On Via Nazionale you can do lots of shopping in the numerous fashion stores.  One of the most prominent buildings on Via Nazionale is the Palazzo delle Esposizioni, a neoclassical exhibition hall which was opened in 1883.  It was recently closed for refurbishment and reopened vaunting a 90-seat auditorium, 139 seat cinema, café, restaurant and library.  Keep your eyes peeled for interesting international exhibitions.  Via Nazionale also has lots of bars, restaurants, supermarkets, fast food outlets and cafes to choose from.

Walking down Via Nazionale takes you to Piazza Venezia, overshadowed by the white Neolithic monument, the Vittoriano, which commemorates Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of a united Italy.  It is the biggest modern building in the centre of Rome, so it works well as a meeting point!  On the right side of the piazza is Palazzo Venezia where Mussolini made many of his speeches from the balcony.

Follow Via dei Fori Imperiali from Piazza Venezia and you’ll arrive at the world famous Colosseum, famous for its history of gladiatorial combat and human sacrifice.  In this area you must see the Arch of Constantine, Circus Maximus and Baths of Caracalla.

North-west of the Hotel Alius Rome is the Palazzzo del Quirinale the official residence of the president of the Republic.  It was first built in 1574 and continuously modified until the present day.  Along Via del Quirinale are two distinctive examples of Baroque architecture: the churches of Sant’ Andrea al Qurinale, designed by Bernini, and San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, designed by Boromini.

The Via Veneto area is close to the hotel and is famous for Fellini’s dolce vita atmosphere of the 1960’s.  To this day the area remains an attraction and many international film, music and sports stars can be seen here.  The spectacular Fontana del Tritone is worth seeing in Piazza Barberini, at the southern end of Via Vittorio Veneto.