Rome combines big cultural draws with beautiful piazzas and the charm of a picturesque village, making it a magnet for both history buffs and city explorers. Take a day off from the museums and explore Piazza del Campidoglio, go ‘backstage’ at the Colosseum, or walk along the Appian Way. These are just a handful of some of the outdoor experiences you can enjoy when you stay at Hotel de la Ville, as well as Hotel de Russie and Rocco Forte House.
Perfect for… An eye for design
Explore the Piazza del Campidoglio
Just a seven-minute drive away from Hotel de la Ville lies a Renaissance masterpiece at the summit of the Capitoline hill, formerly home to the Roman senate. The beautiful Piazza del Campidoglio was designed by Michelangelo. He was commissioned by Pope Paul III, who, expecting a visit from the Holy Roman Emperor, wanted to create an impressive civic square on the ruins of the Capitol. Although the piazza was not finished in Michelangelo’s lifetime, his vision eventually came to fruition. He solved the problem of a slightly irregular, trapezoid site by placing a statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius in the centre of the square to draw the eye. The piazza is accessed by a monumental staircase and the buildings in the square are home to the famous Capitoline museums.
Perfect for… The heart of the action
Venture inside the Colosseum's gladiator tunnels
Following a ten-year renovation funded by Italian fashion house Tod’s, the Colosseum’s open-air underground area where gladiators readied for combat is now open for guided tours for the first time in the Colosseum’s nearly 2,000-year history. Stroll down 525 feet of wooden walkways throughout the Colosseum's underground structure, venture into corridors where fighters used to enter the area and catch a glimpse of niches that were used to store caged animals. When you tire of combat, it is a 15-minute taxi back to Hotel de la Ville where you can indulge in the city’s finest aperitivo experience at the glamorous Cielo Terrace, looking out at the stunning skyline of the Eternal City.
Perfect for… A leafy excursion
Walk along the awe-inspiring Appian Way
One of the most strategically important Roman roads, the beautiful tree-lined Appian Way dates back to the end of the 4th century BC. It was built by Appius Claudius Caecus, the then-censor of Rome, and connected Rome to Capua, near Naples. Later extended more than 300 miles to Brindisi on the Adriatic coast, it was the widest and longest road of the age. Parco Regionale dell’Appia Antica, is a 20-minute cycle from Hotel de la Ville and here you will pass the Catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastiano, as well as many significant basilicas and tombs which line the road. Our concierge will be more than happy to arrange a spectacular guided tour by bicycle or horseback for you to enjoy.
To explore Rome’s beautiful piazzas, underground history and fascinating ancient roads, email our reservations team at Hotel de la Ville at reservations.delaville@roccofortehotels.com or call +39 06 977 931.
Just around the corner, Hotel de Russie also provides unparalleled access to the Eternal City. Email reservations.derussie@roccofortehotels.com or call +39 06 32 888 830.
Rocco Forte House is an unforgettable location for groups and families. Email our reservations team on reservations.romahouse@roccofortehotels.com or call +39 06 3288 8990 for more details.
Vivacious, glamorous, powerful. Few figures encapsulate the effortless grandeur of the Belle Époque quite like Donna Franca, our Sicilian muse. Famed for her petite frame, thick dark hair and an exquisite fashion sense that has endured for over a century, Franca was the epitome of an era that placed beauty and high fashion at its forefront.
The festive season brings its own kind of sparkle - a flurry of celebrations, feasts, and time with those who matter most. To make gifting simple, we’ve curated a selection of bespoke experiences to delight everyone on your list. From candlelit dinners and Italian wine tastings to tranquil spa escapes and moments devoted to yourself, each experience thoughtfully crafted to offer moments of joy.
In a time when beauty shaped every facet of life — from the curve of a staircase to the vivid bloom of a painted iris — Italy’s Stile Liberty captured the optimism of a new century. Across Europe in the late 19th century, the Belle Époque blurred the line between art and the everyday, celebrating craftsmanship, elegance, and expressive freedom. Now, a new cultural itinerary, From Mucha to Florio, traces that movement between Hotel de la Ville in Rome and Villa Igiea in Palermo, two different cities, two glorious expressions of the same artistic impulse.
