Rome
The city of perpetual hope. It is a metropolis that is proud of its ancient great legacy, having once spread its power across Europe, Africa, and Asia. Rome is a city rich in history and Christianity. First-time visitors may be overwhelmed by all this lovely city has to offer. After all, one can find history and art on practically any street corner. That is why travellers should do thColosseumrch to narrow down what they want to see and do before boarding a plane Pantheon going for the Italian capital.
Rome is divided into distriRoman Forumhe Colosseo area at its centre, which contains the most ancient attractions such as the Colosseum, Capitoline Hill, and Roman Forum. Old Rome, on the outskirts of the city centre, is home to the Pantheon, spectacular cathedrals, plazas, and Renaissance architecture.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to visit all of Rome’s main tourist attractions in a few days, much alone months. Wise travellers will not even try to visit everything in one trip. To assure their return to Rome, they will toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain. Legend says that those who do will return to Rome.
Top 25 must-see tourist attractions in Rome:
The Baths of Caracalla
monarch Caracalla erected the Baths of Caracalla, Rome’s second biggest public baths, in the third century as political propaganda: the monarch just wanted people to admire him. The baths were operational for approximately 300 years. Neglect, looting, and an earthquake reduced the complex to ashes, yet its sheer scale and cleverness continue to amaze tourists.
Villa Farnesina
Visitors who want to see how the wealthy lived during the Renaissance might visit Villa Farnesina, which is located in the Trastevere area. The Villa Farnesina is well known for Raphael’s murals representing the stories of Cupid and Psyche. A banker who also served as papal treasurer commissioned works by many other artists and had the mansion erected in 1506.
Appian Way
The most famous ancient route in Rome is the Appian Way, which connects the city to Brindisi in southeastern Italy. It began as a military route and was named after Appius Claudius Caecus, a Roman censor. Today, the first 8 kilometres (5 miles) of the 560-kilometer (350-mile) stone route are lined with ancient monuments. This historic highway has significant automobile traffic at first, but it becomes safe for pedestrians after a few miles.
National Roman Museum
If you wish to learn as much as possible about Rome’s history, legacy, and culture, visit the National Roman Museum, also known as the Museo Nazionale Romano. This Roman museum does not keep its complete collection in one location. Instead, exhibits are spread throughout the city. Discover amber, Roman artefacts, and jewellery in the spectacular Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, marvel at the breathtaking use of marble and exquisite sculptures in the Palazzo Altemps, and get a close-up look at Roman baths at the reconstructed historic site of the Baths of Diocletian.
Victor Emmanuel II Monument
This dramatic monument, built in commemoration of Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a united Italy, appears to be made entirely of white marble but fact comprises multiple rooms. It was planned by Giuseppe Sacconi in 1885 and finished in 1925. There are two permanent museums, one on Italian Reunification and one on emigration from Italy, as well as other locations for periodic exhibitions. The Victor Emmanuel Monument is not considered as one of Rome’s most beautiful structures, but it is nevertheless well worth a visit, if only for the spectacular views from the top.
Square of the People
The Piazza del Popolo is a vast oval area in northern Rome that has existed since the time of the Roman Empire. It was once the starting point for the most significant northern road. The square is bordered by three churches, but the main attraction is an antique Egyptian obelisk. On the north side of the Piazza, the Porta del Popolo leads to the Via Flaminia, a road that connects Rome to the Adriatic coast.
Santa Maria, Trastevere
Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of Rome’s earliest churches, with most historians assuming it was founded in the fourth century. The church features remarkable mosaics from the 12th and 13th centuries and has been expanded and refurbished over the years. Located in the famed Trastevere neighbourhood, the mosaics on the façade add to the atmosphere of the plaza, particularly at night when the church and tower are illuminated.
Ostia Antica.
Ostia Antica is an important archaeological site that once served as Rome’s waterfront. It lies fewer than 20 miles from Rome, at the mouth of the Tiber River. The site contains well-preserved ancient buildings, some dating back to the fourth century BC. Ostia Antica is famous for its magnificent paintings and mosaics on antique buildings, as well as ancient public toilets that transformed bathrooms into social spaces.
Basilica of San Clemente.
The 12th-century Basilica of San Clemente, located just a few blocks from the Coliseum, was built on top of a 4th-century church and an older Roman temple. The current church is known for its stunning frescoes and mosaics. For an admission fee, visitors can explore the excavations of the lower two levels, which provide a fascinating glimpse into Rome’s history.
Capitoline Museum
It may have taken the Romans 400 years to establish the Capitoline Museums, which Michelangelo planned in 1536, but the wait was worthwhile. This magnificent collection of art and archaeological museums, which began with a papal bequest in the 15th century, may be found in Piazza del Campidoglio on Capitoline Hill. The collections include mediaeval and Renaissance paintings, ancient Roman statues, and jewellery.
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill, one of Rome’s Seven Hills, is associated with Roman mythology, as it was here that a wolf purportedly discovered and cared for the twin boys Romulus and Remus before being rescued by shepherds. Even if this narrative is not genuine, Palatine Hill remains the site of Rome’s founding. Today only ruins remain but during the Imperial Empire, the hill was extensively built up with huge palaces.
San Giovanni in Laterano
San Giovanni in Laterano, or St. John Lateran, is one of Rome’s four main basilicas. It is dedicated to John the Baptist and John the Evangelist and serves as the home cathedral for both the archbishop of Rome and the Pope. It is thought to be the earliest Catholic church built in Rome. Its facade does not appear as extravagant as other churches, but the interior is beautifully decorated with wall ornamentation, columns, mosaics, and paintings.
