roman places to visit

27 Ancient Roman Ruins That Are A Must-See

It’s no secret to anyone that Rome is a top destination for archaeology buffs. From the Colosseum to the ruins of the ancient aqueducts scattered around the city, there is no city like Rome that better fits the moniker of an open-air museum. Our selection of the most interesting ancient Roman ruins will help you get around the precious sites that gave shape to the sophisticated Roman civilization.

Even admitting that there is hardly a site better than another, one can’t really deny that with a limited time, making a choice becomes necessary. Here are our suggestions of some pretty amazing archaeological sites in Rome you should include on your bucket list. Let’s dig in!

Table of Contents

Map of the most important ancient ruins in Rome

Fantastic archaeological sites to visit in Rome

Impossible not to start with the Colosseum . Arguably the most popular site in all of the city and the first landmark everyone rushes to, a visit to the Colosseum is a must for every first-timer.

A mighty amphitheater erected in the 1st century, this is where gory shows and fights between gladiators and gladiators against wild animals took place to please emperors and ordinary citizens.

There are many types of Colosseum tours , depending on how much you want to see, how much you are willing to spend and whether you are interested in accessing spaces usually closed to the public or staying within the general areas.

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Right next to the Colosseum and often included in the same tours are the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, two of the most important archaeological sites in Rome.

The cluster of buildings that includes temples, stores, and funerary altars were once the pulsing heart of ancient Rome. Now we can visit the forum and even see where Julius Caesar was cremated and where Romans still bring fresh flowers to his altar.

The Palatine Hill is believed to be the first settlement where Rome was founded and is a fantastic place to see ancient Roman imperial villas.

Together with the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill are the largest ancient site in central Rome. To visit, I recommend booking your ticket online especially if it’s high season such as summer or December .

Baths of Caracalla

A mighty witness to Romans’ love for taking care of themselves and enjoying some spa time, the Baths of Caracalla are great to visit and a fantastic hint to how gorgeous they must have been back in the day.

Mosaics, ornamental statues, arches, and vaults were part of the decorations of the different areas from the gym to the calidarium to the tepidarium .

The baths included also a library where the spa-goers could relax and part of the complex is Rome’s largest Mithra temple located underground.

I find the Baths of Caracalla one of the most fascinating ancient sites in Rome. It’s huge and well-preserved so that you can walk around the different rooms and halls, understand how they were set up and what was the path and routine.

Don’t miss visiting underground to see where the slaves would stay to continuously feed the furnaces with wood so that the upper floors and water would always stay warm.

Mausoleum of Augustus

Reopened in March 2021 after 14 years of renovation, the Mausoleum of Augustus is the monumental tomb of one of the most important figures of imperial Rome. A first circular corridor runs all around the central body where the funerary urns were kept, likely including also Augustus’ urn.

The largest circular tomb of the ancient world, this grand mausoleum reminds us of the Etruscan funerary monuments and was built by the same emperor as a celebration of defeating Mark Anthony and Cleopatra in the battle of Actium.

This is the funerary mausoleum of the Gens Julia-Claudia dynasty and some of the illustrious members that were buried here include Augustus himself, Marcello, his nephew who died prematurely, Livia, Augustus’ wife, emperor Tiberium, emperor Caligula and his mother, and emperor Nerva, even though belonging to the Flavia dynasty.

During our tour, we visited all the floors of the mausoleum and could see how it was adapted to other purposes throughout the centuries when local noble families interred the main body to make different uses out of the ancient structure.

This is how the mausoleum became a stronghold first, under the Colonna family, it was covered by a garden rooftop by the Soderini family, and even transformed into an amphitheater by the Portuguese-born Correa clan.

Make sure you read our selection of the most important buildings in Rome .

Teatro di Marcello

The building of Teatro di Marcello (the Theater of Marcellus) started under the rule of Julius Caesar and ended with his nephew Augustus. In 13 BC it was given its name as a tribute to Augustus’ nephew who died in Baiae near Naples in 27 BC.

Erected in the Campo Marzio area where, traditionally, theater plays had already been taking place, the Theater of Marcellus occupied an area of the Circus Flaminius where peasants and ordinary citizens participated in the city’s legislative and judiciary gatherings.

All around, porticoes and temples were erected similar to other peasant areas such as the Aventine Hill and the Forum Boarium. When Christianity took over, the theater was abandoned and used as a stronghold by patrician families. Today it can only be visited from the outside.

You can visit the Theater of Marcellus after a tour of the Colosseum or the Capitoline Museums and then, just crossing the small passageway of the original Roman pavement behind it, you will end up in the Portico d’Ottavia in the Jewish Ghetto.

Portico di Ottavia

Part of the same archaeological site of the Theater of Marcellus, Portico di Ottavia will introduce you to the Jewish Quarter. Built by Quintus Caecilius Metellus Macedonicus in 146 BC after his victory that resulted in turning Macedonia into a Roman province.

The sumptuous Porticus of Octavia was overlooking the Circus Flaminius from where triumphal processions would start. The beautiful Porticus included two large temples, one devoted to Juno Regina and one to Jupiter Stator.

The whole structure was later rebuilt by Augustus between 27 and 23 BC and named after his sister Octavia. In 203 AD, the Porticus of Octavia is renovated again by emperor Septimius Severus and his changes are most of the vestiges we can see today.

Originally, the structure was raised on a podium and included two temples, two libraries (one Greek and one Latin), and a Curia, the area for public gatherings.

The front facade featured at its center a monumental gateway in the form of propylaea as it was in Greek temples or buildings. In 19 AD an arch was built in honor of Germanicus right beside the propylaea.

Inside, the temple was like a museum hosting several works of art.

In the 8th century, they built the adjacent Sant’Angelo Church partially covering the northern part of the propylaea.

Today, the Porticus of Octavia is nicely nestled inside the Jewish Quarter, making it one of the easiest archaeological sites in Rome to visit. The site is open from 9 am to 6 pm (7 pm in summer) and you don’t need to book to enter. Being so close to a modern neighborhood, you can either visit before or after a delicious Roman Kosher meal.

Vicus Caprarius

Vicus Caprarius is a great and little-known archaeological site in Rome in the very city center, a stone’s throw from the Trevi Fountain . I, myself, discovered it recently and was very pleasantly surprised. Among the names they gave to this site is “city of water” ( la città dell’acqua ) and once inside, it’s easy to understand why.

Set up on the cistern of Aqua Virgo, the ancient aqueduct that through its branches and new parts supplies water to the Trevi Fountain and other important fountains in Rome.

Even though water is really an important feature of this archaeological site in central Rome, it’s not the only thing you will see as also other parts of the neighborhood have been dug in the area.

Aqua Virgo Ancient Ruins

More than in a single site, the remains of Aqua Virgo ancient aqueduct are ancient Roman ruins scattered around the city. Apart from the site mentioned above where is the aqueduct’s cistern, two of the best places to see this ancient piping system are next to the Trevi Fountain in Via del Nazareno 9 or on the underground floor of La Rinascente shopping mall in Via del Tritone. In both places, you can see the arches of the waterway.

To access the ruins in Via del Nazareno you need to call Rome municipality at 060608 and the visit is paid (4€ per person), while to see the ruins inside the department store is free.

The experience inside La Rinascente is very interesting because along with the ruins, a multimedia installation runs repeatedly and tells visitors the story of the area and of the other ancient Roman remains that were found here including a domus, an insula, and parts of other aqueducts.

These were all re-buried but archaeologists managed to study them and gather the information we can learn via the multimedia show.

San Clemente Basilica

Just behind the Colosseum, San Clemente is a medieval basilica steeped in history gifting us with a fascinating experience. Before making your way underground, take a tour around the street-level church for some austere ecclesiastic architecture.

Time to dive into some ancient history, now, visiting the early-Christian 4th-century basilica under the medieval one and taking a walk around an ancient Roman neighborhood.

In these ancient Roman ruins, you will see a magnificent example of the Mithra temple and school, the archaeological site of the Roman mint, and the tiny alleys of an authentic Roman district.

San Clemente Basilica is one of those precious Roman ancient sites to visit that are also easy to reach because a short stroll away from the Colosseum. Unfortunately, it’s not allowed to take pictures.

Santa Cecilia in Trastevere Basilica

Hands-down one of my favorite experiences in Trastevere , visiting the undergrounds of Santa Cecilia Basilica will reveal an ancient domus complete with baths, an insula , and the entrance to a taberna (shop). On your way around one of the most interesting ancient Roman ruins, you will also see pieces of a mosaic floor and remains of working tools and jars.

Between the modern church and the ancient Roman findings, visitors will marvel at the arches, vaults, and pillars of the beautiful crypt where the tomb of the saint is kept. Before leaving the area, check if there is a long queue standing in front of Da Enzo al 29, one of Trastevere’s best restaurants and if there isn’t, enjoy a fantastic traditional Roman meal.

Vatican Necropolis

If you decide to visit the Vatican , you will soon realize that there are so many places to see that you can hardly do it in one day. However, if you can afford some extra time or if you are an archaeology buff, the ancient Roman necropolis under St. Peter’s Basilica won’t leave you unimpressed.

Sprawling besides the circus emperor Caligula built on the gardens he had inherited from his mother Agrippina that later became Nero’s Circus where Christians were persecuted and where Peter was allegedly killed, a tour around the necropolis will show a great deal of Roman and early-Christian history. I’ve been once but wouldn’t mind visiting again since there is so much to learn and understand.

Hadrian Mausoleum

Known as Castel Sant’Angelo, the scenic mausoleum on the banks of the river is also known for having been the papal residence and public prison. But it was built as the funerary monument to emperor Hadrian and a visit shows the centuries of history and kingdoms Rome has endured. Plus, a beautiful view of Saint Peter’s dome.

Due to the many layers of history that the Hadrian Mausoleum went through and the many functions it covered, during your visit, you will see remnants from very different periods, not just from imperial times, when it was built.

Parco degli Acquedotti

If you have ever thought about studying or reading about the fantastic feats of public engineering represented by the ancient Roman aqueducts, a visit to southern Rome’s Parco degli Acquedotti along the Appian Way will be utterly fascinating.

With the juxtaposition of six of the main 11 waterways such as Aquae Marcia, Tepula, Iulia, Claudia, Anio Novus, and Anio Vetus (the latter only underground), you can enjoy your visit to one of the largest ancient sites in Rome with a walk or by renting a bike. This is a lovely park to relax also for families with kids and you can either visit independently or by joining a private guided tour .

Very close, and somehow connected to the experience is also Parco di Tor Fiscale where Aqua Claudia and Marcia intersect in two places and Aquae Tepula and Iulia that cross them forming a polygonal shape. This area is called Barbaric Camp because it’s where the Ostrogoths settled when they besieged Rome in 537.

Sant’Agnese Fuori le Mura Complex

The beautiful and historically layered Sant’Agnese Fuori Le Mura Complex lies in Via Nomentana and is one of the must-see ancient Roman sites. All around the modern church are important early-Christian sites that include large catacombs, a graveyard, the ruins of a 4th-century basilica, the crypt where the young martyr Sant’Agnese is buried, and the 4th-century Mausoleum of Costanza, the daughter of Constantine the Great.

The strong devotion Costanza felt for Sant’Agnese martyr was what pushed to her build this complex. It’s thanks to her, in fact, that we have the archaeological Roman ruins of the 4th-century basilica as well as her own funerary monument beautifully decorated with the finest mosaics. Whether you are after art or history, the complex of Sant’Agnese Fuori Le Mura is one of those ancient Roman ruins you don’t want to miss.

St. Paul Outside the Walls Undergrounds

Underneath the important Basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura is a vast ancient Roman site that you can access from the cloister of the church. This is a very interesting archaeological area because you can wander around it and see vestiges from different eras.

Starting from the earliest ecclesiastic complex dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries, you will also view the remains of some houses historians think are from a project by Pope Symmachus to give shelter to the poor people of the area.

Access to the Basilica is free of charge, but to enter the cloister that gives you also access to the archaeological site costs 4€.

Stadium of Domitian

Have you noticed that Piazza Navona has an oval shape? Wondering why? Because it was built on top of a vast stadium wanted by emperor Domitian in an effort to shift his fellow citizens’ interest from the gory shows of the Colosseum to more well-behaved Greek sports disciplines.

The imperial effort went unsuccessful for the most part, but the remains we can see today from Via di Tor Sanguigna of Domitian’s Stadium show a finely decorated theater with carvings and ornamental statues. Visitors can also watch an interesting representation of how both the stadium and the city of Rome were at the time of Domitian.

Rome’s Catacombs

Even though scattered all around the city, I gather Rome’s Catacombs in one paragraph because they are quite a lot and belong to pretty much the same period of time, the early Christianity in the city.

From Priscilla Catacombs near Villa Ada Park to the huge San Callisto’s in the Appian Way, visiting Roman ancient burial sites is very fascinating to understand an important part of the local history and society in what it concerns both the Christian persecutions, the cult of the dead and the transition from paganism to Christianity.

Rome’s Mithra Temples

Similar to the Catacombs, also the sanctuaries devoted to the Persian god Mithra are several in Rome so even though placed in several locations, I think it’s less confusing to gather them under the same roof.

Apart from the one mentioned above located below San Clemente Basilica, most Mithra temples are underground and often open to the public only after previous booking and request to the Council (060608) or to a certified guide. Those that are worth a visit are the ones of the Baths of Caracalla, the Circus Maximus and underneath Palazzo Barberini .

Pyramid of Caestius

Located in the Testaccio neighborhood near Ostiense, Rome’s Pyramid is pretty difficult not to notice since it’s huge and stands out from all the other buildings in the area. It was built by Caius Cestius between 18 and 12 BC at a time when the Egyptian style was very popular in Rome.

Unfortunately, it’s not always open so if you want to enter, you should call Rome municipality at 060608 for inquiries. Otherwise, you can go see it from outside and maybe enter the adjacent Protestant Cemetery where you will also stumble upon the sweet cats of the Pyramid’s colony that often jump into the graveyard to relax.

Trajan’s Markets

At this site, you will be visiting an archaeological area and a museum, the permanent exhibition of Imperial Fora, the huge archaeological park along Via dei Fori Imperiali connecting Piazza Venezia with the Colosseum.

The area housed shops and administration offices and what we call the Trajan’s Markets was where they managed all the activities related to the Trajan’s Forum. The tour includes traditional and interactive panels as well as multimedia presentations showing how the Imperial Fora were in their heyday.

You will see parts of decorations, pillars, temples, columns, sculptures, capitals from all the imperial fora including the ones of Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Nerva, apart from Trajan’s one. As a big perk, when visiting this archaeological site, you can also enter the ruins of Trajan’s Forum.

Domus Aurea

Relive the splendor of Nero’s Domus Aurea he built for himself after the devastating fire that in 64 AD destroyed much of Rome’s city center. This was the sumptuous home emperor Nero built for himself and included a large complex of gardens and other areas destined for the entertainment of the family or for residential purposes.

Occupying a surface of more than 50 hectares over the Palatine and the Esquiline Hills, according to historians, the Domus Aurea was the largest and most opulent residential mansion ever built in Rome.

Even though after Nero’s death his successors tried to erase everything linked to him also by looting its residence from all its decorations, today it’s possible to visit what’s left of it and see how it was back in the day thanks to the immersive multimedia Domus Aurea Experience. Here for more info .

Circus Maximus

Not far from the Colosseum, the Circus Maximus was a huge oval-shaped racecourse for chariots. Today is mainly used as a park, for relaxing, and running, and also for public events such as concerts, New Year’s celebrations, and for festivals and activities the council organizes on the occasion of Rome’s birthday on April 21st .

Since on the actual site there is no illustrative panel, a nice way to enjoy your visit and see how it looked like back in its heyday is to join the recent Circo Massimo Experience sponsored by Rome Council, a tour of the place with the aid of Zeiss VR devices for multimedia reconstruction. Click here for more info on timing, prices, and how to book.

Nearby, you can visit the Baths of Caracalla and, if you happen on the weekend, you can visit one of the best food markets in Rome , Mercato Campagna Amica al Circo Massimo (Via di S. Teodoro 74).

Domus Romane of Palazzo Valentini

Not far from Piazza Venezia is Palazzo Valentini (Via Foro Traiano 85), a 16th-century palace now the seat of Provincia di Roma. In its undergrounds, it’s possible to visit the ruins of an ancient Roman domus , a patrician house belonging to a powerful family from imperial times, probably of a senator, that still preserves mosaics, colorful flooring, and finely decorated walls, and shows even the remains of a private thermal bath.

Diocletian Baths at Museo Nazionale Romano

Museo Nazionale Romano is a museum in Rome spread into several locations. The main one is next to Stazione Termini and is staged all around the huge Diocletian Baths, the ruins of which you can visit during your tour. The museum itself, even though not an archaeological site, displays arguably the world’s largest collection of ancient Roman findings, tools, mosaics, decorations and more.

Crypta Balbi

On the other hand, Crypta Balbi is located in Via delle Botteghe Oscure between Largo Argentina and Piazza Venezia. Standing right next to the theater Lucius Cornelius Balbo built in the 13th century BC, the crypt was a covered porch to serve as a protection for the citizens waiting to enter the nearby theater in case of rain or as a refreshing point for the breaks during the plays.

Largo Argentina

Largo di Torre Argentina is an important sacred area of Ancient Rome consisting of four large temples. One of the first temples built here dates back to the 3rd century BC and was commissioned by the naval commander Gaius Lutatius Catulus after his victory against the Carthaginians.

The second temple was erected in the 2nd century BC at the request of Quintus Lutatius Catulus and lies near the oldest of all the temples of Largo Argentina, the one devoted to Feronia, ancient Sabine divinity, built between the 4th and 3rd centuries BC.

Largo Argentina is also famous for being the place where important Roman statesman and commander Julius Caesar was murdered and for hosting one of Rome’s largest feline colonies.

As a fantastic update, the important Roman archaeological site of Largo Argentina has been finally opened to visitors who can access and have a tour around it for 5€ per person. In summer, it’s open until 7 pm, and in winter, until 4 pm (last entrance, an hour before closing time).

Insula of the Ara Coeli

It’s such a pity that this wonderful place is hardly noticed by the crowds. Probably its position slightly hidden from the main route or its being below modern-day street level are the culprits for it being so out of the radar even though one of the most important ancient ruins in Rome and revealing of the urban planning and development of Roman times.

To face the increasing overcrowding of the city between republican and imperial times, Romans started to build tall blocks of flats that would develop vertically instead of horizontally. From the street, if you look down over the fence, you can see all four floors the insula was originally built with, the shops ( tabernae ) of the ground floor, and beautiful frescoes on the upper level.

About The Author: Angela Corrias

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23 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Rome

Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

In a city so filled with icons of antiquity and the Christian faith, it's hard to know where to go first. Of course, your own interests will govern your choices, but there are certain sites that are almost obligatory landmarks of Italy and top attractions in the world , such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon.

A word of caution: try to vary your experiences as you explore Rome, so that you don't visit too many ancient sites or churches in a row. And intersperse these more serious attractions with a few that are simply tourist icons: the Spanish Steps and that place all tourists must go to toss in their coin, the Trevi Fountain.

Rome is so big that it can overwhelm you, so even the most devoted sightseer needs to take some time to kick back and enjoy la dolce vita in a park or sidewalk café.

You'll be able to choose the best places to visit with this handy list of the top attractions in Rome.

1. The Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine

2. vatican city, 3. the pantheon, 4. roman forum, 5. trevi fountain, 6. vittorio emanuele ii monument, 7. centro storico & the spanish steps, 8. via del corso, rome's shopping street, 9. santa maria maggiore, 10. piazza navona, 11. piazza del popolo & santa maria del popolo, 12. palatine hill, 13. villa borghese gallery and gardens, 14. castel sant'angelo national museum, 15. trastevere, 16. capitoline museum, 17. baths of caracalla, 18. san giovanni in laterano (basilica of st. john lateran), 19. the catacombs and via appia antica (appian way), 20. palazzo doria pamphilj, 21. basilica of san clemente, 22. domus aurea: nero's golden house, 23. terme di diocleziano (baths of diocletian national museum), where to stay in rome for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to rome, rome, italy - climate chart, more things to see and do in rome.

