Rome was called the “Eternal City” by the ancient Romans because they believed that no matter what happened in the rest of the world, the city of Rome would always remain to stand. Exploring the city center by foot surrounded by glorious monuments and colossal remains takes you back in time to the “glory that was Rome”.
With its unparalleled history, Rome is the third most visited city in Europe and the fourteenth worldwide. It attracts visitors from all over the world who are impatient to discover the city’s impressive monuments and archaeological sites; not to mention its renowned cuisine and its lively atmosphere.
When exploring the Colosseum, visitors will easily imagine how the gladiators fought for their lives in the arena, cheered by the crowd. In the Circus Maximus, travelers will picture the chariots crashing into each other in order to be first in the race, and in the Roman Forum visualize what the Roman public life was like.
Top Attractions 1. Colosseum
Known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Roman Colosseum is one of the capital's most remarkable monuments. Every year over 6 million people visit it.
The Colosseum is the main symbol of Rome. It is an imposing construction that, with almost 2,000 years of history, will bring you back in time to discover the way of life in the Roman Empire.
The construction of the Colosseum began in the year 72 under the empire of Vespasian and was finished in the year 80 during the rule of the emperor Titus. After completion, the Colosseum became the greatest Roman amphitheater, measuring 188 meters in length, 156 meters in width, and 57 meters in height. The Colosseum in Ancient Times
During the Roman Empire and under the motto of "Bread and Circuses" the Roman Colosseum (known then as Flavian Amphitheatre) allowed more than 50,000 people to enjoy its finest spectacles. The exhibitions of exotic animals, executions of prisoners, recreations of battles, and gladiator fights kept the Roman people entertained for years.
The Colosseum remained active for over 500 years. The last recorded games in history were celebrated in the 6th century.
Since the 6th century, the Colosseum has suffered lootings, earthquakes, and even bombings during World War Two. Demonstrating a great survival instinct, the Colosseum was used for decades as a storehouse, church, cemetery, and even a castle for nobility.
The Colosseum in the present day
At present, the Colosseum is, along with Vatican City, Rome's greatest tourist attraction. Each year 6 million tourists visit it. On 7 July 2007, the Colosseum became one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
2. Roman Forum
Located between Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum, the Roman Forum was the hub of political and social activity of the Roman citizens.
The Roman Forum was where religious and public life in ancient Rome took place. The Forum is, along with the Colosseum, the greatest sign of the splendor of the Roman Empire that can be seen today.
After the fall of the Empire, the Roman Forum was forgotten and little by little it was buried under the earth. Although in the 16th century the existence and location of the Forum were already known, it was not until the 20th century that excavations were carried out.
Interestingly, the place where the Forum was built was originally a marshy area. In the 6th century B.C. the area was drained by means of the Cloaca Maxima, one of the first sewer systems in the world.
Points of interest
Besides the great number of temples that are in the forum (Saturn, Venus, Romulus, Vesta, etc.), it is worth paying special attention to the following points of interest:
Via Sacra: This was the main street in ancient Rome which linked the Piazza del Campidoglio with the Colosseum.
Arch of Titus: This is a triumphal arch that commemorates Rome's victory over Jerusalem. It was built after the death of emperor Titus.
Arch of Septimius Severus: An arch erected in the year 203 A.D. to commemorate the third anniversary of Septimius Severus as the emperor.
Temple of Antoninus and Faustina: Built in the second century, the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina sets itself apart as the best-preserved temple in the Roman Forum.
Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine: Though now mostly destroyed, its size suggests that this was one of the most important buildings of the Roman Forum.
The Curia: In this building the Senate met to make administrative decisions and about the Roman government.
A column of Phocas: Erected in the year 608 A.D. in honor of the emperor of Byzantium, this column, which is over 13 meters high, is one of the few that have remained standing since being built.
A must see
Visiting Rome without walking around the Forum is like going to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. As you travel along the Via Sacra, close your eyes and imagine it as it was more than 20 centuries ago, when Julius Caesar walked there.
The best way to skip the line and get to know the Forum in detail is to take a guided tour. We'll visit three of the main monuments in the city, the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, skipping the line, and all with an expert guide.
If you prefer to discover it on your own, we recommend that you head first thing in the morning, as this is when people head to visit the Vatican. You can also skip the lines with the Rome Pass discount card.
3. Trevi Fountain
Have you been told to throw a coin into the Fontana di Trevi? Learn the myth behind this tradition and learn about its history.
Trevi Fountain is the most beautiful fountain in Rome. Measuring some 20 meters in width by 26 meters in height, Trevi Fountain is also the largest fountain in the city.
