I stopped the van in Rome and lived in the park for a couple of weeks.
Here’s what I found, in 18 photos…
Where to stay in a campervan
This is a good spot for a city (quiet at night, close to the center and safe): Google Map link
Welcome to Rome
Taking photos here can be difficult. It’s real busy
3000 Euros gets thrown into this fountain every single day!
They have police to watch out for people taking the coins
And people with big machine guns
If you’re into ancient Roman architecture…
(Picture below is the Pantheon)
Rome is the place
This is the dome roof of the Pantheon (above). The photo doesn’t show it but this is it’s 43m high and that opening at the top is over 8m in diameter!
Basically, this whole city is a massive museum
The archeology work is pretty much endless
The coliseum, the biggest amphitheatre in the world, is just at the back there
Here’s something built recently
Altare della Patria. It’s the biggest monument in Rome (135x81m), built out of marble, completed in 1925 in honour of some king
But Rome can be quite a peaceful city
There are some nice open spaces
This is Borghese park
I crossed the river
And got to St. Peter’s square
St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the main entrances to Vatican City
Inside is one of the largest museums in the world
The museum itself is over 50 years old and contains over 70,000 works, of which 20,000 are on display, over 54 galleries!
I’d be lying if I said I knew what all this stuff was
But this is what I wanted to see… the Sistine Chapel
I heard Alex Grey talking (on Joe Rogan) about how he sat in here for a whole day and painted. I couldn’t not go and see it for myself. Picture below is the ceiling of the chapel, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512.
So that was Rome. It’s busy, hot and expensive. But it’s an amazing city to explore and admire. Around every corner there’s a ‘woahh’
Spring time (or maybe even winter) is probably the best time to visit…maybe?
Also, I’ve skimmed over a lot of stuff in this post. There’s just so much information behind every photo. Please feel free to add in the comments below…
Great blog Mike…I’m seeing a peugeot boxer tomorrow 2nd viewing, think it’s a go-er – I’m converting it with help from a couple of friends. I’m going to do the North Coast 500 from December 15th over Xmas and New Year with my camera and drone. I’ll be blogging if you or anyone is interested of the whole experience of the build and of course my travels http://www.thetravellingphotographer.co.uk – save travels
NC 500 is December might be a bit challenging! Enjoy
But again you are such a legend and I love what you do!! Thanks for everything that you’ve instilled in me.
just bought your two books. 🙂
Great stuff. Good luck. Oh and your photos are really nice! put more up 🙂
Hello Mike, as it is really hot weather in my place now I start to wonder how do You deal with summer temperatires in Your van? DO You have air-conditioning and is it working with engine off?
Hey, I either drive north or go up a mountain or to the coast. Nope no air con!
We’re heading into Europe next year, but we’d been thinking most of the major ‘touristy’ cities would be tough going in a van. Glad to see we were wrong about this!
I think these big cities are never as bad as you think, driving around in a van. I say don’t let it put you off. And yeah Rome was surprisingly not a problem at all. Have fun
Oh wow, this post comes exactly at the right time. We are planning to go down to Rome in September. Thanks for the parking spot info 😀
I really love to see great travelers
We are always keen to read your stories and love seeing the places you visit. Really pleased the book is doing well. Andy & Julz (L’s Parents).
Great blog Mike…I’m seeing a peugeot boxer tomorrow 2nd viewing, think it’s a go-er – I’m converting it with help from a couple of friends. I’m going to do the North Coast 500 from December 15th over Xmas and New Year with my camera and drone. I’ll be blogging if you or anyone is interested of the whole experience of the build and of course my travels http://www.thetravellingphotographer.co.uk – save travels
NC 500 is December might be a bit challenging! Enjoy
Great stuff. Good luck. Oh and your photos are really nice! put more up 🙂
just bought your two books. 🙂
We’re heading into Europe next year, but we’d been thinking most of the major ‘touristy’ cities would be tough going in a van. Glad to see we were wrong about this!
I think these big cities are never as bad as you think, driving around in a van. I say don’t let it put you off. And yeah Rome was surprisingly not a problem at all. Have fun
Hello Mike, as it is really hot weather in my place now I start to wonder how do You deal with summer temperatires in Your van? DO You have air-conditioning and is it working with engine off?
Hey, I either drive north or go up a mountain or to the coast. Nope no air con!
I really love to see great travelers
Oh wow, this post comes exactly at the right time. We are planning to go down to Rome in September. Thanks for the parking spot info 😀
Always enjoy reading your very enjoyable travels. Rome is the best place in the world but we go by plane every year as we were under the impression that because of the diesel emissions it was a no go city. How did you manage and any driving problems en route?.
Good luck in all your adventures and long may you continue to enjoy them…. Bruce from Scotland
I’ve just come back from Rome on a banger rally, and as far as I’m aware there are no diesel emission rules curently in place? In Paris there are, only after 8pm are diesels and cars older than 1998 allowed in. But had. I trouble and saw no signs in Rome
I read “Ancient Rome on 5 denari a day” by Philip Matyszak then I went & got a passport. I haven’t made it there yet but I will, I really need to see Rome.
This was a great post!
Rome is stunning, so much to see, we were there the same time as your first posting. Need to return again to admire its beauty once more x safe travelling Vandog x ??
We are always keen to read your stories and love seeing the places you visit. Really pleased the book is doing well. Andy & Julz (L’s Parents).