Top 10 Rome Tourist Attractions

 

The most often visited city in fascinating Italy allures with its centuries of history, layered one upon the other, as well as with the plethora of attractions in Rome that are, undoubtedly, worth the time. Apart from immersing yourself in the Italian cultural legacy and sampling delicious local cuisine, we bring you a list of the best things to do in Rome with recommended landmarks and places to put on your travel agenda.

1. The Colosseum, Rome
Colosseum, Rome

The most powerful monument of ancient Rome is an unmissable UNESCO-listed sight located in the heart of town. This powerful landmark, also called the Flavian Amphitheatre, is among the top places to visit in Rome. Erected in about 70–80 AD and named after its enormous size, it was once the major Roman arena for holding vicious gladiator fights and could seat over 50 thousand viewers at once. Although part of the building collapsed after an earthquake, visitors can still visit it from the inside to learn about its unbelievable features.

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2. The Trevi Fountain, Rome
Trevi Fountain, Rome

Those who visit the Italian capital surely want to come back again! And, luckily, as the tradition goes, if you toss a coin in the Fontana di Trevi, you'll return to Rome someday again. Built in the late 1770s, the gorgeous fountain has become one of the leading Rome landmarks, surprising with its grandeur. Did you know that apart from being an amazing adornment of the city, it brings it a lot of money too? Seeing the Trevi is free, but if you were paying attention, people throw money in it every day, resulting in over $1.5 million per year to the government treasury!

3. The Pantheon, Rome
Pantheon, Rome

Other must-see Rome historical sites include the Pantheon temple, an example of perfectly-preserved ancient Roman architecture. Built in 118–125 AD, this place of worship has many peculiar features. The construction of its huge concrete cupola was a real marvel of its time, till this day this almost 2000-year-old ceiling is the largest of its kind in the world! The collonade is unique too, the columns were initially planned to be higher, they were brought from abroad, and bigger heavier columns caused ships to sink, so the design was changed.

4. The Roman Forum, Rome
Roman Forum, Rome

Moving on to other ancient sights in Rome, the Roman Forum (or Forum Romanum) that's situated in the lowland by the Palatine Hill and the Capitoline Hill, displays the archaeological layer of the city's history with structures and remnants which have made it to our time. As such, either seen from several adjacent viewpoints or during actual walks along the old streets and paths of the Forum, you can see the ruins and columns of many temples and basilicas, as well as the massive and victorious Arch of Septimius Severus and Arch of Titus.

5. The Spanish Steps, Rome
Spanish Steps, Rome

One of the loveliest sights of Rome, the Spanish Steps, are most often associated with the icon actress Audrey Hepburn and the 1950s movie called "Roman Holiday". The staircase has been highlighting the Piazza di Spagna since the early 1700s. It's in the Roman Baroque style and is made up of a little over 130 steps which serve as a perfect place for locals and tourists to sit, unwind, and relax. The real gem of the location, found at the foot of the steps, is the landmark that's actually older - the Fontana della Barcaccia fountain, designed by Pietro Bernini.

6. Piazza Navona, Rome
Piazza Navona, Rome

Speaking of remarkable fountains in Italy's capital, make sure to save a spot on your Rome sightseeing itinerary for the Piazza Navona. Located in the old town, the square houses a total of three fountains in the composition with the marvelous Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi in Italian) as the centerpiece. The Baroque fountain dates back to the 1650s and is Gian Lorenzo Bernini's brilliant creation, built around an Egyptian obelisk. What is more, the Piazza itself is lined with numerous cafes and is a great place to stop by and taste local specialties.

7. Castel Sant'Angelo Fortress, Rome
Castel Sant'Angelo Fortress, Rome

The Castel Sant'Angelo is among other Rome sights to see, the original construction of the fortification began around 135 AD by Emperor Hadrian. Today the castle is the final resting place of the emperor and the location of his mausoleum. Interestingly, the building has escape pathways and secret passages and there's one actually leading to the Vatican. What is more, the site is magnificently connected by the old St. Angelo walking bridge, spanning over the Tiber River, and providing great opportunities for taking pictures.

8. The Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, Rome
Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, Rome

Mentioning the more modern Rome attractions, consider stopping by the Altare della Patria, meaning "Altar of the Fatherland". The monument was built in the name of Vittorio Emanuele II (who was a prominent leader and the first king of Italy) and as a united country as a tribute to his accomplishments. The white-walled structure of national importance houses a museum and the eternal flame. The location offers great views of the surroundings as well as offers to get a deeper insight into the important events of Italian history of the past several centuries.

9. Vatican Museums, Vatican
Vatican Museums, Vatican

Going to Italy and not reserving at least a day for visiting the smallest country in the world, placed right in central Rome within the city borders, would be a real mistake. The Vatican is a real treasure trove of places to discover, and the Vatican Museums are its beating heart. The fabulous collections of the Popes, including priceless artwork and precious relics, are perfectly matched with chic interiors, such as Michelangelo's famous Sistine Chapel. Keep in mind that the entire territory is a religious site, thus appropriate clothing with long sleeves and covered legs is obligatory.

10. St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican
St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican

Last but not least, the Vatican's legendary gem, the San Pietro Basilica, is a "must" when visiting the microstate. The St. Peter's took more than 100 years to build and is the resemblance of the Catholic Church's power and wealth. This jaw-dropping marvel boasts lush fabulous interiors, many due to the contributions of Raphael, Michelangelo, Bramante, among others. Plus, if you have the strength and desire to pass "the quest" of climbing over 550 steps in narrow pathways inside the basilica's cupola, you can get fabulous views of the Vatican from the top!