•   The Colosseum 

  • The world famous profile of the Colosseum remains a dramatic sight, but you need to tour inside for a revealing look into its history. The arena was designed to hold more than fifty thousand spectators while the lions and gladiators did their work. The area beneath the floor of the Colosseum is a complex of cells, holding areas and paths that were designed to allow animals, gladiators and human sacrifices access to the arena, all without mixing together. See our Photo Guide at the start of this section from more detail.

   

• Piazza Campidoglio/Capitoline Hill  

  • The Capitoline Hill was a seat of power in ancient Rome and remains a center of government even today.  The Capitoline's  Piazza Campidoglio, is a good place to start your tour of Ancient Rome. The Piazza and its buildings were constructed and in some cases modified based on plans created by Michelangelo.
  
  
  
  • To ascend to the Piazza, take  the lower steps (the "Cordonatta") to the right of the Monument Vittorio Emanuele II (which dates from the mid-19th century) up to the Piazza Campidoglio.  The Piazza reflects its mid -15th century architecture.
    • The statues at the top of  the Cordonatta represent Castor and Pollux, the twins from Greek and Roman mythology who were reputed to have aided the Romans in a significant battle. 
    • The stately building in the middle is the Palazzo Senatorio and it features a famous double staircase designed by Michelangelo.
    • On the left is the Palazzo Nuovo (the site of the Capitoline Museum) and to the right is the Palazzo dei Conservatori, constructed according to plans developed by Michelangelo.
    • All three buildings are now part of the Capitoline Museums and contain artifacts from Rome's history, or from the era of the Roman Empire..
    • Visit Capitoline Museums  for information on opening hours and exhibitions. There has been a spate of recent construction and renovation of key works, so be prepared for some galleries to be closed.

   

• The Roman and Imperial Forums  Area

  • The ruins of the Forums mark the historical center of the city and contain the remnants of the seats of power of ancient Rome. Expect to spend an afternoon at the Forum, or less if you simply want to take a quick walkthrough.  Be warned, it is a fascinating area and you will soon find yourself trying to translate Latin dates and Latin script as you wander this breathtaking piece of history where Caesar and other emperors of the Roman Empire once walked.

    Excavations continue as archaeologists labor to expose the area's long hidden secrets. There are numerous sites to examine, but the best include the Forum of Caesar, the Temple of Peace (Forum of Vespasian) and the Forum of Trajan (the best preserved of all of the forums). For more information follow this link http://www.capitolium.org/english.htm

    • If you have the chance, take a look at the Forum area at night when it is illuminated.  Head to the Piazza Venezia, and take the Cordonatta (steps), on the right side of the Monument Vittorio Emanuele II, up to the top where you can catch a dramatic view of the illuminated Forum area.

    Note: In March of 2008, the Italian authorities began charging for entrance to the Roman Forum.  Anyone intending to visit must purchase a combo ticket that covers entrance to the Forum, Colosseum and the Palatine Hill.  The cost of the ticket is 11€.

   

  • The Temples of Ancient Rome

    • The ancient Romans worshipped various gods and goddesses and built imposing temples to honor those they particularly feared.
      • Examples of the most important of these include the temples of Saturn, Castor and Pollux, and another commemorating the goddesses Venus and Roma.
      • Some temples were named for emperors who were deified and the most important of these are the ruins of the Temples of Caesar and Vespasian.
      
      
      

    Palatine Hill (Palatino) and Palace Complex

    • Replete with ruins of various emperors' palaces, the Palatine Hill is, according to legend, where Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus (the twins raised by a she-wolf). The Palatino, where the who's who of Ancient Rome lived, overlooks the Roman Forums and the Circus Maximus.
    • In March of 2008, after over 30 years of restoration, four rooms from the  home of Augustus Caesar, known also as Octavian, were opened to the public.  These rooms, on Palatine Hill and overlooking the Forum, had been lost to history for over 2000 years (since around 30BC) when rediscovered around 1970.  The frescos in the complex are reputed to be some of the finest ever found and to rival those discovered in Pompeii and Herculaneum.
      • Augustus's  fame, in part, was tied to the capture of Egypt when his forces defeated the armies of Mark Antony and Cleopatra.
      • Visits are limited due to the size of the complex. The ticket required for the guided tour of the house, also covers the Forums, the Palatine and the Colosseum.

       

     

  • Arch of Constantine   

    • Located between the Colosseum and the Roman Forums, Constantine's Arch is the largest and best preserved of the ancient Roman arches. It provides a sense of history and demonstrates the grandeur of the Roman Empire.
    Take some time to examine the details of this impressive monument.
    
    

  • Trajan's Market.

    • One of the earliest permanently covered shopping arcades, Trajan's market, from the 1st Century, is the best-preserved of the ancient markets in Rome.  It is located in the Imperial Forums.
    