As the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, the silhouette of the Flavian Amphitheatre is to Rome. The largest structure left to us by Roman antiquity , the Colosseum still provides the model for sports arenas - present-day football stadium design is clearly based on this oval Roman plan.

The building was begun by Vespasian in AD 72, and after his son Titus enlarged it by adding the fourth story, it was inaugurated in the year AD 80 with a series of splendid games. The Colosseum was large enough for theatrical performances, festivals, circuses, or games, which the Imperial Court and high officials watched from the lowest level, aristocratic Roman families on the second, the populace on the third and fourth.

Beside the Colosseum stands the Arch of Constantine , a triumphal arch erected by the Senate to honor the emperor as "liberator of the city and bringer of peace" after his victory in the battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312.

Lines are long and move slowly, so you can save time by joining the Skip the Line: Ancient Rome and Colosseum Half-Day Walking Tour and have a knowledgeable guide, as well.

Author's Tip: For an unforgettable experience, especially in the heat of mid-summer, visit the Colosseum on a special night tour. Not only is it cooler then, but the monument is magical with its interior bathed in golden light.

• Read More: Visiting the Colosseum: Highlights, Tips & Tours

The Vatican is the smallest independent state in the world , with an area of less than half a square kilometer, most of it enclosed by the Vatican walls.

Inside are the Vatican palace and gardens, St. Peter's Basilica , and St. Peter's Square , an area ruled by the Pope, supreme head of the Roman Catholic Church. This compact space offers a lot of things to see, between its museums and the great basilica itself.

Inside St. Peter's Basilica is Michelangelo's masterpiece, Pieta , along with statuary and altars by Bernini and others.

The unquestioned highlight of the Vatican museums is the Sistine Chapel , whose magnificent frescoed ceiling is Michelangelo's most famous work.

In the Vatican Palace are the Raphael Rooms ; the Borgia Apartments ; the Vatican Library , and a number of museums that include the Picture Gallery, Museum of Secular Art, Etruscan Museum, and others. The collections you can see in these cover everything from papal coaches to 20th-century art reflecting religious themes.

Ticket lines for the Vatican's attractions are incredibly long, and you can spend several hours waiting in line. To save time, purchase a Skip the Line: Vatican Museums with St. Peter's, Sistine Chapel, and Small-Group Upgrade tour in advance. This three-hour tour allows you to bypass the long lines and walk straight into the museums with a knowledgeable guide. Headsets are provided, and you can choose from several different departure times or upgrade to an evening or small-group tour.

The Pantheon - the best-preserved monument of Roman antiquity - is remarkably intact for its 2000 years. This is despite the fact that Pope Gregory III removed the gilded bronze roof tiles, and Pope Urban VIII ordered its bronze roof stripped and melted down to cast the canopy over the altar in St. Peter's and cannons for Castel Sant'Angelo.

The Pantheon was rebuilt after damage by fire in AD 80, and the resulting brickwork shows the extraordinarily high technical mastery of Roman builders. Its 43-meter dome, the supreme achievement of Roman interior architecture , hangs suspended without visible supports – these are well hidden inside the walls – and its nine-meter central opening is the building's only light source.

The harmonious effect of the interior is a result of its proportions: the height is the same as the diameter.

Although the first Christian emperors forbade using this pagan temple for worship, in 609 Pope Boniface IV dedicated it to the Virgin and all the Christian martyrs, and since then, it has become the burial place of Italian kings (Victor Emmanuel II is in the second niche on the right) and other famous Italians, including the painter, Raphael.

Author's Tip: If you visit the Pantheon on a rainy day, be careful of the floor in the center. There is no umbrella over the hole in the roof, and the floor can get very slippery when wet.

• Read More: Visiting the Pantheon in Rome: Highlights, Tips & Tours

Walking through the forum, now in the middle of a throbbing modern city, is like stepping back two millennia into the heart of ancient Rome. Although what survives of this center of Roman life and government shows only a small fraction of its original splendor, the standing and fallen columns, its triumphal arches, and the remains of its walls still impress, especially when you consider that for centuries, the history of the Forum was the history of the Roman Empire and of the Western world.

Roman political and religious life was centered here, along with the courts, markets, and meeting places. After the seventh century, the buildings fell into ruin, and churches and fortresses were built amid the ancient remains. Its stones were quarried for other buildings and it was not until the 18th and 19th centuries that systematic excavations brought the ancient buildings to light from under a 10-meter layer of earth and rubble.

Highlights of the Roman Forum are the Temple of Antoninus Pius, the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimus Severus, the Curia, the Temple of Vesta, and the Arch of Titus.

Tip for Parents: If you're traveling in Rome with children, unless they are fascinated by the Romans, the Forum might be a place best seen from above, instead of by walking through its five acres of largely ruined buildings. It is one of Rome's most popular and important tourist attractions, but it's a lot for kids to take in and it doesn't have the lure of the Colosseum's tales of lions and gladiators.

One of the city's most popular tourist attractions, this 17th-century masterpiece has been immortalized in films until it is almost a required visit. Throwing a coin (not three) into the Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is a tradition that is supposed to assure your return to Rome.

Rome's largest fountain, Fontana di Trevi is supplied by an aqueduct originally constructed by Agrippa, the great art patron of the first century BC, to bring water to his baths. The fountain was created for Pope Clement XII between 1732 and 1751 by Nicolò Salvi, and built against the rear wall of the palace of the Dukes of Poli.

It depicts the sea god Oceanus (Neptune), with horses, tritons, and shells. The water swirls around the figures and the artificial rocks and collects in a large basin, always filled with coins.

What happens to all that money? Twice a year it is gathered using long-handled brushes, and donated to Caritas, Rome's Catholic charity.

It's ironic that this grandiose monument, considered one of the national symbols of Italy, is rarely admired by Romans, who liken it to a wedding cake or a giant typewriter. Like it or not, the vast neo-classical structure crowns Capitoline Hill, the symbolic center of ancient Rome, overlooking the later city across Piazza Venezia.

Built between 1885 and 1935, it is a monument to King Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of the unified Italy, represented here in an equestrian statue. Italy's tomb of the unknown soldier is here, along with a museum of the Italian unification. A lift will take you to the topmost terrace for 360-degree views of Rome.

Address: Piazza Venezia, Rome

Take a look at a Rome tourist map, and you'll see one area so filled with things to do that it's hard to read the street names. This is the Centro Storico, the historic center of Rome , with so many art-filled churches, resplendent palaces, and lively squares that you could spend your whole vacation strolling its ancient streets and lanes.

Spend some time just to absorb the neighborhood's atmosphere instead of going from one of its must-see sights to the next. Along with Piazza Navona , the Trevi Fountain , and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore , stop in less well-known churches, such as Santa Maria del Popolo, where you'll find works by Bernini and Caravaggio.

Pause at the Spanish Steps, the flight of irregular stairs and landings that lead up to the French church of Trinità dei Monti. The stairs take their name from Piazza di Spagna , the plaza at their base and one of Rome's most typical squares. The stairs have long been a favorite haunt of tourists.

You can no longer channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and eat gelato on the steps as she did in Roman Holiday . Sitting or eating on the steps is banned to protect them after a complete cleaning and restoration, and the ban is enforced.

The boat-shaped fountain at the foot of the Spanish Steps is known as the Barcaccia and was created by Pietro Bernini, father of the great Baroque architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Via Condotti , leading southwest from Piazza di Spagna, is Rome's most fashionable shopping street , where the Caffè Greco is famous for the artists, writers, and musicians who have frequented it.

Address: Piazza di Spagna, Rome

Marking a straight line from Piazza the Piazza Venezia to Piazza del Popolo, Via del Corso is Rome's Main Street . Lined with shops and places to eat, and a few palaces housing art museums, including the magnificent Palazzo Doria Pamphilj. Work is underway to restore and re-design the century-old landmark Alberto Sordi Gallery, which will reopen as Agorà, with fewer shops and more public space for arts and entertainment.

While the shops are mostly name brands, you'll find some designer boutiques here and on the radiating side streets. Not all of Italy's fashion comes from Milan's catwalks, and fashionistas will find more high-end boutiques and prestigious names on streets around Piazza di Spagna, especially Via Venizia and Via dei Condotti .

Between Piazza del Popolo, at the end of Via del Corso, and Piazza di Spagna, look for antique shops and art galleries on Via del Babuino . To mix charm and cinema history with shopping, and find small shops and galleries on the parallel Via Margutta .

Note to Movie Fans: Federico Fellini lived on Via Margutta and Gregory Peck's apartment scenes in Roman Holiday were filmed at No. 51.

One of the most majestic of the churches in Rome , Santa Maria Maggiore has stood here since the fourth-century Pope Liberius had a vision of the Virgin directing him to build a church where snow fell the following day. Although it was August, snow did fall on the Esquiline hill the next morning, so here the great basilica was built.

Mass has been celebrated here every day since the fifth century. The three aisles of its 86-meter-long interior are separated by 40 columns of marble and four of granite, and the apse added in the 13th century is lined with mosaics of Old and New Testament themes, masterpieces of Rome's famous mosaic artists.

Rome's oldest mosaics, as old as the fourth century, decorate the upper walls, and the floor is inlaid with colored stone in the style of the expert 12th-century artisans of the Lake Como region. The first gold to reach Italy from the Americas shines on the coffered ceiling. Two popes are buried here; it's one of Rome's four papal basilicas, an important place of pilgrimage.

Author's Tip: Although admission to Rome's churches is free, you may need to put a euro in the meter to illuminate some artworks or chapels. Keep some coins handy for a better look at the mosaics in Santa Maria Maggiore. It is also a nice gesture to put a few coins in the offering boxes to help the churches maintain their priceless treasures.

Address: Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome

One of Rome's most characteristic Baroque squares, Piazza Navona still has the outline of the Roman stadium built here by Emperor Domitian. It was still used for festivals and horse races during the Middle Ages, and was rebuilt in the Baroque style by Borromini, who also designed the magnificent series of palaces and the church of Sant'Agnese, on its west side.

Its facade, campanile, and dome highlight the way Baroque architecture weaves convex and concave surfaces, gables, windows, columns, and piers into a unified design. In the crypt of Sant'Agnese are Alessandro Algardi's 1653 The Miracle of St. Agnes and the remains of a Roman mosaic floor. Sant'Agnese provided a model for Baroque and Rococo churches in Italy and elsewhere.

Although Borromini designed the square and its surrounding facades, it was his archrival, Bernini, who created its centerpiece, the beautiful Baroque fountain, Fontana dei Fiumi . The spirited fountain represents the four rivers then thought to be the largest on each of the known continents, with figures personifying the Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Rio de la Plata around the large basin, each accompanied by plants and animals of their respective regions.

The two other fountains in the square are the 16th-century Fontana del Moro in front of the Palazzo Pamphili, erected by Giacomo della Porta, and the 19th-century Fontana del Nettuno with its figure of Neptune. Today, the square is filled with Romans, tourists, street artists, musicians, souvenir kiosks, cafés, and during December, one of Rome's best Christmas markets.

Nearby, between the Piazza and the Pantheon, the church of San Luigi dei Francesi contains three major paintings by Caravaggio from the late 16th century, including one of his most famous, The Calling of St. Matthew. No information about the paintings is available in the church, but you can download an audio guide in English on the San Luigi dei Francesi website. The church itself is worth seeing for its elaborate ceiling and inlaid marble floors. Like others in Rome, the church is free to enter

Symmetrically situated at the apex of a triangle of streets that include Via Corso, Rome's main shopping street, Piazza del Popolo was designed in the early 19 th century as the northern entrance to the city center. At its center, the Egyptian obelisk, called Flaminio, rises above a fountain, where four white marble lions spout fans of water into four round travertine pools.

Facing one side like mirror images at either side of Via della Corso are the twin churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto, and at the opposite side of the grand piazza is the Augustinian Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo.

Inside, you'll find Pinturicchio frescoes and two tombs by Andrea Sansovino in the choir, and two beautiful chapels. The Chigi Chapel was designed by Raphael in 1515, and the Cesari Chapel holds two important Caravaggio paintings.

Next to the basilica, climb the steps to the Pincio Terrace for views down onto the piazza and across the city of Rome.

Strategically set 50 meters above the Tiber, the Palatine Hill shows evidence of Rome's earliest settlement: rock cuttings found in front of the Temple of Cybele show human activity as long ago as the ninth century BC. Later, this was the site chosen by the emperors and great aristocratic families for their palaces.

The Farnese Gardens were laid out on the hill in the 16th century for Cardinal Alessandro Farnese, a pleasure park of terraces, pavilions, lawns, flowerbeds, trees, and fountains designed as a kind of stage-setting for social gatherings.

Highlights of the Palatine Hill are the House of Livia (Augustus' wife), the semi-subterranean Cryptoporticus , Domus Flavia , Domus Augustana, and most imposing of all, the Baths of Septimius Severus. The Palatine Hill is a lovely place to explore, combining a park with magnificent and impressive ruins of ancient Rome.

One of Rome's largest parks, the Borghese Gardens contain multiple attractions that include two museums, the most prominent of which is the Villa Borghese. Built as a party villa and to house the Borghese art collection, the gallery contains paintings, sculptures, mosaics, and reliefs, most from the 15th to the 18th century, and include works by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Bernini, Dürer, and Rubens .

Elsewhere in the park, Villa Giulia was built as a summer residence for the 16th-century Pope Julius III and houses the Etruscan Museum . More villas are from the world exposition that was held in Rome in 1911.

The park is an English-style landscape garden, with walking paths and ponds where you can rent row boats. You can also rent bikes or a surrey to explore the park. There is a good zoo, Bioparco di Roma , with naturalized enclosures and a miniature trail connecting its various sections. A number of its attractions will appeal to children, including playgrounds, weekend pony rides, and occasional puppet shows.

Many of its attractions will appeal to children , including playgrounds, weekend pony rides, and occasional puppet shows, making it one of the most popular things to do in Rome for families .

One of the secrets of the Borghese Gardens is the replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, where you can watch opera performances or Shakespeare plays. Plays are always in Italian, but an occasional opera is in English. You can rent a cushion and sit on the floor or you can sit in the balconies that ring the interior.

Address: Piazzale del Museo Borghese, 5

Begun in AD 135 as a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian and his family, Castel Sant'Angelo is a massive drum-shaped structure overlooking the Tiber near the Vatican. Over the millennia of its existence, Castel Sant'Angelo has been used as a papal residence and a fortress, and more recently as a National Museum.

In AD 271, Emperor Aurelian took advantage of its position guarding the northern approaches to the city and incorporated it into his new system of walls surrounding the city. As a bastion, it protected the city from barbarian attacks, and by the Middle Ages had become a substantial fortress. In times of peril, popes fled here across a secret elevated corridor, the Passetto di Borgo , and stored their most precious riches in the castle's treasury.

Visitors reach the castle across a pedestrian bridge lined with statues of angels (by Bernini), and ascend to its five floors on a spiral ramp. At its various levels are prison cells, a large collection of weapons, and splendidly decorated papal apartments covered in Renaissance frescoes. At the top is a terrace with stunning views of the city.

Address: Lungotevere Castello 50, Rome

Across the Tiber River and off the most popular tourist routes, Trastevere feels like an earlier Rome, with its medieval lanes and narrow alleys . You'll find bits of Roman stonework in its old buildings, and occasional inscriptions that remind you that this was for three centuries the Jewish Ghetto, its gates closed and guarded at night.

Today it is a charming neighborhood with two outstanding churches that are rarely on tourist itineraries. In the third century, before Rome's Jewish population gravitated to this side of the river, Santa Maria in Trastevere was one of the first places where Christians could worship except in secret.

Renovated several times, the last in the Baroque period, the church interior is decorated with patterned marble floors, a gold-washed coffered ceiling, and exceptional medieval mosaics. Also with good mosaics, and a fine 13 th -century fresco, Santa Cecilia in Trastevere hides the foundations of a Roman home.

Author's Tip: It's no secret that Trastevere is a good place to find restaurants serving authentic Roman dishes, but you'll find them less crowded than those in the popular tourist areas.

Two palaces on Piazza del Campidoglio house Europe's oldest public collection of art, founded in 1471. Primarily devoted to sculptures from across the ancient world, the highlights of the Capitoline Museum treasures include the realistic Hellenistic bronze Boy with a Thorn ; Capitoline Venus , from a 4 th -century BC original by Praxiteles; a 4.24-meter-tall Roman equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius; a Roman sculpture of the Dying Gaul ; and the Capitoline She-Wolf , an Etruscan work from the 6th century BC.

More "modern" sculptures include a head of Medusa, by the 17 th -century Baroque sculptor Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Although the Capitoline Museum is best known for its outstanding collection of classical sculptures, its Capitoline Picture Gallery exhibits paintings by Titian, Veronese, and Rubens, along with Caravaggio's compelling John the Baptist.

Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome

Completed by Caracalla in 216, these were much more than public baths. They were a complete sports center, with hot and cold baths, a swimming pool, dry and steam saunas, gymnastics and sports facilities, social rooms, gardens, libraries, hairdressers, and shops.

The massive and imposing structure covered an area of 300 square meters, a complex of gigantic halls whose domes and vaulting were supported by huge columns and piers. It could accommodate 1,500 people at a time. The floors and walls were covered with marble, mosaics, and frescoes; even in ruin, their splendor is still evident.

Address: Via delle Terme di Caracalla 52, Rome

As you might expect for the episcopal church of the Pope, St. John Lateran is one of Rome's most impressive churches. After centuries of alterations, it still retains its original form from the age of Constantine, when it was built.

Its façade, by contrast, is a purely Baroque embellishment and a fine example of that period. Along with the mosaics in the apse, be sure to notice the beautiful 16th-century wooden ceiling. If the octagonal baptistery, San Giovanni in Fonte , looks a bit familiar, it's because it provided the model for later ones throughout Europe.

Built by Constantine, it is the world's oldest Christian baptistery. Across the piazza, in the church of the Scala Santa, is the Holy Staircase, 28 steps believed to have been brought to Rome in the fourth century by St. Helen, from Pilate's palace in Jerusalem.

The Catacombs of San Callisto (St. Calixtus) and San Sebastiano , both underground burial places in the Via Appia Antica, are extensive — the San Callista Catacomb fills an area of 300 by 400 meters — with intricate multi-layered networks of passages and chambers carved into the soft tufa. In addition to the tombs, St. Calixtus has six sacramental chapels, constructed between 290 and 310, with both pagan and early Christian wall paintings.

In the Papal Crypt are the tombs of most of the martyred Popes of the third century identified by Greek inscriptions. San Sebastiano, one of Rome's seven pilgrimage churches, was built in the fourth century on the site of old cemeteries and catacombs that, along with the foundations of a Constantinian basilica, can be explored.

Tomb chambers are on several levels with fine paintings, stucco decorations, and inscriptions dating to the first century AD. Although venerated remains are thought to have been brought here for safekeeping during persecutions, these were cemeteries, not hiding places for Christians.

A little west of the Via Appia Antica, not far from the catacombs of San Callisto, the Catacombs of Domitilla are the largest and among the most impressive in Rome, with 15 kilometers of underground chambers and passages and a complete subterranean basilica.

Dedicated to the martyred saints entombed there, Nereus and Achilleus, the basilica was a major pilgrimage destination until the Middle Ages. More than 80 painted tombs and a second-century fresco of The Last Supper survive in its galleries.

Outside the Porta San Sebastiano, the Arch of Drusus is near the beginning of the Via Appia Antica, one of the oldest and most important of the Roman highways, built around 300 BC and extended to the port of Brindisi about 190 BC.

