Although there are many, many things to see in Rome there are a few sites which are must-sees and if you’re ever in Rome these are the attractions you simply have to see!
1. Colosseum
The iconic circular 48 meter high amphitheater was the venue for gladiator battles watched by up to 55,000 spectators in ancient Roman. The multi-level structure has 8 entrances and classic columns and statues.
2. Trevi Fountain
This fountain with a Baroque sculptured center piece is where you can throw a coin in to the water and make a wish, another version of this legend is that if you throw a coin in you will return to Rome.
3. Spanish Steps
Located at Piazza di Spagna the sweeping steps lead to Trinità dei Monti Church at the top as well as the Bernini Fountain of Barcaccia. This is the widest staircase in Europe, it has 138 steps and was built in the 18th century.
4. Vatican City Museums and Sistine Chapel
The extensive museums housed in the Papal Palace are home to artifacts collected over thousands of years. The most famous room in the palace is the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s ceiling mural of God reaching out to Adam.
5. St. Peter’s Basilica
This is the biggest church on the planet here you can see Michelangelo’s Pietà, subterranean tombs and go up within the dome where you can look down on the city from the observatory. The church is located in Vatican City and overlooks Piazza San Pietro which is reached from Via della Conciliazione.
6. The Pantheon
This structure is over 1800 years old located in Piazza del Rotonda and it originally functioned as a temple to all Roman gods. The impressive dome sores almost 43 meters above the building and has an open top which is the only light source for the interior. Later the “temple” became a church and you can see the tombs of Italian royals here.
7. Villa Borghese
This is Rome’s largest park adorned with fountains, statues and carefully cared for gardens. The park spans 148 acres and is home to several museums not only that but here you can find the Rome Zoo and Bioparco.
8. Roman Forum
See the ancient ruins between Palatine Hill and the Capitoline Hills of what used to be the center of ancient Rome. The archeological site includes tall columns, parts of walls, a grand arch, remains of temples and government buildings and you can walk down what was the main road.
9. Piazza Navona
Here you can see several attractions in one place, there are fountains in the square (which is actually an oval shape as it was once the site of a race track/circus) one of the fountains is the 17th century Four Rivers Fountain by Bernini. On the Piazza is the Church of Saint Agnese whose façade was designed by Borromini as well as several beautiful palaces.
10. Trastevere
This too is a site where you can see more than just one attraction as Trastevere is one of Rome’s neighborhoods with a distinct character reminiscent of a small Roman town.
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