There are so many attractions in Rome that you certainly cannot visit them all during one trip. The most important monuments can be seen in three or four days. You will have to wait for all the rest until your next visit to the Eternal City.
Rome is over two thousand years old, therefore its history, and especially the number of monuments and interesting places, is really substantial. There is really a lot to see in the Italian capital. World-class monuments as well as numerous masterpieces of art await tourists all year round.
The season in Rome practically never ends, there are always crowds of visitors.
So let’s start exploring Rome with our travel guide.
Sightseeing in Rome
Visiting Rome requires us to plan in advance what exactly we want to see. There is probably no such number of monuments and works of art in one place, anywhere else in the world. Therefore, you need to choose those that really interest you. Everything else that we don’t have time to see in the Eternal City will be the perfect reason to come here again.
It is said that whoever has visited Rome at least once will surely come back.
Rome will be perfect for a weekend trip, but you can immediately assume that you will not see all the tourist attractions, but only a fragment of the Eternal City. The optimal time to visit Rome is around five days to a week.
If someone is disturbed by crowds of tourists or does not like to visit during the greatest heat, then he should go to Rome either in April or May, or at the end of September or October.
The very historic center of Rome can be explored simply by walking. Other attractions of the Italian capital are easy to reach by public transport, but although the metro is faster and more convenient, buses are rather necessary. The problem here is the fact that the underground railway bypasses the entire oldest part of the city and the fashionable and eagerly visited Trastevere.
Attractions of Rome
And now it’s the turn of the most interesting tourist attractions in Rome.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is the largest and most famous fountain in Rome. One of the symbols of the Eternal City. The Trevi Fountain dates back to the 18th century and is adjacent to Pola’s Palace in Piazza di Trevi. Its originator was Pope Clement XII. The baroque fountain shows Neptune surrounded by sea deities – tritons.
On both sides there are also statues symbolizing abundance and health. The Trevi Fountain is quite large, yet it is crowded with crowds of tourists from dusk to dawn. In order to put a coin in it and return to Rome, you have to be patient.
See on the map of Rome how to get to the Trevi Fountain:
Colosseum
Another symbol of the Italian capital and the biggest attraction for visitors. A must see on the tourist map of Rome. A gigantic amphitheater, built around the 1st century AD. At one time, it had four floors, the most important of which was the arena with a place for the audience.
It could accommodate from 50 to 80 thousand viewers. It was in the Colosseum that the famous gladiator and slave fights, hunting for wild animals and reconstructions of battles took place. Including the sea ones, because the arena was filled with water.
Today, the collapsed storeys reveal a view of the walls of various dungeons, cages and networks of corridors. In 2007, the Colossus was proclaimed one of the seven modern wonders of the world. It is also worth being tempted to visit it at least once.
See on the map how to get to the Colosseum in Rome:
This is just the beginning of interesting places and tourist attractions in Rome.
Spanish stairs
The famous Spanish Steps are located in Piazza di Spagna and are 138 steps high. They were created in the 18th century and their appearance is to refer to the movement of sea waves. At the top of the stairs is the Church of the Holy Trinity (Trinità dei Monti). They often serve as a backdrop for various cultural events, including a place for fashion shows.
In spring, the Spanish Steps are beautifully decorated for the festival of flowers. Their name comes from the Spanish embassy, which was located in this place. Currently, it is one of the favorite gathering places for tourists from around the world.
Vatican City with St. Peter’s Basillica
Another attraction of Rome is undoubtedly the Vatican City State. Along with the famous square and St. Peter’s Basillica are one of the most visited places in the Eternal City. The temple itself is the second largest sacred building in the world. It was erected at the burial site of St. Peter.
Inside the basilica, there are over 40 altars, 11 chapels and 395 statues, as well as many paintings and mosaics. In its central part there is an altar of Saint Peter with a canopy. It is worth climbing the great dome, designed by Michelangelo, from which there is a panoramic view of the whole of Rome. See on the map where St. Peter’s Basilica is located in Rome:
Check out the official website of the Vatican to learn more about the monuments and attractions of this place.
Monuments of Rome
It’s time for a few words about the most important monuments in Rome.
Pantheon
One of the most famous monuments in Rome is definitely the Pantheon. It is one of the best-preserved ancient structures. Its name means a temple dedicated to all deities. The Pantheon is an example of an outstanding architectural thought, especially when we realize that it dates back to the 2nd century AD. In addition, the solution to the matter of lighting inside is an interesting fact, because its only source is the opening in the dome, called the oculus.
It is also worth adding that the Pantheon is also the tomb of Italian kings and, among others, the painter Raphael Santi. This monument is situated in the center of the Eternal City on the popular Piazza della Rotonda.
Forum Romanum
It is a square with the remains of the most important buildings in the city. At one time it was the center of Rome and the main meeting place of the then inhabitants. Today, only the ruins of the ancient city can be seen here.
