Following on from his book the Da Vinci code Dan Brown penned Angels and Demons which was released as a movie in May 2009. In common with his first hit novel there is huge interest in the major tourist sites which feature, particularly in Rome in Italy.
Part of the success of Dan Brown's books and films is the use of iconic attractions that many of us have at least heard of, even if we have not yet visited them. Brown's majestic reviving of the potential mechanisms and intrigues around these sights in a loose format of history has led us to look at them again in a different light and he has fired the desire of many to see and know more.
In Rome, the Vatican City in front of Saint Peter's Square is jaw droppingly awesome and a magnet for every visitor of the holy city. Inside the basilica, which covers an area of over 22, 000 square meters, the overall size of this expression of Christianity is truly amazing. The Vatican Museums houses a number of ancient, beautiful works of art, many of which are painted and the Sistine Chapel is an important manifestation of Italian art.
Impressive for its imposing presence the Castel Sant'Angelo, built by the Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century overlooks the banks of the river Tiber. Today it is the National Museum which holds the papal furnishings, paintings and artifacts from the apartments of the Pope, as well as a wide variety of weapons.
The Piazza Navona is a favorite lunch venue with many outdoor restaurants in a traffic-free area, with fountains and majestic statues including those representing the four corners of the world. The church of St. Agnes in Agony is adjacent and is a good example of Baroque architecture.
The huge dome of the Pantheon, with its small hole at the top is a testament to the brilliance of Roman architects. It houses the remains of the Italian monarchy as well as the famous artist Raphael. Santa Maria del poplo and Santa Maria della Vittoria, a Baroque church, are minor landmarks, but the two play parts in the story.
You can easily visit Rome from many parts of Lazio, either by car or, preferably, by train as driving is very difficult in the centre.
Our range of self catering holiday properties in Lazio near Rome is longstanding, you can rely on the quality of the holiday houses, a warm reception from our owners who have worked with us for many years and you can trust Villas du Monde as we are a longstanding agency who have been operating for over twenty years. Beyond Rome we our range of properies in Lazio extends as far as our villas in Viterbo.
If you have any questions about where is best to stay, will it be suitable for small children or any other issues such as how best to travel to Rome then please contact us and we will be only too pleased to assist.