    

•   The Pantheon 

  • The Temple of the Pantheon is one of the true glories of ancient Rome and one of the best preserved sites in the city.   The Pantheon is located where, in earlier times, Agrippa had constructed a temple to commemorate the Roman Gods. The Emperor Hadrian commissioned the Pantheon including the spectacular rotunda and the marvelous dome that have survived the centuries.
    • Hadrian is one of the most interesting of the Roman emperors.  His travels took him throughout the Roman Empire at its peak.  His architectural accomplishments can be found in a variety a places, including Israel, Greece, Great Britain and, of course, Rome.
    It is thought that Hadrian traveled a great deal because of his dislike of Rome and its politics.  In turn, it was recorded that the Roman politicians of the time did not appreciate Hadrian.
    • Curiously, Hadrian dedicated the Pantheon to Agrippa, whose name he had inscribed over the entrance to the rotunda.
    • The Pantheon is the final resting place of Raphael, known for his paintings made during the Renaissance.
      
      

• Castel Sant'Angelo  (Hadrian's Mausoleum)

  • Castel Sant Angelo offers panoramic views along the Tiber and is one of Rome's outstanding architectural monuments. The building has served Roman emperors as a mausoleum, several popes as a fortress (it is still connected to the Vatican by a passageway) and as a bulwark of the defensive wall that once surrounded Rome.  For more information see this site (in Italian, but Google's toolbar translator does a good job here).
    
    

• Vatican

  • We recommend a visit to the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica as we this excursion is one of the highlights of a trip to Rome.  We cover the Vatican's attractions in the following section of ThereArePlaces - Best Places to Visit in the Vatican
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• Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) 

  • This world famous fountain, at the front of the Palazzo Poli, is celebrated for its beauty and size.  An enormous fountain, the Trevi Fountain's construction was started by Salvi (with elements contributed by Bernini) and finished after his death by Pannini.  This is the fountain featured in the memorable movies "Three Coins in the Fountain" and Fellini's "La Dolce Vita".
    
    • A legend associated with the fountain is that if you toss a coin into its waters over your shoulder while facing away from the fountain, you will be guaranteed to return to Rome.
    
    
    

•   Piazza Navona 

  • Originally the site of the Circus Domitian, this lovely, oblong piazza is surrounded by fine historic buildings and provides some of the Eternal City's best fountains, including Bernini's  Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers).  The Piazza Navona is one of the great spots in Rome.  The piazza is very popular and its cafes are popular places to observe the piazza.  Walks its extent to see a number of interesting attractions.
    • Two other fountains occupy this square.  One is the Neptune fountain and the other is the Moor Fountain - both are gorgeous.  Photo Guide.
    • If you have the time while at the Piazza Navona, visit the Church of Sant'Angese in Agone, dating from the 17th century. Also, you might be interested in examining the architecture the Palazzo Pamphilj (now an embassy), built by the family that was responsible for the many of the treasures in this neighborhood.
      
      

• Piazza di Spagna  

  • Perhaps the most popular meeting place in Rome, the Piazza di Spagna (named after the Spanish Embassy to the Vatican) includes the famous Spanish Steps (the Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti), which lead from the piazza to the church Trinità dei Monte.  It is a staple for visitors to be photographed on the Spanish Steps. Also, this area is known for its restaurants and is a popular place for a snack or a meal.

  
  
  

• Galleria Borghese (Villa Borghese)

  • The Borghese Gallery (and museum), housed in the Villa Borghese, is one of the most popular attractions in Rome.   Begun in the 17th century by Cardinal Scipione, a nephew of Pope Paul V, the collection benefited from his relationship with the Papacy (e.g. Raphael's "The Deposition', was originally owned  of the Catholic Church).
  • The Borghese's amazing collection of art is well worth a visit.  Many believe that its sculptures, which include works by Bernini and Canova, are the hallmark of the collection. 
    • Reservations are required and can be made online.  For more information follow this link the Gallery's official website.
    • The Villa is remote from the Metro (the Piazza di Spagna stop is closest).  Although the walk is long, the park is a great place for a stroll. (Look at the map in Hybrid View to see the park and the Gallery.) Many prefer to walk to the Borghese and take a taxi for the return.
      
    
    
    

•   Piazza Venezia 

  • This large central square is the hub of Rome. Watch the traffic while attempting to reach it, as the intersection is very dangerous.
    • The Palazzo Venezia, the most interesting building on the Piazza Venezia, is a museum renowned for its collection of medieval and Renaissance works, including an interesting section on textiles. 
    • The ostentatious, marble monument to Vittorio Emanuele II (Italy's first king) sits at the head of the piazza and is a common gateway to the Capitoline Hill  and Piazza Campidoglio areas.
    • At the other end of the Piazza is Trajan's Column, commemorating the war between the Roman Empire and the Dacians.  See our Photo Guide at the start of this section for more detail.
      