Running parallel with the road are the ruins of some of the aqueducts that supplied the city with water, and among the cypresses along its sides are remains of tombs belonging to aristocratic Roman families. The most prominent of these is the first-century tomb of Caecilia Metella and her husband.

Address: Via Appia Antica, Rome

Rome's finest private collection of art is displayed in the magnificent Baroque galleries, state rooms, and chapel of the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj. Representing works by European masters from the 15 th through the 18 th centuries, the collections include paintings by Filippo Lippi, Brueghel the Elder, Correggio, and Raphael, along with major works by Caravaggio ( Rest in the Flight into Egypt) and Titian ( Salome with the Head of John the Baptist).

Velázquez's Portrait of Innocent X is one of the collection's highlights. Another image of the same Pope is a sculpture by Bernini. The palace itself almost outshines its contents, with frescoed ceilings and Baroque decoration; a good audio guide in English enlivens the tour. The gardens are beautiful, with an intricately patterned parterre with labyrinth elements.

Address: Via del Corso 305, Rome

One of Rome's oldest churches and with the city's most beautifully decorated apse, covered in mosaics of Old and New Testament scenes, San Clemente has a further fascination: the multiple layers of its history as each era built upon the last.

You can descend from the 12 th -century church into a previous church, a 4 th -century basilica with Romanesque frescoes of New Testament scenes. Below that are the excavated foundations of a Roman home from the 2 nd century AD, with a shrine to the sun god Mithra, with a carved relief on the altar. From the foundations of the house, you can walk on the ancient streets of this former Roman neighborhood.

But do take time to look around the upper church, to see the mosaics, the inlaid marble floors, and the early Renaissance frescoes by Masolino in the St. Catherine's Chapel.

Address: Via San Giovanni in Laterano 108, Rome

In July of 64 CE, a six-day fire destroyed almost three-fourths of the city. The cruel and unpopular emperor Nero took advantage of the cleared land to build a palace of unheard-of proportions, the Domus Aurea, or Golden House. Rooms were lined in rare marble and elaborately decorated in gold and precious stones.

The palace was never finished, and Nero's successors, attempting to erase all memory of the hated ruler and his reign, buried it, and Rome grew over it. Excavations continue to disclose more of its splendors, and you can tour the active archaeological site to see the halls and rooms that have been uncovered, some with excellent frescoes.

With the help of a video outlining the history and virtual reality technology that recreates the atrium and one hall , you can get a sense of what the palace looked like in Nero's time. Both are included in tours.

Tip: Even on the hottest days, bring something with long sleeves, as the underground excavations site is quite cold year-round.

Historical Note: Did Nero really fiddle while Rome burned? Although he took advantage of the destroyed city to build his extravagant villa, and there was disgruntled mumbling at the time that he had ordered the fire set to clear the land, no historical evidence or contemporary account mentions his playing any musical instrument.

Address: Via della Domus Aurea, Rome

Diocletian's baths were so enormous that today, they contain two churches, large parts of a Carthusian monastery and a major museum. Michelangelo used the vast tepidarium (hot baths) as the shell for his church of Santa Maria degli Angeli , and the Museo Nazionale Romano , Rome's National Museum, fills another section with treasures of antiquity: Greek and Roman sculpture, pre-Christian and later sarcophagi, and beautiful mosaics and frescoes.

The late-16th-century church of San Bernardo alle Terme was built in a rotunda at the corner of the baths; its dome is like that of the Pantheon, but only half its size.

While Rome's main tourist attractions don't exactly cluster, most of the major ones are within a 20- to 30-minute walk of each other, so several areas are convenient for sightseeing. The Monti neighborhood is perhaps the most central to the Forum, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and even the Spanish Steps and Borghese Gardens. Here are some highly rated hotels in Rome's best locations for sightseeing:

Luxury Hotels :

• Palazzo Manfredi - Relais & Chateaux is next to the Colosseum, and you can overlook it while enjoying breakfast in the rooftop restaurant.
• Boutique Hotel Campo de Fiori has a rooftop garden overlooking the colorful daily market in one of Rome's most traditional neighborhoods, near the Pantheon and an easy walk from Palatine Hill and the Vatican.
• Two blocks from the Colosseum, Hotel Capo d'Africa is in a neighborhood filled with small restaurants.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• The four-star Mercure Roma Centro Colosseo is an easy walk from the Colosseum, which you can see from the hotel's rooftop swimming pool and from some of the guest rooms.
• In Monti, close to both the Colosseum and Forum, Hotel Fori Imperiali Cavalieri is surrounded by restaurants and shopping.
• Opposite the Opera House in Monti, iQ Hotel Roma has a covered rooftop terrace and modern décor.

Budget Hotels:

• Amid restaurants and shops in Monti, between the Forum and opera house, Hotel Artorius is not adjacent to any major attractions, but lies within a 20- to 30-minute walk from the Forum, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Vittoriano, and museums.
• Also in the lively Monte neighborhood, and an easy walk from the Colosseum and other attractions of ancient Rome, Hotel Grifo offers a rooftop terrace and free breakfast.
• On the west bank of the Tiber, south of Vatican City, Trastevere is one of the city's most colorful neighborhoods. Although Trastevere has several small B&Bs, Cassiodoro is one of its few hotels, surrounded by traditional restaurants and shops.
• Sightseeing Tour by Bus : For maximum flexibility while you're seeing all the top attractions, sign up for the Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour on an open-air double-decker bus. Accompanied by audio commentary, this convenient ticket covers all the top sights, with eight different stops, and you can hop on and off at your favorite attractions. You can choose a tour that's valid for either 24 or 48 hours and upgrade to packages that include time-saving skip-the-line admission to attractions like Palatine Hill, the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum.
• Segway Tour: Another way to see the top sights without worrying about navigating your way around the city is on the Rome Segway Tour . Included in this three-hour excursion are a brief orientation session, helmets, wet weather jackets (if needed), and audio commentary. Meet your guide near Piazza Venezia and see the sights of Ancient Rome, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and Circus Maximus, learning all about them as you zoom around the city.
• Gladiator Experience : If you've always wondered what it's like to brandish a sword like Spartacus, consider signing up for the Roman Gladiator School: Learn How to Become a Gladiator experience on the Appian Way, near the Colosseum. This two-hour private lesson is suitable for anyone aged six years and older and includes entrance to the Gladiator School of Rome Museum as well as clothing and weapon hire.
• Tivoli Day Trip : Organized tours are a great way to explore the attractions in the beautiful countryside around Rome. You can relax and let a professional guide do the work without the hassle of driving, finding your way, and parking. On the Tivoli Day Trips from Rome: Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa tour, you can explore two World Heritage-listed historic villas, built as vacation homes for the Roman elite, as well as their gorgeous gardens. The tour includes transportation in a comfortable coach, villa admission, and headsets so you can easily hear the guide.
• Pompeii Day Trip : Another popular excursion is the Pompeii Day Trip from Rome . On this full-day tour, you can hike to the crater of Mt. Vesuvius (in summer) or visit the National Archeological Museum of Pompeii (November 16 through March 31), as well as see the sights of Pompeii. Entrance fees and lunch are included.

Where to Go near Rome: When you have seen Rome's ancient sites, you'll want to explore some of the city's surroundings. The town of Tivoli lies 30 kilometers east of Rome, with Hadrian's Villa and one of the most beautiful gardens in Italy .

Places to Visit from Rome: In just over an hour by train, you can step into the exuberant street life of the vibrant city of Naples . From here, you are only a short ferry ride from the idyllic island of Capri , across the Bay of Naples. Or take a train the short distance to the ancient city of Pompeii , under the still smoldering cone of Mt. Vesuvius.

More on Italy

Visit Rome: Top 27 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in rome: the 27 best places to visit and highlights.

So, you’re planning to visit Rome during your next trip to Italy ?

With your lover or family, Rome is the perfect place to spend a 2-3 days weekend, especially since the city can be easily visited on foot!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have written this guide of the best things to do in Rome , with all the must-see attractions and points of interest.

At the end of the article, you will also find itineraries to visit Rome in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days (or more!) as well as my suggestions of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best places to visit in Rome? Let’s find out!

1. The Colosseum and its murderous games

2. the roman forum, 3. the palatine hill, 4. piazza venezia, 5. piazza del campidoglio (capitol square), 6. the pantheon, 7. piazza navona, 8. trevi fountain, 9. enjoy a gelato (italian ice cream), 10. the vatican, 11. st. peter’s square, 12. st. peter’s basilica, 13. the vatican museums and the sistine chapel, 14. the bridge and castel sant’angelo, 1) go shopping in via del corso, 2) go shopping in via condotti, 16. piazza di spagna, 17. visit rome’s churches, 18. villa borghese gardens, 19. the borghese gallery, 20. other museums to visit in rome, 21. piazza del popolo, 22. trastevere district, 23. where to eat in rome: have lunch in a trattoria, 24. campo di fiori, 25. san lorenzo district, 26. aventine hill, 27. visit the catacombs of rome, 28. the 6 best things to do around rome, getting around rome on foot, how many days to visit rome, 1 day in rome, 2 days in rome, visit rome in 3 days, 4 days in rome, 5 days in rome, 6 days in rome, one week in rome, where to stay in rome,  the 7 best things to do in rome with family, things to do in rome when it rains, things to do in rome at night, rome off the beaten path: the best lesser-known places to visit, best time to visit rome, tourist map of rome, how to go to rome, how to reach the city centre from rome airport, best things to do in rome: i answer all your questions, you’re traveling in italy these articles will help you, visit rome: 27 must-see attractions.

In order to help you plan your stay in Rome, I have prepared detailed itineraries depending on your trip duration . You should read them after reading this guide.

You can find them here, simply click on the orange links to read the articles:

• 2 Days in Rome – How to visit Rome in 48h
• 3 Days in Rome – The best itinerary to visit Rome in 72h
• 4 Days in Rome – The best places to visit in 4 days
• 5 Days in Rome – How to spend 5 days in Rome
• One week in Rome – The perfect 7-day itinerary

They will allow you to plan your trip very easily!

And if you have any question, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section located at the end of each guide. I would be glad to help you plan your stay.

Lets start this list of the must-see attractions with the Colosseum, located in the Historic Center (“Centro Storico” in Italian). It’s the most emblematic monument to visit in Rome!

With a capacity of more than 50,000 spectators, it’s the largest amphitheater in the Roman world. Quite much blood was shed in these arenas, where the famous gladiatorial combats, animals fights and Roman games were held, always followed by horrific deaths.

The visit isn’t free and you will probably have to wait for a few hours before getting there if you are going in high season.

Here is my tip: to avoid waiting in line for hours, you can:

• Buy skip the line tickets for the Colosseum, with or without guided visit.  You need to buy them here .
• Purchase the Rome Tourist Card (click here) , an all access pass with no time limit and free skip the line entrances to the most famous touristic sites of Rome and Vatican. (Colosseum is of course included). You also get rebates of 20% or more on other activities.

And you know the best about this pass? It also include a free audio guide.

It’s new and it offers an amazing value for money!

• Buy the Vatican & Rome City Pass (Omnia Card) – click here : it’s the most complete pass to visit Rome. You will get rebates on more than 40 attractions + free public transport.

The ticket purchased at the Colosseum also includes access to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill (I will talk about it just below), so it would be a shame to miss them, as the 3 touristic sites are linked together.

The forum was the centre of the city and you can see ruins of ancient markets, administrative and religious buildings . However, you will not find any explanation on the site, so if you’re interested in history, you should really opt for a guided tour.

I recommend you to choose the small group tour of the Colosseum + Roman Forum + Palatine Hill . It’s the most complete and it’s available in English, Italian, Spanish or French, which is really convenient!

Book by clicking on the button below:

This is the third point of interest included in the Colosseum ticket.

Palatine Hill , one of the 7 hills of Rome , is according to mythology the place where the city was founded by Romulus and Remus. As you might know, they are the two twins who would have been found and suckled by a wolf in a cave.

At the top of Palatine Hill , you will have access to this cave and ruins of the residences of historical figures such as Augustus, the first Roman emperor.

Not far from the Roman Forum, at the other end of Via dei fori impierali, you can find piazza Venezia , one of Rome’s main squares. From there, all the streets leads to Rome’s main tourist attractions!

This is where you can admire the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, also called “Altare della Patria” or “Vittoriano”, a huge white marble building dedicated to the first king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II.

Next to the square, there is also the famous Trajan’s column , with bas-reliefs retracing the military conquests of the Emperor Trajan.

From the roof of the building you can also enjoy a superb panoramic view of the whole city . Access is via a glass lift at the back of the building.

Tickets for this lift can be booked in advance by clicking here!

They also include a 25-minute film on Ancient Rome , a ticket for the Risorgimento Museum and the National Museum of the Palace of Venice .

You’re going to Rome?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

And that’s even worse in the large European capitals 😅.

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Tens of thousands of people will be visiting Rome on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Rome.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Rome, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Rome!

Climb the broad staircase leading to the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II and you will arrive on Capitol Square. Designed by Michelangelo himself, it was formerly the political and religious heart of Rome. On Capitol Square , you can see:

• The Palazzo Senatorio or Senatorial Palace
• The Palazzo dei Conservatori or Palace of the Conservators
• Palazzo Nuovo or New Palace , which now houses the Capitoline Museums and the Museum of Art and Archaeology. One of the most famous art piece you can find there is the Capitoline Wolf statue : The one with the mythical she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus. You may have already seen it, it’s in almost all history books! Don’t forget to buy your tickets in advance here.

The Capitoline museums is for sure one of the best museums in Rome !

The Pantheon is the best preserved ancient building in Rome and another must-see touristic attraction to add to this list!

Originally dedicated to all mythology divinities, it became a Christian church in the 7th century.

Inside, admire the immense dome and the oculus (the opening in the dome), giving the place a unique lighting.

In the Pantheon, you can also see the tombs of Raphael (the famous artist) and Victor Emmanuel II (1st king of Italy, as mentioned above when I talked about the beautiful building dedicated to him on Piazza Venezia).

Since July 2023, access to the Pantheon has been subject to a charge and requires an admission ticket (cost: €5) . To visit, you should book your ticket on the official website .

And if you want to get more historical information , it’s better to get the fast track ticket + audioguide by clicking here:

And for more detailed explanations, you can also choose a guided tour of the Pantheon by clicking here!

The Piazza Navona is located in the heart of the historic center, not far from the Pantheon. it’s one of the most beautiful and famous square of Rome! There, you can admire the 3 following fountains:

• The Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi
• The Fontana del Nettuno
• The Fontana del Moro

It’s a great place to have a drink or eat ice cream on one of the many terraces, but beware, since this place is very touristic, the prices are too!

Looking for romantic things to do in Rome?

Well, you should go see the famous Trevi Fountain , also located close to the Pantheon!

 There, you’ll find the most famous fountain of Europe: The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi in Italian). A must see for anyone visiting Rome.

Because of the legend surrounding it, this fountain is also renowned for hosting a large number of wedding proposals! Legend has it that in order to save her virginity, a young girl had to reveal the location of the source to the Romans.

In the basin, there are numerous statues representing an allegory of the sea, with Neptune on his chariot in the center. The tradition says you should throw 2 coins: one to make a wish and the other one to be sure to return to Rome. 

Behind the fountain, a large baroque palace contributes much to the charm of the place. Just one thing: the place is always crowded, so you will have a lot of trouble to make a perfect photo of the fountain with no unwanted heads!

Nevertheless, the Trevi Fountain is a major point of interest in Rome.

After Trevi fountain, to recover from your emotions (if you were proposed or if you knelt down on your knees while sweating with stress!) or simply to take a short break during the day, it’s time to enjoy an ice cream.

The great new is that you’re in the ideal place, very close to one of the 2 best ice cream shops of Rome: San Crispino located on the Via della Panatteria . The queue is often impressive, but the best things in life are the hardest to obtain!

And since opinions often differ on THE best ice cream in Rome, I also give you the name of San Crispino’s direct competitor, the gelateria “Giolliti” located in Via Uffici del Vicario.

Whichever you choose, you will face the same problem of long waiting line and multiple choice of perfume dilemma.

And yes, as you know from my articles on Nice or Annecy , I am a big ice cream fan! So I have a pro advice to give you: test both! It’s the best way to make up your own mind, isn’t it?

Even if you’re not a believer, a visit to the Vatican is a must during a stay in Rome.

It’s the smallest country in the world, yet is one of the most visited places during a tour in Italy. Only priests and nuns, some dignitaries, guards, and of course the pope are allowed to live there.

During your visit to the Vatican , you shouldn’t miss:

• Saint Peter’s Square
• Saint Peter’s Basilica
• The Vatican Museums
• The Sistine Chapel.

I will give you all the info you need to visit these places a bit below in this article.

To visit the Vatican and all its monuments without queuing, you should opt for the Vatican Pass. It’s very convenient, as it gives you priority access to the museums and a guided tour of Saint Peter’s Basilica .

To book your Vatican Pass, simply click on the green button below:

A little fact about the guards: they are only Swiss and must of course be Catholic. They swear an oath of fidelity to the Pope himself.

This tradition goes back to the sack of Rome in 1527, when the Swiss guards protected the pope during his escape to the Sant’Angelo castle .

You will enter the Vatican through the famous St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro in Italian). Every year, millions of pilgrims and tourists comes to see this square!

St. Peter’s Square was designed with the following principle in mind: they wanted to allow the greatest number of people to see the Pope give his blessing from the balcony of  St. Peter’s Basilica .

Two colonnades surround the square, consisting of nearly 280 columns and 145 saints statues . In the center of St. Peter’s Square stands an Egyptian obelisk surrounded by 2 large fountains.

The long waiting lines to visit the basilica start from this square.

To visit St. Peter’s Basilica , you will have to be patient (or be smarter than others and buy the skip the lines tickets here! ).

However, once inside, the impressive basilica will make forget the long waiting hours. There, you can admire many altars and monuments and be impressed by the rich baroque decoration. To see:

• The many funerary monuments of the popes
• The famous Saint Peter’s statue
• The gigantic dome designed by Michelangelo.

On the right side of the basilica, you can access the dome. You need to take an elevator first, and then, the hardest thing, to climb 323 extra steps.

It’s not recommended for claustrophobes, the ceiling is low and the corridors narrow, but your effort will be greatly rewarded by the magnificent view of the city of Rome.

As the entrance to Saint Peter’s Basilica is free of charge, there is always a very long waiting line (and by this I mean several hours!) at any time of the day.

To avoid wasting too much time, especially if you are planning to spend a weekend in Rome and want to see as much as possible, you should book a skip the line ticket or a guided tour.

Both will grant you priority access.

You can also access the dome for a fee. It needs to be booked in advance.

Book your ticket or guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica by clicking directly on the green button below:

If you have bought the Rome Tourist Card or the Vatican Pass , the guided tour of the Basilica is already included.

While visiting the Vatican, you should really go to the Vatican museums .

There are more than 13 museums grouped together in a huge architectural complex of nearly 7 kilometers long!

Tapestries, paintings, sculptures, the museums house an impressive collection of works of art by prestigious artists such as Michelangelo, Caravaggio or Raphael

Here are my favorite parts of the museums:

• The Vatican Pinacoteca , where Italian paintings are exhibited in chronological order
• Raphael’s rooms, with sumptuous frescoes tracing the history of the papacy
• The gallery of geographical maps and its ceiling decorated with paintings of the 16th century
• Bramante’s Staircase, a particularly photogenic double helix staircase that is located at the exit of the Vatican Museums.

To discover them, there are several possible itineraries ranging from 1h30 to 5 hours of visit. So I advise you to allow 3 hours on average to visit the Vatican museums.

But don’t worry, all the tours end at the very famous Sistine Chapel! Its ceiling painted by Michelangelo is one of the most famous works of art in Vatican City.

Important: the Vatican museums are closed on Sundays.