The origins of the fountain go back to the year 19 B.C., in which period the fountain formed the end of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct. The first fountain was built during the Renaissance, under the direction of Pope Nicholas V.
The final appearance of the Trevi Fountain dates from 1762 when after many years of works at the hand of Nicola Salvi, it was finalized by Giuseppe Pannini.
Interestingly enough, the name of Trevi derives from Tre Vie (three ways), since the fountain was the meeting point of three streets.
The myth of Trevi Fountain
Why are there always people in the fountain throwing coins into the water and taking photos of themselves?
The myth, originating in 1954 with the movie "Three Coins in the Fountain," goes like this: If you throw one coin: you will return to Rome.
If you throw two coins: you will fall in love with an attractive Italian.
If you throw three coins: you will marry the person that you met.
In order to achieve the desired effect, you should throw the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder.
An interesting statistic is that approximately a million euros worth of coins is taken from the fountain each year. Since 2007 this money has been used to support good causes.
The most beautiful fountain in the world
For us Trevi Fountain is the most beautiful fountain in the world. Whether under daylight or warmly lit up at night, the fountain is never lonely.
One thing that can dampen the mood is that the area is full of people trying to sell roses in a pushy way, but simply ignoring them is enough to be able to continue enjoying such a special place.
4 Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is one of the largest and most beautiful piazza squares in Rome with three impressive fountains, including la Fontana Dei Quattro Fiumi with its large obelisk at the center. The baroque church of Sant'Agnese in Agone provides an impressive backdrop.
Surrounding the square are restaurants and street artists, painters, and musicians who add a lively atmosphere to the scene.
This page covers details of how to get to Piazza Navona plus self-guided walks including the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps.
The reason for its long oval shape is that it was once the site of the Stadium of Domitian - where festivals and sporting events took place. The Navona Square was paved over in the 15th century to create what we see today.
Despite the undoubted architectural delights and history of the place, for most people, this is a pleasant place to hang out, have a drink or meal from the many restaurants that line the piazza and people watch. Three famous fountains: Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro and Fontana di Nettuno
La Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of Four Rivers) constructed in 1651 for the pope is the most photographed item in the square. Bernini designed the fountain and it was paid for by taxes on staples like bread.
The centerpiece of the fountain is a tall Roman obelisk and surrounding it four figures can be seen, each representing the great rivers: Ganges, Nile, Danube, and Rio de la Plata.
The pope's coat of arms, a dove, and an olive branch are found on the rock base of the fountain. The two other fountains, at the north and south ends, are smaller and also have stunning sculptures.
The Fontana del Moro at the southern end of the piazza depicts a Moor fighting a dolphin - Bernini's addition in the 17th century.
At the northern end is the Fontana di Nettuno, (Neptune) built-in 1576 by Giacomo Della Porta. The statues of Neptune surrounded by sea nymphs were added in the 19th century.
Both of these fountains were started prior to the Fontana Dei Fiumi but have been altered several times as time has slipped by.
More recently Piazza Navona featured in the film Angels and Demons based on the best-selling Dan Brown book. Various other locations throughout Rome also featured heavily in this popular film.
5.St. Peter's Square
St Peter’s Basilica is arguably the most famous building in Vatican City, and certainly the largest. While the building both inside and out is an absolute work of art, the grounds located directly on this building’s doorstep can prove to be just as much of an attraction. This large plaza, like the basilica, was named after Saint Peter who was one of Jesus’ apostles as well as the first Catholic Pope. The piazza is built at the site where St Peter was killed. Emperor Constantine originally built a church over the site of the grave but it was later rebuilt and made into the Basilica and square we know today. This is also one of the largest squares in the world, at 320m in length and 240m in width, it can hold a staggering 300,000 people.
When was St. Peter's Square Built?
Pope Alexander XII oversaw the project, with the skilled hands of Gian Lorenzo Bernini working tirelessly on the design and construction from 1656 to 1667. The original purpose of this square in the words of Pope Alexander XII was ’so that the greatest number of people could see the Pope give his blessing’. Though Bernini’s work ended in 1667, his pupils continued to add to the square, installing 140 total statues above the columns in 1670.
To add to the true magnificence of St Peter’s Square, the Royal Staircase was built between 1662 and 1666, just in time for the completion of the square. These stairs link the square to the Vatican Palaces and are themselves a sight to behold. What makes them so unique is their forced perspective. The designers of these stairs created them to look much longer than they are, and though they only measure at 60 meters, they appear to be a little over 100. This was achieved by the continual narrowing of the staircase’s width, and the designers even went so far as to reduce the distance between the columns towards the top.