Galleria Borghese
Cardinal Sciopione Borghese erected the Galleria Borghese in the 17th century as a party palace. It is now an art gallery. The cardinal, a nephew of Pope Paul V, was also an art patron. Today, the galleria holds many of his collection’s paintings, sculptures, and antiques. Here, you can see Titian paintings, Bernini sculptures, and the National Museum of Musical Instruments.
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.
The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) was founded in the fourth century and is regarded as one of Rome’s most important Catholic churches. The 18th-century exterior covers one of the city’s best-preserved Byzantine interiors. Travellers in Rome on August 5 may want to attend the Miracle of the Snows ceremony, which involves thousands of white petals being released from the roof.
Saint Peter’s Square
St. Peter’s Square, located in Vatican City, is Rome’s most well-known square. Hundreds of thousands of people flock to hear the pope’s messages. Bernini designed the elliptic square, which is bordered on two sides by colonnades in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. Statues adorn the colonnades. The ellipse is centred on an Egyptian obelisk that was imported from Egypt to Rome during Emperor Augustus’ reign.
Campo de’ Fiori
Campo de’ Fiori is a rectangular space south of Piazza NPiazza Navonarves as a marketplace during the day and a party destination for college students and tourists at night. The name means “field of flowers” and was first used in the Middle Ages, when the region was literally a meadow. Today, the market is bustling, especially during the daily vegetable market (which takes place every morning except Sundays). Visitors to the market can purchase fresh produce, fish, meat, flowers, and spices. The square is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, making it an ideal place to eat after shopping or simply spend the afternoon.
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most famous squares, was established near the end of the 15th century and still retains the shape of Domitian’s Stadium. Emperor Domitian built the stadium in 86 AD, and it featured a wider arena than the Colosseum. It was mostly utilised for festivals and sporting activities. The structures that encircle the area now stand where the spectators used to sit. Today, the square has three lovely fountains and is a popular spot for cappuccinos, shopping, and seeing street performers.
Castel Sant Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo was created as a tomb for Emperor Hadrian and his family. Built in 123 BC, it was eventually converted into a fortification and castle by the popes. It was previously Rome’s tallest structure. The ashes of previous emperors were buried there, but were scattered when the Visigoths attacked in 410. The castel used to be a prison, but it is now a museum. It is one of Rome’s most well-known landmarks, and film lovers may recognise it as the scene for “Angels and Demons”.
Roman Forum
The Roman Forum (or Forum Romanum in Latin) was the beating heart of ancient Rome for centuries, serving as the location of triumphal processions and elections, a forum for public speeches, and the hub of commercial activity. Today, the Forum is a sprawling ruin of architectural elements, including the Septimius Severus and Titus Arches, the Antoninus Pius and Faustina Temples, and the Saturn Temple.
Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps, a 135-step stairway erected with French funding between 1721-1725, connects the Bourbon Spanish embassy to the Holy See and the French church, Trinità dei Monti. The steps are regularly packed, attracting both tourists and residents who utilise them as a gathering area. Every year in May, the steps are decked with pink azaleas. The Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Square) and the Fontana della Barcaccia, a modest fountain created by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, are located at the foot of the Spanish Steps.
The Trevi Fountain
Flickr/Josep Enric
Completed in 1762 to Nicola Salvi’s design, this world-famous Baroque fountain has a legendary sculptural composition of Neptune, the god of the sea, surrounded by two Tritons. The Trevi fountain marks the end of the old Aqua Virgo aqueduct and was named from its placement at the intersection of three roads. The fountain was the backdrop for an iconic sequence in Fellini’s film Dolce Vita, which starred Anita Ekberg and Marcello Mastroianni. Since then, it’s become one of Rome’s most prominent tourist sites. The folklore states that anyone who puts a coin into the fountain will one day return to Rome.
Vatican Museums
Pope Julius II founded the Vatican Museums in the sixteenth century with a collection of sculptures. Today, they contain many museums within Vatican City and house some of the world’s most valuable relics. The museum’s attractions include the spiral staircase, the Raphael Rooms, and the magnificently painted Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo painted the church ceiling from 1508 until 1512. Today, the ceiling, particularly The Last Judgement, is widely regarded as Michelangelo’s best achievement in painting. To keep the large crowds under control, the museums offer four itineraries ranging from one and a half to more than five hours. All routes conclude in the Sistine Chapel.
Pantheon
The Pantheon, one of the best-preserved Roman structures, was built in 126 AD as a temple to all of the Roman gods. The temple has been used as a Roman Catholic Church since the seventh century. Eight beautiful granite Corinthian columns stretch across the front of this circular structure, with smaller columns at the back. Despite being 2,000 years old, the Pantheon’s renowned dome remains the world’s biggest unreinforced concrete dome. Marcus Agrippa is thought to have built the Pantheon as a private temple. The current structure was rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in the second century.
Saint Peter’s Basilica
The Basilica of St. Peter, the centre of the Catholic world and a famous tourist destination, is a massive building with an internal height of 120 meters (400 feet) that could fit the space shuttle and its booster rockets, as well as the Statue of Liberty. The church is on the traditional spot where Peter, the apostle who is regarded as the first pope, was crucified and buried. Construction on the existing structure began in 1506 and was finished by 1615. Many prominent painters contributed to the building and its surroundings: Michelangelo designed the dome, while Bernini created the magnificent St. Peter’s Square.
Colosseum
The Colosseum is another prominent tourist destination in Rome. Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty began building in 72 AD, and his son Titus completed it in 80 AD. The circular amphitheatre could accommodate up to 50,000 spectators who came to see gladiators fight, people be publicly executed, and other sorts of entertainment. This stone and concrete building, constructed in the first century, was the largest amphitheatre in the Roman Empire. It is regarded as one of the Romans’ greatest architectural and engineering achievements.
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