Originally called the Field of Mars by the Romans, it’s this section of marshland in the middle of the legendary seven hills that was drained by the world’s first ever aqueduct and made habitable by the Etruscans – giving birth to what would become the great city of Rome.

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Of course, that’s the boring story, invented by scholars to give a factual explanation to the legend and mythology that is irreversibly entwined with Roman history. The more popular story involves gods, warriors, babies, birds and a benevolent she-wolf. In any case, this area of the city is one of the oldest and is so rich is history that it really seems to seep from the walls.

If you’ve ever been to Rome before you’ll be familiar with the narrow cobbled streets and marble facades that characterise the central niche of the city between Piazza Venezia and the River Tevere. This lively and picturesque part of town is as Roman as it gets and puts you within easy walking distance of St Peter’s and the Vatican, the Colosseum, the Vittoriano, Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, as well as Rome’s finest restaurants and nightspots.

Directions:

A taxi from Fiumicino Airport costs a fixed price of €40 (£30/$60) before 11pm, after which it’s on the meter. It shouldn’t cost more than about €45-€50. Tourists should be extremely vigilant with Roman taxi drivers, if you feel you’ve been overcharged or intimidated contact the Italian Tourist Board and quote the ID number of the driver.

From Ciampino Airport the fixed price before 11pm is €30.

Alternatively a taxi from Termini Central Train Station, or ideally Spagna Metro Station should cost under €10 (£7.50/$15).

Public Transport:

There is a train link from Fiumicino Airport and Civitavecchia Sea Port to Roma Termini Train Station.

From Ciampino Airport take the Schiaffini bus to Termini.

From Termini take bus number 75 to Corso Vittorio.

From Corso Vittorio you can walk to either address in around 5 minutes.