why we can not miss this museum.
    Trevi Fountain

    The Trevi Fountain is located in Fountain Square, access can be done through the lineas52, 53, 58, 63 and 630 bus or by metro Barberini.

    The Trevi Fountain is a triumphal arch exposed in the external facade of the palace. Comprising an allegory of Neptune, god of the seas, is portrayed pulling their horses and accompanied by Abundance and Health. It was built by Nicola Salvi in ​​the year 1763 and has become an essential point for any tourist who comes to Rome. Tradition says that when approaching the source, the visitor must throw two coins, the first forward to returning to Rome and the second asking the desire that you see fit.
    The Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli

    The church is located in the Plaza de San Pedro, the entrance for visitors is allowed every day from 7 am to 12 and 30 the day, and 3 and 30 pm to 6 pm .

  

  The main attraction of the basilica is it Moses of Michelangelo, a curious sculpture accompanying the funeral of Pope Giulio II added. It was this pope who commissioned the reconstruction of the Basilica and Michelangelo sculpture. The first of August is celebrated all Annos why the basilica was built, is called the celebration of San Pedro Cadenas.
    Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano

    The basilica is located in Piazza San Giovanni in Laternao, number 4. It can be reached using the lines 81, 85, 87, 673 and 810 bus. Access to the public from 7 am to 7 pm from April to September. The months of October to March, the hours are from 7 am to 6 pm.

    The church had to be repaired and rebuilt several times due to various fires suffered, however has maintained its classic look. The basilica was used as residence of the Pope until 1309.
    San Pietro in Montorio

    The convent is located in the Plaza de San Pedro, number 2. The way is using lines 44 and 75 of the bus. It remains open every day from 7 to 30 am to noon and from 4 pm to 6 pm.

    Located on the hill south of Trastevere, the structures are erected monastery from the fifteenth century, inside you can see paintings and artworks, but what stands out is the Temple of Bramante that decorates inside a true work of art.

  

  The monument represents the heyday of the Roman Empire, is also one of the main monuments of the city and one of the must-see places to visit for any tourist.
    Sant'Agnese in Agone

    The church is located in Piazza Navona, the best way is using the lines 40, 46, 62, 67, 64, 70 and 81 of the bus. It is open to the public every day. By Carlo Rinaldi, it was built on the site that was chosen for Santa Ana meets his martyrdom, why is that bears his name.

    With a wonderful architecture and design composed of concave and convex shapes, enhancement of the surface is a source of wonder for visitors.

    The church represents the internal battle of Bernini and Barromini, why in the facade the characters appear with the protected head in his hands, the idea was that the facade would not last long before being brought down, luckily for history, It remains erected until today and is part of the main attractions of the old Roman Empire.

    Capitol Museum

    The museum is located in Capitol Capitol Square, the income is allowed visitors from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm.

    The Capitol is comprised of a set of museums created in 1471 by Pope Sixtus IV, based on donations mainly based on his personal collection of statues. The Capitol also has a famous Pinacoteca.

    The museum currently has one of the most important and extensive collections of artistic history of Roman culture. The collection is divided into two major sections, each engaged in a building; the New Palace and the Palace of the Conservatory. Now they have been working on extensions, as is the case Caffarelly Palace and the Palace of Clementito, both considered as part of the museum today.

  

  Among the most interesting to see the collections, highlights the statue of Marcus Aurelius and the Lupa Capitol, it can be found in the gallery works of Guido Reni, Pietro Cortona, among others. Van Dyck's portraits are also very interesting to know.
    Roman College

    It is located near the Facchino Fontanella, in the square of the Roman College. The most accessible way is using the lines 40, 46, 62, 64, 70, 81 and 492 bus.

    The monument was built at the request of Pope Gregory XIII to be used as a residence for the Jesuits at the time of the Counter Reformation. On the main facade you can see a big tower with a clock dating from 1787 and working to observe the climate of the city.

    La Fontanella is a source of Facchino an unknown character in the middle, and the statue is part of the singers statues of Rome. The fountain dates back to 500 A.D. and it was built by Jacobin del Conte.

 

vietnam visit

Undeniable historical, cultural and scenic appeal

 

Introduction Vietnam Despite having been the scene of one of the darkest passages in the history of the twentieth century, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (87.4 million) is also a territory with a historical, cultural and landscape undeniably, it becomes an enabling environment for the development of tourism territory.