6. St Peter's Basilica
In the mid-15th century, due to a decaying demeanor, the Pope commissioned a replacement on 18 April 1506 and the new St. Peter’s Basilica was completed more than 120 years later. Naturally, this meant that not one person could design and oversee the entire project, as it lasted generations. However, the skilled hands and minds of Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini brought this sensational building to life. It is now undoubtedly the world’s most famous piece of renaissance architecture. Capable of housing 20,000 people within its intricately mosaicked walls, St Peter’s Basilica is 190m from end to end and the center of the dome is a staggering 136m in height. As a work of art, as much as of architecture, St Peter’s Basilica is widely regarded as the greatest building of its age. While its immense size and fame lead many people to name it a cathedral, this is actually incorrect because it isn’t the seat of a bishop.
Why is it named St. Peter's?
The basilica is named after Peter, one of Jesus’ twelve apostles in the Bible. He originally was known as Simon and was a poor fisherman. He met Jesus near the Sea of Galilee and was the first person to recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus soon changed his name to Peter, which translated to ‘rock.’ Indicating that was the rock on which Christ would build his church. Jesus appointed Peter with the task of looking at the church, making him become the very first Pope of Rome.
The purpose of St. Peter's Basilica
Though it is a holy meeting place, and an exceptional attraction in the Vatican City, St Peter’s Basilica serves another purpose. It is said to be the final resting place of Saint Peter, whose tomb is rumored to be directly beneath the high altar of the Basilica. During the 1940s, excavations were done with a discovery of bones in 1953. The bones were said to be belonging to a man in his 60s, which was the same age Peter was documented to be before his death.
Not only did this make it an immensely significant site for Christianity of the past, but it still has an impact on the religious traditions of today, with ceremonial burials of several popes taking place here as well.
7. Sistine Chapel
The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is one of Michelangelo's most famous works. Read on to learn about the history of this masterpiece.
To any visitor of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, two features become immediately and undeniably apparent: 1) the ceiling is really high up, and 2) there are a lot of paintings up there. Because of this, the centuries have handed down to us an image of Michelangelo lying on his back, wiping sweat and plaster from his eyes as he toiled away year after year, suspended hundreds of feet in the air, begrudgingly completing a commission that he never wanted to accept in the first place.
Fortunately for Michelangelo, this is probably not true. But that does nothing to lessen the fact that the frescoes, which take up the entirety of the vault, are among the most important paintings in the world.
Michelangelo began to work on the frescoes for Pope Julius II in 1508, replacing a blue ceiling dotted with stars. Originally, the pope asked Michelangelo to paint the ceiling with a geometric ornament, and place the twelve apostles in spandrels around the decoration. Michelangelo proposed instead to paint the Old Testament scenes now found on the vault, divided by the fictive architecture that he uses to organize the composition.
The narrative begins at the altar and is divided into three sections. In the first three paintings, Michelangelo tells the story of The Creation of the Heavens and Earth; this is followed by The Creation of Adam and Eve and the Expulsion from the Garden of Eden; finally is the story of Noah and the Great Flood.
Gnudi, or nude youths, sit in fictive architecture around these frescoes, and they are accompanied by prophets and sibyls (ancient seers who, according to tradition, foretold the coming of Christ) in the spandrels. In the four corners of the room, in the pendentives, one finds scenes depicting the Salvation of Israel.
8. Piazza di Spagna
The Piazza di Spagna (English: Square of Spain) is one of Rome’s most renowned squares. The name comes from the Palazzo di Spagna, the seat of the Spanish Embassy for the Vatican located on this square since the seventeenth century.
The Piazza di Spagna is found in one of the most popular neighborhoods of Rome, near the high streets Via Dei Condotti, Via Frattina, and Via del Babuino, which houses several impressive seventeenth and eighteenth-century villas.
If you walk down Via del Babuino, you’ll arrive at Piazza del Popolo. In the center of the square is the Flaminio Obelisk, one of the tallest obelisks in Rome, which was housed in the Circus Maximus.
To get some of the best views of Rome, climb the steps from Piazza del Popolo to the top of Pincian Hill.
The Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti in Italian) was built at the beginning of the eighteenth century connecting Piazza di Spagna and the Church of Trinità dei Monti. It is one of the most famous parts of Rome.
Every July, the square and the 135 steps are decorated to receive the Donne Sotto le Stelle fashion show.
The staircase is a favorite spot among tourists to sit, relax and enjoy the views of Piazza di Spagna.
The Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the ugly boat) was designed by Pietro Bernini, father of the famous Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who later helped with the creation. It was finished in 1627 and placed by Pope Urban III in the center of Piazza di Spagna.
