For over a decade, entry to the Roman Forum has been free to everyone, and in March of this year, the archaeological officials have decided to start charging everyone for entry to this ancient central area. 

Access to the Forum will be included in the $16 ticket that visitors already pay in order to enter into the nearby Colosseum and Palatine Hill.  The proceeds from the tickets will go towards increasing security, and the restoration of sites such as the Forum and other sites of Rome.

The Forum allows you access to the remains of several key buildings from Roman times, such as the Senate, the basilica which was built by the Emperor Maxentius, temples and many others.  And though the resources and budget is small for the archaeological office, they are working to open up long-closed sites and new exhibitions.  Most of their budget at the time goes towards new discoveries, digs and conservation projects.

Also, March signaled the reopening of the Emperor Augustus’ frescoed palace to the public after decades of restoration.  This palace atop the Palatine will allow you to walk through decorative marvels in the studio, and to view the hall where Augustus received guests, and the rooms in the nearby palace that was built for his wife, Livia.

When visiting beautiful Rome, you can find a great location, view, experience and great dining when staying at Hotel Hassler Villa Medici. This 95-room property is located at the top of the Spanish Steps and next to the 16th-centruy Trinita dei Monti church. The Hassler is found in the center of Rome and is within easy walking distance from the Villa Borghese Park, the Piazza di Spagna and the shopping center on the Via Veneto and Via Condotti. The Hassler has also been host to much royalty, famous film stars, and other celebrities alike.

At Imago, the Hassler’s restaurant, you can dine at one of their 16 candlelit tables while you gaze through the eight large picture windows at the views of Rome below. The chef of Imago, Francesco Apreda, offers tasting or a la carte menu, and specializes in cooking Italian food with an Asian twist. The restaurant is open seven days a week with lunch (12:30-2:30 p.m.), dinner (7:30-10:30 p.m.) and Sunday brunch (12:30-3 p.m.). The Hassler also owns the II Palazzetto, a restaurant and wine bar located on the other side of the church. The II Pallazzetto offers the Martini Terrace, which directly overlooks the Spanish Steps.

The Hassler has 82 rooms and 13 luxury suites which are filled with antiques, artwork, chandeliers and more. The rooms are divided into Classic, Deluxe and Grand Deluxe while suites are divided into Classic Suites, Presidential Suites and the Penthouse Suite. The Classic rooms offer king-size beds, desks with broadband internet connections, marble bathrooms, a dining table and a garden view. The Deluxe rooms feature a king or two twin beds, marble bathrooms, and desks with internet connection. The Grand Deluxe rooms offer separate sitting areas, walk-in closets, internet connection, marble bathrooms and a private balcony or gazebo with views to the city or garden below.

The hotel also offers two main public rooms, the Salone Medici and the Sala Capra. The Salone Medici features direct access to the outdoor garden, draped curtains, a piano and antique furnishings. The Salone Capre is decorated with two frescoes painted by Capezzana and is used as a reading room or for private meetings up to 50 people. The Hassler also presents their customers with a small gym on the third floor with a sun terrace, message room, sauna, steam bath and solarium.

So, when visiting Rome, visit right. Treat yourself to the Hotel Hassler Villa Medici, which will allow you to enjoy in a great view, an excellent dining experience, and a perfect location, all at the same time.