Rome is not only one of the most beautiful Italian cities, but it also holds a prestigious position in Europe, hence it is also known as the Eternal City. Those who travel here can step back in time, as the Italian capital can be considered one of the cradles of antiquity.
The capital of Italy was the centre of the former Roman Empire. Its extensive historical center is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. Its museums and monuments are among the 50 most visited tourist destinations in the world.
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Rome attractions
Colosseum
One of the world’s most famous buildings, primarily a venue for gladiator battles, but other performances were also held here.
Construction began in 72 AD under Emperor Vespasian at the southeastern end of the Forum Romanum. It was originally called the Flavian Amphitheater. It got its current name in the Middle Ages, presumably from a nearby statue of the colossus associated with Nero.
It has an elliptical floor plan, 188 meters long, 156 meters wide, and 48.5 meters high, made of limestone, tuff, and brick. It was designed to accommodate 50-75 thousand people smoothly.
The basic ticket (named: 24h – Colosseo, Foro Romano, Palatino) is valid for 24 hours from first use (entry) and during this time also grants entry to the Forum Romanum. At the Colosseum, this ticket does not allow access to the arena and the underground part (this is possible with the Full Experience ticket)!
Free entry on the first Sunday of every month! (However, a free ticket must be obtained on-site.)
All information and ticket purchase can be found here!
Forum Romanum
Adjacent to the Colosseum, this vast area was the main public square of ancient Rome, serving as a commercial and political hub.
Many building remains stand, such as the Temple of Romulus, the Arch of Titus, and the Temple of Julius Caesar. There were temples to several gods here, including those of Saturn, Janus, and Concordia at the foot of the Capitolium, and the Temple of Vesta at the foot of the Palatine.
It’s worth spending a few hours to explore the entire area. I recommend entering on the eastern side at the Portale Vignola – Ingresso Colle Palatino and starting left. This way, you will see the most beautiful part of the Forum Romanum from above.
Entry is valid with the Colosseum ticket, described above!
Trevi Fountain
Rome’s most famous and globally known fountain. Legend has it that those who throw a coin into it will surely return to Rome. It is the city’s largest fountain.
It was renovated a few years ago and now offers even more stunning views in the evening lighting. No wonder it is one of the biggest tourist attractions among Rome’s sights.
Unfortunately, in recent times, several tourists thought it would be „fun” to enter the water. Definitely do not do this; serious fines are involved, besides being quite tasteless!
Spanish Steps
The 138 steps leading to the Trinitá dei Monti church are a favorite spot for both locals and tourists. It gets its name from the nearby Spanish Embassy.
At its base, you find one of the city’s most interesting fountains, the Fontana di Barcacci, created by Gianlorenzo Bernini.
Sitting on the steps is prohibited, and police constantly monitor the area and will intervene if someone tries to sit down!
Pantheon
One of the most significant creations of ancient architecture, the Pantheon still stands largely in its original form in the center of Rome.
In modern times, the term has become synonymous with grand buildings that serve as the burial places for distinguished personalities. Such pantheons have been constructed in numerous cities around the world. Among others, it is the resting place of Raphael, King Victor Emmanuel II, and King Umberto I of Italy.
Entry is free on the first Sunday of every month!
All information can be found here!
Victor Emmanuel II Monument
Located in one of Rome’s busiest squares, this monument is considered an important national symbol of the country.
In front of the columns stands the equestrian statue of King Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy and a key figure in the formation of national unity.
The monument is architecturally and artistically significant, measuring 135 meters wide and 70 meters high, reaching up to 81 meters high with its towering sculptures.
In front of the massive monument, similar to Budapest, lies the tomb of the unknown soldier, flanked by a fountain on each side.
An elevator allows visitors to ascend to the top of the monument, offering a magnificent view of the city.
Capitoline Hill
Next to the monument rises one of the seven hills of Rome, known in Italian as the Campidoglio. The square was constructed based on the designs of Michelangelo.
Today, the square houses the Palazzo dei Conservatori (where the statue of Rome’s founders, Romulus and Remus, can be seen), the Palazzo Senatori, and the Palazzo Nuovo.
Piazza del Popolo
Not far from the Spanish Steps, this historic square features a beautiful fountain and Rome’s second oldest obelisk at its center.
The square is bordered by three churches, the most notable being the Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, renowned for its Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces, including two paintings by Caravaggio. The other two churches, Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto, are known as the „twin churches” due to their similar exteriors.
At the northern end of the square is the aforementioned Porta del Popolo, which was originally part of Rome’s city walls and renovated in the 16th century by Pope Sixtus V.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Located along the banks of the Tiber River, it can be approached via the Ponte Sant’Angelo bridge.
Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family, the structure was transformed into a fortress in the Middle Ages and played a crucial role in the city’s defense. It later served as a prison and barracks.
The base is a square supporting the distinctive cylindrical structure containing four chambers. Atop the building stands the famous Angel statue.
Since 1933, it has operated as a museum. Visitors can explore the ancient spiral ramp, the imperial burial chambers, a collection of weapons, and an exhibit detailing the building’s history.
