Rome, the capital of Italy and its Lazio region, offers the intrepid traveler almost 3,000 years of history, art, architecture and culture. Its city offers more than 100 things to do, however today we are going to see the top 5 best places to visit in Rome.
Around every corner there’s something of interest, historic or otherwise. If ancient Roman archaeology is up your street, you will be in seventh heaven among the ruins of the forum, in other words you will be surrounded by its magnificent amphitheatre a reminder of the former days of empire.
Whether you are in search of a spiritual experience or your interest lies in incredible works of religious art and architecture, the Vatican City is probably one of the first places to put on your agenda.
Explore the roantic streets on foot or on a scooter. Eat pizza or artisan pasta, drink wine in a restaurant in the square or eat their famous gelato.
Rome offers tourist almost 2,000 years of history, art, architecture and culture. There is so much to see here! however we offer you these 5 places you must see in Rome!
The Colosseum
Firstly, let’s start this Top 5 must see places in Rome with the Colosseum!
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 amphitheatre, measuring 188 meters in length, 156 meters in width and 57 meters in height.
At present the Colosseum is, along with the 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.
Trevi Fountain
No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Fontana di Trevi, or Trevi Fountain.
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 the 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.
The Pantheon of Rome
The Pantheon of Agrippa or Pantheon of Rome, (Latin: pantheum) is the best preserved ancient building in the capital, was built by Marco Agrippa in 126 AD. Pope Boniface IV converted it into a church after it was donated.
Probably one of the most fascinating features of the Pantheon is the Architecture. The structure of the Pantheon is comprised of a series of intersecting arches. The arches rest on eight piers which support eight round-headed arches which run through the drum from its inner to its outer face. The arches correspond to the eight bays on the floor level that house statues.
In the center of the dome, an oculus of 8.92 meters in diameter is opened, which allows the transfer of natural light to illuminate the entire construction.
Its magnificent dome is a lasting testimony to the genius of Roman architects and as the building stands virtually intact it offers a unique opportunity for the modern visitor to step back 2,000 years and experience the glory that was Rome.
They say that although it almost never snows in Rome, seeing the snowflakes trapped in the oculus is a spectacle of light and colors.
Roman Forum and Paltine Hill
Secondly, The Roman Forum sits just 40 metres below the Palatine Hill. It’s a rectangular plaza surrounded by the ruins of storied buildings. This forum was the heart of the ancient city of Rome and it was the venue for speeches, criminal trials, and Gladiatorial battles.
The sublime collection of historical Roman buildings bordering the Forum includes temples, government buildings, triumphal arches, and basilicas.
This ancient site lets you explore the ruined streets of ancient Rome, touch marble and stone work carved thousands of years ago, and truly immerse yourself in what it was like to live in Roman times.
In this historical place, there are the columns of the Temple of Saturn, the Arco de Settimo Severo, which was built in the year 230; the Basilica of Maxentius, built in 305; the Castor and Pollux, from the 5th century AD; the House of the Vestals, with the statues of priestesses of the Goddess Vesta.
The sun’s rays cross the gaps of the buildings at dusk, making this place the perfect space for a walk.
The place is the beginning; the beating heart of the Roman Empire, a civilisation that shaped our world and it will definitely be a highlight of your vacation in Italy.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo, also called Hadrianeum or Sepulcrum Antoninorum, structure in Rome, Italy, that was originally the mausoleum of the Roman emperor Hadrian and became the burial place of the Antonine emperors until Caracalla.
It was built in AD 135–139 and converted into a fortress in the 5th century. It stands on the right bank of the Tiber River and guards the Ponte Sant’Angelo, one of the principal ancient Roman bridges. In plan, the fort is a circle surrounded by a square; each corner of the square is protected by an individually designed barbican, or outwork, while the central circle is a lofty cylinder containing halls, chapels, apartments, courtyard, and prison cells.
In conclusion, Hope you enjoyed this 5 places you must see in Rome. We are sure you’ll die to speak Italian and travel to see these wonderful places. And maybe, throw a couple of coins at the Fontana di Trevi to find love.