Among them, it is worth taking a closer look at the remains of the Temple of Saturn, Romulus and Vesta as well as the Arch of Titus, Tiberius and Augustus.
In addition, at the Roman Forum you can see well-preserved columns and monuments dating back to antiquity. All this surrounded by six Roman hills. As with all other monuments, there is usually a crowd of tourists here as well.
See on the map how to get to the Roman Forum:
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
One of the best-equipped museums in the world are the Vatican ones. Their collections include over 20,000 exhibits and works of art. A visit to the Vatican Museums is a real treat for lovers of sightseeing and history. You can admire an exhibition devoted to Roman classical art, as well as papal apartments, including Alexander VI Borgia and Julius II. It was here that successive popes were buried.
However, the greatest gem of the Vatican Museums is the Sistine Chapel. Its walls are decorated with paintings by the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance, and the vault itself is the work of the great Michelangelo. It is his work that is still referred to as one of the greatest artistic achievements of human civilization.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo is picturesquely situated on the Tiber, to which the Angel Bridge leads, decorated with monumental sculptures. The place is perfect for romantic walks as well as an excellent vantage point on the dome of the Sistine Chapel. Castel Sant’Angelo itself was built as the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD.
Then it served as a fortress, a prison, and even a papal residence. Currently, since 1933, the Vatican museum of medieval weapons is located here.
What’s worth seeing in Rome?
Altar of the Fatherland
One of the places that is definitely worth seeing in Rome is the Venetian Square, with a huge marble monument located on it, or rather a building called the Altar of the Fatherland, or colloquially – a wedding cake. It was built during the fascist rule, and the opening of the monument with the grave of an unknown soldier and the museum took place in 1935. The building is named after the first king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II of Savoy. The Altar of the Fatherland can be visited free of charge, as several halls with exhibitions are available for tourists, belonging to the museum of the history of unification. However, at the very top of this building, there is an observation deck with a panoramic view of Rome.
The main part of the Altar of the Fatherland is the equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel. It also houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Piazza Navona
Another place that is definitely worth seeing when visiting Rome is Piazza Navona. Considered by many people as the prettiest square in the Italian capital. In the old days, the city market was held here, and even earlier there was the Domitian stadium here. Piazza Navona is famous for its three fountains, including the most magnificent one – the Fountain of the Four Rivers (Nile, Ganges, Danube and Rio de la Plata).
In addition, the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone and Palazzo Pamphilj are located on this baroque square. During the Christmas season, a fair is organized in this place, along with stalls where you can buy sweets and gifts.
St. John’s Basilica in Lateran
What many people do not realize is that it is not St. Peter is the most important temple for Catholics. It is the Basilica of Saint John Lateran. It is also the former seat of the popes, where many of them are buried. St. John is located on the Celius hill, and the entire complex surrounding it is under the exclusive authority of the Holy See. In addition to the temple itself, it is also worth seeing the other buildings that make up the entire complex, i.e. the Pontifical Lateran Palace, the Palace of Canons, the Pontifical Roman Major Seminary and the Pontifical Lateran University.
Interesting places in Rome
There are many interesting places in Rome. Below are those that we consider an absolute must see!
Trastevere
An interesting and extremely fashionable place in recent years is one of the districts in Rome, namely Trastevere. It is a place full of restaurants, shops and cafes, perfect for a break while exploring the Italian capital. Here you can buy original souvenirs from the Eternal City (Porta Portese Sunday Antiques Market) or go for a walk along the west bank of the Tiber. Interestingly, Trastevere is the oldest part of Rome, once inhabited by the poorest people. Today, many people wander among the ivy-covered tenement houses, looking for peace and inspiration. For sightseeing enthusiasts, there is also a historic church Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, the city gate and the tiny island of Tiberina.
Borghese Gardens
The second interesting place in Rome is the Borghese Gardens. Another point on the tourist map of the Eternal City, where you can relax while exploring. It’s a huge green park with picturesque walkways and a place where you can just sit. In addition, there are historic buildings with works of art, monuments and fountains in this area. One of them is the Borghese Gallery with its extensive collection of marble Caravaggio sculptures and mosaic floors.
One of the outstanding paintings can be seen here, including The Woman with the Unicorn and The Entombment of Raphael, or the Madonna with the Child by Bellini. In addition, in the Borghese Gardens you will find the Temple of Diana and Casina di Raffaello, with a terrace overlooking the entire area.
It is worth mentioning here that the entire old city of Rome is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Also check out the official Rome website to learn more about Rome’s monuments and attractions.
Tourist map of Roman attractions
On the map of Rome’s attractions below you will find all the monuments and interesting places that are worth seeing and visiting during your trip to Rome:
Which sights and attractions of Rome do you like the most? We are waiting for your opinions on the forum.