Founded in 753 BC, the Eternal City has a lot to offer its visitors. Exploring impressive Roman vestiges that reveal Rome’s long and fascinating history and visiting divine religious sites including the world’s largest church, St. Peter’s Basilica, top the list.
One of our favorite things to do in Rome is simply to roam around the city’s back alleyways coming across lively public squares with ornate fountains where people have been gathering for centuries.
What’s more, Rome is home to world-renowned museums well worth visiting. And there are also plenty of cafes, gelaterias, bars and restaurants serving mouthwatering food. In a nutshell Rome is a fascinating city to visit with lots to see and do.
Some of our favorite places in the city are the Colosseum and Roman Forum, St-Peters Basilica, Castel Sant’Angelo and the Pantheon. When we have the chance to be in Rome, we always pass by the Trevi Fountain and throw in a coin to insure our return to Rome!
The Colosseum
The Colosseum is 2000 years old and was built during 70-80 AD. At the time, this magnificent Roman amphitheater was the largest of its kind and could hold 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. It served as an entertainment venue presenting events such as gladiator games, wild animal fights and chariot races. Rome’s Colosseum is now one of the New Seven Wonders of the World and a must-see attraction in Rome.
If you want to tour the area where the gladiators and the animals were kept or visit the Colosseum at night, you should reserve your ticket in advance since space is limited. Tickets are available online and include admission to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.
Next to the Colosseum you will see the Arch of Constantine, a triumphal arch dedicated to the emperor Constantine.
Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
These impressive ruins are what’s left of what was once a powerful city of the Roman Empire. The Roman Forum is Rome’s oldest public square and Palatine Hill is one of the most ancient parts of Rome. Throughout the archeological area you can see vestiges of ancient Roman temples, churches, arches, squares and government buildings. Some are more than 2,500 years old.
The Palatine Museum houses artifacts found during excavations on Palatine Hill. Guided tours are available, but if you prefer to visit on your own, get a map of the site to know what you’re looking at. If you didn’t buy your ticket for the Colosseum in advance, this is a better place to buy the combined ticket as the line is shorter than at the Colosseum.
In the same area you will find the remnants of Circus Maximus and the Baths of Caracalla.
Public baths were an important part of Roman life. It was a place where people, young and old, went to socialize, relax, and exercise. The Baths of Caracalla date to 212 AD and were the second largest Roman public baths in Rome after the Baths of Diocletian.
The sheer size of the site is impressive as are the remnants of mosaics and frescoes that used to decorate the Terme di Caracalla.
St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the world’s holiest Catholic churches and one of the most visited places in Rome. It’s located in the heart of Vatican City next to St. Peter’s Square, where crowds gather to see the Pope.
Construction of the Renaissance style basilica started in 1506 and was completed 120 years later in 1626. One of the most impressive features is the church’s dome which is 138 feet wide and 448 feet high and covered with mosaics. It’s absolutely divine. And a climb to the top is a must to get a closer look and a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful basilica.
The basilica’s interior is spectacular and decorated with marble, mosaics, frescoes and sculptures including Michelangelo’s Pieta. It’s also believed that Saint Peter is buried directly beneath the high altar. It’s possible to visit the ancient sacred site below the basilica where you can see the final resting place of popes. On your way down be sure to take a look at St. Peter’s Baldachin (also, Bernini’s carved canopy), it’s stunning!
There’s an elevator to reach the first level of the dome and the roof-top terrace, but you must use the staircase to reach the second level. There’s usually a 60 to 90-minute wait to use the elevator, but the view is worth it. There’s also a store on the rooftop where you can buy religious items such as medallions and rosaries.
Admission to the basilica is free but the dress code is strictly enforced for both women and men. No shorts, no bare shoulders and knees must be covered.
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
This huge museum complex is housed in the Apostolic Palace which is the official residence of the pope. The museum contains a staggering collection of masterpieces amassed by the Roman Catholic Church and Papacy.
It’s also where you can visit the famous Sistine Chapel and see its stunning frescoes, particularly its painted ceiling and The Last Judgment by Michelangelo. Other highlights include the Raphael Rooms and the Borgia Apartment. Buy your ticket online to avoid waiting in line for hours.
The Pantheon
The Pantheon is amazingly well-preserved considering it has been standing since the 2nd century. It has been in use ever since it opened to the public in 126 AD. Originally a Roman temple dedicated to all the Gods, it is now a Catholic church dedicated to St. Mary and the Martyrs.
