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Rome by Campervan (in 18 photos) and where to stay in van

July 12, 2017 by Mike 18 Comments

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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…

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Filed Under: Living and travelling in a van Tagged With: italy, vanlife

Books to help you…

Make a van into your home…Live the life (new!)…
From Van to Home bookLive in a Van and Travel book
Get From Van to Home hereGet How to Live and Travel in a Van here

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Noah Stott says

    July 13, 2017 at 12:44 pm

    Hey Mike!!! I love your blog!! I am a 16 year old from Australia and I really want to save up, buy a van and convert it so that I can travel around, living rent-free and waking up somewhere new every day!! The Van Life looks amazing!! I have bought both of your books and I know that you have touched on your hobbies before, so I was wondering if you could give me any ideas about how to incorporate my hobby of being a DJ into the conversion? Like where could I stick my equipment? It’s fairly compact and I own a small flight case for my deck.

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      August 23, 2017 at 2:51 pm

      Hey Noah, I was also DJing at your age and all the gear needed (1210s, mixer, amp, speakers and boxes of records) was crazy compared to now. All a DJ needs is a 13″ mac with Tracktor installed and a small controller that fits into a rucksack. That is, unless you have a ton of records. So if you’re converting a van yourself I’m sure you can find a way to fit it in, or build it in.

      There are also some really good compact PA systems if you want to take the music outside. I was recently listening to an LD Systems active PA (it was the DAVE 12 G3) – It sounds really good and could also fit in a van.

      Good luck and thanks for buying my books!

      Reply
  2. Noah Stott says

    July 13, 2017 at 12:45 pm

    But again you are such a legend and I love what you do!! Thanks for everything that you’ve instilled in me.

    Reply
  3. Andy says

    July 13, 2017 at 12:49 pm

    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).

    Reply
  4. Nicola says

    July 13, 2017 at 2:53 pm

    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 ??

    Reply
  5. becida says

    July 13, 2017 at 6:03 pm

    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!

    Reply
  6. BRUCE says

    July 14, 2017 at 12:20 am

    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

    Reply
    • Edd Rea says

      July 19, 2017 at 5:35 pm

      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

      Reply
  7. Lucky Robin says

    July 14, 2017 at 11:34 am

    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 😀

    Reply
  8. Sandhiya says

    July 18, 2017 at 2:35 pm

    I really love to see great travelers

    Reply
  9. Tom says

    August 1, 2017 at 10:22 am

    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?

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      August 23, 2017 at 2:39 pm

      Hey, I either drive north or go up a mountain or to the coast. Nope no air con!

      Reply
  10. The Van Cave Project says

    August 23, 2017 at 8:43 am

    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!

    Reply
    • Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

      August 23, 2017 at 2:38 pm

      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

      Reply
  11. Kate Wooldridge says

    September 27, 2017 at 7:55 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Marco Giuliani says

      May 14, 2018 at 10:29 am

      NC 500 is December might be a bit challenging! Enjoy

      Reply
  12. Kate Wooldridge says

    September 27, 2017 at 9:14 pm

    just bought your two books. 🙂

    Reply
  13. Mike @vandogtraveller.com says

    December 17, 2017 at 3:37 pm

    Great stuff. Good luck. Oh and your photos are really nice! put more up 🙂

    Reply

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