Known as the Eternal City, Rome has drawn visitors for centuries. From medieval pilgrims visiting Saint Peter’s altars to 19th-century poets like Byron, Shelley, and Keats, the city has always been a magnet. Today, Italy’s capital remains a top destination for tourists, thanks to an abundance of affordable flights and easy accessibility. Some come to explore ancient landmarks like the Forum, Palatine Hill, and the Colosseum. Others come mainly to see the magnificent ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, Michelangelo’s masterpiece.
Must-see tourist attractions
The Vatican, the religious center of the world
The smallest state in the world offers many tourist attractions, but you should keep in mind the long queues and waiting times. Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica takes around 30 minutes and is free of charge. The Basilica is well-known for Michelangelo’s dome, Bernini’s bronze canopy, and the Pietà (also crafted by Michelangelo).
It’s also worth taking a look inside the Vatican Grottoes, which contain statues and the tombs of all the popes, including those of Saint Peter and Pope John Paul II. In front of the Basilica, you’ll find Piazza San Pietro (dating from the 17th century), one of the most beautiful squares in the world, with two rows of columns arranged in a semicircle. Additionally, behind it are the Vatican Gardens, open to the public by reservation only, and nearby is the mosaic of buildings that house the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel.
The Colosseum and the Roman Forum
These represent the most important archaeological areas of the city, featuring monuments from the royal, republican, imperial, and medieval eras. Here you can find the Temple of Venus (the largest in the city), the ruins of the Basilica Aemilia (from 179 BC), triumphal arches, and the Via Sacra, the path where generals would march after winning victories on the battlefield.
The Colosseum, Rome’s iconic monument, was inaugurated in the 1st century AD and was originally called the Flavian Amphitheater, built by the emperors of that dynasty. Standing 48.5 meters tall, it was the largest arena of the ancient world, featuring four floors – three of which had 80 arches each – and seating 73,000 spectators, divided by social class.
As for the Imperial Forums, Via dei Fori Imperiali connects the six monumental complexes built between 46 BC and 113 AD: the Forum of Caesar, the Forum of Augustus, the Temple of Peace (Ara Pacis), the Forum of Nerva, the Forum of Trajan, and Mercati di Traiano.
The Capitoline Hill and the Capitoline Museums
The great complex of the Capitoline Museums consists of three buildings: the Palazzo Senatorio, the Palazzo dei Conservatori, and the Palazzo Nuovo. This complex represents an extraordinary collection of classical art, from the bronze statue of the Capitoline Wolf (5th century BC) to Bernini’s Bust of Medusa.
The Pantheon
This building has been perfectly preserved to this day and is located in the center of Piazza della Rotonda. The Pantheon was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD and was later converted into a church (in the 7th century). Here lie the earthly remains of Raphael and Annibale Carracci, as well as the tombs of the kings of Italy. Moreover, the monument is protected by a dome with a diameter of over 43 meters.
Piazza Navona
It is considered the greatest masterpiece of Baroque Rome and was built on the ruins of the Stadium of Domitian (constructed around 86 AD). Here, you can visit the churches of Sant’Agnese in Agone and Nostra Signora del Sacro Cuore. However, the absolute masterpiece is the Fontana dei Fiumi, one of the landmark works of Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Fountains in the Eternal City
As the poet Shelley wrote, “The fountains alone are enough to justify a trip to Rome.” It is said that there are 1,500, not counting the public drinking fountains, but no one knows the exact number.
One of the oldest fountains is considered to be Santa Maria in Trastevere. It was adorned in the 17th century by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and later restored by Carlo Fontana.
However, the most famous remain the Fontana dei Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) and the Fontana di Trevi. The first features four white marble statues representing the rivers Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Rio de la Plata (by Bernini). The second is Nicola Salvi’s masterpiece, constructed in the 18th century.
The National Roman Museum
Palazzo Massimo dates back to the 19th century, has four floors, and houses one of the most important archaeological collections in the world: frescoes, mosaics, coins, and sculptures.
Conclusion
Rome truly lives up to its title as the Eternal City. Whether you’re drawn to its ancient ruins, entranced by its art and architecture, or charmed by the lively piazzas and fountains, the city provides an unforgettable journey through time and culture.