All information can be found here!
Trastevere
This neighborhood on the right bank of the Tiber River offers a true taste of Italian life.
While there aren’t many attractions, it’s worth visiting for the atmosphere alone. Strolling through its narrow streets filled with numerous restaurants and cafes is a delightful experience.
Isola Tiberina
The Tiber Island, located between Trastevere and the central part of the city, may be small but is worth walking across via the Ponte Fabricio and Cestio bridges.
It’s a great outing, especially when transitioning from the city center to the Trastevere neighborhood.
Theatre of Marcellus
This building is one of the earliest surviving examples of Roman stone theaters and even inspired the design of the later Colosseum.
It was completed in 13 BC during the reign of Emperor Augustus and named after his nephew Marcus Claudius Marcellus, who died young as an imperial heir.
It could accommodate about 15,000 spectators and was a major venue for Rome’s significant dramatic performances. Its features include a semi-circular, multi-tiered arena built from finely crafted travertine stone. Over the centuries, the theater significantly deteriorated and was repurposed during the medieval period into residential buildings and a fortress.
Piazza Navona
Perhaps the most beautiful square in Rome, Piazza Navona is always bustling, lined with spectacular buildings.
Originally built on the site of Domitian’s stadium, it was transformed in the 17th century into the Baroque masterpiece it remains today.
The most famous of its three exquisite fountains is the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, designed by Bernini in 1651, which features four giant statues representing the four major rivers of the world (Nile, Ganges, Danube, Rio de la Plata) topped with a grand obelisk.
The other two important fountains are the Fountain of Neptune (Fontana del Nettuno) and the Moor Fountain (Fontana del Moro), both elaborate Baroque creations.
Numerous historic buildings surround the square, among which the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone stands out.
Column of Marcus Aurelius
Situated in Piazza Colonna, this column is one of Rome’s finest, notable for its intricate reliefs and rich historical depictions.
Erected around AD 180 in honor of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, it features a spiraling relief, similar to Trajan’s Column, depicting Marcus Aurelius’ military campaigns against the Germanic peoples and Sarmatians.
Originally, a statue of Marcus Aurelius topped the column, but it was lost over time. In the 16th century, Pope Sixtus V replaced it with a statue of Saint Paul.
Villa Borghese
Rome’s best-known park is a favorite relaxation spot for locals.
It features lakes, summer palaces, fountains, and a zoo, making it a perfect place for a stroll in pleasant surroundings. It is named after Scipione Borghese, a cardinal.
Baths of Caracalla
These are the ruins of one of the grandest and most significant Roman bath complexes, located not far from the Colosseum.
They were inaugurated in 216 AD during Emperor Caracalla’s reign and operated until 537 AD. At its peak, the facility was very popular, attracting an average of 8,000 people daily. More than just a place for bathing, it served as a cultural center where visitors could engage in sports, read in libraries, and participate in various leisure activities.
Thorough excavations in the last century have largely restored its former layout. The complex’s roof was made of intricate vaulted structures, which still impress today.
All information can be found here!
Lateran Basilica (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano)
Officially known as the Cathedral of Saint John Lateran, it is the oldest and highest-ranking among Rome’s four major papal basilicas, often called „the mother and head of all churches in the city”.
Built during the reign of Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, it has undergone multiple renovations and rebuildings over the centuries, particularly suffering significant damage from earthquakes and fires. Each reconstruction made it more ornate and monumental. It assumed its current form in 1735.
The basilica boasts a vast interior with five aisles, divided by impressive columns and arches. At the end of the central aisle is the apse, adorned with 13th-century mosaics.
Entrance is free!
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
This is the largest Roman Catholic church in Rome named after the Virgin Mary and one of the papal major basilicas outside the Vatican City.
The church and its surroundings are considered one of Rome’s most significant artistic and urban architectural complexes. Inside, the Renaissance coffered flat ceiling stands out, richly adorned with gilding.
Entrance is free!
Vatican City
The headquarters of the Catholic Church, where the Pope serves as the head of state. It is the smallest independent state in the world by area, completely surrounded by Rome. Its territory is enclosed by walls, except for the section facing St. Peter’s Square.
St. Peter’s Square and Basilica
The Basilica is perhaps the most famous church in the world.
At the center of the square stands an obelisk brought from Egypt by Emperor Nero. Several fountains can also be found within the square.
An interesting feature is the „optical view” of the square, which allows the basilica’s dome to prominently stand out from its surroundings.
Entry to the square is free, but there is a fee to enter the dome. You can ascend to the dome via stairs or a combination of elevator and stairs. All information can be found here!
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
The collection of the Roman Catholic Church includes Greek and Etruscan works as well. Two paths are designated for viewing, a shorter and a longer one.
At the end of the museums, visitors reach the Sistine Chapel, the site of the papal conclave. The ceiling features Michelangelo’s world-famous frescoes.
The museums are closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of each month when entry is free! Opening hours and days of closure can be viewed here.
