launderers hung out to dry - Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public ...
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Previous page: St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s<br />
Basilica<br />
This page (from <strong>to</strong>p): The Colosseum;<br />
the Pantheon; the Piazza di Trevi; the Scalinata della<br />
Trinità dei Monti (Spanish Steps)<br />
AFP<br />
PHOTO: GEORGE W. RUSSELL<br />
St. Peter’s is situated in the Vatican, home<br />
<strong>of</strong> the pope, leader <strong>of</strong> the Roman Catholic<br />
Church, and is the world’s smallest independent<br />
state. Its fewer than 800 residents live in<br />
an area <strong>of</strong> less than half a square kilometre –<br />
around the size <strong>of</strong> Tiananmen Square.<br />
If you want a chance <strong>to</strong> see the pope in person,<br />
he addresses the public on Wednesday<br />
mornings, when he speaks from his window<br />
overlooking the Piazza di San Pietro (St. Peter's<br />
Square). Tickets are required and expect the<br />
square <strong>to</strong> be heaving with the faithful, as well<br />
as many visi<strong>to</strong>rs, seeking a glimpse <strong>of</strong> Pope<br />
Benedict XVI, the incumbent.<br />
After, you can visit the Vatican Museums,<br />
which include the Pinacoteca Vaticana, the<br />
Collection <strong>of</strong> Modern Religious Art and several<br />
sculpture museums. The nearby Sistine Chapel<br />
features nine paintings by Michelangelo as<br />
well as his masterpiece, “The Last Judgment,”<br />
above the altar and works by Raphael, Ghirlandaio,<br />
Botticelli and other masters.<br />
Rome, <strong>of</strong> course, has an abundance <strong>of</strong> museums<br />
and galleries. The Galleria Borghese is<br />
worth a visit as much for its settings as for its<br />
contents. The 17th century villa houses a glorious<br />
collection <strong>of</strong> Renaissance art as well as a<br />
large assemblage <strong>of</strong> Bernini sculptures.<br />
For fans <strong>of</strong> performing arts, Oc<strong>to</strong>ber marks<br />
the traditional start <strong>of</strong> the opera and concert<br />
season. The 19th century landmark Teatro<br />
dell’Opera di Roma presents Amilcare Ponchielli’s<br />
La Gioconda, featuring the American<br />
soprano Jennifer Wilson, premiering on 23 Oc<strong>to</strong>ber.<br />
The Audi<strong>to</strong>rium Parco della Musica, designed<br />
by Renzo Piano, <strong>of</strong>fers a packed schedule<br />
<strong>of</strong> concerts and shows.<br />
Rome does not have the drinking culture<br />
associated with northern European cities, although<br />
wine bars are now common and gastropubs<br />
are gaining in popularity. A campari<br />
and soda in Piazza Navona – which was built<br />
as a sports arena 2,000 years ago – might<br />
set you back a small fortune but the peoplewatching<br />
is unparalleled. Don’t forget <strong>to</strong><br />
have a tartufo, a chocolate ice-cream treat,<br />
at Tre Scalini.<br />
Most <strong>Hong</strong> <strong>Kong</strong> visi<strong>to</strong>rs are familiar with<br />
Italian food, one <strong>of</strong> the most globally travelled<br />
cuisines. Roman specialities include the wellknown<br />
spaghetti alla carbonara and bucatini<br />
all’amatriciana as well as more exotic tripe,<br />
pork and rabbit dishes.<br />
Where <strong>to</strong> eat<br />
• Al Ceppo Restaurant Traditional food in<br />
the Parioli neighbourhood. Via Panama<br />
2. 8530-1370.<br />
• Capo Boi Fresh, delicious seafood. Via<br />
Arno 80. 841-5535.<br />
• Da Francesco Good local cuisine in al<br />
fresco surroundings. Piazza del Fico 29.<br />
686-4009.<br />
• Hostaria da Nerone Home-cooked<br />
Roman food near the Colosseum. Via<br />
delle Terme di Ti<strong>to</strong> 96. 474-5207.<br />
Where <strong>to</strong> stay<br />
• Ambascia<strong>to</strong>ri Palace Luxury on one<br />
<strong>of</strong> the world’s most famous avenues.<br />
Via Vit<strong>to</strong>rio Vene<strong>to</strong> 62. 474-2044.<br />
• Casa Il Rosario This Dominican<br />
convent accepts <strong>to</strong>urists as well as<br />
pilgrims. Via di Sant'Agata dei Goti 10.<br />
679-2346.<br />
• Hotel delle Nazioni Roma Elegant<br />
choice for any type <strong>of</strong> stay. Via Poli 6.<br />
679-2441.<br />
• Hotel Eden Romantic allure in the<br />
heart <strong>of</strong> the Eternal City. Via Ludovisi<br />
49. 478-121.<br />
• Hotel Napoleon Charming, quiet and<br />
family run. Piazza Vit<strong>to</strong>rio Emanuele II<br />
105. 446-7264.<br />
• Pyramid Hotel Comfort for the<br />
budget-conscious traveller. Via dei<br />
Magazzini Generali 4. 578-0009.<br />
What <strong>to</strong> see<br />
• Audi<strong>to</strong>rium Parco della Musica<br />
The city's modern arts complex.Viale<br />
Pietro de Coubertin 30. 8024-1281.<br />
• Baths <strong>of</strong> Caracalla The monumental<br />
ruins <strong>of</strong> public baths used between the<br />
second and sixth centuries. Via delle<br />
Terme di Caracalla 52. 3996-7700.<br />
• Colosseum The stunning ruin <strong>of</strong> the<br />
1st century Flavian Amphitheatre is a<br />
Roman treasure. Piazza del Colosseo 1.<br />
3996-7700<br />
• Musei Capi<strong>to</strong>lini Art and archaeology<br />
exhibits focusing on the city. Piazza del<br />
Campidoglio 1. 060-608.<br />
• Teatro dell’Opera di Roma The<br />
capital's ornate landmark concert hall.<br />
Piazza Beniamino Gigli 7. 481-601.<br />
Oc<strong>to</strong>ber 2012 57