Sita in Southeast Asia ?, Vietnam is the easternmost country on the Indochina peninsula, which covers an area of ​​331 690 km2. States with which it shares border are: China, north; Laos to the northwest, and Cambodia to the southwest. Geographically, we can distinguish in the three distinct regions. First, we should refer to Annam, a mountain range that links the north and south on the western flank and covering almost two-thirds of Vietnamese territory, while the other two areas are the coastal plains of Cochin China and Tonkin .

The climate in Vietnam, monsoon type, has hot summers in the south and cold winters in the north. No wonder, indeed, thermometers exceed 35 ° C in much of the country. In any case, we must take into account the presence of typhoons during the summer, especially in the north and southwest, so this is the least desirable time to visit the area. On the other hand, they are especially abundant rainfall between the months of May and October, during which averages 2,000 mm was recorded.

 
 

Vietnam's historical roots lie in the Red River delta, territory remained under Chinese rule for a period of about 1,000 years. However, the Vietnamese people gained independence in the thirteenth century, also initiating a policy of expansion towards the south that allowed them to bring in the Mekong Delta, the Khmer and Champa. In 1802, the country was established as a political unit under the reign of the first emperor Gia Long. However, the French began the colonization of the area in 1858, which in 1884 became part of the Indochina Union with Laos and Cambodia.

During World War II, Japanese troops took Indochina, an action that led to the emergence of an independence movement: the Vietminh, led by communist leader Ho Chi Minh. The end of the war led to the country's independence and the proclamation of the Republic (1945). Nevertheless, attempts to France to be done again with Vietnam unleashed the war in Indochina (1946-1954), which ended with the gala defeat at Dien Bien Fu and the division of the country into two halves: Vietnam North (sponsored by the USSR and China and led by Ho Chi Minh City) and South Vietnam (ruled by the pro-American dictator Ngo Dinh). In the context of the Cold War, it was established in that State the Viet Cong or Viet Cong, a guerrilla group that in 1960 began an armed struggle to overthrow Ngo Dinh. The death of the president in 1963 during a coup sponsored by the US ? To those who had ceased to interest the presence of a Catholic man and corrupt straw? He intensified the arrival of US troops to the area, while the two giants socialist endowed weapons to the armies of Ho Chi Minh: thus began the Vietnam War, certainly one of the bloodiest chapters in the second half of the century XX. The year 1968 marked the beginning of the end of US military aspirations, as a result of the military defeat of Tet in Saigon and other Vietnam strongholds, leading to the signing of an armistice in 1973, conditional on not invade North Vietnam South Vietnam. Still, Hanoi betrayed the covenant, in 1975, came the fall of Saigon and the reunification of the country thus was born the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (1976). In 1991, USA restore diplomatic relations with Hanoi, making way for a recovery period of slow political and economic normalization.

 

The official language is Vietnamese, also called Annamite. As for the currency in the Vietnamese dong, abbreviated to VND (one euro equals 24.7 dongs, approximately) is used. However, in much of the country also the US dollar is accepted as payment.

To enter Vietnam, it is essential to have a passport valid for at least six months validity from the date of arrival. In addition, you must apply for the corresponding visa. Whereas a large number of tourists combine your stay with visits to other border states? such as Cambodia and Laos ?, it is recommended to apply for a multiple entry visa. This can be obtained at the Embassy of Vietnam in Madrid (C / Segre, 5). With respect to vaccines, there is no compulsory.

When hiring flights to Vietnam from Spain, different airlines linking the main airports with the Vietnamese cities of Hanoi (the capital), Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Dien Bien Phu Banmethuot. From this list, the first two options are by far the cheapest.

As for hotels in Vietnam, the country has an extensive network of hotels and apartments and cottages, at prices significantly lower than those of Europe. On the other hand, the supply of accommodation is especially concentrated in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the two main cities.

 

Ethnic, archaeological sites and stunning natural landscapes
Sightseeing in Vietnam then, summarizes some of the main tourist attractions in Vietnam.

    Cai Be: Located in the stunning Mekong delta in the southwest of the country? and in the province of Tien Giang, this enclave is widely known for its colorful and bustling floating market. Also, some tour operators offer the possibility of hiring a river cruise, you will discover how the day to day running of the locals.
    Can Tho: This is one of the main localities in the Mekong Delta. The main attraction, highlights the bustling Cai Rang floating market, the only one of its kind? Together with Cai Be? with respect to the Southwest. In it, merchants selling all kinds of food, although those fruits produced by local farmers. The market opens at dawn and ends with sunset.