Just like for the Colosseum, it’s imperative to buy a skip the line ticket for the Vatican Museums if you don’t want to wait at least 2 hours before entering!

Simply click on the button below to book your priority access tickets:

Guided tours are also available by clicking here!

Let’s now head to another main tourist attraction of Rome: Castel Sant’Angelo.

Just walk along the Tiber River up to St. Angelo Bridge, and you will find the castle of the same name on the opposite bank. You can also reach the castle in just 5 minutes on foot from St. Peter’s Square.

The bridge is decorated with 10 statues representing angels, all designed by Bernini. From the bridge, you will have a magnificent view of the city and the river.

The Castel Sant’Angelo , on the other hand, was built by Emperor Hadrian to serve as a mausoleum. Later on, it started to play an important military role: it even served as a place of refuge for the popes during invasions! They have even created a direct access to the Vatican.

You can visit the castle, see the tombs and the ancient popes apartments. You shouldn’t miss the great view from the rampart walk.

As always, you need to buy skip the line tickets in advance here:

15. Go shopping in Rome

Still wondering what to do in Rome?

You can for example go for a little shopping session in one of the 2 main commercial streets of the Italian capital:

Go to Via del Corso to do some shopping at reasonable prices with big brands such as Zara or H&M.

If you have a higher budget or just want to admire the shop windows, continue your way on Via Condotti. It’s the most prestigious street of Rome with brands like Gucci, Armani or Prada. A bit like the Champs Elysée in Paris!

The Via Condotti will take you straight to the charming Piazza di Spagna , certainly one of the most popular squares, thanks to the beautiful perspective it offers.

The  Piazza di Spagna is located at the foot of the monumental staircase leading it to the Trinità dei Monti church. The flowery staircase is the perfect place to take a short break for tourists and Italians alike. A popular gathering place!

On the square, you can also see the Barcaccia fountain ,which adds to the charm of the place.

Let’s continue this guide of Rome with a few very beautiful churches.

As I was saying, at the top of the Piazza di Spagna stairs, there is the Trinità dei Monti church which offers a breathtaking view of the city. Its location makes it one of the most famous churches in Rome. Did you knew that the city has no less than 900?

Here is a list of the most beautiful churches in Rome, some of them are true architecture masterpieces!

Let’s start with the 4 largest basilicas in the world , which fortunately are all in Rome:

• The St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican city , which I am talking about in detail below
• The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano , second largest after the Basilica di San Pietro, it’s also the cathedral of Rome,
• The Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura ,  which marks the location of St. Paul’s tomb.
• The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, the largest shrine in the city erected for the virgin Mary

Some other interesting churches to see in Rome:

• Chiesa del Gesù
• Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
• Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli
• Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano
• Chiesa di Santa Maria della Concezione
• Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola  (my favorite in rome)

North of Piazza di Spagna , there is the largest and certainly the most beautiful public park in Rome.

The Villa Borghese gardens offers a bit of very welcomed calm, after the crowded streets and tourist attractions! You will be able to walk in the wide shady alleys and at the edge of a lake surrounded by temples, statues and many fountains. The park also has a beautiful botanical garden.

To get there, go to Porta Pinciana or Piazzale Flaminio , the 2 park entrances.

In Villa Borghese Gardens, you will also find one of the most visited museums in Rome: the Borghese Gallery .

During your visit, you will be able to admire numerous paintings and sculptures in the twenty or so sumptuous rooms of the Borghese villa . It was owned by a rich family that was very influential in the Roman aristocracy.

To be able to admire what is considered one of the richest collections of Italian art , it is absolutely necessary to book your tickets as early as possible (most of the time, they don’t even offer them at the ticket office because everything is already sold out online):

The Villa Borghese Gardens also houses 2 other museums:

• The Etruscan National Museum (click here) and its collection of pre-Roman objects and jewelry
• The National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art (tickets available there), featuring paintings by Van Gogh and Cézanne.

In addition to the museums located in the park and the Vatican museums , there are of course many other museums to see in Rome , such as:

• The Capitoline Museums, located on Piazza del Campidoglio. I already mentioned them a bit earlier in this guide of Rome
• Palazzo Barberini, known for housing works of famous Italian painters. If you couldn’t get tickets for the Borghese Gallery, this is a good alternative.
• The Palazzo della Cancelleria and its exhibition dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci
• The Doria-Pamphilj Gallery houses paintings by Caravaggio
• The Colonna Gallery , dedicated to the Baroque period.
• Museo Palatino, with everything archaeologists discovered on Palatine Hill
• Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica or National Gallery of Ancient Art, with a collection of Italian and European paintings. You should go there to admire the works of Raphael or Caravaggio.

The Piazza del Popolo or People’s Square is located near Villa Borghese .

It’s one of the largest squares of Rome. It’s a major point of interest, with its fountains, 3 churches and obelisk. From the square, climb the stairs to the top of the hill, you will have a beautiful view up to the Vatican.

During your city trip to Rome, you should definitely visit the Trastevere district.

It’s located on the right bank of the Tiber, on the same side as the Vatican City .

This neighbourhood is becoming more and more trendy and a little “Hipster”, but for now it has retained all its original charm.

You will be (relatively) away from the crowd to discover its typical narrow and flowery streets. There is no big historical monument here like in the rest of Rome, but a real “Italian” neighborhood with its inhabitants and local shops.

I personally visited Trastevere in October, but it seems many tourists visit the area in high season and it becomes less quiet!

On your way to the north of the district, go up the Gianicolo hill to admire a beautiful panorama of the city.

The Trastevere district is also the ideal place to enjoy pizza or good pasta in a traditional trattoria. There are a lot of authentic local restaurants with nice small terraces and without too many tourists, it’s the perfect match!

Some nice places in the district:

• Roma Sparita : Big terrace, traditional Roman cuisine. Don’t miss the speciality of the restaurant: the “cacio e pepe” spaghetti with pecorino cheese and pepper served in a cheese shell. This is my favorite for its great value for money. Requires reservation.
• Antico Arco : Excellent dishes (especially the risotto) and a very good wine list. Bonus: they bring you a sample of your partner’s dish in a small plate so you can taste it.
• Tonnarello : Typical, excellent cuisine on a very pleasant setting. Generous dishes at affordable prices.

Of course, if you’re not in the neighborhood for lunchtime, you won’t starve to death with the many choices of trattorias, restaurants and sandwich shops right in the heart of Rome’s historic centre:

• Birra e sale : Located next to Piazza Navona. Sandwiches are delicious and made with fresh products. You should definitely try the cold cuts and cheeses!
• Pizzeria Loffredo : Very good pizzas and fresh pasta. Great selection of dishes. Friendly atmosphere and very welcoming staff. Booking strongly recommended. Perfect price / quality!
• Il Tamburello di Pulcinella : little family restaurant with food made by the mama. Pizzas, pastas, desserts, all home made for a reasonable price. Booking recommended.

Since I’ve made your mouth water with Italian cuisine, let’s keep going! To enjoy the smell of fresh produce and admire their bright colors, I advise you to take a little walk through the campo di Fiori.

Every morning (except Sunday) there is a fruit, vegetable, meat and fish market. Although appreciated by tourists because it’s located in Rome historical centre, this small market has managed to preserve all its authenticity.

It’s the perfect place if you want to bring home high quality products from Italy , and it’s much cheaper than in Rome touristic areas!

If you want to discover Rome’s gastronomy and typical products , you should book a street food guided tour with a local guide.

It’s clearly the best way to discover off the beaten track places and enjoy great italian food!

This tour is so amazing that they offer you a full refund if you don’t enjoy your time.

To book it, you simply have to click on the button below:

Like Trastevere district, the San Lorenzo district is less known to tourist and clearly worth a look.

Originally a working-class district, it’s nowadays the student district, with Roman universities. In addition to students, it’s also the street artists favorite place.

And for amateurs, the nightlife is great and beer isn’t expensive at all!

A peaceful neighborhood, beautiful gardens and an incomparable view of the city, this is what the Aventine Hill (“Aventino” in Italian) has to offer!

You can also add:

• Basilica di Santa Sabina all’Aventino
• The famous Aventine Keyhole, located Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta . You will see people standing in line to look through the keyhole (I won’t say anything more!).

The Aventine hill will also offer you one of the most beautiful views of Rome. Did I say that already? 😄

I will finish this list of the best things to do in Rome with an unusual activity: visiting the catacombs. I recommand you the Catacombs of Callixtus, the best to visit in my opinion!

Once used as cemeteries for Jews and Christians, they are the largest in the city and cover almost 15 hectares. On the walls, you can see representations of Christian life such as baptism and scenes from the Old and New Testaments.

The visit of Rome catacombs takes about 30 minutes and must be done with a guide.

Book the tickets for the tour here!

If you want to visit Rome’s catacombs during your stay, the easiest is probably to go to the Capuchin Crypt, as it’s located downtown, next to the Trevi Fountain. You should book the tickets for the tour here (the guide is included).

Other catacombs such as San Sebastian , Domitilla or  Catacomb of Priscilla can also be visited.

You’re wondering what are the best things to do around Rome? Which city you can visit near Rome?

To help you out, I have selected the 6 best day trips from Rome.

All these excursions are super convenient: you don’t have to prepare anything, as everything is already included: the transportation from Rome (and back), the guide, the visits and sometimes even the lunch!

Here are the best places to visit near Rome (simply click on the orange links for more info and to book):

1) Visit to Pompeii and Vesuvius: for a whole day, go discover the crater of Vesuvius and visit Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Maximum 25 people per group.

2) From Rome – shuttle bus to Pompeii and back : this shuttle bus service takes you to Pompeii and back to Rome in the evening. Departure at 7:15 am – Return at 7 pm. You will have about 4.5 hours to visit Pompeii.

3) Rome: Day trip to Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa: Day trip from Rome to Tivoli to see two of the most beautiful Renaissance villas in Italy. Round trip + visit to the villas and gardens with guide + meals included.

4) Visit to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast from Rome: the tour includes a guided visit to Pompeii and the beautiful village of Positano, one of the most famous on the Amalfi Coast.

5) Day trip to Florence and Pisa , to discover the 2 most beautiful cities in Tuscany: 3 hours free time in Florence and 1.5 hours in Pisa.

6) Day trip to Venice from Rome: you will take the high speed train to Venice and have a day to enjoy a gondola ride, discover St. Mark’s Square and the Bridge of Sighs.

Here is a one day itinerary to visit Rome on foot . It will allow you to discover most of the city’s main tourist attractions . If you choose to do it in 1 day, you will have to content yourself with seeing the monuments from the outside only.

If you spend more time in Rome , you can split this walk on a few days : I will show you to the best way to do it a bit further down in this guide, in my itineraries to visit Rome in 2, 3, 4, or 5 days.

let’s start this walking tour at the Colosseum , to admire its impressive architecture. Then, head to Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum , the 2 other touristic sites in the Ancient Rome area.

To continue this walk, let’s go to the  piazza del Campidoglio and then piazza Venezia, where you can enjoy the beautiful  Monument to Victor Emmanuel II.

Now, it’s time to head to Piazza Navona and enter Rome Historical Center (“Centro Storico” district in Italian). After Piazza Navona, you can go to the Pantheon and the famous Trevi Fountain.

After this, let’s go north, taking Via Condotti (Rome’s shopping street), it will take you directly to the Piazza di Spagna. From there, go West to reach the Tiber river and walk on the quays until Sant’Angelo bridge. Cross it to arrive at Castel Sant’Angelo.

For the last part of this walk, you will go to the Vatican City . Simply take the Via delle Conciliazione, it will take you directly to St Peter’s square , just in front of the superb St Peter’s Basilica.

Not bad for a day in Rome, right?

The time you will want to spend in Rome will depend on 2 things:

• The type of traveler you are : you’re fast and don’t like idle times? Or do you prefer to take your time?
• The season of your trip: In high season, the waiting lines are much longer!

If you are a ”fast” traveler

It’s possible to visit Rome in 2/3 days.  It’s really the ideal time to discover the italian capital main points of interest without any downtime.

If you are a slower traveler (or with children)

In this case, it’s better to plan about 4-5 days in Rome, which will allow you to explore the tourist attractions of the city at your own pace.

In order to help you out, I have prepared for you itineraries to visit Rome in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days (or even for a week !). You will find them just below.

For these itineraries, I’m assuming you will have purchased a City Pass ( Rome Tourist Card / Omnia Card ) or Skip-the-Line tickets .

Without that, it’s not possible to do everything I mention, as you would waste hours everyday just waiting in line to buy your entrance tickets!

Here are the details of the 2 City passes I recommend for a visit to Rome:

• The Rome Tourist Card , which includes a visit to the Colosseum and the Vatican + a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica.

As there is no public transport included with the Rome Tourist Card, you can also book the Rome Transport Card by clicking here . It includes:

• Unlimited public transportation in Rome for 3 days
• Airport transfer by taxi: upon arrival, a professional taxi driver will be waiting for you at the airport to take you to your hotel (available from the 2 airports of Rome: Ciampino and Fiumicino)
• The Omnia Card

The Omnia Card will allow you to enjoy free entrance to the main places of interest in Rome and the Vatican, free skip the line tickets , free public transportation and a city tour with the hop-on hop-off bus.

To buy your Omnia Card now , simply click on the green button below:

For those who only have a day to visit Rome , I advise you to focus on the Ancient Rome area . Here is an itinerary that can be done in one day:

• Start with the Colosseum (don’t forget your skip the line ticket)
• Then head to the 2 other Ancient Rome touristic sites: the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill  for a great view of the city.
• It’s then time to go to the  piazza del Campidoglio to visit the Capitoline museums.
• End your day of visit at piazza Venezia , with the  Monument to Victor-Emmanuel II

If you want to get a very good overview of the city in just 1 day (without visiting the inside of the monuments), you can also do the Itinerary I have suggested you in the “Rome on Foot” part of this travel guide.

Another solution for a quick visit to Rome is to only visit everything from the outside (and don’t have to wait in line!). In this case, it’s possible to see the vast majority of places described in this guide in a day.

It’s nevertheless quite a run and you will have to walk relatively quickly! It’s the Itinerary I told you about in the “Getting around Rome on foot” section of this travel guide.

Or if you don’t want to walk, you should opt for the hop-on hop-off bus tour (click here) .

Visiting Rome by bus is the best way to see everything in a short amount of time. It’s very convenient if you don’t want to walk too much!

If you have 2 days in Rome , in addition to the first day presented above, you should go for a walk on the Vatican side for your 2nd day in the Eternal City:

• Start with the visit of the  Vatican, its museums and Sistine Chapel
• Then head to St. Peter’s Basilica
• Visit the Sant’Angelo castle and admire the Sant’Angelo bridge 

You should read my detailed 2-day in Rome itinerary here: 2 Days in Rome – The best itinerary

With 3 days in Rome , in addition of the 2 days above, you should now visit Rome Historic Center.

• Start at the  piazza Navona
• then visit the Pantheon
• Head to the Trevi fountain
• Go shopping on  Via Condotti
• head to the Piazza di Spagna.
• To relax at the end of the day, you should visit the Villa Borghese gardens .
• If you have the time (and the motivation!) You can visit one of the museums located in the gardens.

You can find the detailed itinerary for your 3-day stay in Rome in my dedicated article: How to spend 3 days in Rome?

4 days in Rome is perfect to discover all the points of interest of the city:

• Start with a visit of the Campo di Fiori market
• Take time to stroll around Trastevere’s neighborhood
• Relax on the Aventine hill , enjoy the gardens and view of Rome.
• Visit the  catacombs of Rome.

All the necessary information to plan your 4 days in Rome is in my article: The best 4-day itinerary to visit Rome.

If you’re lucky enough to spend 5 days in Rome , I suggest you to take a day trip from Rome for the last day.

Here are the best ones:

• Visit of Pompeii and Vesuvius with a guide
• Shuttle bus to Pompeii and back
• Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa
• Visit to Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast (Positano or Amalfi)
• Day trip to Florence and Pisa
• Day trip to Venice

If you’re planning to spend 5 days in Rome, you should read my detailed article: How to spend 5 days in Rome?

You’ve planned 6 Days in Rome?

In that case, you should do the 4-day itinerary and add day trips for the 2 last days!

You can read my detailed itinerary here: 6 days in Rome: The Perfect itinerary .

You wan to spend one week in Rome?

Then you should read my detailed itinerary: The perfect one week itinerary in Rome .

You’re wondering where to stay in Rome ?

In Rome, finding accommodation at a good price isn’t that easy. In oder to help you out, I have selected for you the best hotels depending on your budget.

One last advice: Book now if you can , there is a lot of demand in Rome, so the best hotels rooms are sold out very quickly!

• Biancaluna: B&B located near Termini Station, 1.5 km from the Colosseum. Modern, comfortable and very clean room from 70€. Strong points: the warm welcome and the advice to visit Rome, the location. An excellent choice for a cheap stay in Rome!
• Hotel Balilla: Located 1.6 km from the Colosseum and close to a metro station. Well-equipped and quiet double room, impeccably clean, from 99€, breakfast at 5€. Strong points: the friendly staff, the comfort of the beds, the location at 10 min walk from the Colosseum. This is our favorite for its excellent value for money!
• Alice Vatican House : Located 450 meters from St. Peter’s Square. Contemporary room with neat decoration from 95 € per night, breakfast included. Strong points: ideal location, terrace overlooking the Vatican, warm welcome. This is the best choice for your stay in Rome under 120 euros!
• MZ Hotel: Located near the Campo di Fiori and not far from the Pantheon. Modern double room from 150€, breakfast at 12€. Strong points: the location near the historical center, the warm welcome, good bedding, new hotel.
• Roma Luxus Hôtel : High end hotel located at only 400 meters from Piazza Venezia. Beautiful double room starting at 200€ per night, breakfast at 20€. Strong points: The room design, the 5 stars service, the superb breakfast, the spa, the amazing staff. It’s the best hotel for a high end stay in Rome!
• NH Collection Roma Fori Imperiali: This 5* hotel located right next to the Roman Forum offers sublime rooms from 580€, breakfast included. Strong points: the exceptional location, the attentive staff, the view, the comfort. This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in Rome!

if you want to save a bit of money, you can find an accommodation around Rome. I recommend you he bungalows of Camping Village Rome , located at only 15 minutes by car from the Vatican city.

The price starts at only 30€ per night! It’s the best “budget” solution if you don’t mind not being in the city center. It’s also a great choice for families, with the swimming pool!

If you’re planning a family trip to Rome, I have prepared for you a list of the best things to do with your kids:

• Visit the Colosseum of course! The monument might not be what will captivate them the most, but the stories about gladiators and wild beasts will for sure catch their interest.
• Go to Trevi fountain and let them throw a few “luck coins”
• Go to Villa Borghese park for a family picnic and enjoy the greenery. There are several children playgrounds, you can rent a bike and you can even rent rowing boats. There is also a very nice zoo (you need to buy your tickets here ).
• Take your kids to the Gladiator school! This activity is a very fun way to learn more about gladiators, the whole family will love it! It must be booked in advance here.
• Discover Explora , a museum designed especially for kids, with many interactive activities.
• Enjoy an Italian ice cream: no need to search a lot to find an ice cream shop in Rome! And to be honest, your kids would never forgive you if you don’t buy them at least 1 during your stay in Rome 😄

If it starts to rain during your stay in Rome and you don’t really know what to do, no need to worry!

I have prepared for you a list of the best things to do in Rome on a rainy day:

• Visit Rome’s museums: considering the number of museums in town, it can for sure keep you busy for a few days, especially if you go to the Vatican museums and Sistine Chapel.
• Going to the Pantheon: you may not know it, but when it’s raining in Rome, it’s actually raining inside the Pantheon! The central oculus is just a hole, so the rains falls through it. Inside, the ground has a slight slope and a few holes, allowing the water to drain away.
• Discover (and probably purchase!) amazing local products at Eataly , an indoor market entirely dedicated to Italian gastronomy. The hardest thing will be not to overload your luggage!
• Discover the catacombs , an unusual visit to do in Rome when it rains.
• Take an Italian cooking class , to learn how to make pasta or pizza like a pro!
• Go to one of the indoor karting race tracks: Beyond Roma , Karting Roma, Holykartroma .
• Go play bowling: the Bowling Roma is the closest from the city center – Address: 181 viale Regina Margherita.

