1: Colosseum (Colosseo)
There is nothing more iconic than the Colosseum. When you are in Rome, do drop by the most beautiful ruined structure in the world. This structure used to be the center of entertainment for the Greeks back in its heyday. From battles between humans and beasts to entertaining comical acts, and thrilling fights between gladiators, the Colosseum is a magical piece of history worth visiting.
Website: www.aviewoncities.com
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2: Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani)
Built and enhanced for over five centuries, the Vatican Museums is a true testament to the history of human civilization. While you are here, you can check out different guided tours. Go on the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour, which takes you to the most striking religious and cultural areas of the museum. Take the Vatican Gardens tour to explore the natural beauty of the gardens and to learn about 2000 years worth of human religious and cultural history. Another option would be to take the Vatican Museums and Saint Peter’s Basilica tour, which includes the Gallery of Tapestries, the Raphael Rooms and the Gallery of Geographical Maps.
Website: mv.vatican.va
3: Roman Forums (Forum Romanum)
When in Rome, make sure to drop by The Roman Forums, which was the center of the city’s development. Home to a jumble of temple ruins, arches, and marble fragments, there are number of photo opportunities and historical learning to have right here. Visit the Arch of Constantine, the Via Sacra, the Temple of Venus and Rome and the Arch of Titus, among many others. Visit the entrance of the Forum to purchase a Roma Pass. With this pass, you can explore over 40 attractions including free transportation.
Website: www.rome.info/roman-forum
4: St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano)
It was Emperor Constantine who decided to build St. Peter’s Basilica over 100 years ago as a shrine to St. Peter, the chief apostle who died as a martyr. Today it is one of the most important structures in all of Rome and its dome is one of the largest in the world measuring 42 meters in diameter. Once inside you will find that the Basilica is breathtakingly decorated with structures and paintings by none other than the greatest artist of all time, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. While you are here, make sure to climb to The Dome to see a spectacular panoramic view of the city.
Website: www.aviewoncities.com
5: The Pantheon
Built by Emperor Hadrian between A.D 118 and 125, The Pantheon is an ancient pagan temple transformed by Christians into a church. Today it is known as the largest unreinforced concrete dome ever built whose brilliance lies in its architecture and its significant history. Apart from the intriguing story behind it, its beauty and splendor alone makes it truly worth the visit. It became an important burial chamber during the Renaissance period and up to today you will find the tombs of the artist Raphael alongside those of King Vittorio Emanuele II and King Umberto I.
Website: www.rome.info/pantheon
6: Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)
Situated in the heart of the city, a visit to Rome would not be complete without stopping by the most beautiful fountain in the world, the Fontana di Trevi. The fountain was constructed in 19 BC to bring water to Rome from around 20 kilometers away. The fountain’s central figure is Neptune, god of the sea. The best way to get to the Trevi Fountain is by foot. If you want to learn all about the history of this structure, it is best to take a guided walking tour.
Website: www.trevifountain.net
7: Square of the People (Piazza del Popolo)
This large urban square, which literally means People’s Square, is surrounded by monuments, churches, fountains and marble memoirs that are testaments to Rome’s rich and colorful history. For many years, it was the site for fairs, carnivals, public executions and games. Today visitors from all over the world pay homage to the site’s cultural and historical splendor. Make sure to look for the obelisk or the Oblisco Flaminio, as well as the twin churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria di Montesanto.
Website: www.italyguides.it
8: Navona Square (Piazza Navona)
Arguably the most beautiful of Rome’s many squares, here you will find wonderfully designed ornate fountains, an interesting cast of street artists, hawkers, and tourists. At the center of the square, you will find Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi or the Fountain of Four Rivers. Piazza Navona was home to Rome’s main public market for many years. Now that the market is long gone, tourists and locals still flock to the square to bask in its elegant baroque beauty.
Website: www.rome.info
9: Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna)
Since the 18th century, Rome’s Spanish Steps has been a magnet for visitors from all over the world. Built in 1725, the stairs was designed by a French artist named Francesco de Sanctis. Make sure to take a photo by the foot of the stairs where you will find the famous Barcaccia Fountain or “the Sinking Boat”, which was believed to be built by Pietro Bernini. The Piazza di Spagna’s ramps and stairs are still considered one of the world’s most amazing architectural feats making it one of Rome’s most visited attractions.
Website: www.italyguides.it
10: Castel Sant’Angelo (Hadrian’s Mausoleum)
The Castel Sant’Angelo is undoubtedly Rome’s most recognizable structures. It was built as a mausoleum for the emperor Hadrian and was converted into a papal fortress in the 6th century. A visit here would welcome you into a world of eclectic paintings, sculptures, medieval firearms and military memorabilia, many of which were used by soldiers to protect the fortress. Visit the castle’s upper floors to see lavishly decorated interiors that are a treat for any art enthusiast. Go up two more flights to reach the terrace where you will see a marvelous panoramic view of the entire city.
Website: www.castelsantangelo.com