Key to Rome

By Frederick Vreeland and Vanessa Vreeland

Book Overview

Unlocking the door to the hidden treasures of the imperial capital's multifaceted cultural history, Key to Rome is a tour book unlike any other. Author Frederick Vreeland, former U.S. senior diplomat in Rome, and his artist wife, Vanessa, guide visitors and armchair travelers through layers of time-from the ruins of antiquity to Renaissance palaces to the trendiest new shops and restaurants--exploring major sites and revealing insider secrets.
Written in a brisk, anecdotal style, this gorgeously illustrated handbook is packed with photographs, historical drawings, sidebars, foldout maps, and floor plans and has been completely updated from its original Italian edition. Organized into four sections--Ancient, Christian, Renaissance and Baroque, and Shopping and the Grand Tour--the guidebook's succinct descriptions of the sights are framed by historical timelines and punctuated by special "must-see" highlights. A comprehensive reference section at the back details day trips of interest, a guide to Italian food, the newest in specialty shops and boutiques, "Rome by Night" and "Rome for Kids," as well as transportation facts, hotel and restaurant suggestions, and much more.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0892368020
• ISBN13: 9780892368020
• Release Date: April 2006
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 188 Pages
• Weight: 1.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 5.3" x 0.7" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

Roman Holiday

I highly recommend Key to Rome by Vanessa and Frederick Vreeland, two of Rome's most knowledgable and stylish residents. The book is a treasure trove of historical and anecdotal information arranged by period - ancient, christian, renaissance and baroque. Their impeccable taste is also reflected in the dining and shopping tips which are always spot on. Key to Rome is a beloved travelling companion which one can continue to enjoy long after the Roman holiday has ended.

Terrific Guide to Rome

Key To Rome by Frederick and Vanessa Vreeland is one of the most beautiful travel books we have seen. It is a complete guide to this Eternal City written by residents of 25 years.... the Vreelands, one an American and one a British citizen, have been in the positions in Rome as Counselor at the U.S. Embassy, Director General of Aspen Institute Italy, and VP of John Cabot University in Rome. Italy and decided to stay. They loved Rome and decided to stay. They have divided the book into sections by historic periods: Ancient Rome, Christian Rome, Renaissance & Baroque Era, and Grand Tour & Shopping, telling their favorite places for each period and also describing many more. The book contains maps, fees & times of opening for all the points of interest, history, and much more than just listing restaurants, hotels, transportation and points of interest, all of which they describe well. The only problem with it is that some travelers tear pages out of their travel guide to take in their purse on various days to mark the route of each daily venture, and you will not want to do that with this one. The book is far more than just a travel guide: it is also your Rome souvenir because the photographs and drawings in it make it a wonderful book to keep and display as a coffee table book so you can really share your trip with your friends after returning

Rome at its most enchanting

This book is an excellent overview of Rome in all its glory, from anecdotal stories, to historical perspectives and unique presentation. Full of beautiful graphics and maps. A must read as a travel guide, but also for the lover of Italian culture.