Some Top Attractions in Rome:
Travel Insurance for Rome:
Area: Europe *
Know Before You Go:
FCO Country Advice for Italy
Vatican City (Citta del Vaticano)
is the papal residence. The Vatican Museum can
take up a lot of your time as there is so much to see with all the
masterpieces and priceless works of art and other collections. The
Museum tour eventually takes you through the Sistine Chapel with
famous works by Michelangelo, the Raphael Rooms and Vatican Gardens. The Sistine
Chapel is sure to give you a neck ache as you admire the amazing
ceiling covered in Michelangelo’s frescoes including the famous
Genesis, and on the altar wall his huge and daunting Last Judgment. On
the walls are works by other famous artists such as Botticelli. The
Vatican has its own radio station which broadcasts all over the world
as well as its own post office and stamps, so many visitors like
to send postcards from there. You will see the Swiss
Guard in their colourful uniforms posted in various guard positions.
St. Peter’s Basilica is the centre of the Catholic
world. It was built over the grave of St. Peter. You
will see works by Bernini and Michelangelo inside.
Arriving at St. Peter’s Square you will see the impressive
St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica San Pietro). A trip to
the top of the Basilica is an absolute must. The views from
the top are amazing, though quite dizzying and the view of the dome
from inside will take your breath away. Many great artists
contributed to the work, including Michelangelo, and Bernini. Michelangelo’s
Pieta can also be seen inside. Inside the Basilica there are
countless works of art and beautiful mosaics. Bernini was largely
responsible for the design of St. Peter’s Square.
Castel Sant’Angelo is connected to the Vatican by a
private passageway. It has been used as a prison, papal residence
and for escape and protection, but it was originally built as a mausoleum
for the Emperor Hadrian. There are tours and exhibits of paintings,
pottery and weapons.
The Colosseum (or Coliseum) is
probably one of the most famous sights of Rome. The amphitheatre
was built to entertain thousands of people at a time with fighting
gladiators and animals. It took about ten years to build. The
unfortunate gladiators were mostly prisoners or slaves. Horrific
though some of the stories are, it is worth having a live guided
tour to learn about the fascinating history of the place. The
Colosseum is located close to the Roman Forum. It was built
with its arched entranceways in order to fully seat the over 50,000
spectators. The Arch of Constantine is located just outside
the Coliseum.
The Roman Forum (Forum Romanum) used to be the centre of the city
of ancient Rome and contain many important buildings. This
was the place where business was carried out, as well as justice,
religious ceremonies and many other activities. It is another
must-see location.
The Spanish Steps (Piazza di
Spagna) is a very popular area for visitors to gather. The
square has the Barcaccia (boat) Fountain built to commemorate a flood
in the late 15th century. The Spanish Steps lead up from the
square to the Trinita dei Monti Church. The Spanish Steps are
used in summer for fashion shows and also used as catwalks. There
are many high fashion and designer shops in this area both on the
Square itself and the adjoining streets, via Condotti and via del
Babuino.
The Villa Borghese museum, park
and gardens can be accessed from the top of the Spanish Steps as
well as the Church of Trinita dei Monti. The Borghese Museum
contains many famous sculptures and works of art by the likes of
Bernini, Titian and Raphael.
Piazza del Campidoglio is
headquarters of the government, and another attraction which should
be on your list. Located at the top of the Capitol Hill, it
is a great place to wander and take photos and you can visit the
Capitoline Museum which houses Roman and Hellenic works. The
building is nicknamed ‘the Wedding Cake’ and ‘the
Typewriter’ because of its appearance. You will see
why.
The Pantheon or ancient pagan ‘Temple
to All Gods’ has the largest dome in Rome. It is located
in the Piazza della Rotonda and became a church and a symbol for
Rome. The Pantheon was designed by Emperor Hadrian which replaced
a temple built by Agrippa. The walls of the Pantheon hold some
shrines such as the Tomb of Raphael and various kings. Look
up at the large round hole in the roof. If it’s raining
you will get wet.
Piazza Navona is another must-see,
with its fountains, lively street cafes and street performers. The
pedestrian square has three fountains; the main fountain in the centre
is Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers. Also
on the Piazza is the baroque Sant’ Agnese in Agone Church with
its famous façade by Borromini. This is a great place
to while away some time, browse, enjoy a gelato or sit at one of
the cafes where many famous people have also sat over the years.
The Trevi Fountain (Fontana
di Trevi) is a place for a photo-opportunity – but beware the
flower-sellers and photo-takers who will surely hound you! The
enormous Baroque fountain is known for its excellent water and also
its legend that drinking from it will mean you’ll return to
Rome. Rather than drinking the water, most visitors choose
to toss coins in. The fountain lit up at night is a sight
to behold. The main figures you will see in the fountain are
Neptune with two Tritons and sea horses which represent the various
moods of the sea. The Trevi Fountain has featured in several
movies such as Roman Holiday, La Dolce Vita and Three Coins in a
Fountain.
Piazza del Popolo is a large
square which is used for expositions, plays and other events. The
Church of Santa Maria del Popolo sits at one side and is worth a
visit.
The Catacombs of Santa Maria
della Concezione are reserved for the non-squeamish, and located
close to Piazza Barberini. The chambers are decorated with
the skeletal remains of monks – some still dressed in their
habits.
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