Rome
Cadogan's guide to Rome provides a truly accessible way into the heart of this enthralling city. The unique introductory full-color section is packed with itineraries--for example, an exploration of Ancient Rome or a taste of the unexpected away from the tourist crowds. There are ideas for day trips outside Rome, and walks that give visitors a true taste of the city. All attractions and listings--the fullest listings of any city guide to Rome available--are clearly marked on the maps, allowing you to find your way easily around the narrow, bustling alleyways and grand piazzas. The expert authors write with assurance, experience, and charm, providing a wealth of engaging cultural and historical knowledge, along with anecdotes and colorful stories.
Extract: The Worst Pope
It would be no easy job to decide which popes made the greatest contribution to religion and culture. The best of them, no doubt, are written up in heaven in St Peter’s book; just for fun, we’ve tried to find the worst for ours. This too has its difficulties; out of the myriads of scoundrels, drunkards, thieves, children, idiots, poisoners, gluttons and perverts who have decorated St Peter’s throne, we have found some prime candidates, based on a bare minimum of scholarship and a good dose of spleen. We cannot agree with the obvious choice: Alexander VI, the notorious Borgia pope (1492-1503). Though a reasonably effective looter of Church money, a sex-crazed hedonist, and possibly a closet pagan, his greatest sins to have been first, not spreading the grease widely enough, and second, not having been born an Italian. ...click here to read the rest
Excellent guide for the experienced traveler, /5
I always find the Cadogan Guides to be very well written and in particular an excellent source of information for food and lodging in any city. I have never been steered wrong by them and their guide to Rome is no exception. I also find their historical information to be entertaining as well as informative.
If you are an experienced traveler and are looking for something that is a step up from the "Let's Go" guides, yet not as stuffy as say, Fodor's, then these are the guides for you.
Dana Facaros and Michael Pauls can be reached at: michel.pauls@wanadoo.fr
