Roma
Much has been written about Roma, its monuments and museums, its
fountains and villas, its history and people. Many volumes would be
needed to tell even a small part of its history, art and architecture,
or to hint at what can be seen here, including Michelangelo's Last
Judgement in the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums, St. Peters's,
the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, the Pincio, the Trevi Fountain, the
Pantheon... Everything to be said about this city has probably been
said before. However, Roma cannot be described completely; it needs
to be experienced in person. It is impossible to be bored in
Roma. Besides its churches, monuments,and museums, Roma has more to
offer: classical music, theater and ballet, jazz, sport, pubs, and all
kinds of shops and elegant boutiques. Roma is easily reachable from
every part of the world, having two international airports and an
international train station. Moreover, all infrastructure and public
transportation networks were greatly improved for the Jubilee year
2000.
Climate
September is one of the best periods to visit Roma.
It is generally warm and sunny.
Temperatures may reach 25°C (77°F) during the day
but are cooler in the evening.
Travel information: how to reach Roma
By Air
"Leonardo da
Vinci" intercontinental airport, located in Fiumicino, is Europe's
fourth largest in terms of number of passengers and provides
travellers with the most modern services and facilities. The centre of
Roma can be easily reached from the airport by bus, train or taxi.
Trains from the airport:
- Leonardo da Vinci - Roma Termini (Central) Railway Station
Duration: 40 minutes.
Non-stop trains leave every 60 minutes and during rush hours
every 30 minutes.
Ticket cost: Euro 9.30
- Leonardo da Vinci - Roma Tiburtina Railway Station
Duration: 40 minutes.
Trains leave every 20 minutes during the weekdays and Saturdays
and every 60 minutes on Sundays, making stops in different areas
of the city.
Ticket cost: Euro 4.65
Taxis and limousines are available at the international arrivals area.
Approximate price: Euro 40
By Train
Rome is at the heart of the Italian railway network. Excellent Intercity service
from Termini Railway Station links Rome to every major city in Europe.
By
Road
Italy has 6,400 km of modern motorways, which
reach all regions of the country. Rome can easily be reached by car
from the "Autostrada del Sole - A1", the longest Italian motorway running along the peninsula from north to south.
Transportation within the City
Numerous bus lines connect all areas of the city, including
the area of the Conference. The underground ("Metro")
has two lines, Linea "A" (red) and Linea "B" (blue). These intersect at
Termini so you have to pass through Termini when you need to
switch line. Tickets are valid for 75 minutes of travel and
can be used for one underground journey and unlimited bus
travel. They can be purchased at tobacco shops ("Tabacchi"),
bars, news stands and machines in stations. The driver does not
sell tickets. Daily and weekly tickets are also available.
Cost:
Ticket valid for 75 minutes: Euro 0.75
Ticket valid for one day: Euro 3.10
Ticket valid for one week: Euro 12.40
Shopping
The streets of the historic centre of Roma - the famous Spanish Steps,
Via Condotti, Via Frattina, Via della Croce, Via Borgognona
and, of course, Via Veneto - boast the workshops of Italy's
foremost and world renowned fashion creators along with glamorous shops,
all bearing the unmistakable mark "Made in Italy". Via Margutta and Via
del Babbuino abound with privately owned artists' studios and
restoration workshops. Galleries can be found almost everywhere along
the side streets, such as Via dei Coronari, one of the
most picturesque streets in Roma, which also hosts numerous
antique dealers. Shops are usually open from Monday
to Saturday, from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 16:00 to 19:30.
However, several shops in the center are open from 10:00 to 19:00.
Most shops are closed on Sunday and Monday morning.
Useful Numbers
Emergency numbers
Emergency public assistance: 113
Carabinieri (military police): 112
First aid: 118
Fire brigade: 115
Breakdown assistance (Automobile Club of Italy): 116
Airport and Airlines
Fiumicino airport (FCO): 06 65951
Ciampino airport (CIA): 06 794 941
Air France: 06 47181
Alitalia: 06 65643
Austrian Airlines: 06 85354610
British Airways: 06 485480
Canadian: 06 6591300
Delta Airlines: 06 85354925
Iberia: 1478 31055
Japan Airlines: 06 65953840
KLM: 06 6529286
Lufthansa: 06 65954156
Olympic Airways: 06 48903089
Qantas: 06 486561
Sabena: 06 421231
SAS: 06 65010771
Swissair: 06 8470518
TWA: 06 47211
VARIG: 06 4677210
Trains
Trenitalia
information: 8488 88088
Buses
Public transportation in Roma (ATAC - TRAMBUS - MET.RO - COTRAL):
800 431784
Taxi Cabs
La Capitale 06 49 94
Pronto Taxi 06 66 45
Samarcanda 06 55 51
Useful links