Here is my selection of the best things to do in Rome at night , or in the evening.

• Visit the Colosseum at night , VIP style. Yes! You can visit the Colosseum + its underground with a guide after it closes for the general public. The ambiance is totally different, it’s the most exclusive way to discover this marvel of Ancient Roman civilization. You need to purchase your tickets in advance here.
• Discover Rome Catacombs at night : An even better way to discover the catacombs is at night, with this VIP tour. You have to book it here .
• Visit Rome by night in Segway . This 3 hours guided tour in Segway is a lot of fun! It needs to be booked there.
• Go have a drink in the Trastevere district , for sure the best place to enjoy Rome’s nightlife.
• Simply walk around and discover the illuminated squares and monuments : Rome is extremely beautiful at night.

In addition to this guide of the best things to do in Rome, I have written another guide focused on Rome’s hidden gems and secret spots.

You will discover places unknown to tourists such as:

• Palazzo Doria Pamphilj
• Galleria Sciarra
• Quartiere Coppedè
• The Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)
• The Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità)

To discover the best secrets spots of Rome, click here:  Rome’s Hidden Gems – The Definitive Guide

In my personal experience, the best time for visiting Rome is in spring and fall, specifically from April to June and September to November.

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months.

However, Rome can be visited all year round!

If you don’t mind the crowds of summer holidays, summer is also a good time to explore the city. Just be prepared for busier attractions and potentially higher accommodation prices .

In both cases, it’s really important to book your skip the line tickets (or even better, a Rome Tourist Card or an Omnia Card ) and your accommodation in advance ( click here to see the best deals and book your hotel).

Winter months in Rome , from December to February, are generally cooler and wetter, but they also have their own charm.

During this time, you can expect fewer tourists , which means shorter lines and more availability at popular attractions.

Additionally, Rome’s mild winters make it still quite comfortable to explore the city on foot . You may even get the chance to enjoy the festive atmosphere during the holiday season, with Christmas lights, decorated shop windows, and beautiful Christmas markets.

So, if you don’t mind cooler temperatures and some occasional rain, a Rome winter visit can also be a wonderful and unique experience.

Regardless of when you decide to visit, you’ll surely be captivated by Rome’s enchanting beauty and remarkable history.

This tourist map of Rome, handy to download on your phone, will certainly be useful during your trip:

As all roads lead to Rome, this shouldn’t be too difficult 😆.

Getting to Rome by plane remains the easiest solution, especially since there are really cheap flights from the other European big cities with lowcost airlines like Easyjet. Moreover, the great advantage of the city is, as I said in the introduction, it’s very easy to visit on foot!

If you are arriving at Fiumicino Airport , you can book your transfer in advance by clicking on one of the links below:

• Bus transfer from Fiumicino Airport to Rome
• Ticket for the Leonardo Express – Transfer by TGV from Fiumicino to Termini station . This is really the most convenient as there are more frequent buses and it is also the fastest, no risk of getting stuck in traffic!

For an arrival at Ciampino airport:

• Ciampino airport shuttle tickets to/from Rome-Termini

So, how long would you like to stay in Rome? What do you plan to do?

The best areas to stay in Rome for sightseeing are the Centro Storico (Historic Center), where you can find most of the famous monuments and museums, and near the Vatican City , where you can visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.

The best way to skip the lines at the Colosseum and other popular attractions in Rome is to buy your priority tickets online in advance .

You can also buy a Omnia Card or the Rome Tourist Card , which give you free or discounted access to many attractions and public transport.

Some of the best day trips from Rome that you can do by train, bus or with an organized day trip are:

• Ostia Antica: an ancient Roman port city with well-preserved ruins and mosaics
• Tivoli: a town famous for its beautiful villas and gardens, such as Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana
• Orvieto: a medieval hilltop town with a stunning cathedral and an underground labyrinth
• Pompeii: an ancient Roman city buried by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD

The best time of year to visit Rome depends on your preferences and budget.

Generally speaking, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the most pleasant seasons in terms of weather and crowds.

Summer (June-August) i s very hot, crowded and expensive, while winter (December-February) is cold, rainy and less crowded.

However, winter can also offer some advantages such as lower prices, fewer tourists and festive atmosphere around Christmas and New Year.

Rome is famous for its cuisine , which is based on simple ingredients, fresh produce and local specialties.

Some of the must-try foods in Rome include:

• Pizza al taglio (sliced pizza)
• Pasta alla carbonara (pasta with eggs, cheese and bacon)
• Supplì (fried rice balls with cheese)
• Cacio e pepe (pasta with cheese and pepper)
• Artichokes alla romana (braised artichokes)
• Saltimbocca alla romana (veal with ham and sage)
• and of course gelato! (Italian ice cream).

And if you’re looking to try italian drinks in Rome, you can get:

• Espresso (strong coffee)
• Cappuccino (coffee with milk foam)
• For alcohols: Italian red and white wine, spritz (a cocktail with prosecco, Aperol or Campari).

Here are some examples:

• Galleria Sciarra: a beautiful courtyard with stunning Art Nouveau frescoes depicting female virtues. It’s located near the Trevi Fountain, but it’s often overlooked by tourists.

You can enter for free during business hours.

• Vicus Caprarius: This underground archaeological site reveals the ancient origins of Rome. You can see ruins of Roman houses, temples and aqueducts, as well as a pool where the water from the Trevi Fountain flows.

You need to book a guided tour for this visit.

• Basilica di San Clemente: a fascinating church that has three layers of history: a 12th-century basilica, a 4th-century church and a 1st-century pagan temple. You can descend into the lower levels and admire the ancient mosaics, frescoes and sculptures.
• Palazzo Doria Pamphilj: one of Rome’s most impressive private art collections, housed in a magnificent palace that dates back to the 16th century. You can admire paintings by Caravaggio, Titian, Velázquez and more, as well as elegant rooms and galleries.

For more off the beaten path places to visit in Rome, you should read my dedicated article: Rome’s best secret spots.

Italy travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the Rick Steves Italy guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all my articles about Italy : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Italy are listed there.

• The 20 Best Things to do in Italy – All the must-see places!
• Cinque Terre: The definitive guide to plan your visit
• Florence: The 27 best things to do and must-see attractions
• Milan: The Top 15 things to do in the city and around
• Pisa: Top 21 must-see attractions + Tips
• Rome: The 25 best things to do and see
• Siena: Top 20 best places to visit
• Turin: The 20 must-see attractions
• Venice: The 31 best things to do (+ Tips)
• 2 days in Florence
• 3 days in Florence
• 4 days in Florence
• 5 days in Florence
• 2 days in Milan
• 3 days in Milan
• 4 days in Milan
• 6 Days in Rome – The ultimate Itinerary + Where to stay
• 2 Days in Venice – An Epic 48h itinerary
• 3 Days in Venice – The perfect 72h itinerary
• 4 Days in Venice – Itinerary + Best Things to do + Tips
• Where to stay in Milan? My guide to the best areas and hotels for a perfect stay
• Where to stay in Rome? – The definitive guide of the best areas!
• Where to stay in Venice? My selection of the best hotels and districts for an epic stay
• Omnia Card: The definitive guide
• Colosseum: The 7 best skip the line tickets
• Trevi Fountain: History, Secrets and Facts
• Rome’s Hidden Gems : The Definitive Guide with 17 secret spots!
• The 20 Best museums in Rome – With all my best tips!
• Rome in May: The definitive guide to plan your visit: weather, things to do, itineraries and more!
• Rome in June: Guide + All my best tips

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Discussion 4 comments.

If you get cancellations for borghese gallery Aug 8, please contact me by email. Thank you so much.

Hello Melody,

I’ve looked at all the websites that sell tickets to visit the Borghese Gallery and unfortunately it’s sold out everywhere.

Even if there are cancellations (I will not know about it) and I think it will be booked up in a minute.

I hope you will have a great time in Rome anyway!

Thank you so much! I travel a bunch and this has been very helpful. I love that you put destinations in order of location, rather than a tier list. Keep up the great work, this is an amazing article.

Hello Joshua,

Thank you very much for your kind comment! I am delighted if my blog helped you to visit Rome.

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11 unmissable attractions in Rome

Take a look at the best of the best attractions in Rome, from magnificent churches and ancient ruins to world-famous artworks

Rome sells itself; we all know that. An unmissable attraction in Rome is about as unmissable as you are going to find, and this famous old city is packed with iconic spots that most cities would give their right arm for. Okay, cities don’t have arms, but you get the point. The Eternal City stands head and shoulders above most for historical and cultural might, and the best attractions in Rome are seriously impressive. You’d be forgiven for thinking Rome can’t possibly deliver on all its hype. Well, prepare yourself because it hits all the notes and then some. It has world-beating restaurants , fabulous bars , genre-defining galleries and all the history you could hope for. These are the most essential attractions in Rome, your ultimate Eternal City bucket list.

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our   affiliate   guidelines .

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Best Rome attractions

1.  Colosseum

• Attractions
• Historic buildings and sites

The Colosseum is a monument of epic proportions dating from AD 72. Stories of gory battles between gladiators, slaves, prisoners and wild animals have emerged from this Flavian amphitheatre with a seating capacity of over 50,000 people; nowhere in the world was there a larger or more glorious setting for mass slaughter. This is a necessary pilgrimage for history buffs and the ideal starting point to take in the Roman remains of the city: the jaw-dropping Forum, the Domus Aurea and the Pantheon.

Where? Piazza del Colosseo. 

Time Out tip: The best time to visit the Colosseum is early in the morning, or if you prefer, in the late afternoon before closing to avoid the sun. 

2.  Roman Forum and Palatine

The oldest of Rome’s fora, the Foro Romano (Roman Forum), was once the centre of state ceremony, commerce, law and bureaucracy. Above the Colosseum to the west (and visited on a cumulative ticket with the Foro Romano and the Colosseum) is Rome’s birthplace, the Palatine. Later, the Palatine became the home of the movers and shakers of both the Republic and the Empire as sumptuous palaces were built. The choice of location was understandable: the Palatine overlooks the Foro Romano yet is a comfortable distance from the disturbances and riff-raff down in the valley.

Where is it?  Via della Salara Vecchia.

Time Out tip? Since there are no gift shops or cafes on the grounds, it's the perfect excuse to pay a visit to the vegan-friendly Grezzo Raw Chocolate serving a delectable range of chocolate desserts. 

3.  Musei Vaticani and Cappella Sistina

• Art and design

If you met the Pope, what would you say? Well, you probably won't, but you can join an audience with him on Wednesday mornings. If the weather is fine, he'll hold this general audience in St Peter's Square; otherwise, it takes place in the Sala Nervi audience hall. Expect to join clusters of Catholic devotees and flocks of camera-waving tourists. Afterwards, you can take the opportunity to wander through St Peter's Basilica, admire Michelangelo's stunning frescoes in the Sistine Chapel and visit the famous 'Belvedere Apollo' and 'Laocoön' at the Museo Pio-Clementino among the Vatican Museums.

Where is it?  Vatican City - close to San Pietro Metro. 

Time Out tip: Look out for the moving tapestry Supper at  Emmaus. 

4.  Pantheon

The Pantheon is the best-preserved ancient building in Rome. Hadrian built it in AD 119-128 as a temple to the 12 most critical classical deities. The simplicity of the building’s exterior remains largely unchanged, and it retains its original Roman bronze doors. Inside, the Pantheon’s glory lies in the dimensions, which follow the rules written by the top Roman architect Vitruvius. The diameter of the hemispherical dome is equal to the height of the whole building; it could potentially accommodate a perfect sphere. At the centre of the dome is the oculus, a circular hole 9 metres (30 feet) in diameter, the only light source and a symbolic link between the temple and the heavens. 

Where is it?  Piazza della Rotonda.

Time Out tip: When in Rome, avoid queues by arriving early. On the way, you can stop for a traditional breakfast at the very classic and quaint Caffe Novecento.

5.  MAXXI

Even from a distance, it’s pretty clear that the Museum of the Arts of the 21st Century (or MAXXI, for short) is a celebration of all things modern. Designed by cutting-edge architecture firm Zaha Hadid and opened in 2009, the MAXXI is a dramatic, impression-leaving work of art. Not forgetting, of course, that it houses the works of some of Italy’s most exciting and boundary-pushing contemporary artists.

Where is it?  Via Guido Reni.

Time Out tip: If you have a bit of an eye for architecture, don't miss out on Environments by Women Artists, running until October. 

6.  Musei Capitolini

This is the city that has nurtured the art of Michelangelo. Housed in twin palaces on opposite sides of his piazza del Campidoglio are the Capitoline Museums, the oldest public gallery in the world, having opened their collection to the public in 1734. Once inside, you can admire breathtaking paintings by Titian, Tintoretto, Veronese and Caravaggio and beautifully crafted statues by the Baroque genius Bernini. While on the art trail, don't miss the Borghese Gallery and the Palazzo Barberini Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica.

Time Out tip: If required, remember to print out your tickets ready for entry.

7.  Santa Maria in Via

• Religious buildings and sites

Perk yourself up with a cupful of miraculous water in the church of Santa Maria in Via. In 1286 a stone bearing an image of the Virgin’s face floated to the surface of a well, over which this church was later built, and locals and visitors alike are still going crazy for the water.

Where is it?  Largo Chigi. 

Time Out tip:  Just moments away from Fontana de Trevi, we recommend visiting both sites before rounding off the afternoon with a woodfire pizza at Piccolo Buco.

8.  Fontana di Trevi

• Monuments and memorials

Worm your way through the heaving crowds of its tiny piazza, and you’ll see why everyone makes such a fuss about the Fontana di Trevi. Basking in the glow of constant camera flashes, Trevi’s gleaming travertine looks stark beneath the roaring washes of water. The sculpture itself is a fantastical scene of conch-blowing tritons, sharp rocks and flimsy trees, all bursting from in front of the wall of the Palazzo Poli. No one knows why people started chucking coins in the water, but you probably should – it gets drained once a week, with all the money going to the Italian Red Cross. Our top tip? Avoid the crowds by going as late or early in the day as possible.

Where is it?  Piazza di Trevi.

Time Out tip: With such a high footfall, the fountain can be a hotspot for pickpockets, so take extra care when requesting a photo from a fellow tourist. To be on the safe side, we'd recommend investing in a selfie stick.

9.  Piazza di Spagna

Piazza di Spagna takes its name from the Spanish Embassy to the Vatican but is chiefly celebrated for the elegant cascade of stairs down from the church of Trinità dei Monti. Known in Italian as the Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti, the English Grand Tourists referred to them as the Spanish Steps. At the foot of the stairs is a delightful boat-shaped fountain, the Barcaccia; it’s ingeniously sunk below ground level to compensate for the low pressure of the delicious Acqua Vergine that feeds it. The steps are best seen first thing in the morning before the crowds arrive.

Where is it?  Piazza di Spagna.

Time Out tip: After climbing all those steps a scoop of gelato from Venchi is a must.

10.  Pincio

• Parks and gardens

Overlooking Piazza del Popolo, and now an integral part of the Villa Borghese, is one of the oldest gardens in Rome: the Pincio. The Pinci family commissioned the first gardens here in the fourth century. Pincio is best known for its view of the Vatican at sunset, with the dome of St Peter’s silhouetted in gold. The paved area behind the viewpoint is popular with cyclists (bikes can be hired nearby) and skaters. To the southeast of the Pincio is the Casina Valadier, now a pricey restaurant with a to-die-for view.

Where is it?  Viale Gabriele D'Annunzio.

Time Out tip: Once you're at the top, don't rush off after your snaps, instead take in the gorgeous views – you could even set up a picnic spot in the gardens of Villa Borghese for a relaxing afternoon. Just make sure it's a shaded area and always have an umbrella to hand. Trust us. 

11.  Central Lake Park (Laghetto dell’E.U.R)

As Rome is one of the best cities to get lost in, I took a little detour on my way to Euroma 2, swapping the swarms of busy shoppers for the tranquil footpaths, sweeping views and manicured hedgerows of  Central Lake Park. Situated in the EUR neighbourhood in southern Rome EUR neighbourhood, the lake is a great place to come if you want to avoid the overcrowded centre, relax, and bask in the gorgeous summer sun for a few hours.  Originally designed by Marcello Piacentini  and completed in 1959 ahead of the 1960 Rome Olympics, this manmade lake is a prime spot for cycling, canoeing, and, of course, a picnic. 

Where is it?  Laghetto dell’E.U.R

Time Out tip: Find a place to perch under the cherry blossoms facing the water, grab a frisbee, and you're all set.

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Rome   Travel Guide

Courtesy of joe daniel price | Getty Images

24 Best Things to Do in Rome

Take time to enjoy  la dolce vita  – even a week isn't long enough to experience everything Rome has to offer. From historic tours through ancient Rome to admiring art-filled institutions to climbing the Spanish Steps or  St. Peter's Basilica ,

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Colosseum (Colosseo) Colosseum (Colosseo)

U.S. News Insider Tip: A normal ticket includes the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill (valid for 24 hours) and you can visit all three in one day. It doesn't include a visit to the Colosseum's underground tunnels. For that, you'll have to book a guided tour. – Laura Itzkowitz

The site of many bloody gladiatorial fights, the Colosseum, which was opened in A.D. 80, could then hold about 50,000 spectators. With a circumference of 573 yards and sitting on marshland, experts say the Colosseum is an engineering wonder… not to mention an animal and human rights atrocity. Not only were gladiators pitted against each other, but gladiators fighting animals and animal-on-animal fights were common as well. Today, it's considered one of the world's most famous landmarks .

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

U.S. News Insider Tip: The Vatican Museums contain some of the greatest artworks ever made, but it's also one of Rome's most crowded spots. Consider paying a bit extra to join an early morning tour before the museum opens or check for late opening hours. – Laura Itzkowitz

While Vatican City is home to both the Roman Catholic Church's governing body and its leader, the pope, this small nation within Rome offers a wealth of attractions open to visitors of any faith.

St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) St. Peter's Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) free

The epicenter of Roman Catholicism, St. Peter's Basilica is centered in Vatican City and is renowned for its stunning architecture. What's more, it's open daily for free. (Though it's closed on Wednesday mornings for pope appearances.) Many visitors enjoy trekking to the top of the dome. For a fee of 8 euros (about $8.65), you can climb the 551 steps to the summit; for a fee of 10 euros (about $10.80), you can take an elevator to a terrace where you'll climb just 320. Regardless, you'll take in a panorama of Rome's spectacular landscape. If you've come hoping to catch a glimpse of the pope, you should consider attending the Wednesday General Audience, when he addresses the crowd in St. Peter's Square with prayers and songs. It's free to attend, but tickets are required ; you should request them well in advance of your visit. You'll also want to make sure he is in residence; check the Vatican website to view the schedule. No ticket is required to see the pope on Sundays, when he usually address the crowd in St. Peter's Square at noon.

Keep in mind that this is an active church with daily Mass services. Likewise, a stringent dress code is enforced: No short skirts, low-cut tops, hats or bare shoulders, and be sure to cover any tattoos. Because St. Peter's Basilica is one of the area's major attractions, there is almost always a long queue – though it tends to go fast. Recent travelers recommend you spring for a tour guide ; the depth of insight they bring to the basilica really makes the experience. For more information on tours, read our tips for visiting the Vatican and its attractions.

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Roman Forum Roman Forum

Though it's not as popular as the  Colosseum  (but located nearby), the Roman Forum is more interesting, according to some reviewers. The Roman Forum comprises much of the Ancient Rome's most important structures, from shrines to government houses to monuments. Although much of the complex is in ruins, you can see the remains and imagine the former glory of the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus and the House of the Vestal Virgins, among other structures.

