First of all, thanks to those who have written in through the Rome : Alive! Facebook Group to comment on our posted videos. Anyone who is not already a member of the group can join in order to receive news and updates (just sign up to Facebook and then search for the Rome : Alive! Group). Many of you found the airport video to be especially useful and suggested making a similar piece about the train station. While that is in the works, I thought I’d pass on some info about that labyrinthine and downright confusing place, which is actually chock full of interesting stuff.
Termini is Rome’s main terminus (although that’s not where it gets its name from – termini refer the series of little baths that formed part of the enormous bath complex of Diocletian, which was located on the site nearly 2000 years ago). The first Termini was built in 1867 shortly after the unification of Italy, when Rome became the capital of a new nation. But the burgeoning city soon outgrew it. However, with two world wars and a lot of upheaval, the new Termini was not inaugurated until 1950. With a mix of styles reflecting its design and construction from the 1930s to the 1950s, Termini’s curiously curving atrium has stood the test of time better than many other 20th century train stations, and a recent revamp has given it a lot of cool new shops and services. You still need to keep a firm hand on your bags, but its now safer than it used to be, with cops and “customer service reps” milling about amiably.
The best way to approach Termini if you’re outbound from Rome is by rail – it is served by both of Rome’s Metro lines as well as a host of commuter trains that serve stations within the city. Bus routes to Termini are notoriously show and full of pickpockets. Once you’ve arrived at the station, there are many new ticket machines in the main atrium where you can buy tickets without having to stand in line at the notoriously nightmarish ticket counters (just push the Union Jack on the screen for English). Bathrooms are located on either side of station on the lower level – there is a charge, but they are usual clean, which makes them a better bet than going on the train.
While you await your train, head down to the lower concourse underneath Binario (Track) 1, where the full-service Conad supermarket offers food (including hot pizza), drinks and other supplies at a much lower price than the other outlets in the station. Or head to the opposite end to the Ala Mazzoniana, a gorgeous arched hallway along Via Giolitti where you can pick up clothes at Upim department store, find a bancomat (ATM machine) or, on the lower level, leave your luggage for a few hours. There are occasional art exhibits here as well. Car rental agencies are also located in this area, and a brand-new restaurant and wine bar in one end of this amazing space looks like its too hip for Rome. In 2009, a full-service spa facility is scheduled to open – now that’s waiting out your train delay in style!
The station’s informative, if strangely translated website has some great photos, etc.