The Fontana della Barcaccia is shaped like a boat and has the emblems of the Barberini family (the Noble family of Pope Urban III), bees, and a sun engraved.
9. Pantheon
The Pantheon of Agrippa, also known as the Roman Pantheon, is one of the architectural masterpieces of the Italian capital. It is the best-preserved building from ancient Rome.
The construction of the current Pantheon was carried out during the reign of Hadrian, in the year 126 A.D. The name of Agrippa comes from the place in which the current building is built, which was previously occupied by the Pantheon of Agrippa, built in the year 27 B.C and that was destroyed in a fire in the year 80 A.D.
At the beginning of the 7th century, the building was donated to Pope Boniface IV, who transformed it into a church, in which function it currently finds itself in a perfect state of preservation.
The most surprising aspect of the architecture in the Pantheon is its measurements: the circular building has exactly the same diameter as its height: 43.5 meters. The dome, which has the same diameter, is bigger than that of St. Peter's Basilica. At its top, a 9-meter diameter opening allows natural light to illuminate the entire building.
The rectangular facade that hides the enormous dome is comprised of 16 granite columns which are each 14 meters in height, on which the following inscription can be seen: "M.AGRIPPA.L.F.COS.TERTIVM.FECIT", which means "Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, built this temple when he was a Consul."
10. Catacombs
The catacombs are subterranean passageways that were used as places of burial for a number of centuries. The burials of Jewish, pagan, and early Christian Roman citizens in the catacombs began in the second century and ended in the fifth century.
The word catacomb, which means "next to the quarry", comes from the fact that the first excavations to be used as a place of burial were carried out in the outskirts of Rome, next to the site of a quarry.
The Christians did not agree with the pagan custom of burning the bodies of their dead, for which reason to solve problems created from a lack of space and the high price of the land they decided to create these vast underground cemeteries.
The catacombs possess a huge number of subterranean passageways that form real labyrinths that are several kilometers long, along which rows of rectangular niches were dugout.
The corpses were wrapped in a sheet and placed in the niches, which were then covered with gravestones made of marble or, more commonly, baked clay. Subsequently, the name of the deceased was carved on the cover accompanied by a Christian symbol.
Roman law at the time prohibited the burial of the deceased in the interior of the city, for which reason all of the catacombs were located outside of the walls. These separated and hidden places below ground constituted the perfect refuge in which the Christians could bury their own, freely using Christian symbols.
On signing the Edict of Milan in the year 313, the persecution of Christians ceased, and they could begin to build churches and acquire land without fear of confiscation. In spite of this, they continued to use the catacombs as cemeteries until the 5th century.
During the barbarian invasion of Italy in the 8th century, many catacombs suffered continuous lootings, for which reason the Popes caused the still remaining relics to be transferred to the city's churches. After these transfers, some catacombs were abandoned completely and forgotten for centuries. In Rome, there are more than sixty catacombs made up of hundreds of kilometers of underground passageways that hold thousands of tombs. Currently, only five of them are open to the public:
Catacombs of San Sebastiano (Via Appia Antica, 136): These 12 kilometer long catacombs owe their name to San Sebastiano, a soldier who became a martyr for converting to Christianity. Together with those of San Callisto, they are the best that can be visited. Opening times are Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00.
Catacombs of San Callisto (Via Appia Antica, 126): With a network of passageways over 20 kilometers in length, the tombs of San Callisto were the burial place of 16 pontiffs and scores of Christian martyrs. Opening times are Thursday to Tuesday from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00.
Catacombs of Priscilla (Via Salaria, 430): These hold some frescoes that have great importance for art history, such as the first representations of the Virgin Mary. Opening times are Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00.
Catacombs of Domitilla (Via Delle Sette Chiese, 280): Discovered in 1593, these catacombs, which are more than 15 kilometers in length, owe their name to the granddaughter of Vespasian. Opening times are Wednesday to Monday from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00. Catacombs of Sant’Agnese (Via Nomentana, 349): After being a martyr because of her Christian faith, Sant’Agnese was buried in the catacombs that subsequently bore her name. Opening times are from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00; the catacombs are closed on Sunday mornings and Monday afternoons. Where to eat in Rome? Italian cuisine is one of the most famous worldwide with an extremely rich variety of dishes and ingredients. Proof of this is that, nowadays, it is practically impossible to find someone who has not tried pizza, ravioli, or lasagne.