Recent travelers called a visit to the Roman Forum a "must," but they do advise future visitors to rent or stream an audio guide or sign up for one of the best Rome tours (according to reviewers, little is written on the informational plaques). Past visitors also suggest allotting plenty of time to see the ruins and wearing weather-appropriate attire as there is little to no shade at the site.  

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) free

A must-see on many travelers' itineraries, the Trevi Fountain is situated amongst a high concentration of hotels , shopping and nightlife in the Trevi district. Finished in the mid-1700s, the Trevi is a powerful example of a baroque design with a distinctly mythological character. The god of the sea, Oceanus, emerges from the pool, flanked by his trusty Tritons. 

According to Roman lore, throwing one, two or three coins into the Trevi, with your right hand over your left shoulder ensures you'll return to Rome; you'll fall in love with an attractive Roman; and you'll marry that same Roman. An added bonus? The city collets the money tossed into the fountain and donates it to a local charity.

Pantheon Pantheon

U.S. News Insider Tip: After visiting the Pantheon, stop for an espresso at the historic Tazza d'Oro Caffè or walk a few blocks to the old-school gelateria, Giolitti, for a cone of the good stuff. – Laura Itzkowitz

The Pantheon, a former Roman temple and now a present-day church, is known for its perfect proportions, which is amazing, seeing as it was raised in A.D. 120. While you're there, you can also pay your respects to Raphael, as well as Italian kings Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I, who are all buried there.

Piazza Navona Piazza Navona free

U.S. News Insider Tip: To enjoy a coffee or Aperol spritz on the piazza, grab a table at Camillo, but if you want to eat, it's best to avoid the tourist trap restaurants on the piazza and explore the side streets instead. – Laura Itzkowitz

The centuries-old Piazza Navona is perhaps one of the best-known public squares in Rome. People sipping coffees while watching street performers and artists fill the square. Cafes abound, and there are a number of shops, too, although recent visitors said both tend to be expensive. You'll also find a number of impressive monuments, including one by Gian Lorenzo Bernini ( Fountain of the Four Rivers ) and another by Francesco Borromini (Sant'Agnese in Agone). 

Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi free

Much like Piazza del Popolo , Piazza Navona 's centerpiece features an obelisk. However, in this case, the obelisk is surrounded by one of Bernini's masterpieces: Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi. The four figures at each corner of the statue are a personification of the four rivers best known to Europe in the 1600s. The rivers are the Ganges (Asia), the Danube (Europe), the Nile (Africa) and Río de la Plata (Americas). Animals, plants and other iconography help to further differentiate the four nudes.

Travelers invariably have high praise for the fountain's artistry, saying that it is a must-see.

Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Positano Day Trip from Rome

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Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna) free

U.S. News Insider Tip: During the era of the Grand Tour, the area around the Spanish Steps earned the nickname of the English Ghetto. Immerse yourself in the area's English past with a visit to the Keats-Shelley House or afternoon tea at Babington's. – Laura Itzkowitz

Found at the Piazza di Spagna, the Spanish Steps (which get their name from the nearby Embassy of Spain among the Holy See) are another must-do for many travelers. Here, visitors can tread the same stairs that writers and artists have climbed for centuries. The steps are especially alluring come spring when they're flanked by blooming azaleas.

Piazza del Popolo Piazza del Popolo free

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you want to do some people-watching on the piazza, skip the expensive and overrated Rosati and go to Canova across the piazza instead. It was frequented by famed filmmaker Federico Fellini, whose drawings decorate the halls inside. – Laura Itzkowitz

Piazza del Popolo is yet another Roman square where you can take in phenomenal architecture and magnificent sculpture. The square dates back to the mid-1500s and is the historic center of Rome. In fact, three major roads intersect here: Via di Ripetta, Via del Corso and Via del Babuino.

Galleria Borghese Galleria Borghese

U.S. News Insider Tip: Don't forget to purchase your timed ticket in advance. Afterward, spend some time strolling through the Villa Borghese park, which has attractions like a little lake, a replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and a few small museums. – Laura Itzkowitz

A favorite among travelers to Rome, the Galleria Borghese is half-villa/half-museum, and it has some resplendent gardens, too. Originally commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the 17th century to shelter his massive art collection, it's now considered one of the premier art galleries in the city. The villa's extravagant rooms, spread across two floors, are filled with famous works, including Canova's Venus Victrix, Bernini's sculptures David and Apollo and Daphne, and Caravaggio's "Boy with a Basket of Fruit" and "David with the Head of Goliath," among other masterpieces.

Campo de' Fiori Campo de' Fiori free

The Campo de' Fiori is worth visiting twice in a trip – once during the day for its bustling market, and again as the sun sets for its convivial nightlife. According to historians, the Campo de' Fiori looks much the same as it did in the early 1800s, except for the numerous pizzerias, cafes and gelaterias that line the periphery.

Recent travelers raved about the people-watching throughout the day; the fresh veggies and fruits at the market and the hopping bar scene at night. Some warned that the market is overrun with tourists and not the most authentic market experience in Rome. Even if you don't plan on eating or buying anything within the area, the architecture alone may be enough of a draw, as it was for some.

Church of St. Louis of the French Church of St. Louis of the French free

If you're a fan of Caravaggio, you'll want to visit the San Luigi dei Francesi, or the Church of St. Louis of the French. Inside this church near  Piazza Navona are three of the baroque artist's works, including the "The Calling of St. Matthew" (one of his most famous paintings), "Saint Matthew and the Angel" and "The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew."

Recent visitors recommend stopping in the church, especially if want to get a glimpse of some of Caravaggio's most famous works. Several reviewers recommended reading up on the works before visiting as there is no information within the church. However, you can access a prerecorded audio tour by downloading it to your smartphone from a QR code available on-site.

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Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini) Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini)

The  Musei Capitolini  (Capitoline Museums) dates back to the 1400s, and it holds Rome's symbol, the bronze Capitoline She-wolf. According to lore, the wolf nursed the half-wolf, half-god founders of the city, twins Romulus and Remus. Its namesake museum contains busts of Roman emperors, statues – including a famous one of Marcus Aurelius – and paintings by Caravaggio and Battista, among others. It also offers spectacular views of the Roman Forum .

Several travelers mention that though the Capitoline Museums wasn't high on their list of things to do or see, they're very happy they did see it. Reviewers also urge visitors to look up at the magnificent ceilings. Some note that the museum has a bit of an odd layout with little information about the paintings. Others say the staff can be rude.

Trastevere Trastevere free

If you want a look at the real Rome, experts and travelers strongly recommend you visit Trastevere. Located southeast of Vatican City, this neighborhood is home to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, as well as numerous restaurants and neighborhood shops (it's often compared to New York City 's Greenwich Village or Paris 's Left Bank thanks to its charming cobblestone streets and narrow roads). 

Although a little farther from the city center, Trastevere is a hit with visitors who appreciated the distance, noting that after so many days weaving through crowds and getting stuck in tourist traps, it's nice to explore a quieter neighborhood (with cheaper, more authentic food). Travelers also said they felt like they experienced a genuine look into life as a Roman after having visited Trastevere.

Santa Maria della Vittoria Santa Maria della Vittoria free

This featured chapel from Dan Brown's "Angels & Demons" is now heavily trafficked by Robert Langdon wannabes. But baroque art fans might want to brave the crowds for a look at Gian Lorenzo Bernini's Cornaro Chapel, which features the Ecstasy of St. Teresa statue.

Recent visitors can't stop gushing about Santa Maria della Vittoria. Many said the church is nothing short of stunning, noting that the detail of Bernini's Ecstasy of Saint Teresa is truly incredible. However, travelers also noted that the church is relatively small compared to some of the city's other masterpieces, so prepare for a tight space during peak tourist season (summer). Others warn of odd opening times.

Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo

The Castel Sant'Angelo has had many purposes over its lifetime. Originally built as a mausoleum for Roman emperor Hadrian, the castle has also been a place of protection for popes during invasions, papal residences, military barracks and a prison. Today, it's a museum showcasing not only the site's military history but also incredible frescoes (which were added to the building when the castle became a residence).

For many visitors, admiring the frescoes and learning the history of the site made for a pleasant stop. However, the top draw for many are the views. The top floor terrace (Terrace of the Angel) provides outstanding vistas of Rome.

Basilica di San Clemente Basilica di San Clemente free

Archaeology buffs might find the Basilica di San Clemente interesting as it's a veritable nesting doll of churches. It's a second century pagan temple, underneath a fourth-century church, which is underneath a 12th-century church. Enter the 12th-century church from the street level, take stairs down to the fourth-century one and finally end up at a shrine for Mithras, the god whom was known to gain popularity in the second and third centuries. The oldest structure is believed to have been an ancient mint.

Travelers are fascinated by the story of the church and recommend visiting for the history lesson that it provides. Past travelers also said you should ignore the panhandlers who linger around the church, as some pretend to be affiliated with the church and tell visitors they can't enter unless they give a donation. The church is free to enter, but there is a fee to go down to the lower levels, which people say is worth the cost. To visit the lower levels, you'll pay 10 euros (about $11) for adults and 5 euros (about $5) for students up to age 26. Children younger than 16 explore for free.

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Ancient Appian Way Ancient Appian Way free

The Ancient Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) has a history that dates back to 312 B.C. and includes the site of Spartacus' execution (in 71 B.C.), the tomb of Caecilia Metella, and many a Roman military march. These days, it stretches for 38.5 miles, though several monuments and historic sites are centered around an approximately 2-mile stretch along Parco dell'Appia Antica. The park sits roughly 2 miles south of the Colosseum . 

Recent visitors said the Appian Way is worth the long trek. Some even recommend hiring a tour guide to tag along with you, as even the smallest details along the walk provide a lot of insight into days past. Many agreed that visitors should come prepared with good walking shoes and water. Other advised visiting during the day as some areas can be seedy at night. 

Colle del Gianicolo Colle del Gianicolo free

To the west of the Tiber River (near another top attraction,  Trastevere ), Colle del Gianicolo, or the Janiculum Hill, is just waiting to be climbed. Although a hike, the site provides unobstructed, panoramic views of the Eternal City. Once at the top, visitors will be able to spot some of Rome's most famous buildings, including  St. Peter's Basilica  and the Altare della Patria. Interestingly, since it sits outside the ancient city, it's not considered one of the seven hills of Rome. Along with the spectacular views, you'll also spot a few monuments, including the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola, or Il Fontanone, which was originally built in the early 1600s.

Travelers report being impressed by the views of Janiculum Hill, with many recommending a visit at sunrise or sunset for a truly breathtaking experience. Though many don't consider it a "must-see," especially for first-time visitors, reviewers did concede that a trek here offers a nice respite from the city's crowded tourist spots.

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

Rome is full of aristocratic palaces whose splendors are hidden behind closed doors. One such place is the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj right on the bustling Via del Corso. Enter and you'll find yourself in a quiet courtyard that feels a world away from the crowds. Upstairs, spend some time marveling at the hall of mirrors, which looks like a smaller version of the one at Versailles , with gold-framed Venetian mirrors, antique statues and chandeliers. The palazzo dates all the way back to the 16th century and the gallery that encircles the courtyard was renovated in the 18th century, with the paintings that form the family's private art collection still displayed as they were in the 1700s. Among them are paintings by Raphael and Caravaggio. In the Velázquez Cabinet at the end of one of the halls is a marble bust of Pope Innocent X by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and a portrait of the pope by Velázquez.

For a few extra euros, you can also visit the "secret apartment," which is supposedly still used sometimes by the princess. Inside it, you'll see the family's furniture and personal objects, like a desk with writing implements, hairbrushes and beds. It's far more intimate than the typical museum experience and might just make you feel like you've stepped into a scene from the Oscar-winning film "La Grande Bellezza," director Paolo Sorrentino's modern-day take on "La Dolce Vita."

Jewish Ghetto Jewish Ghetto free

Sandwiched between the Tiber River and Campo de' Fiori is a neighborhood that was historically home to Rome's Jewish population, the oldest Jewish community in Europe. A papal edict in 1555 created the ghetto, which was walled off from the rest of the city until 1888. It also established laws about what professions Jews could and couldn't hold. To learn more about the neighborhood, you should visit the Jewish Museum of Rome attached to the Great Synagogue, which displays religious artifacts and explains the area's history in a series of panels. A guided tour of the Great Synagogue is included in the museum's admission price and is the only way to see the ornately decorated synagogue without attending religious services.

Recent visitors praised the beautiful synagogue and said the neighborhood is a "hidden gem" in Rome. Travelers say the neighborhood is worth a few hours of your time.

Mercato di Testaccio Mercato di Testaccio free

For a less touristy alternative to the market at Campo de' Fiori , venture beyond the historic center to the Mercato di Testaccio. The large covered market is filled with stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, fish and meat, where Romans do their daily shopping. It's also home to a handful of stalls where you can purchase prepared food, like sandwiches and pizza. Take a number and wait your turn for delicious pizza al taglio at Casa Manco. Ask for a few small slices so you can try more than one topping.

For sandwiches, the place to go is Mordi e Vai, a hole-in-the-wall stall serving sandwiches made with the offcuts that form the backbone of Roman cuisine. Indeed, the quinto quarto tradition of Roman cooking was born in right here in Testaccio. The neighborhood was once home to the city's slaughterhouse and the working-class families who lived here created recipes using the less prized cuts of meat, including the organs, that were cheaper. Many restaurants in the neighborhood are known for this type of cooking, with signature dishes like trippa alla romana (Roman-style tripe with tomato sauce, pecorino and mint) and coda alla vaccinara (oxtail stew). If you're not into that kind of stuff, Mordi e Vai always has a vegetarian option available.

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MAXXI MAXXI

If you've had enough of ancient and Baroque art, consider visiting one of Rome's modern and contemporary art museums. MAXXI – an acronym for the National Museum of 21st Century Art – is located in the residential Flaminio neighborhood north of Piazza del Popolo and was designed by the late Iraqi-British starchitect Zaha Hadid. The building itself is a masterpiece of modern architecture, with dramatic sweeping lines, steel staircases that seem to float in the air, and galleries with glass ceilings. The collection comprises more than 400 works of art by Italian and international artists, including Andy Warhol, Francesco Clemente and Gerhard Richter, as well as a collection of material related to architecture. It ranges from photography and film to art installations and performance art.

Before you go, check to see what's on display. Past exhibitions have featured Bob Dylan's videos, the work of Italian filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini, and the architecture of Lina Bo Bardi, a midcentury modern trailblazer and one of the few female architects working at that time. MAXXI has also hosted special off-site exhibitions and events, including guided tours of Casa Balla, the apartment of futurist artist Giacomo Balla.

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The 26 Best Things to Do in Rome

By Maresa Manara and Katie Parla

In such an ancient and dense place, prioritizing which corners to see can be an overwhelming task. How do you even start to figure out what to do in Rome? To shed some light on that impenetrable question, we've pulled together a list of world-famous sites and lesser-known destinations—museums, markets, archeological and architectural marvels—that will provide you with the full spectrum of outstanding experiences the Italian capital has to offer. Whether you have only a day in the city or a couple weeks (or return visits) to explore every detail, this list will help you pull together an itinerary you won't forget.

Read our complete Rome travel guide here .

Every review on this list has been written by a Condé Nast Traveler journalist who knows the destination and has visited that activity. When choosing things to do, our editors consider landmarks and experiences that offer an insider’s view of a destination, keeping authenticity, location, service, and sustainability credentials top of mind. This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Palazzo Spada Arrow

Near Campo dei Fiori yet blissfully uncrowded, Palazzo Spada is a striking historic palace built in the 16 th century and redesigned by Roman architect Borromini in the 17th century. Inside there’s a rich art collection with Renaissance and Baroque masters, and outside there’s a peaceful courtyard where eight impressive colonnades create a mesmerising optical illusion. The palace itself is exquisitely Baroque, with elegant, perfect symmetry and ornate decorations. Inside, there are walls plastered in frescoes, immaculate stucco work, and grand halls of opulent, gilded marble. Palazzo Spada houses an incredible art collection, with paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts by artists including Titian and Caravaggio. Don’t miss the Borromini Perspective Gallery, a masterclass in optical illusion where a corridor appears to be much longer than it actually is.

Monte Mario Nature Reserve Arrow

A hike through this huge nature reserve—the highest of Rome’s ‘seven hills’—makes for a great alternative to Villa Borghese, with a fraction of the crowds, and fantastic views over the city. The Monte Mario Natural Reserve spans around 100 hectares, with nature trails wending through canopies of oak trees, pines and cypress trees. There’s a rich array of wildlife, including hawks, kestrels, foxes and hedgehogs. It couldn’t feel farther from one of the world’s biggest cities. There’s a number of different walking trails throughout the reserve, some more difficult (and steep) than others. Take a taxi there from the historical centre—it’s a seven minute drive away.

Case Romane del Celio in Rome Arrow

Underground beneath the Basilica Santi Giovanni e Paolo, this heritage museum shows how Roman daily life has changed over the years. There are 20 rooms showing ancient Roman homes, shops and shrines. It’s cheap to get into and relatively quiet, even on weekends. This is one of the best preserved examples of ancient Roman domestic architecture. The houses date back to the second and third centuries AD. They were part of a larger residential complex, possibly belonging to a single aristocratic Roman family. One of the most remarkable features is the underground area known as the hypogeum —a subterranean complex of chambers and passageways. Visitors can explore several interconnected rooms, including reception areas (atria), living quarters (cubicula), kitchens, and courtyards. The houses are decorated with colorful frescoes, intricate mosaics, and marble floors, showcasing the opulence and artistic sophistication of the Roman elite.

Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza Arrow

Most artists and architects working in the characteristically ornate and emotional Baroque style leaned heavily on color and materials to create strong visual impressions. Not Borromini, in this magnificent church originally designed for the Università di Roma. Using simply molded stucco forms and daylight, the maestro created an interior space that's at once intimate and infinite, simple and complex. If you've seen Bernini's interior design at St. Peter's Basilica, this is a great place to see how his rival achieves absolute architectural perfection without using scale and color as a crutch. There's no guide. Walk in, take a seat, and take it in.

Shannon McMahon

CNT Editors

Hannah Towey

Galleria Doria Pamphilj Arrow

This museum houses Rome's largest private collection, a trove assembled by the Doria, Pamphilj, Landi, and Aldobrandini families and brought together through marriage. It’s set in a noble palace still owned by the Doria Pamphilj family and the ornate halls provide a grand setting for such an overwhelming amount of art. The collection is acclaimed among 16th and 17th-century art aficionados but is off the average visitor’s radar even though it's located just off Piazza Venezia and close to the Forum.

Villa Doria Pamphilj Arrow

Rome's largest public park is divided into manicured gardens, stretches of forest, pine groves, and bits of wild vegetation. There are wide open fields, as well as intimate nooks for romantic picnics. It's a perfect destination for runners or cyclists who want to get in a few miles without the nuisances of car traffic and smog. Whether you visit for a stroll, a meal, or a workout, be sure to have a map. The place is huge and some exits spit you out into residential neighborhoods.

Colosseum Arrow

If you know the background of the building, a visit to the Colosseum will be truly amazing and totally live up to the hype. The place was used for wild beast hunts, public executions, and gladiator fights for several hundred years, then became a condo of sorts as medieval Romans made their homes in the hulking ruins. Spend a little time on the second story exhibition area, check out the artists' renderings of the building's ancient and medieval incarnations, and you'll be anxious to learn more.

Ancient Pharmacy of Santa Maria della Scala Arrow

Entering this ancient apothecary, the oldest in Europe, feels a little like stepping back in time. You enter through the ground floor of the building, which is now a functioning, modern pharmacy, before heading upstairs to the ancient iteration. Visitors are welcomed by a friar, who talks you through the various herbs, potions, unguents, balms, and oils that they used to heal the ancient Romans. He knows his stuff. Ask him to show you some of the original wooden furniture from the 18th century, and the instruments they used for weighing ingredients and making the medicines. Look out for the teriaca, a potion created and used by Romans as an antidote—ingredients include viper meat.