    • A walk along the shopping district surrounding the Via del Corso (which leads to the Piazza) is a good way to while away an hour or two. The Via del Corso starts in the Piazza Populo and ends at the monument to Vittorio Emanuele II.
      
      

• Sant' Andrea al Quirinale

  • A beautiful church that is regarded as a Baroque masterpiece, Sant'Andrea is considered one of Bernini's finest works. The architecture of the Church and its interior decorations combine to create a powerful statement. The building dates from the 17th century.
    
    

•  Obelisks 

  • If you are a fan of  obelisks, there are a number of spires of either Egyptian or Roman origin scattered throughout the city.  We recommend the following:
    • The Obelisk of Domitian in Piazza Navona dates from the 1st century and was incorporated into Bernini's fountain in the 17th century. 
    • The Obelisk of Thutomose III, the tallest and best preserved of the Egyptian obelisks in Rome, can be found in the Piazza S. Giovanni in Laterano.
      • If you visit the Obelisk, be sure to take a few minutes to tour the adjacent Basilica of San Giovanni (St. John Lateran).  The church is the official cathedral of Rome, the oldest of the basilicas in the city, and has a beautiful interior.
      
      
    • In Piazza del Popolo, the Obelisk of Rameses II was originally part of the Circus Maximus, but was moved to this location in the 16th century.
    
    
    
    • If you view our map using the hybrid button, you can zoom the satellite image to see the location of the obelisks mentioned here.
      
      

  • Catacombs of Saint Callixtus          

    • Although touring catacombs is not for everyone, these are considered the best and are important to those interested in the early history of Christians in Rome. For information on visiting, see this site .
      
    
    
    

  • Ponte Fabricio 

    • This bridge across the Tiber was constructed in 62 BC is still in use (It was originally called the Pons Fabricius). It has been rebuilt in part and refaced but much of the original structure remains (see the inscriptions on the arches).

    
    

  • Baths of Caracalla  

    • Caracalla contains the most impressive and largest of the famous Roman Baths. The baths were a custom among the early Romans, as most residences lacked running water.  See our Photo Guide at the top of this section for more details.
      
      

  • The Column of Marcus Aurelius

    • In the Piazza Colonna, you will find the Column of Marcus Aurelius.  The engraved column recounts the history of the Emperor's military campaigns in Europe, but has been topped with a statue of Saint Peter since the sixteenth century.
    
    
    

  • Circus Maximus

    • It is said that the Roman emperors kept the citizens happy by providing bread, gladiator battles, and chariot races.  The Colosseum and the Circus Maximus were part of that plan.  The race tracks were known as "circuses" and the Circus Maximus was the most famous chariot racing venue in ancient Rome. No original buildings remain, but based on the outline of the track, the curves must have been trouble.
    
    
    

  • When you are tired of monuments, snoop out some of the city's neighborhoods or experience the city's wide variety of shopping.

    • Consider a walk in Trastevere with its many craft shops, restaurants and famous Sunday Flea Market.  

    • If you are interested in some fun shopping, stroll along the Via Frattina, Via Borgognona, or Via dei Condotti between the Piazza di Spagna and Via del Corso.

    
    

  • Rome's Seven Hills

    • Rome's Seven Hills, all located to the east of the Tiber River, play heavily in the city's ancient history, but most are now hard to see or find due to erosion and the incessant building and rebuilding that took place on many of their slopes.  The Seven Hills are: Capitoline, Palatine, Aventine, Caelian, Esquiline, Viminal, and Quirinal.  Today, the most visible is the Capitoline Hill (Campidoglio), which along with the Palatine are the hills most visited in tourist Rome.

      • Archeological digs have provided evidence that the Seven Hills appear to have been walled-forts (perhaps including small villages) well before the founding of Rome or the Roman Empire.

      • Our map of Rome's Seven Hills can be found here.

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The Colosseum is one of Rome's most popular attractions

History comes alive in Rome's Forum area

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The  Pantheon is one of Rome's most interesting attractions. Be sure to examine its  interior.

St. Peter's Basilica and Square (the Vatican is covered in our Vatican City Travel Guide)

The Trevi Fountain - will you leave Rome without throwing in a coin?

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The facade of the Antonino and Faustina (faux) Temple at Villa Borghese

 

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Piazza Santa Maria  in Trastevere is the site of one of the oldest churches in Rome and the piazza is a treat at night.

Touring Tactics

The Naiads Fountain located in the Piazza Republica.

Bernini's glorious Triton in Piazza Barberini is unfortunately set in a drab and traffic ridden section of Rome.

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