    Ho Chi Minh City: Known as Saigon before the country's unification (1975), his six and a half million inhabitants making it the largest city of Vietnam Republic. It is located north of the Mekong Delta, beside the Saigon River, and in the past was the capital of the French protectorate of Cochin (1862-1954) and South Vietnam (1954-1975). During the gala domination, this city hosted a metropolitan center chaired by beautiful official buildings and tree-lined avenues. However, during the Vietnam War almost all its architectural references were lost. Also, after the end of the war (1975), many entertainment establishments were closed. Today, the city accommodates a commercial and industrial center that houses the country's largest port. As most emblematic places, more stark Thien Hau pagoda, Notre Dame, the old Post Office of Saigon, Binh Tay Market and Chinatown.

    Ha Long: Located near the Red River and in the Gulf of Tonkin, an arm of the South China Sea ?, This bay is home to nearly 1,600 limestone islands and islets that constitute a framework of extraordinary beauty?. Due to its rugged terrain, much of these territories have always been uninhabited, although still numerous nearby traditional activities are performed. Some of his most famous landforms are Tuan Chau Island and the caves of Surprises, Dau Go and Thien Cung. The enormous scenic and ecological value has led to Ha Long to join the list of World Heritage (1994, 2000).

   

 Hanoi: Capital of the country since 1979, Hanoi also had this status at the time of the French Indochina and the late North Vietnam. It is a modern city located on the Red River and with a historical background that rolled back to prehistory. Due to its proximity with China, the Asian giant native conquistadors chose it as the main political center. Architectural legacy part corresponding to the ancient kingdom of Vietnam was destroyed by American bombing between 1964 and 1975. The attacks also affected dams, roads, fields and hospitals, which had to be rebuilt. Nevertheless, the city still retains some samples of French colonial architecture. Among his most emblematic enclaves, Ngoc Son Temple? Site in the middle of Hoa Kiem lake ?, Temple of Literature, the house and the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, Ho Tay Lake, the Museum of Fine Arts are counted, Long Than theater? where water puppet represented? and Hang Be market. Similarly, worth a stroll through the old town? Or 36 Streets neighborhood ?, which in the past made room for many traditional economic activities.

    Hoi An: Inscribed on the List of World Heritage in 1999, the old town of Hoi An was a major trading port of China Sea Meriodinal between the fifteenth and nineteenth centuries. As a legacy of this period still some interesting period buildings and a peculiar urban layout, in which different architectural styles that have provided Hoi An combine a strong personality. Among its incentives, it should emphasize its lively market and its magnificent Japanese style covered bridge, built 400 years ago.

    Hue: Despite the severe damage suffered during the Vietnam War, the capital city of Hue Thua Thien Province, located in the center of the country? It is still considered the most beautiful Vietnamese village. Became the capital of unified Vietnam in 1802, Hue became the center of political, cultural and religious power in time of the Nguyen dynasty until the end of World War II. Among his most remarkable architectural legacy, stand-Capital City, the Imperial City, the Forbidden Purple City and the Inner City, all framed in a magnificent natural environment. In 1993, the monuments of Hue was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

   

 My Son: Between the fourth and thirteenth centuries, the coast of present Vietnam made room for a civilization unparalleled and culturally entroncada with Hinduism: the kingdom of Champa. For much the same, the political and religious capital went to the city of My Son, which still stand a set of imposing towers-shrines. Due to its good state of preservation and its undoubted historical significance, this enclave was incorporated into the List of World Heritage in 1999.

    Phong Nha-Ke Bang: Eastern National Park site in Quang Binh province in Vietnam, about 450 km south of Hanoi? It houses the oldest and largest karst formation of the entire Asian continent. It has evolved since the Paleozoic period dating back 500 million years ago. The picture offered by this natural area is far from homogeneous, and is noted for its spectacular caves and underground rivers. Phong Nha-Ke Bang is part of a World Heritage Site since 2003.

    Sa Pa: Located northwest of the country, this high mountain border town which gives its name to one of the districts in the province of Lao Cai? It is one of the most frequented by tourists areas. Founded by the French in Indochina times, its perimeter stands out for its impressive alpine scenery and its extensive plantations of rice distributed in terraces. Also, visitors will find villages that seem stuck in the past, and which still survive traditional forms of life. A clear example is found in the neighboring village of Ma Tra, residing in the Hmong people. On the other hand, west of Sa Pa, the Fan Si Pan, the highest peak in the country, with 3,143 m above sea level rises majestically. The summit is, in turn, in the beautiful nature reserve of Hoang Lien Son, that deserves to be discovered.

    Ta Van: Sito in northwest Vietnam, specifically in the valley of Muong Hoa, this picturesque village has turned its back to civilization to preserve the ancient forms of life giay ethnicity. Nevertheless, the locals speak French, a legacy of the period in which the country was part of Indochina.