MAXXI Rome Arrow

MAXXI is the kind of place you go to spend half a day, with no plans other than to take the entire place in. Designed by Zaha Hadid, this is Rome’s museum for all things contemporary, with exhibitions spanning modern fashion, cinema, art, and architecture. Heck, it’s worth visiting just to check out the building, a piece of art in itself. The labyrinthine space at MAXXI is astounding. It gets busy, but there's so much space that you wouldn't notice. Big, wide halls give way to rooms of different themes and sizes, resulting in five floors of non-stop, incredible artwork. Spaces range from performing arts to galleries with modern artworks to open cinemas. For some, this might feel a little incoherent, but it helps if you take it in as a whole rather than different spaces.

Capitoline Museums Arrow

Home to one of the finest collections of ancient sculpture in Rome (and therefore the world), the Capitoline Museums are—weirdly—rarely crowded. They attract school groups, local history and art buffs, and travelers, all of whom tend to meander through the museums' various buildings, two of which were designed by none other than Michelangelo. Thanks to its collection and its proximity to Rome's main archeological attractions, it's a logical place to stop after visiting the Roman Forum and Colosseum.

Palatine Hill Arrow

The Palatine Hill is a big, sprawling open-air museum. There are emperors' palaces, manicured gardens, medieval churches, and a terrace overlooking the Forum and beyond. The admission fee is about $18 and covers the Roman Forum and Colosseum, too, making it a pretty great deal. Although the Palatine has monuments from every major era in Rome's history, the real draw is a first-century palace built by Domitian, a mad emperor with a very serious architecture addiction.

Jubilee Church Arrow

Chiesa di Dio Padre Misericordioso, also known as the Jubilee Church, was designed by American architect Richard Meier as part of the Vatican's grand church-building and city revival program leading up to the Millennium Jubilee, a Catholic pilgrimage year held in 2000. The church is free, though getting there may cost you. It's about six miles from central Rome, so a taxi could easily cost more than €25 ($28). Alternatively, you can reach the church via public transport for €3 ($4) round trip.

San Zeno Chapel at Santa Prassede Arrow

The San Zeno Chapel is a small chapel and major pilgrimage destination inside the church of Santa Prassede (aka Saint Praxedes). The church, chapel, and mosaics all backdate to the 9th century when Pope Paschal I built the chapel and its Byzantine mosaics for his mother. Because the chapel houses the remains of a pillar believed by many Catholics to be from the Flagellation of Christ, it draws some pilgrims. Other visitors are travelers specifically there to see the Byzantine mosaics.

Domus Aurea Arrow

A sprawling palatial pavilion built by emperor Nero in the 1st century that will blow you away with the design taste and command of concrete and space on display. You can only visit on weekends—the site's under restoration during the week—but admission includes a guided tour. Ours was led by an archeologist who not only worked on the site but was totally obsessed with it; the passion made for a terrific tour. Try your luck.

Mercato di Campagna Amica del Circo Massimo Arrow

Despite being Rome's largest farmers market, the Mercato di Campagna Amica remains down to earth and not at all corporate—as demonstrated by the fact it's only open on weekends. The stalls adhere to the "0 km" philosophy, shorthand for products made or grown within 100 kilometers from the point of sale; and vendors come mostly from Lazio, Rome's home region. It's a crash course in the local leafy greens, amusing in their number and variety, especially to visitors from northern climates. Both the olives and the olive oil you'll find here are worth a splurge, but one of the market's best uses is as a source of super-fresh (and super-cheap) picnic material. Grab some bread, a little fresh pecorino, a few slices of prosciutto, some fruit, and make yourself a lunch.

Villa Farnesina Arrow

The Villa was the private residence of Agostino Chigi, one of the Renaissance's richest men; he liked to showcase his wealth by hiring artists to paint elaborate frescoes on the walls and ceilings in his palace. That makes this a great place for Renaissance fans who want to take their time and see the art in-situ without the crowds. Thanks to Raphael's emphasis on mythological themes, it's also a great place for kids who know about the Roman gods—or want to!

Janiculum Hill Arrow

This is a leisurely stroll beginning in Trastevere and winding up via Garibaldi to the top of Janiculum Hill. The mood changes from urban at the beginning to monumental at the end; it's a bit of work, but rewards those willing to do it with a unique perspective on Roman history and some of the best views of the city. Best to do the walk during the day, or early in the morning if it's summer. If you're on a tight schedule, don't want to brave the hill in the heat, or just want to get a view, skip the hike and take a taxi directly to Piazzale Garibaldi.

Vicus Caprarius Arrow

This museum takes you beneath the Trevi district, through an intricate maze of ancient vestiges to the archaeological ruins of Vicus Caprarius (which roughly translates to “City of Water”), an old Roman apartment complex dating back to the first-century A.D.. You get to see first-hand how the rich Romans lived, using their very own aqueduct–the same one that feeds the Trevi fountain–for their running water. The entrance is unassuming, and if you hadn’t been told it was there it would be easy to walk right past. There’s a fairly comprehensive website but all bookings are made (and confirmed) via a Whatsapp chat. Skip the guided tour—there were 8 of us in the tour group, but we shared the same (small) space with  self-guided individuals, many of whom had just showed up and booked on the day. If you're keen on a post-museum cocktail, head upstairs to Harry's Bar.

Santa Maria del Popolo Arrow

Santa Maria del Popolo is a Renaissance church at the edge of Piazza del Popolo and just within Rome's 3rd-century walls. It was decorated during Rome's most recent artistic peak, the 15th to 17th centuries, and is packed with masterpieces. The church is free, though some coins will come in handy for turning lights on in chapels. The place mostly draws visitors on the Caravaggio trail. Two canvases painted by that controversial and innovative artist hang in the chapel next to the main altar.

Le Domus Romane di Palazzo Valentini Arrow

The Domus Romane are ancient Roman villas and other structures that were abandoned in antiquity, filled in with debris, and inadvertently used as foundations for Palazzo Valentini, a Renaissance palace turned government office building. They are now underground, obscured by buildings and pavement just beside Piazza Venezia. Booking is required and must be done online.

Santa Maria in Trastevere Arrow

There are hundreds of churches in Rome, but Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the most breathtaking. Not only are the mosaics and gilded ceiling spectacular, the very skeletal structure of the church is mind-boggling. The columns that support the nave and separate the aisles are single, solid pieces of granite that were lugged across the river in the 12th century after being plundered from the 3rd-century Baths of Caracalla. The church will help you develop a taste for medieval Rome, a period often outshined by the Renaissance and Baroque eras.

Palazzo Massimo Arrow

The Palazzo Massimo's building itself was built by Jesuits in the late 19th century and was only turned into a state-owned museum in 1980. It's next to Stazione Termini, Rome's busiest station, yet few travelers make the trip to see the museum's masterpiece-packed halls. The collection is a mix of Classical sculpture, Imperial frescoes, and Hellenistic baroque-style statuary. After the Vatican Museums and Capitoline Museums, the Palazzo Massimo is a must for ancient art lovers.

Testaccio Market Arrow

This market in one of Rome's most bustling central neighborhoods has all the usual suspects: bread bakeries, produce stalls, fishmongers, butchers, and delis. You'll also find seasonal vegetables like artichokes or zucchini, cuts typical of the local cuisine like tripe and liver, and little chewy pizzas common to Roman bakeries. If you're looking for lunch (or to stock a picnic), hunt down takeaway stalls like the stellar Mordi e Vai, which serves Roman sandwiches near the Via B. Franklin exit. The stalls on the eastern side of the market mainly sell clothes, shoes, and housewares. There's even a hair salon, in case you're needing a touchup.

Pigneto Arrow

Pigneto is popular with Italian college students and twenty- and thirty-somethings who frequent the bars on the "Isola," a pedestrianized stretch of Via del Pigneto, the neighborhood's central artery. It's also a destination for Pasolini fans who visit the streets that were the backdrop for his Neorealist films. It's an acquired taste and may feel too rough-around-the-edges for some, but anyone interested in urbanism and street art, or just thirsty to explore neighborhood's outside of Rome's historic center, will enjoy it.

Baths of Caracalla Arrow

The Baths of Caracalla were a massive public bathing complex built in the third century. Throughout the year, the site is open during the day for visitors to stroll through ruins that were so magnificent they inspired the Main Concourse at Grand Central Terminal. Each summer, the city of Rome's Opera company performs at the Baths, using the towering brick ruins as a backdrop. The contrast of the ancient buildings, celebrated operas, and modern acoustics and lighting is stunning.

Quartiere San Lorenzo Arrow

This working-class neighborhood near Termini station first gained international prominence when Soho House opened their Rome outpost a few years back. Since then, it’s evolved from a rough-around-the-edges student hangout into a decidedly bohemian district, with street art, street food, lively bars, and cool fashion boutiques. To get the most out of the neighborhood, visit in the late afternoon, when fashion boutiques like L’Anatra all’Arancia and La Maison de la Mode will still be open. Refuel with a coffee at the diminutive Giufà Libreria Caffè bookstore-bar, then check out the street art around Via dei Sabelli and Scalo San Lorenzo. Stop by Blackmarket San Lorenzo for a pre-dinner cocktail and vegetarian small plates, or pop into Sanlollo for pizzas, bruschetta, and salted cod. Gelato San Lorenzo does some of the best ice cream in town, all of it organic. Still, don't bring your parents or your fussiest friends here; rather, come with someone who’s up for a cheap-ish night out in a gritty but very cool neighborhood.

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Must-see attractions in Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome

Everyone wants to see the Colosseum, and it doesn’t disappoint, especially if accompanied by tales of armored gladiators and hungry lions. More than any…

Roman Forum

An impressive – if rather confusing – sprawl of ruins, the Roman Forum was ancient Rome's showpiece center, a grandiose district of temples...

Sandwiched between the Roman Forum and the Circo Massimo, the Palatino (Palatine Hill) is one of Rome's most spectacular sights. It's a beautiful,…

Capitoline Museums

Dating from 1471, the Capitoline Museums are the world's oldest public museums, with a fine collection of classical sculpture.

You can't ignore the Vittoriano, built at the turn of the 20th century to honor Italy's first king, Vittorio Emanuele II.

Arco di Tito

Said to be the inspiration for the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, this triumphal arch was built by the emperor Domitian in AD 81 to celebrate his brother Titus…

Mercati di Traiano Museo dei Fori Imperiali

This striking museum showcases the Mercati di Traiano (Trajan's Markets), the emperor Trajan's towering 2nd-century complex, while also providing a…

Palazzo Venezia

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Chiesa di Santa Maria Antiqua

The oldest and most important Christian site on the Roman Forum, this ancient church is a unique treasure trove of early Christian art. Its cavernous…

Piazza del Campidoglio

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Bocca della Verità

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Basilica dei SS Cosma e Damiano

Backing onto the Roman Forum, this 6th-century basilica incorporates parts of the Foro di Vespasiano and Tempio di Romolo, visible at the end of the nave…

Colonna Traiana

Towering over the Foro di Traiano, Trajan's column (AD 113) is adorned with a microscopically-detailed spiral frieze illustrating the Romans' victorious…

Casa di Livia

Home to the emperor Augustus' wife Livia, the Casa was built around an atrium leading onto what were once reception rooms, decorated with frescoes of…

Casa di Augusto

The Casa di Augusto, Augustus’ private residence, boasts superb ceiling and wall frescoes. These are further enhanced by audio narrations and video…

One of the few obviously recognisable buildings on the Palatino, the sunken stadio (stadium) was probably used by the emperors for private games and…

Orti Farnesiani

On the Palatino, the 16th-century Orti Farnesiani is one of Europe's earliest botanical gardens. A viewing balcony at the garden's northern flank commands…

Roma dal Cielo

This panoramic lift will whisk you to the top of the Vittoriano for sweeping 360-degree views of the city from the Terrazza delle Quadrighe.

Chiesa di Santa Maria in Aracoeli

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Imperial Forums

The forums of Trajan, Augustus, Nerva and Caesar are known collectively as the Imperial Forums. They were largely buried when Mussolini bulldozed Via dei…

Basilica di San Marco

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Arco di Costantino

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Arco di Settimio Severo

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Statue of Marcus Aurelius

In the centre of Piazza del Campidoglio, this equestrian bronze statue is a copy of a 2nd-century sculpture in the Capitoline Museums.

Domus Augustana

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Carcere Mamertino

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Things to do in Rome: attractions & landmarks

Top 25 rome tourist attractions, sightseeing, what to do & highlights.

Top 25 Best things to do in Rome Italy, sightseeing and all must-see sites, tourist attractions, famous museums, Roman monuments, travel guide and historic landmarks. What to do, highlights and best attractions to see in Rome?

Best things to do in Rome Italy - Top 25 Rome attractions

Rome is a city full of museums, historic squares, rich food culture, Roman landmarks and other highlights. The Italian city has more to offer than just the main Rome tourist attractions like the Colosseum , the Pantheon and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. To prepare your visit to this city, our travel guides shows you the top 25 of the most famous sightseeing and most beautiful Rome attractions . Click one of the must-see highlights, places to visit or Roman landmarks for more information on this unique monuments, museums , tourist attractions and best things to do in Rome Italy :

Rome sightseeing partnerlinks: Things to do in Seville , Barcelona tourist attractions , Florence tourist attractions and Dubai

Most visited landmarks

Top 25 Things to do in Rome

Colosseum & Tickets

Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums

St.Peter's Basilica & Tickets

30+ Ancient Roman Ruins & Archaeological Sites In Rome

If you’re a history buff, you’ll definitely want to check out my guide to 30 must-see Roman ruins, archaeological sites, and historic landmarks in Rome, Italy. These attractions are some of the best ways to experience the city’s rich history.

Rome is a city filled with magnificent ancient sites and can be overwhelming to navigate. Essentially, the city itself is a sprawling outdoor museum that transports you to a bygone era at every turn.

With so many incredible ruins to explore, you’ll want to plan your visit carefully to make the most of your time.

Many of these Roman ruins tell great stories: Roman armies vanquishing foes, heros cementing legacies, and dedications to gods to seek their protection.

If you listen closely, you can hear Julius Caesar and his cohorts speechifying, promenading, and leading victory parades through the Roman Forum.

READ : History of the Rise and Fall of Ancient Rome

2,000 years ago, Rome was synonymous with “civilization.” You were either civilized or you were a barbarian to be defeated.

To attest to their then-civilized nature, ancient Romans left a raft of fascinating ancient buildings, temples, forums, and sculptures.

Some are hulking ruins. Others are well preserved and offer a secret peak into Rome’s tumultuous past and controversial rulers.

Let’s tour the 31 most interesting ruins in Rome that should be on your Italy bucket list .

Roman Ruins And Archeological Sites In Rome Italy

Here are my picks for the 30+ must visit Roman ruins in Rome.

1. Domus Aurea: Nero’s Underground Golden House

Nero’s Golden House was once the grandest building on earth.

It’s not your typical Roman tourist site, and is an often overlooked hidden gem in Rome. Domus Aurea is an excavation in progress, one of Rome’s best Roman ruins and archaeological sites.

Built by Emperor Nero between 64-68 AD in the heart of imperial Rome, the sprawling property covered up to 300 acres. The facade and walls were adorned with frescos, gold leaf, glass mosaics, pearls, and marble. In natural light, it had a golden hue.

READ : History of the Roman Emperors

But little of this wealth survived Nero’s rule. As Nero’s extravagance and tyranny spun out of control, rivals condemned both his reign and his emblematic palace.

For a decade after his death, the palace was looted, destroyed, and filled in with brick. But the vivid frescos by the artist Famulus couldn’t be pried off the walls.

At the end of the 15th century, the Domus Aurea was discovered by accident when a young man fell into a crevice. To his surprise, he found himself surrounded by paintings.

At first, the palace ruins were thought to be caves or grottos. Artists like Michelangelo and Raphael flocked to see the ancient frescos.

In the 18th century, proper excavation of the Golden House began. Now, you can visit (with a hard hat) on the weekends. The crown jewel is the Octagonal Room, which represented a revolution in architectural style and technique. Here’s my compete guide to Domus Aurea .

Thanks to YouTube, you can also take a virtual tour of the ruins of Domus Aurea, still an excavation in progress, and see how it would’ve looked looked almost 2,000 years ago in ancient Rome.

Click here to book a guided tour of Domus Aurea. Click here to book the virtual reality experience.

2. Domus Transitoria, Nero’s First Palace

Before there was Domus Aurea, there was Domus Transitoria. Nero’s first palace was built between 60 and 64 BC. The palace had a short life. It was destroyed in the great fire of Rome in 64 BC.

Like Domus Aurea, Domus Transitoria was a massive and lavishly decorated palace, connecting the Palatine Hill and Esquiline Hill. It was dubbed the Transit House.

According to Seutonius, Domus Transitoria was characterized by all the pomp, gold, and luxury one typically associates with grandiose Neronian architecture.

Domus Transitoria was just opened in April 2019. You enter and descend a staircase to inspect the site underground.

Virtual reality headsets bring the dank place to life, allowing visitors to see vignettes of the palace in its former glory.

You can take this YouTube virtual tour to see the ruins and a glimpse of what the palace looked like in ancient Rome.

3. Pantheon: Rome’s Most Perfect “Ruin”

Without a doubt, the Pantheon is the best preserved building from ancient Rome.

You’d don’t have to wrinkle your brow or struggle to conceptualize anything, as with many ruins. It’s all before you.

The Pantheon was a temple dedicated to all of the gods. It was originally built by Augustus’ right hand man, Marcus Agrippa in 27 BC.

The pediment still proclaims that “Marcus Agrippa, three times consul made this.” But Agrippa’s version was destroyed by fire.

In 120 AD, the Pantheon was rebuilt by Hadrian. The well traveled emperor, a true Grecophile, reimagined it as an oversized Greek temple.

It has 40 foot tall Corinthian granite columns from Egypt, a pediment, and portico. It was considered a masterpiece of engineering and mathematical precision.

The Pantheon’s most emblematic feature is its perfect unsupported spherical dome. At the time, it was a major architectural breakthrough. The dome became the model for Michelangelo’s dome for St. Peter’s Basilica and for Brunelleschi’s dome for Florence Cathedral .

The dome is made of lightweight concrete, a Roman invention. The concrete gets increasingly thinner as the height of the dome increased.

The coffered ceiling also reduced the weight without compromising the dome’s structural integrity. At the top is the oculus, or eye, which is the Pantheon’s only source of natural light.

After the fall of Rome, the Pantheon became a Christian church, which helped save it from looting at first. But eventually the interior, marble, and gold were all looted in the 7th century, although the marble floor is recreated.

The Pantheon is filled with tombs of important Romans, including the artist Raphael.

You can take a 360 tour of the Pantheon here . And here’s a fantastic video from Smarthistory with shots of the Pantheon and an explanation of its importance.

Here’s my  complete guide To the Pantheon . Click  here  to book a guided tour of the Pantheon.

4. Baths of Diocletian: Largest Baths in Ancient Rome

Rome took its baths seriously. They were places to swim, bathe, and socialize. The Baths of Diocletian were built by Emperor Maximian to honor his co-Emperor Diocletian.

Constructed between 298-306, the Baths of Diocletian were Rome’s largest bath complex. They were meant to surpass the Baths of Caracalla and could accommodate 3,000 citizens.

Ironically, Diocletian never saw the baths. Diocletian was a colorful man with a big ego, who thought he was a living god. Having successfully divided the empire to make it easier to manage, he governed in the east or camped out in his swishy palac e in Split Croatia .

The baths were built using the typical bath design of Roman times — with a frigidarium (cold), tepidarium (warm) and caldarium (hot), large bathing chambers, and gymnasiums.