The interior is magnificent with a beautiful marble floor and columns, but the dome takes the cake. The dome’s oculus is 30 feet in diameter, and it lets in enough daylight to illuminate the whole interior. Another fascinating fact about it is that it’s the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.
In front of the Pantheon there’s a beautiful fountain with an obelisk and marble dolphins, the Fontana del Pantheon.
This is one of our favorite places to see in Rome and we love the area. Be sure to roam around the cobblestone alleyways and piazzas in the area. There are lots of shops, cafes and gelaterias.
In April 2020, a 10-foot square sinkhole opened up in front of the Pantheon revealing an older Roman pavement. Experts believe that it dates back to 27-25 BC and that the Piazza della Rotonda was fully renovated during the 2nd century AD under the reign of Emperor Hadrian.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, Castel Sant’Angelo is an ancient fortress located on the banks of the Tiber River. Built between 123 AD and 139 AD as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian and his family, it was later used as a papal fortress and is now a museum.
It’s a beautiful circular building well worth visiting and from the terrace you will have panoramic views of Rome. On top there’s a bronze statue of the Archangel Michael and directly in front of the fortress there is the beautiful St. Angelo Bridge, built in 134 AD.
Trevi Fountain
Rome’s most famous fountain is without a doubt the Trevi Fountain. It’s a stunning work of art with sculptures intricately carved out of Travertine stone. Standing 86 feet tall and 161 feet wide, it’s the largest Baroque fountain in Rome and a definite must-see.
The Trevi Fountain was designed by the architect Nicola Salvi and completed in 1762 by Giuseppe Pannini. In the center niche there’s a sculpture of Oceanus, God of water, and the statues on each side represent Abundance and Salubrity. Below the Gods you can see Triton, demigod of the sea, and sea horses pulling a chariot.
As the legend goes, if you throw a coin over your left shoulder into the Trevi Fountain you will return to Rome. The money is collected by the city and given to charity.
Spanish Steps
Designed by Francesco de Sanctis, this famous Baroque staircase was built between 1723 and 1725 and became one of Rome’s most aesthetic attractions. At the top of the stairs you can see the 16th century Church of Trinità dei Monti. You will also notice an obelisk in front of the church.
At the base of the Spanish Steps, in Piazza di Spagna, there’s a beautiful Baroque fountain shaped like a ship, the Barcaccia Fountain (Fontana della Barcaccia).
In the area you will also find lots of high-end shopping venues with famous designer brands.
Piazzas to see in Rome
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is a beautiful square that was established on the grounds of an old roman stadium. It’s decorated with three of Rome’s most beautiful fountains.
The Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quatro Fiumi) with an obelisk and four statues representing the rivers and continents where Christianity had spread. It was designed in 1651 by Bernini, an Italian baroque sculptor, painter, and architect.
On the north end of the piazza, the Fountain of Neptune (Fontana del Nettuno) depicts Neptune fighting with an octopus. The Moor Fountain (Fontana del Moro) features dolphins and Triton (a mythological creature represented by a man with a fish’s tail) and is located on the southern end of Piazza Navona.
Piazza Navona is popular with locals and tourists alike. Many artists also come here to paint and display their arts.
Piazza del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo is a historical square located at the northern end of Via del Corso in Rome’s historical center. The People’s Square is renowned for its twin churches: Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria di Montesanto.
In the center of this large oval plaza stands an Egyptian obelisk with a cross on top. The Flaminio Obelisk is one of the thirteen ancient obelisks in Rome. There are also lion sculptures, fountains and even a sphinx statue.
Piazza Venezia
Piazza Venezia is a busy central hub in Rome where all roads seem to lead. The most notable monument in the area is the Altar of the Fatherland. Also known as the Victor Emmanuel II National Monument, this colossal marble monument was built to honor unified Italy’s first king, Victor Emmanuel II. It has a rooftop terrace with great views of the city as well as a museum (and there is an elevator).
Nearby there’s the Teatro Marcello, which is an ancient open-air theater, even older than the Colosseum.
Campo de’ Fiori
This is a lovely piazza lined with trattorias, cafes and bars. There is also an open-air market where you can buy fresh produce, flowers and souvenirs.
Museums to visit in Rome
There are plenty of galleries and museums in Rome to choose from. Aside from the must-see Vatican Museums and the ones we visited at the Colosseum, Palatine and Castel Sant’Angelo, these are the ones we visited:
The Capitoline Museums contains a vast collection of Roman bronze and marble sculptures. The museums are located near the Roman Forum and Piazza Venezia.
