Best Places To Visit in Rome

A historical, architectural and cultural wonder, it is correctly said that Rome wasn’t built in a day.  Engulfed in antique monuments, innumerable churches, humongous galleries and icons of Christian Faith, Rome is galore for tourists. One of the most visited tourist attractions in the world, Rome is also one of the key destinations visited in Italy and Europe. Home to some of the remarkably famous landmarks, the Colosseum and the Pantheon, the capital city of Italy, is no short of attractions. The Historic Centre in Rome is marked as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Vatican City is an independent country inside the boundaries of Rome, making it a city within a city and making Rome literally one of its kind. But, Rome tourism is not all basilicas and history. Interspersed with sidewalk cafes and parks, Rome places to visit are a perfect balance of history and fun. When in Rome, walk through the cobbled streets and explore the various sites or simply relax and soak up the sun with a cup of coffee.

If you want to experience a perfect blend of rich cultural heritage and modern life, then simply head to the capital of Italy, Rome. Most of you may have made a list of best places to visit in Rome Italy in your exclusive travel package. However, there are a few historical landmarks and tourist attractions of Rome that you shouldn’t miss at all. Here is a Rome travel guide that will make you acquainted with all the key destinations that you should visit in this spectacular city:

  • The Colosseum

An amphitheater left behind by the Roman antiquity, the Colosseum is the largest structure in the Roman world. The building was built by Vespasian in AD 72, and it was finally inaugurated in AD 80 after his son, Titus added a fourth floor with a series of games. This monument has a capacity of over 50,000 spectators and has been witness to many gladiatorial combats, animal fights and roman games. It was also large enough for performances, festivals and circuses. There was a certain hierarchy in the seating as well wherein the highest officials sit on the lowest levels, the aristocratic Roman families on the second, and the populace on the third and fourth. Not only that, but the Colosseum is also a structure that has inspired the models and designs of sports arenas. The stadiums are built like the oval shape of the Colosseum.

It is one of the most famous and top places to visit in Rome Italy you will come across. No wonder, it is recommended in each of the Rome Travel blog and Rome travel guide you will come across online. This unique amphitheater has a capacity of over 50,000 spectators featuring over 70 different doorways. This site was recognized for animal fights, combats, games and many more such thrilling activity. 

  • The Pantheon

Originally dedicated to mythological divinities, the Pantheon became a Christian church in the 7th century. It is one of the best-preserved monuments of the Romans antiquity. The Pantheon was rebuild in AD 80 after a damaging fire. The immense technical mastery of the Roman Builders is seen in the stunning brickwork in the interiors. However, the extraordinary legacy of architecture of the Romans is seen in the 43-meter dome that hangs without any visible support, the support is hidden away expertly in the walls. The only light source in the building is the nine-meter central opening, the oculus. The height of the building, same as the diameter of the building depicts the skillful construction. The Pantheon is also home to the tombs of Victor Emanuel II, the first king of Italy, and the tomb of Raphael, a famous artist. Pantheon literally means everything divine, and the divine aura makes it a must-visit.

  • Trevi Fountain

A world-famous fountain, Fontaina Di Trevi, is a 17th-century masterpiece. Built against the rear wall of the Palace of the Dukes of Poli, Trevi Fountain was built for Pope Clement XII between 1732 and 1751 by NicoloSilvi. The Baroque style fountain shows the god of Sea Oceanus, with horses, tritons and shells. The water goes around the figures and artificial rocks that collect in a large basin. The fountain is largely famous among the films and has become a famous spot for proposals. If you want to make sure you come back to Rome, the fountain has a tradition wherein you throw in the coin twice, once to make a wish and once to make sure that you return to Rome.

Your travel to Rome will be incomplete without visiting a spectacular site such as Trevi Fountain. It is popular in the entire world demonstrating the sculptural integration of Neptune. If you are an art lover then you will love exploring every single detail of this masterpiece. It is situated at Aqua Virgo Aqueduct making it a priority destination in every Rome travel package. Here you will see white water swirling around the artificial rocks and figures which is then gathered in a huge basin that features lot of coins.

  • The Spanish Steps

The Spanish steps derive their name from the Piazza Di Spagna. The Barcaccia, the boat-shaped fountain created by Pietro Bernini, father of the great Baroque architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, at the foot of Spanish Footsteps adds to the charm of the steps. These uneven steps lead to the French Church Treneti Dei Monti and rated as one of the favorite tourist attractions in Rome for a quick break from the sightseeing. Sit by the steps with some lip-smacking Italian gelato under the hot sun or snack on some roasted peanuts during the winter. Indulge in some shopping at Rome’s most fashionable shopping street, followed with dinner at the Caffe Greco frequented by many famous artists, writers and musicians. Find a seat for yourself at the Spanish Steps and relax and watch Rome in its natural habitat.

  • Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the center of the city and it is always part of historic places to visit in Rome Italy. The ancient ruins include the remnants of the old markets, administrative and religious buildings. The forum included courts, markets, and other meeting places making it the hub of the religious and political life of the Romans. Post the 7th century, the buildings fell and churches and fortresses were built amongst them. It was not until the 18th and 19th-century excavations that the ancient buildings were discovered. Places to look out for are Temple of Antoninus Pius, the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the Temple of Saturn. Situated right in the middle of now a modern city, stepping into the Roman Forum is like being transformed right into the past. What now remains of the Roman Forum provides only a tiny glimpse of the original magnificence.

A small walk through Roman Forum will make you well versed with the ancient culture of Rome Italy. Some of the most recommended Rome visiting places you can spot here including Arch of Titus, Temple of Vesta, the Curia, Arch of Septimus Severus, Temple of Saturn and much more. This place demonstrates the religious and political life of the city where markets, courts and meeting places were located once.

  • Santa Maria Maggiore

One of Rome’s most stunning churches, the Santa Maria Maggiore has stood in all its glory since the 4th century. The 86-meter long aisles are separated by 40 columns of marble and 4 columns of granite. The apse added in the 13th century is lined with mosaics of Old and New Testaments themes. The upper walls are decorated with mosaics from the 4th century. The first-ever gold to reach Italy from America is incorporated in the coffered ceiling of the church. This church is an important place of pilgrimage church and two popes are buried here.

The history of the church is interesting. The fourth-century Pope built this church right at the spot where snow fell in an August morning. The Pope had had a vision of the Virgin telling him to build a church where snow fell the following day, and it did. Mass has been celebrated here since the 5th century.

  • Palantine Hill

The Palantine hill is one of the seven hills in Rome and is situated just above the Tiber. According to a myth, the hill was the place where the city was founded by Romulus and Remus. The rock cuttings of the Temple Cybelele at the hill are an indication of some of the earliest human civilizations in Rome. It shows human activity from as long ago as 9th century BC. The hill, later on, was chosen by various emperors and aristocratic families for their palaces, the ruins of which are seen on the hill. In the 16th century, the Farnese Gardens were laid out. It includes beautiful flower beds, trees, lawns, pavilions and fountains designed for social-gathering. Highlights of the hill include DomusFlavia, DomusAugustana and Baths of Septimius Severus. The Palantine Hill is home to some majestic ruins of ancient Rome, and an amazing place to explore Roman history.

  • Borghese Gallery and Gardens

One of the largest parks and ideal places to go in Rome, Borghese Gallery and Gardens host two museums. The Villa Borghese is one of the highly recommended places to visit in Rome Italy. The museum houses the Borghese art collection which includes sculptures, paintings, mosaics from the 15th to the 18th century, inclusive of the artwork of Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio to name a few. The museum was initially built as a party villa. The Villa Giulia houses the Etruscan Museum.

The park is designed as an English-style landscape garden. You can either rent a boat and row along, rent bikes and explore the park or simply walk on foot and enjoy the serene environment. Bioparco Di Roma, a major attraction for kids, is a Zoo with a miniature trail connecting its various sections. It has playgrounds, weekend pony rides and occasional puppet shows for the children.

  • The Vatican City

The smallest independent country, Vatican City is a country within Rome. The Vatican City has an area of less than half a square kilometer, inside which are Vatican Palace and gardens. The Vatican is ruled by the Pope, the supreme head of the Catholic Church. The Vatican is home to St. Peter’s Basilica, which houses Michelangelo’s iconic masterpiece, Pieta. One of the extraordinary museums of the Vatican is the Sistine Chapel, whose frescoed ceiling is Michelangelo’s stunning work. The Vatican Palace is another attraction that is always flooded with tourists. Inside the palace, there are several museums, the Vatican Library, the Borgia Apartments and more. The collections in the museums are from the 20th century, reflecting religious themes. An artistic galore, when in Rome, the Vatican City is a must-visit.

This is one of the most visited destinations and best places to see in Rome Italy that you should keep on your priority. It is an extremely compact area where you can spot several unique sightseeing locations. Whether it is museums, art galleries or historical landmarks, Vatican City offers you perfect settings to keep tourists busy throughout a day. Most of people travel to the city to view highly recognized tourist attractions in Rome such as St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica.

  • Centro Storico & the Spanish Steps:

There are special reasons why we have added this destination in our list of best places to visit when in Rome and without any surprise you will see it featured in several other Rome travel blogs as well. It is one of the versatile Rome tourist attractions where you can spot everything from churches, squares and historical places. Spend some time at Spanish steps where you can enjoy photography sessions with your loved ones. There are some of the rare memories which are worth capturing in your camera. In the vicinity, you will find several interesting places that have inspired musicians and artists to produce something unique out of their imagination. 

What’s next waiting for you?

Rome is a city of joy and it is a kind of unique city in Italy where you can experience something unique. There are various reasons that separate Rome from other travel destinations in Italy. So plan your travel to Rome right now and don’t miss the above-mentioned Places to visit on Rome to make your itinerary all-inclusive. Check out our other travel guides to get information on few more cities you can consider visiting in Italy.

You may also like...

1 Response

  1. Rifat says:

    This is really a great article and a great read for me. It’s my first visit to your blog and I have found it so useful and informative. Thank you

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badge