Synopsis
Book by Fodors
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Extrait
Rome Is ...Agony and Ecstasy
We expect a lot of Rome -- seat of the empire, mother of civilization, caput mundi -- the head of the world. It is the city of the Caesars, of romance, the city of la dolce vita, of languorous sunny days, the city of endless galleries of art, of churches and museums, of fountain-splashed piazzas, and of majestic monuments to its golden age of empire.
Under Pressure
Like many urban dwellers, Rome's inhabitants have to battle to survive. The prospect of work continually draws people from the surrounding area, southern Italy and developing countries to the city, and its resources have become severely overstreched. As Rome explodes, the problems faced -- unemployment, housing, traffic, and drugs -- have brought even greater pressures for its beleaguered citizens. Romans not only have to deal with too many other Romans, but with a flood tide of tourists. For visitors this sometimes results in a gruff response bordering on rudeness (though a smile and a little stuttered Italian may well bring you courtesy). Some Romans excel in the art of nonmifreghismo -- of "not giving a damn," an oft heard piece of slang (non mi frega).
Quintessential Romans
A handful of wonderful Felliniesque survivors can still be found, harking back to a time when Rome was a city of 500,000 people -- a city whose facilities matched its needs. Think, in particular, of beaming restaurateurs enticing you into their old-fashioned trattorias, the nimble-fingered barman making your breakfast cappuccino, the no-nonsense market traders in the Campo de' Fiori, elegant women walking their small dogs in the Villa Borghese, or the immaculately dressed, noble-featured aristocrats returning from their tailors on Via Condotti.
Rome Is ...La Dolce Vita
For a few heady months Rome was to the 1950s what "swinging London" was to the 1960s -- the world's trendsetter, a place inhabited by sunglassed Latin Lotharios and pouting, lean-limbed starlets. Convertible sports cars flashed down Via Veneto, and people partied late into Rome's long, lethargic summer nights. Fellini caught it all in La Dolce Vita, and the myth was secured.
The Reality
What really happened, however, was less important than what appeared to happen. Perhaps a few gilded individuals played the part, or perhaps Romans did have the knack of the soft, sweet, easy life. Times were good, the sun shone, and Italians had Fellini's movie ended in disillusionment, the waters of the Trevi Fountain failing as the stars met for their famous embrace. Behind them the lights went off to underline the shallow futility of it all. Mastroianni is left high and dry, and the statuesque Anita Ekberg takes her plunging neckline elsewhere.
Lingering Memories
But if the reality was hollow, the images of the era have lived on in the popular imagination. Modern visitors may be disappointed by the Via Veneto's old stomping grounds, and would-be bathers in the Trevi Fountain face prompt arrest, but they still look for and find hints of the old days. They exist because Rome has always been made for the easy life. The sun shines, the settings are romantic, the evenings are long, and Romans, on the whole, are good-looking people who like to see and be seen. Take a table at the Bar della Pace or walk down Via Condotti's parade of exclusive stores for proof that the dolce vita is still alive and well.
Présentation de l'éditeur
P>Fodor's Exploring Guides are the most up-to-date, full-color guidebooks available. Covering destinations around the world, these guides are loaded with photos, essays on culture and history, descriptions of sights, and practical information. Full-color photos make this a great guide to buy if you're still planning your itinerary (let the photos help you choose!) and it's a perfect companion to a general guidebook, like a Fodor's Gold Guide.
All the great sights plus the history and anecdotes that bring them to life
· Extraordinary coverage of history and culture
· Itineraries, walks and excursions, on and off the beaten path
· Architecture and art
Practical tips and full-color maps and photos
· Getting there and getting around
· When to go and what to pack
· Quick tips on where to sleep in every price range
· Savvy restaurant picks for all budgets
Praise for Fodor's Exploring Guides
"Most travel guides are either beautiful or practical. This one is both." -- New York Daily News
"Beautiful...and the depth of text is impressive." -- San Diego Union Tribune
"Authoritatively written and superbly presented...worthy reading before, during, or after a trip." -- Philadelphia Inquirer
"Concise, comprehensive, and colorful." -- Washington Post
"Absolutely gorgeous. Fun, colorful, and sophisticated." -- Chicago Tribune
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