The Palazzo Altemps is another museum where you’ll find an impressive collection of ancient Roman statues and artifacts. The museum is housed inside a beautiful Renaissance palace with a lovely courtyard.
The Doria Pamphilj Gallery is located inside the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, a 17th century palace. You can visit the opulent apartments and view the private art collection in the art gallery.
Inside the Museum and Crypt of Capuchins you can visit the Crypts of the Capuchin Friars. The bones of the monks were used to decorate the small chapels. Not for the squeamish! The museum is located in the crypt of Church of Saint Mary of the Conception of the Friars Minor Capuchin.
Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità)
The Mouth of Truth is a massive marble mask located on the left side of the portico of Santa Maria in Cosmedin church. It’s popular with visitors because of the legend attributed to it.
According to the legend, suspected liars were forced to insert their right hand inside the Mouth of Truth and if they were lying, the mouth would clamp shut and cut their fingers. In reality, a priest was behind the wall and hit the fingers of the guilty ones.
Famous churches in Rome
Obviously the most popular church is St. Peter’s Basilica, even if technically it’s in Vatican City. But with 900 churches in Rome, many others are nice to see. These are the most memorable ones we visited:
The Basilica of Our Lady in Trastevere is one of Rome’s oldest churches with some parts dating back to 340 AD. It’s known for its mosaics.
Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four major basilicas in Rome and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The interior is decorated with mosaics and a gilded ceiling. It’s located near the Termini train station.
St. Maria Sopra Minerva Basilica is a Gothic church located near the Pantheon. The exterior is pretty plain, but the interior is spectacular with beautiful frescoes. In front of the church there is a small obelisk with an elephant at its base. It is also believed that the church was built over the ruins of a temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis.
St. Clement Basilica is a Medieval church dedicated to Pope Clement I. Built over a Roman pagan temple, it’s possible to visit the underground archeological site that lies below. The basilica’s interior is decorated with frescoes and mosaics.
The Appian Way and Catacombs
The Appian Way is an ancient cobblestone road located on the outskirts of Rome. It’s lined with Roman vestiges is one of the best places to see some of Rome’s best-preserved catacombs. In the area you can visit the Catacombs of St. Callixtus which contain the Crypt of the Popes, the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian and the Catacombs of Domitilla. There are approximately 40 known catacombs in Rome and its environs. But if you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all!
Ostia Antica Archeological Site
Located at the confluence of the Tiber River and the Tyrrhenian Sea (part of the Mediterranean Sea), Ostia Antica was an important harbor city. The city was founded by Ancus Marcius king of Rome in 620 BC. In its prime, around the 2nd century BC, it is believed that the city had a population of 50,000.
The ruins of Ostia Antica are the most well-preserved ruins in Italy after Pompeii and Herculaneum. As you wander around the site you will see the vestiges of ancient homes, shops, temples, baths and even public latrines. The fact that they had running water and a network of working sewers back then is amazing. There is also an ancient Roman amphitheater that now hosts open-air concerts. And throughout the site you will see splendid frescoes and mosaics.
Visiting this large archeological site makes a perfect day excursion from Rome. It’s less than an hour by train from Rome’s main train station, Roma Termini, and about a 40 minutes’ drive from Rome’s city center. Make sure to bring sun protection and a hat as there is very little shade.
Eating your way through Rome
One of our favorite things to do in Rome is sampling delicious Italian specialty dishes. My husband is always ready for a sandwich when we happen to pass by the world’s largest mortadella (a type of Italian cold cut).
I don’t think I’ve ever had a meal in Rome (or Italy for that matter) that I haven’t liked! Just get out of the high-traffic tourist zone and go where the locals go. The food is always better, cheaper and more plentiful.
Did you know that Fettuccini Alfredo was invented in Rome? We both love Italian food, especially fresh pastas, so of course when in Rome we have to go where this delicious dish was first invented. What’s not to like about a dish that combines fresh pasta and parmesan prepared at your table!
And of course, no visit to Rome would be complete without eating some delicious Italian gelato. My mouth is watering just thinking about it…
Conclusion
Rome is one of our favorite cities to visit in Europe because there is so much to see and do. We’ve had the chance to visit four times (Perhaps it’s because we keep throwing coins in the Trevi Fontaine!) and would not hesitate to visit again.
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