Rome

Rome is not just a city, it is an emotion. It is delightful, haunting, morose and dynamic—all at the same time. Situated along the banks of the Tiber River, Rome was founded on the Palatine Hill by Romulus and was deservedly the Caput Mundi or the ‘Capital of the World’. A perfect blend of postmodern influences and ancient culture, politics and religion, the ‘Eternal City’ is the proud possessor of practically everything and exudes generosity by welcoming travellers with open arms. History is Rome’s heart and art is the blood nourishing its veins. It also, in many ways, is a place of many contrasts—of intricate paintings and sculptures, poignant ruins, minimalist architectural marvels, luxury sedans and immigrants brandishing selfie sticks.
A Roman itinerary is an exceptionally difficult one to chalk out considering the fact that the list does not really ever end. It has been the muse of literary greats like Shakespeare and Goethe, and the works of Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini have adorned it like a Christmas tree. Interestingly, it is also a bridge to the Vatican and therefore links the world to the literal heart of Jesus. Circling the innumerable piazzas might give you a major head-rush and admiring the almost infinite number of artistic achievements might be overwhelming after a point, but Rome is the strongest of all magnets and we are mere mortals, almost credulous pieces of metals. Rome will hold you captive and you will be willing to be one. You will never want to go back.

The historic centre of the city and the Holy See are perhaps the finest UNESCO World Heritage Sites on our planet. When in Rome, it is obviously blasphemous to miss out on the conventional sights—The Colosseum, Pantheon, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Piazza del Popolo, Spanish Steps and the Vatican. However, take some time out and tread the relatively lesser known paths—Villa Borghese, Museo e Galleria Borghese, Chiesa di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, Appia Antica and the Catacombs. There is so much to see and so much to do; Rome couldn’t possibly have been built in a day. Since Rome also happens to be a gastronomical paradise capable of converting anyone into a glutton, descend into one of the many fancy cafes and restaurants and relish decadent pasta, crispy pizzas, fried goodness in the form of a fritti or two and sinful gelatos. Wash all of these down with wine or macchiato perhaps. Packing on a few pounds is unavoidable.
Rome is very much like a beautifully redolent poem written on a fine piece of paper—words will captivate you and seem almost palpable when you run your hands across the sheet. Put Rome right on top of your bucket list and as hackneyed as it might sound, do as the Romans do.