I don’t know about you but Rome is high up on my bucket list of places to spend time, lots of time!
From historic tours through ancient Rome (Colosseum, Roman Forum) to Sunday morning shopping at the Porta Portese flea market to climbing to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica, this city is bursting with things to do.
Here is the short list of things to see:
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.
St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro)
The largest church in the world, St. Peter’s Basilica is more than just the most important building in Christendom. It is a jewel within Vatican City from where Popes have spread the word of God throughout the world. A focal point of millions of pilgrims each year, the Basilica is also a cultural, historical and architectural landmark, which holds within itself treasures from millennia including paintings, sculptures, artefacts and more.
Pantheon
The pantheon is not only the best-preserved ancient Roman monument in the world, but it’s also the most copied. It is a must-see attraction during your visit to Rome.
The Pantheon in Rome is one of the city’s most recognizable buildings.
– Visit the tomb of the great renaissance artist Raphael.
– Gaze up at the oculus, the opening to the heavens.
– Marvel at the architectural wonder that is the coffered concrete dome – the biggest ever built!
Colosseum
Step into two thousand years of history as you explore the most iconic symbol of the ancient world in Rome: the Colosseum.
The Colosseum is located right in the heart of Rome.
– Enter into the stands and imagine the roar of 50,000 spectators as the emperor decides who lives or dies.
– Follow in the footsteps of gladiators and step out onto the arena floor.
– Delve into the labyrinth below the Colosseum, where the gladiators and wild animals would be kept to await their fates.
And that’s just the tip of the list!
Check out all of these “Must See” places:
– Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
– Santa Maria della Vittoria
– Church of San Luigi dei Francesi
– Trastevere
– Piazza Navona
– Basilica di San Clemente
– Gianicolo Hill (Passeggiata del Gianicolo)
– Campo de’ Fiori
– Porta Portese
– Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna)
– Galleria Borghese
– Capitoline Museums (Museo Capitolini)
– Ancient Appian Way
– Gruppo Storico Romano Gladiator School
And that is just the beginning of the list!
I plan on spending at least two weeks there when I go and I don’t even know if that will be enough time!
If you have been there, what was your favorite?
