The Covid-19 pandemic has caused considerable disruption to life as we knew it, but despite these extraordinary circumstances you don't have to be stuck inside your apartment in Rome! There are still plenty of fun things you can do in the city, and the lack of tourism means that you won't have to deal with the usual crowds to enjoy many of the more popular sites. Here are some suggestions for Covid-safe activities that you can do while you study abroad at John Cabot University.
Explore One of Rome's Many Parks
Rome is one of the greenest cities in Europe, boasting a large number of public parks. Among the most famous and largest ones are the Villa Borghese gardens, the park of Villa Doria Pamphili, and the Parco Della Caffarella. The most popular one, Villa Borghese, started off in the 15th century as a private garden owned by the noble Borghese family. Today, the park houses Rome's zoo; the Cinema dei Piccoli, which is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the world's smallest cinema; and the Globe Theater, modeled after the famous London theater. Located just a short walk away from John Cabot University, the Villa Doria Pamphili was first constructed in the 17th century and is known for its beautifully landscaped gardens. The Parco Della Caffarella is one of the oldest in the city, dating back to the third century B.C., and is home to a wide variety of flora, archaeological sites, and even its own flock of sheep! A walk in this park will leave you feeling like you spent a relaxing day in the countryside.
Churches and Other Landmarks Are Also Worth a Visit
Museums and many other cultural sites are closed during the pandemic, but luckily most churches and other famous landmarks are still open to the public and worth visiting now that the regular crowds are gone.
Some of the city's more interesting churches include the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, which is located within a six-minute walking distance from JCU’s Guarini Campus; the Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano, with its stunning 12th-century mosaic; and of course, St. Peter’s Basilica, the world’s largest catholic church and a significant landmark and place of pilgrimage.
Among the more famous non-religious landmarks that are open to the public are the Spanish Steps, which are featured in a well-known scene from the 1953 film Roman Holiday; the Trevi Fountain, which is Rome’s largest Baroque fountain; and the Colosseum, the city's most iconic landmark, which is not open for visits but is still worth enjoying from the outside.
Have a Sweet Tooth? Take a Tour of Gelato Shops!
If you feel like a sweet treat, why not try out some of Rome’s famous gelato shops? Otaleg is located in Trastevere, about an eight-minute walk from JCU’s Guarini Campus. Named after the backward spelling of gelato, this shop offers traditional flavors such as chocolate and hazelnut, as well as a rotation of more innovative options, including beets, gorgonzola cheese, and salted cucumber. Established in 1900, Giolitti is one of the oldest and best-known ice cream parlors, famous for its vast selection of ice cream as well as pastries and other treats. Its central location makes it an ideal place for a sweet break while sightseeing. Finally, Fatamorgana is a chain with several central locations, which offers a variety of interesting flavors, including a large selection of gluten-free options.
In Self Isolation? Take a Virtual Tour of Museums
If you cannot leave your apartment because of the pandemic, fear not! Museums across the Eternal City offer virtual online tours, allowing you to explore them without having to leave your home. They include the Musei Capitolini, the Borghese Gallery, and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. The Vatican Museums also offer free virtual tours, where you can explore 360° views of several of their rooms. You can visit other parts of Rome virtually as well: landmarks such as the Spanish Steps, the Colosseum, and the Pantheon all allow you to explore them online. Keep in mind that you'll have to pay for some of the tours, but it's worth the small expense when you can’t go see these sites in person!
Do you want to study abroad in Rome? Contact John Cabot University today for more information!
