To many, thinking of Rome entails thinking of great, ancient ruins and timeless art. The city itself is a testament to human civilization, with the past and the present blending together in the urban environment.
Many refer to Rome as the “Eternal City” due to the constant role the city has had as a cradle of culture, history, and innovation. In this city, you will find anything from jaw-dropping architecture to culinary delights, and vibrant street life to majestic art, making a journey through Rome a journey through time.
Must-See Attractions in Rome
There are endless sights in Rome, making it a destination worth some time, to enable a thorough exploration of all the history and beautiful marks in the city.
Vatican City
The world’s smallest independent state, the Vatican City, is located in the heart of Rome. Here you can explore St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museum, and the Sistine Chapel. St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest and most beautiful churches in the world, and the Vatican Museums have a great collection of art and artifacts. Included in this is the masterpiece of Michelangelo in the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Of you are wondering how to get into Sistine Chapel, it is all about booking a ticket in advance to avoid long queues and sold-out ticket offices.
The Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is located a short walk from the Colosseum, which was the political, religious, and commercial hub of ancient Rome. The ruins include temples, government buildings, and public squares, which used to be the heartbeat of the Roman Empire.
The Colosseum
The most iconic symbol of ancient Rome is the Colosseum, which is a colossal amphitheater which used to host gladiator contests and public spectacles. The structure is a marvel of Roman engineering, due to the complex system of underground tunnels and trapdoors used for staging the games. A guided tour can give you an even deeper understanding of all the details of the Colosseum.
The Pantheon
Yet another example of Roman engineering is the Pantheon, which is one of the best-preserved ancient monuments in Rome. This building used to be a temple for the Roman gods and was later on converted into a Christian church. The massive dome and the oculus open to the sky continues to be a source of inspiration for architects at present.
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is one of the most famous squares in Rome, constituting a stunning example of Baroque architecture. With cafés and three magnificent fountains, this square is the perfect spot to enjoy a coffee while people-watching.
An Historic Introduction to Rome
The history of Rome spans almost 3,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The legend has it that the city was founded in 753 BC, and that the city was born from the twin brothers Romulus and Remus. Romulus became the first king of the city.
The city was the heart of the Roman Empire, and ended up dominating much of Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. This manifested a legacy of law, governance, architecture, and culture, which is still shaping modern society today.
After the fall of the Roman Empire in AD 476, the city served as the epicenter of the Roman Catholic Church. The influence of the church is still strong in Rome, especially within the Vatican City. It is the dual history of Rome, as being both a political and religious powerhouse, which gives the city a complex history.
The Experience of Being in Rome
Being in Rome is like being in one big outdoor museum. While walking the cobblestone streets, every corner reveals a monument, a historic building, or an ancient ruin. You will hear the sound of church bells in the air while locals’ sips espressos in small cafés, while you can smell the freshly baked pizza from nearby trattorias.
You will quickly notice how deeply modern life is intertwined with ancient history. You can for example spot a centuries-old obelisk, and right next to it there will be a street vendor selling gelato. Or you will spot a group of teenagers lounging on the steps of a Renaissance-era fountain. This juxtaposition of ancient and modern is what makes Rome a unique city to visit.
Good to Know Before Going to Rome
You can visit Rome all year round, but the best periods to do so are in spring, April to June, and fall, September to November. The weather is milder during these months, and the crowds are not as big compared to the summer season. The summer in Rome can be very hot.
Remember to plan for enough days to explore all the sights of the city. When you are planning to visit churches or the Vatican, you should plan to wear modest clothing. This is a requirement for both men and women, who should all cover their shoulders and knees.
A good tip for anyone visiting Rome is to watch out for tourist traps. There are many authentic experiences in the city, but especially around major attractions you will also find tourist traps. Some general rules to follow are to avoid restaurants with menus in multiple languages, or restaurants with aggressive waitstaff trying to lure you in. Instead look for trattorias and osterias where locals eat.
Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.