Rome is a city that will enchant you with its beauty, history, and culture. It is a city that has something for everyone, from ancient monuments and museums to lively squares and markets. It is a city that you will never forget, and that you will want to return to again and again.
But with so much to see and do in Rome, how do you choose the best places to visit? Here is our list of the top 10 places to visit in Rome.
1. The Colosseum
The Colosseum is the most iconic and impressive landmark of Rome, and one of the wonders of the ancient world. It is the largest amphitheatre ever built, and it was the scene of gladiator fights, animal hunts, and other spectacles that entertained millions of Romans for centuries. You can explore its interior and imagine the roar of the crowd and the drama of the arena. You can also visit the nearby Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, where you can see the ruins of the political and social centre of ancient Rome.
2. Vatican City
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, but also one of the most powerful and influential. It is the seat of the Catholic Church and the home of the Pope. It is also a treasure trove of art and architecture, with some of the most famous masterpieces in history. You can visit the Vatican Museums, where you can admire works by Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and many others. You can also see the Sistine Chapel, where you can marvel at Michelangelo’s frescoes on the ceiling and on the wall behind the altar. And you can visit St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest and most important church in Christendom, where you can see Michelangelo’s Pieta and Bernini’s Baldachin.
3. The Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome, and a masterpiece of engineering and architecture. It was built as a temple to all the gods of Rome, and it has been in continuous use since then. It has a majestic dome with an oculus that lets natural light in, creating a stunning effect. It also has a rich history and symbolism, as it is the burial place of some of Italy’s most illustrious figures, such as Raphael, Victor Emmanuel II, and Umberto I.
4. The Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is the largest and most famous fountain in Rome, and one of the most beautiful in the world. It is a baroque masterpiece that depicts Neptune, god of the sea, surrounded by tritons and sea horses. It is also a popular attraction for tourists who throw coins into the water and make a wish to return to Rome someday. According to legend, if you throw one coin, you will return to Rome; if you throw two coins, you will find love; if you throw three coins, you will get married.
5. The Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are one of the most elegant and romantic spots in Rome. They are a sweeping staircase that connects Piazza di Spagna with Piazza Trinita dei Monti. They are also a popular meeting place for locals and visitors alike, who sit on the steps and enjoy the atmosphere and the view. In the springtime, when some of its 135 steps are draped in azaleas, it is a particularly beautiful sight. At the foot of the steps, you can also see Bernini’s Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the Ugly Boat), which commemorates a flood that brought a boat to this spot.
6. Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful and lively squares in Rome. It was built on the site of an ancient stadium, and it still retains its oval shape. It is famous for its three fountains: Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), designed by Bernini; Fontana del Moro (Fountain of the Moor), designed by Giacomo della Porta; and Fontana del Nettuno (Fountain of Neptune), designed by Antonio della Bitta. It is also famous for its church of Sant’Agnese in Agone, which was built by Borromini in baroque style.
7. The Borghese Gallery
The Borghese Gallery is one of the most impressive art galleries in Rome, housed in a former villa of Cardinal Scipione Borghese. It contains a remarkable collection of paintings and sculptures by artists such as Caravaggio, Titian, Raphael, Bernini, Canova, and many others. You can admire works such as Caravaggio’s David with the Head of Goliath, Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne, and Canova’s Pauline Bonaparte as Venus Victrix. You can also enjoy the beautiful gardens of the villa, which are a green oasis in the city.
8. The Capitoline Museums
The Capitoline Museums are the oldest public museums in the world, founded in 1471 by Pope Sixtus IV. They are located on the Capitoline Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome and the seat of the city’s government. They contain a rich collection of ancient Roman art and history, such as statues, busts, coins, inscriptions, and mosaics. You can see famous works such as the Capitoline Wolf, the bronze statue of a she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus; the Dying Gaul, a marble statue of a wounded warrior; and the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, the only surviving bronze statue of a Roman emperor.
9. The Trastevere Neighbourhood
Trastevere is one of the most charming and authentic neighbourhoods in Rome. It is located on the west bank of the Tiber River, and it has a bohemian and lively vibe. It is full of narrow cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, quaint shops, and cozy restaurants. It is also home to some of the oldest and most beautiful churches in Rome, such as Santa Maria in Trastevere, Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, and San Francesco a Ripa. It is a great place to wander around, enjoy the atmosphere, and taste some of the best food and wine in Rome.
10. The Appian Way
The Appian Way is one of the oldest and most important roads in ancient Rome. It was built in 312 BC by Appius Claudius Caecus, and it connected Rome with southern Italy. It was also known as the “queen of roads”, because of its strategic and military importance. Today, you can walk or bike along some parts of the road, and admire its monuments and landmarks. Y ou can see tombs, catacombs, aqueducts, villas, and churches that date back to different periods of Roman history.
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