Besides the different types of pasta and pizza, Rome has many other traditional dishes, including the bruschetta (toasted bread with oil, garlic, and salt), the panini (a traditional Italian sandwich), the meat and fish seasoned with spices (such as the famous dishes 'a la Milanese'), the carpaccio, the cheese (especially pecorino) and the cold meat (bresaola, mortadella, prosciutto, and saltimbocca). Italian restaurants in Rome will have a selection of mouth-watering dishes to choose from, from colorful salads to tasty meat recipes and fish platters. Nevertheless, if you are too impatient to wait to get to Rome to discover some of the city’s best dishes, here is a list of the most typical meals, desserts, and drinks:
Carpaccio: Thinly sliced raw meat or fish sprinkled with olive oil and lemon.
Insalata caprese: Mozzarella cheese with tomato.
Frutti di mare: Shellfish.
Bresaola: Salted beef which has been air-dried.
Prosciutto: Cured Italian ham.
Risotto: Rice cooked in a broth with a variety of ingredients.
Gnocchi: Soft dumplings made out of a potato.
Saltimbocca: Traditional dish of veal with prosciutto, sage, or basil on top.
Tiramisú: coffee-flavored dessert with mascarpone, eggs, sugar, and cocoa.
Zabaione: Dessert or drink made with egg yolk, sugar, and sweet wine.
Panna cotta: Dessert made of gelatine, sweetened cream, and fresh berries.
Babà: Also called Rum baba is a cake traditionally from Naples soaked in rum Limoncello: A very common liquor from the south of Italy obtained by soaking lemons in alcohol.
Sambuca: A anise-flavoured liquer.
Grappa: Grape-based pomace (discarded grape seeds) brandy.
Campari: Liqueur used as an apéritif made from herbs and fruit Ice cream (gelato) is renowned in Italy, from Venice to Sicily and Rome is no exception. The city is filled with homemade ice cream parlours opened all year round, and visitors cannot miss out on trying this delicious sweetened frozen food Depending on your budget, it is possible to find all types of restaurants to cater to your needs. The following are ordered from the most expensive to the cheapest option to eat out in Rome:
Restaurants: These serve all types of Italian food from vegetarian dishes to meat and fish dishes.
Trattorias: Trattorias can be defined as small family restaurants. In these establishments, it is quite common to ask for a single dish accompanied by a drink.
Pizzerias: These are normally cheap restaurants that specialize in pizza. If the weather is good, why not order a pizza to go and eat it in one of the city’s lively piazzas?
Pizza al Taglio or Pizza al Trancio: These restaurants sell large trays of rectangular pizza cut in square slices with thick crusts. They have a large variety of toppings, which are sold by weight. It is a good fast food option at lunchtime but, if you are looking for quality, pizzas made on the spot are usually the best choice. Shopping in Rome One of the most popular traditional products to buy in Italy is pasta. Visitors will find all types of pasta of different shapes and sizes, flavor,s and ingredients throughout the city. The best places to buy Italian pasta are in supermarkets or specialized shops. The most extravagant variations can cost up to € 3 for a 500-gram bag.
Other products that make great presents are limoncello, olive oil, or vinegar. If you like parmesan cheese, you can get some in Rome, which is normally a lot cheaper and better quality than in the rest of Europe or the US.
If you want to spend as little as possible on these souvenirs, then the best place to get them is in a supermarket, although these are sometimes hard to find in the city.
The Italian love of fashion is well known and the fact is that, although it is not Milan, Rome has some of the best designer boutiques in Italy.
If you’d like to discover these shops, head to Via del Corso, where the most prestigious boutiques are located, or to the streets surrounding Piazza di Spagna, especially Via Dei Condotti, where you’ll find Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, or Armani. Then walk to Via Veneto, where there are other stores of the same standard.
If you’re looking for counterfeit products, especially bags, you’ll be surprised at how many people sell these on the popular streets of Rome. It is possible to purchase a Gucci replica bag for € 10. Rome has several very interesting street markets full of traditional products, art, clothes, and antiques:
Porta Portese Market: Only open on Sunday mornings, this traditional flea market that sells from books to clothes to CDs is Rome’s largest street market. It is spread throughout the streets of Trastevere Railway Station.
Mercato di Fiori: This market is open every morning and mainly sells flowers, vegetables, and fruit. It is located in the Campo de Fiori and is very charming.
Piazza Fontanella Borghese Market: It opens every morning except Sundays and is specialized in books and antiques. Visitors will find it near the Piazza di Spagna.
Via Sannio Market: Five minutes from San Giovanni metro station is located Via Sannio Market. It opens on weekdays until 8 pm (approximately). It mainly sells clothes and jewelry. #whytovisit #rome #italy #topdestinations