Kids in Rome

Rome's Top Sights Just for Kids

Wierd and Wonderful

Here are some sights that may not be in most top ten lists but they are interesting to us and maybe to your family. I don't know why it tends towards the gruesome, but so it does. These are taken from the Italy Discovery Journal.

The Little House of the Monsters - stand at the top of the Spanish Steps, face down the steps, turn left down Via Gregoriana. Keep looking at buildings on your left for a really wild building!

The Church of the Bones - Santa Maria della Concezione is at the bottom of the Via Veneto, near Piazza Barberini. The crypt of the church is decorated with the bones of the monks. Check hours. Closed for cleaning till some time in 2005.

Getting Inside St. Peters - We suggest spending a little time outside the entrance to St. Peters, watching people who aren't wearing enough clothes according to the church rules a) try to argue themselves in (the guards have heard it all), and b) try to get themselves dressed to get in.

Elephant Obelisk - The elephant's rear end is aimed at the home of the sculptor's enemy for a reason! Also, it is simply a beautiful elephant and obelisk.

Celimontana Obelisk - The hands of one of the workers who was helping position the obelisk are still under the monument, due to an accident when it was being raised.

Sundial Obelisk - Okay, I'm crazy for obelisks, a very worthwhile "collection" in Rome where there are more obelisks than anywhere else in the world. A hole in the ball at the top of the obelisk casts a light onto marks in the pavement.

Tartuffo Ice Cream - Tre Scalini restaurant in Piazza Navona.

Capitoline Hill and Museums - A great piazza by Michelangelo and two small museums (compared to most) that can be easily perused even by antsy kids. They contain: the statue of the symbol of Rome, the wolf, with a very interesting story; pieces of a colossus, the hand is taller than you and many great statues to imitate. In the piazza: the beautiful bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius, Castor & Pollux statues with wierd hats (learn the story), steps to clamber on, bridal parties posing for wedding pictures because of the great view that you, too, can enjoy.

Italy Discovery Journal

A Guide Book for Families

On to shameless promotion. Here is a note I recently received from a young customer named Alana:

Thanks for the deck of cards you sent to me and my sister! Whats cool about them is we now know where all the places and sites are! [Souvenir Cards of Italy bottom of page] We LOVED that journal. It was really great. I would work in it everyday and Jara would help me. Shes 6 and still doesnt read that well so it was a joint work sometimes. We all really want to go back! We were talking to my grandparents about doing a house trade with someone in Italy, but we can't do it next summer because we already have our plans...WEll thanks alot! I need to leave for school now."

Get your own copy of the Italy Discovery Journal, price starts at $6.99.

Penthouse in the Heart of Rome

Space + Location

A penthouse near the Spanish Steps! The location is Rome at its very best. You are in one of the finest shopping and dining districts of the city, plus you have multiple terraces for relaxation and enjoyment of a true home in the Eternal city.

Imagine spending a week or two in this apartment with Rome spread out before you. Pop in and out of this spacious 1200 sq ft penthouse that is arrayed on two floors. One bedroom is on an upper level and has its own bathroom and terrace making it perfect for both families and traveling friends.

Looking for something else? Let us help you, we love matching travelers with the perfect rental, email rentals@excellenteurope.com

More information on the Frattina Gina Penthouse

Quick Links

Italy Discovery Journal

Children's Coverage is Free with Travelex Travel Insurance

Bags for Kids and Parents at eBags

High quality up-to-date maps of Italy from maps.com the online map store