10 must-see places in Rome
Just ten? It almost seems like an insult to the eternal city. How can you think of summarising a millennia-long history in a handful of historical monuments? However, although all roads lead to Rome, not everyone has the time to stop by for a proper visit. Some people pass by Rome during a long trip or a holiday to Italy. Some get to the centre of Rome from the A1 (the main highway) and then settle in the Grande Raccordo Anulare (the Ring Road of Rome). Some have a stopover with one of the many Alitalia flights landing on Fiumicino's airport. Some even get to Rome on a cruise trip from Civitavecchia (MSC, Costa, Royal Caribbean and many more sail here). The fact is, you seem to not have time enough to enjoy Rome.
Luckily, Italy's capital city has an historical centre packed with historical monuments and archaeological sites, so you can bump into plenty of stuff to take pictures of. After all, we're talking about a great Unesco Heritage Site, a real open air museum. Having said this, you only have to choose what to visit. So, here's 10 must-see places when you're visiting Rome.
Colosseum
A stopover in Rome can't ignore its most iconic monument. Even nowadays it represents the glory of the ancient imperial past surrounding this city. The Flavian Amphitheatre is the very symbol of Italy, officially acknowledged as one of the new seven wonders of the world. The Romans had an amazing time there, watching gladiator shows and mythological dramas performances. It's the largest Roman monument that ever survived the past. But don't let the name fool you: it didn't identify the size of the amphitheater, but referred to the colossal statue of Nero, a 33.5 meters high bronze sculpture of the former emperor located right next to the Colosseum. Unfortunately this monument has been lost, as only the base survived. Still, it remains the clearest picture of the greatness of ancient Rome.
Imperial Fora
As we said at the beginning, Rome's monuments are easily available to the tourists, as they are all within a few steps from one another. A visit of the Colosseum automatically leads to Imperial Fora. By entering the Fora you'll get an idea of how ancient Roman citizens lived. Indeed, the Foras were the main city squares, where public buildings stood, a market took place, business relationships were held. The Imperial Fora are particularly relevant because they were built in different years over a century and a half, from 46 a.C. to 113 d.C. They also show how architecture evolved in that age. However, their majesty remains the same. Besides the Imperial Fora, visit the Roman Forum and the Palatine open air museum: if you have already visited the Colosseum, a visit to the two monuments will be included in your ticket. We know you don't have much time, but spare half an hour for wandering and getting lost in these places full of history.
Piazza Venezia and the Altar of the Fatherland
Piazza Venezia is perhaps the most important crossroads of all Rome. It connects to the Colosseum and the Fora through the monumental Via dei Fori Imperiali. In turn, it leads to via del Corso, which goes straight to the large Piazza del Popolo. Undoubtedly, the square is even more spectacular for the presence of the Altar of the Fatherland ("Il Vittoriano"): the majestic monument in honour of king Victor Emmanuel II, first king of Italy and father of the country. Even today, the monument is the centre of solemn public ceremonies such as celebrations for Republic Day on June 2. If you visit the square, you'll get a stunning view from the balconies above the central staircase. Do not forget to pay your personal homage to the Altar of the Fatherland with the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. And if you have time, have a look at the Central Museum of the Risorgimento (Italian unification), located on the same side of the Altar of the Fatherland.
Pantheon
A Christian monument dedicated to Pagan gods? Even this is possible. The Pantheon was built in the early II century AD., but it was actually rebuilt to take the place of a previous building of the same type built in 25 BC. The name itself has a Greek root, meaning "all gods", but during the VII century the pagan place of worship was converted into a Christian basilica. Pantheon is to be admired for its typically classic perfection and symmetry, creating a circular building as high as its diameter. This harmony can also be seen in its massive dome, one of the largest ever built by human hands. As you enter this monument, you will remain in awe for such an amazing work built two thousand years ago. Here you will also find the tombs of some great historical people of Italian history, such as Victor Emmanuel II of Savoy and Renaissance artist Raphael.
Trevi Fountain
This monuments is nearly as famous as the Colosseum. The gigantic fountain occupies the whole square, built specifically for its construction after demolishing several buildings. It's one of the most important examples of Barocco style in Rome, but it is mostly one of the places where tourists love getting photographed. Especially when they throw a coin in the fountain. Actually, this tradition does not make a wish come true, but ensures the comeback to Rome. If one day is not enough for you, we suggest you to perform the typical coreography of every tourist in front of this monument. With your back turned, throw a coin backwards and don't turn around before it falls. This is also the best moment to take pictures.
Piazza Navona
One of the largest, most beautiful piazzas in Roma. Don't miss a visit here: it's a key place in the historical centre of Rome. The piazza is occupied by the two fountains of architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone designed by Francesco Borromini. The works have given rise to a popular legend about the alleged rivalry between the two architects: in the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi the statue representing Rio de la Plata is portrayed as frightened by the collapse of the church, while the statue of the Nile covers his eyes not to see it. Another urban myth is the fact that once the square was flooded to start naval battles: this is only partly true, as in August the piazza was actually flooded, but to only to alleviate the stifling summer heat.
St Peter's Basilica
Technically we are not in Rome, but in Vatican City, outside the borders of Italy. Anyway, few foreigners notice this difference as they find no border crossing sign. But it does exist, even it's hardly visible: a thin travertine line aat the end of Via della Conciliazione, which marks the beginning of St. Peter's Square and the Vatican State. From here you will stare in awe at the Basilica, the largest church in the world. The entrance is totally free, and if you're lucky you won't have to wait in line too long. Inside the Basilica you'll be amazed at the grandeur of the architecture, with the precious works of art enriching it. One of all, Michelangelo's Pietà. If you have some time left, climb on top of the dome: you'll pay for entrance, but the stunning panoramic view of Rome is priceless.
Piazza di Spagna
The famous Spanish Steps, with the homonymous church on top. The Fontana della Barcaccia by Piero and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The statue of the Babuino, one of the six "talking statues" of Rome, where satiric poems are affixed. Moreover, here you'll find the Giorgio de Chirico museum, the house of the poets Keats and Shelley, the English tea room Babington's. This piazza is packed with attractions and monuments, and a good starting point for taking plenty of pictures. But, above all, it's one of the highlights of nightlife in the historic centre of Rome. Sitting on one of the steps of the staircase while enjoying an ice cream, or still biting into a sandwich with porchetta of Ariccia, will give you a taste of the flavour of this city. We only suggest you not to go to via Condotti, if you don't want to wander among swanky luxury boutiques.
Baths of Caracalla
As is well known, the Romans loved spas. With their architectural genius, they used to exploit hot springs everywhere. Moreover, public toilets were a pleasure that all could enjoy, not only the rich. Indeed, the Baths of Caracalla were crowded by lower-class people, rather than upper-class citizens. Despite this, the buildings didn't lack elegance, and indeed were considered the most sumptuous of all Rome. The beauty of these ruins lies in the fact that they still are as the Romans saw them, without too many unnecessary additions occurred in later periods.
Villa del Priorato di Malta
Let's end with a bang. This monument isn't usually found in your average top-10 list of must-see places in Rome, but we want to add it anyway. The villa is the historical home to the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, a religious order of chivalry depending directly on the Holy See. It's one of the few orders which survived among those established in the Middle Ages. The small XVIII century piazza clearly shows how the building belongs to the Vatican: from the keyhole you can see, perfectly framed, the dome of St. Peter. Somewhat grossly, this viewpoint has been called "the hole of Rome".
