Rome is a city full of fascinating history and incredible places to visit! Here are some of the must-see tourist spots:

• Coliseum: One of Rome's icons, this ancient amphitheater is spectacular and testifies to the grandeur of the Roman Empire. The Roman arena was the stage where gladiators fought. Visits can be carried out during the day or at night (when the crowd is smaller).

• Roman Forum and Palatine Hill:Explore ancient ruins and walk through the heart of ancient Rome. This is the space where the main social activities of the Roman empire and republic took place. Temples and squares where speeches and public ceremonies took place.

• Vatican and St. Peter's Basilica: Headquarters of the Catholic Church and the smallest sovereign state in the world, it has monumental and iconic buildings. It is recognized as a UNESCO heritage site.

Important points:

Papal Audience – Wednesdays – make sure to make a reservationhttps://www.vatican.va/various/prefettura/it/biglietti_it.html

• St. Peter's Basilica - one of the largest and most important churches in the world.

• Tombs of the Popes

• Dome access

• Vatican Museums  

•  Must-see: Sistine Chapel 

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• Papal Basilicas:

• Santa Maria Maior: considered one of the largest churches in Rome. Paolina Chapel: its golden ceiling is impressive, a strong point to behold.

• Basilica of Saint John Lateran: known as the mother of all churches, it was the first of the four papal basilicas to be built.

• Papal Basilica of São Paulo Extramuros: located outside the Aurelian walls, considered a UNESCO Heritage Site, it houses the tomb of São Paulo.

 

• Trevi Fountain:Throw a coin into the famous fountain and make a wish! They say it brings good luck and return to the city! This is one of the most beautiful and well-known monuments in Rome. It is the largest fountain in the Roman capital

The amount of coins is collected and used for charity.

 

• Pantheon: An ancient temple, dedicated to the gods and later converted into a church, named Basilica of Saint Mary and Martyrs in Rome, has an impressive dome and a well-preserved interior. Inside are the tombs of important personalities in the history of Italy (Rafael Sanzio, the Italian kings Humberto I and Vittorio Emanuelle II.

• Tip: free tourist spot!

 

• Piazza Navona: One of the most famous squares in Rome, known for its fountains ( Fontana dei Quatro Fiumi, Fontana del Moro and Fontana del Nettuno) and baroque architecture.

• Trastevere: A charming neighborhood, located on the banks of the River Tiber, with narrow cobblestone streets (almost labyrinthine), cozy restaurants and a bohemian atmosphere. At night the region is usually lively.

• Gianicolo's Belvedere: Near Trastevere, the hill is a panoramic point that has a monument dedicated to Giuseppe Garibaldi.

• Villa Borghese and its gardens: A vast and beautiful park with museums, fountains and green spaces perfect for relaxing.

• Tour along Via Appia Antica: Explore one of Rome's oldest and most historic roads, full of ruins and enchanting landscapes.

• Piazza Venezia (Venezia Square): It marks the meeting point of five major roads in the capital and brings together important buildings around it.

• National Monument to Vittorio Emanuelle II – symbol of Italian unification.

• Risorgimento Museum: It has a panoramic terrace from which you have an incredible view of the city and the Roman Forum. It houses the tomb of the unknown soldier (representing those who died during the First World War).

  • Tip: entry to the monument is free.

• Capitol Square and Capitoline Museums (Museu Capitolini): Designed by Michelangelo, it was created facing St. Peter's Basilica, in the Vatican, and housed important buildings such as:

• Palazzo Senatorio

• Palazzo Nuovo

• Palazzo dei Conservatori

  • Tip: it houses the statue of the Capitoline Wolf, which is the main symbol of the origins of Rome.

• Piazza di Spagna (Spain Square): formerly known as Plaza de France, it has a baroque style fountain (Fontana dela Barcaccia) and is at the foot of the long staircase that leads to the Trinità dei Monti church.

 

• Castel Sant'Angelo:Located on the banks of the River Tiber, the ancient Mausoleum of Hadrian (its first function was to serve as a tomb for Emperor Hadrian and his family) over time gained other functions as a military fortress, papal fortress, prison and today it is the headquarters of the National Museum .

  • Lower Floors – Mausoleum

  • Upper Floors – halls decorated with Renaissance designs (referring to the period when the fortress belonged to Popes)

  • Top Floor – Terrace with panoramic views and café.

• Catacombs of Saint Callisto: mortuary complex used by the church of Rome, made up of underground tunnels. Around 500,000 people were buried in this complex covering an area of approximately 15 hectares.

 

• Church of San Luigi dei Francesi: This small Baroque style church was built to house the French community in Rome.

  • Tip: free entry

• Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo: the church originated from a small chapel and over time was rebuilt and expanded, undergoing major interventions (including by artists such as Rafael), it stands out for housing great works of art (by artists such as Caravaggio, Bernini and Alessandro Algardi )

 

• Villa Borghese and Borghese Gallery: the gallery brings together works by great Italian artists and is located in a building within the Park of the same name.

  • Tip: visits are available by prior appointment and are limited.

  • It's worth setting aside time for a trip to the surrounding park.

 

• Temple of Hadrian:A huge Roman temple, the building has columns 15 meters high and 1.5 meters in diameter. Today the building belongs to the Stock Exchange.

 

• Boca della verità (mouth of truth): marble sculpture with human features and face, located in the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.

The sculpture is believed to be a decorative manhole cover from Ancient Rome, but during the Middle Ages it gained a different meaning: the sculpture's huge mouth would have the function of identifying who was telling the truth or lying; All you had to do was put your hand inside your mouth and whoever lied would have their arm ripped off. True or not, the sculpture continues to be a popular spot in the city!

 

• Boat trip on the Tiber River: to get off the basic itinerary, it could be a great choice.

Remember that Rome is a city full of surprises, so exploring its streets and neighborhoods can also be a wonderful experience in itself. Enjoy the cafes, delicious food and rich Roman culture as you explore this eternal city!