There were smaller rooms for private bathing, changing, and meetings. On the ruins of the frigidarium, Michelangelo was commissioned to build a church, the Basilica of Santa Maria deli Angeli e dei Martiri.

Today, the Baths of Diocletian are part of the National Roman Museum. The baths aren’t particularly conveniently located. They’re in northeast Rome near the Termini station. The upside is that you can experience ancient ruins without the crowds.

Here’s a good YouTube video guide of the site. You can also explore the baths in Google Art & Culture .

Click here to book a skip the line ticket and guided tour for the baths.

5. Roman Forum: the Epicenter of Ancient Rome

I advise having a guided tour for the Roman Forum . It’s vast and there’s not much signage. It will be difficult to divine what you’re looking at without a guide to decipher the lovely rubble.

The forum is a rectangular valley running from Arch of Titus to the Capitoline Hill. The main road is the Via Sacre.

The forum was the beating heart of Rome, the seat of power, and its central showpiece. It was a grandiose district consisting of white temples, grand basilicas, and vibrant public spaces.

The Forum was the scene of political upheavals, funerals, and triumphant parades. Before the Colosseum was built, it even hosted gladiatorial battles.

Stroll by the Basilica of Constantine, the Temple and House of the Vestal Virgins, the Temple of Venus and Rome, the Basilica of Constantine, and the 3 columns of the Temple of Castor and Pollux.

You’ll also find the ruins of the Temple of Caesar . It was built by Augustus after Caesar’s assassination. Inside, in a small apse area, is a mound of stone and dirt covered with coins and flowers. This is the altar holding Caesar’s ashes and marks his grave.

You can take a virtual tour of the forum on Google Arts & Culture , with almost 300 different items to eyeball. You can also take a 360 tour on 360 Cities or a virtual walking tour with Pro Walks.

Most tickets include entry to the all the imperial ruins — Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum. There are plenty tour options you can choose from.

They all vary slightly in duration and what you see. So pick one that best suits your sightseeing agenda.

I’ve done the fourth and seventh one on this list and loved both tours. 

• skip the line entry tickets to all 3 sites
• tickets + a 2 hour guided tour for all 3 sites
• 3 hour guided tour and entry to all 3 sites
• tickets & tour of all 3 site s + underground Colosseum access
• Colosseum tour with entry tickets for Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum
• 4 hour private day tour of Ancient Rome
• skip the line private guided tour with an art historian
• skip the line private tour of all 3 sites + the underground Colosseum

6. Colosseum: Into the Gladiators’ Lair

Formally named the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum has stood in Rome for almost 2,000 years. It’s the most instantly recognizable monument from the classical world.

Despite the ravages of time, the Colosseum is an incredibly well-preserved piece of Rome’s fascinating history.

Emperor Vespasian began constructing the Colosseum in 72 AD. It was finished by his son Titus in 80 AD. Domitian subsequently added the hypogeum, or basement.

In its glory days, the Colosseum was a vivid white with painted trim and frescoed hallways. There were monumental statues of the Greek and Roman gods in the arches of the middle two stories. The top story had a retractable canvas awning to shade spectators.

The Colosseum hosted the popular “games,” a form of ancient theater re-creating far flung lands and mythological themes for the masses. There were many variations.

The spectacles pitted men against men, men against beasts, and beasts against beasts. There was a menagerie of beasts — lions, giraffes, crocodiles, dogs, rhinos, elephants, etc.

The best way to visit the Colosseum, and go behind the scenes, is on an Underground Colosseum Tour. You’ll visit parts not accessed by the standard tickets, like the hypogeum and third ring.

You can tour the Colosseum on Google Arts & Culture , where there are over 200 photos. You can take a virtual walking tour of the Colosseum on its official website. Or take a 360 virtual tour on Air Pano.

Here’s my  complete guide to the Colosseum , with must know tips for visiting. You can book  guided tour of the Colosseum   or a tour that also includes the  underground gladiator area of the Colosseum .

7. Theater Of Marcellus: A Romantic Facade

Located in the Jewish Ghetto neighborhood of Rome, the Theater of Marcellus is easily overlooked by most tourists. But I walked past it everyday on the way home to my Air Bnb in Trastevere on my last visit.

The monument isn’t far from the gigantic white Monument of Victor Emanuel. And it looks like a mini-Colosseum.

The Theater of Marcellus is truly ancient. Julius Caesar launched construction and his heir Augustus inaugurated it in 12 BC. It could seat 20,0000. As you walk around it, you’ll see both Doric and Ionic columns. There are ruins piled up all around it.

Unfortunately, you can only admire the exterior and walk along the amphitheater edge. In the 4th century BC, the theater started to crumble. Thereafter, it was used as a stone quarry and repurposed, like so much else, for other buildings in Rome. In the summer, there are sometimes concerts outside.

Today, the Theater of Marcellus is a building that’s half private and half public. If you look at the photo, you’ll see luxury apartments lining the top.

8. Augustus’ Mausoleum: Family Tomb of Julio-Claudian Dynasty

Augustus’ Mausoleum is the family tomb of Rome’s first emperor. As mentioned above, Augustus ruled between 63 BC and 14 AD and was the great nephew and heir of Julius Caesar.

His mausoleum was built around 28 BC after the Battle of Actium. It was inspired by the mausoleum of Alexander the Great in Egypt.

The mausoleum was a burial place for Augustus, his wife Livia, and the other Julio-Claudian emperors. Not much has survived from its former grandeur and it’s original appearance is unknown. The mausoleum is closed to the public.

Though it was in ruinous condition, a 6.5 million euro restoration began in 2016 and was is only partially complete as of the summer of 2023. 50% of the structure is long gone — pillaged and destroyed.

The renovated monument opened to the public in March 2021 with a 3D experience, much like Domus Aurea. Hopefully, excavations will be fully complete in the summer of 2024.

Click here to book a skip the line ticket. Here’s a YouTube video of Rome’s mayor showing off the restored mausoleum.

9. Ostia Antica: an Alternative to Pompeii

Founded in 4th century BC, Ostia Antica is an ancient harbor town about 40 minutes outside Rome. It’s a pretty adorable town too, with warm orange stone buildings.

In ancient Rome, Ostia served as a naval base. Later, it became important commercially. This was where food and grain supplies arrived to feed Roman citizens.

There are some impressive preserved ruins. It’s similar to Pompeii — the excavation of an entire ancient city.

You get to wander around the ancient town at will.

Along the way, you’ll see a necropolis, an amphitheater, ancient temples and gates, the Baths of Neptune, statues, mosaic floors, and the forum. Mosaics were used to inform illiterate Romans about the purpose of a given building — tavern, baths, brothel, etc.

Click here to book a guided walking tour. You can also book a half day guided tour from Rome .

You can explore Ostia Antica virtually on Google Arts & Culture .

10. Baths of Caracalla, Termi di Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla are another must visit Roman ruin in Rome. The baths were inaugurated by Emperor Caracalla in 216. The massive complex is one of Rome’s best preserved ancient sites.

Construction began in 206 AD, under the direction of Emperor Septimius Severus. His son, Caracalla, finished it 10 years later, after killing his brothers to seize sole power.

The baths could accommodate 1600 people. The original brick walls are still standing, a towering shell. They were once covered in stucco and marble. But that was long ago carried off by looters.

The sculptures and mosaics from the Baths of Caracalla have been moved to museums. The famous Belvedere Torso is now in the Vatican Museums .

The Farnese family pillfered and excavated the baths. The Farnese Bull and the Farnese Hercules are in Naple’s Archaeological Museum. Two fountain shaped bathtubs are now in the Piazza Farnese in Rome.

The large rooms at each end of the structure were used for exercise. In between was a long pool flanked with changing rooms and decorated with mosaics.

You can still see the black and white floor mosaics. To keep cool in the summer, the Romans played games in the pool on tables.

Tourist can even visit the underground tunnels of the bath complex, where slaves kept the baths going. You can also don virtual reality googles.

Here’s my complete guide to the Baths of Caracalla . You can book a  small group or private tour  of the baths. You can also book a  tour that includes both the baths and the Circus Maximus . You can also visit the baths with the  Roma Pass . 

Every summer since 2014, the Baths of Caracalla are the backdrop for open air night at the opera performances . You can read about it and see shots virtually on Google Arts & Culture . You can also take a 4D tour of the Baths of Caracalla on Rome’s Coop Culture website.

11. House of Augustus, Palatine Hill

For nearly 2,000 years, the House of Augustus on Palatine Hill lay hidden. Archaeologists only discovered the ancient home in the 1960s.

The House of Augustus marked the transformation of Palatine Hill from a residential area into an imperial seat.

The House of Augustus is located on the most sacred area of the Palatine Hill, near the symbols of Roman power.

It was built near the Temple of Apollo (which Augustus could access by ramp from his peristyle) and on top of the sacred Cave of Lupercal, where the She Wolf of Rome nursed the twins Romulus and Remus.

Comprising two levels, the House of Augustus served as Augustus’ primary residence during his reign. It was arranged around two courtyards, linked by an open promenade. Emperor Domitian, a more megalomaniacal sort, demolished much of it when he built his massive palace.

The western end of the house held the domestic rooms. The eastern end held the public reception rooms. By far the most elegant room is the Emperor’s Study, where Augustus burned the midnight oil.

Protected behind glass, the walls are beautifully decorated with stylized winged obelisks, gryphons, and floral elements. The colors are bold — green, black, green, and yellow.

The House of Augustus is most celebrated for its lavish red Pompeian frescoes. They’re the best preserved frescos from ancient Rome, superior even to those in Pompeii. They’re the real reason you should visit the House of Augustus.

Most of the frescos are executed in the Second Pompeian Style, called the “Architectural Style.” It began in Pompeii, became the fashion, and was then adopted by Augustus.

The style emphasized architectural features and illusionistic compositions. Artists used columns, faux marble blocks, and stoas to frame fantastic images. The use of vanishing points made the walls seem three dimensional.

You can only visit Domus Augustana with a special ticket and a reservation. It’s not included in the standard ticket giving you access to Palantine Hill.

Access is via small groups of 20 on a 75 minute guided tour, with specific time slots on certain days. There are informative audiovisual and laser displays.

Click here to pre-book a guided tour of the House of Augustus. Here’s a YouTube video on the House of Augustus and the House of Livia (discussed below). Here’s my complete guide to the House of Augustus .

12. House of Livia, Palatine Hill

If you book a special ticket to see the House of Augustus, you’ll also see the House of Livia. Livia was Augustus’ third wife.

When Augustus fell in love with the beautiful young woman, they both divorced their respective spouses to marry. Livia’s son from her first marriage, Tiberius, became Augustus’ heir and the second emperor of Rome.

First excavated in 1839, Livia’s House was attributed to her when her honorific name was found stamped on a lead pipe. Built in the first century BC, Livia’s house was actually a bit larger and grander than her husband’s house.

The best preserved section is the atrium and three adjoining rooms. The central room (the tablinum) was the most richly decorated. Known as the Room of Polyphemus, it had mythological frescos showing Mercury kidnapping the nymph Io.

In the dining room, there was a stunning garden fresco that made the walls almost disappear. The fresco has flowering trees, blossoms, and flying birds in all varieties of nature.

The colors are delicate in faded purple, blue, yellow, and white.

The original of this fresco was moved to the Palazzo Massimo all Terme, one of Rome’s best museums . A replica is now in the House of Livia on Palatine Hill.

Here’s Smarthistory’s video about the magnificent garden fresco.

13. Domitian’s Palace, Palatine Hill

Domitian’s Palace is a Roman ruin that was built circa 81 AD by Emperor Domitian. He hired master architect Rabirius to create a massive imperial palace.

It was so grand that one poet remarked that it “made Jupiter jealous.” It was the residence of Rome’s emperors for three centuries.

Unlike previous emperors, Domitian wasn’t interested in public architecture. A megalomaniac, he viewed himself as “lord and god” and wanted the public to know it.

The palace contained many large spaces, including a basilica, receptions rooms, an audience hall, a stadium, a sunken garden, peristyle courts, and baths.

The part of the palace above the Circus Maximus was added by Emperor Severus. The Circus Maximus was a long oblong course for chariot racing. If the gladiator show at the Colosseum was sold out, the citizens would come here for entertainment.

Inside, the palace was decorated with reflective surfaces, probably white marble or selenium. A paranoid Domitian wanted to be able to spot any potential enemies and see what people were up to.

Each public room had apses, where Domitian could sit on a throne and be worshipped.

14. Arch of Constantine: Symbol of Christianity

The Arch of Constantine is a triumphal arch dedicated to Emperor Constantine the Great. It represents a seismic shift in history, when the western world became Christian.

Until 312 AD, Rome was a pagan empire. But a small, obscure, and previously persecuted sect was becoming more popular, Christian monotheists.

In 312, Emperor Constantine saw a vision of a cross in the sky. The next day, he defeated his rival Maxentius, becoming sole emperor. His first task as an agent of change was to legalize christianity.

The Arch of Constantine is on the Via Triumphalis in Rome, between the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. It’s approximately 21 meters high and 25 meters wide.

It’s decorated mostly with recycled carvings from other buildings and from different times. Because of this, some art historians have criticized the arch as poor craftsmanship.

But Constantine deliberately wanted reliefs from other great eras. To unscore this point, there are statutes of the great emperors on the arch, putting Constantine in good company. As a usurper himself, it was important to also be a symbol of reverence.

You can take a 360 tour of the Arch of Constantine here .

15. Arch of Titus

This intricate triumphal arch marks the entry into the Roman Forum. Emperor Domtian built it to celebrate his brother Emperor Titus’ destruction of Jerusalem in 71 AD.

The reliefs inside feature scenes of the Roman troops sacking Jerusalem, soldiers carrying bodies and taking items from the Temple in Jerusalem, and the first depiction of a menorah. The arch was intended to exalt the mythological status of the Flavian dynasty.

It was a terrible monument for Jews. In antiquity, Jews refused to walk under the arch because of it subject matter.

You would think the monument was anti-Semitic. But at the time, it was just business as usual — Rome putting down a rebellion, which was more about taxes than religious differences.

You can take a 360 virtual tour of the Arch of Titus.

16. Castle Sant’Angelo: Fortress Museum

Castle Sant’Angelo is also known as Hadrian’s Mausoleum. Hadrian built it on the banks of the Tiber River in 139. It’s a magnificently preserved ruin from Ancient Rome.

Hadrian also erected the Bridge of Angels, which connected central Rome to his mausoleum. The bridge is now lined with 10 angels, designed by Bernini and commissioned by Pope Clement IX. Each statue holds an object of Christ’s passion.

READ : Guide To the Bernini Trail in Rome

The cylindrical castle was richly decorated. Originally, it was faced with travertine marble, pilasters, and bronze. By the 5th century, the mausoleum was converted into a miltary fortress.

It was renamed Castle Sant’Angelo in the 5th century. Legend holds that the Archangel Michael appeared above the castle, sheathed his sword, and magically put an end to the plague.

In the 14th century, Castle Sant’Angelo was turned into a papal residence. A covered corridor connected it to St. Peter’s Basilica. Popes fled there during sieges.

In the 15th century, at the direction of the notorious Borgia pope, Alessandro VI, the castle became battle ready. He also installed sumptuous papal apartments decorated with frescos by Pinturicchio, who also decorated the Borgia Rooms in the Vatican Museums .

In 1536, a marble and bronze statue of Archangel Micheal was perched on top. There are gorgeous 360 views of Rome and St. Peter’s Basilica from the Terrace of the Angel. The museum also has a bar/coffee shop with splendid views.

You can take a virtual 360 tour of the Castle Sant’ Angelo here or check out this BBC documentary on the famous Roman monument.

Here’s my complete guide to the Castle Sant’Angelo , which is almost one of Rome’s hidden gems since so few venture inside.

In high season, you may want to book a skip the line ticket . Click here to book a guided tour with fast track access.

17. Mouth of Truth: Roman Lie Detector

This sculpture is a Pavonazzzo marble mask called la Bocca della Verita, the Mouth of Truth . It has the ambiguous face of an unknown pagan god with an open maw. It’s located in the portico of Santa Maria Church.

Legend holds that, in medieval times, the carved mask was a device for determining whether a person was telling the truth.

Suspicious people were brought to the sculpture. They took an oath and put their hand inside the gaping mouth while being interrogated.

If the detainee was being truthful, the mouth wouldn’t moved and you could keep your hand. If you were lying, the mouth would slam shut and bite off the hand.

The legend became famous via Hollywood. In the 1953 film Roman Holiday , the Mouth of Truth was used as a storytelling device.

I’m not sure this sculpture is worth a trip in and of itself. It’s been theorized to be a possible drain cover or fountain decoration. And the line for testing your hand can be long.

18. Trajan’s Market: World’s First Shopping Mall

Trajan’s Markets is a large complex of ruins that was part of Trajan’s Forum. This forum was the largest and most advanced of six imperial forums in Rome, as befitting Rome’s most popular and powerful emperor dubbed the “best leader.”

Trajan’s Market was built in the 2nd century AD by Trajan’s favorite architect, Apollodorus of Damascus. It’s affectionately called the world’s “first shopping mall.”

Trajan’s Market was a dense complex. It was once 6 stories with 150 shops and offices, set into the side of Quirinal Hill.

The structure is remarkable. It shows that Romans didn’t just build with columns and pediments. Powered by concrete, this urban structure was light filled, with windows and atriums.

Click here to book an entry ticket. You can also take an amazing virtual tour of Trajan’s Market from your couch.

19. Trajan’s Column: War Diary

Trajan’s Column was part of Trajan’s Forum. It’s probably the best preserved victory column in Rome, though it’s similar to the column for Marcus Aurelius in Piazza Colonna. Built in 113 AD, the column was a tour de force of Roman propaganda art.

The column celebrated Trajan’s defeat over the Dacians. It depicts the campaigns he fought against them, the fortifications that were built, the Dacian themselves, and their weaponry.

The column consists of 22 layers, one yard each, spiraled around a 125 foot high column. The emperor’s ashes were buried in the foundation after his death.

You wouldn’t know it, but there’s a staircase inside that takes you up to the top. Atop the column, there’s a statue of St. Peter. During the Renaissance, it replaced a statue of Trajan.

Here’s a great video showing and explaining Trajan’s Forum.

20. Catacombs of Priscilla

Dating back almost 2,000 years, the Catacombs of Priscilla are a series of catacombs built by early Christians. Known as the “Queen of the Catacombs” since antiquity, the catacombs house the bones of early popes and many Christian martyrs.

The Catacombs of Priscilla are considered one of Rome’s most interesting underground sites, hidden away under Villa Ada Park.

After five years of conservation and restoration, the Priscilla Catacombs opened to the public in 2018. Lasers were used to clean the religious frescoes on the walls.

Click here to book a guided tour of the catacombs. A new function on Google Maps allows you to take a limited tour of the of the vast complex. You can also see the frescos on this Smarthistory video .

21. Hadrian’s Villa: an Easy Day Trip From Rome

Built in 118-133 A.D, Hadrian’s Villa is an important archeological complex. It’s the largest and most spectacular villa of ancient Rome, three times the size of Pompeii. Hadrian’s Villa is an easy day trip from Rome , just 30 minute away.

It reflected the power and glory of ancient Rome and one of that world’s most important leaders, Emperor Hadrian. And it was designed by Hadrian himself, just like the Pantheon.

Hadrian’s Villa is a sprawling luxury palace. It was designed on a vast scale to reflect the power, elegance, and excess of the Roman Empire.

Though it’s called a “villa,” Hadrian’s Villa is more accurately a miniature Rome that covers nearly 300 acres. It’s dotted with 30 large structures — palaces, libraries, baths, living quarters, dining pavilions, and sculptural gardens.

Hadrian’s Villa was originally intended as a secret escape from the political complexities of a bustling Rome.

But Hadrian loved his villa so much that he moved in and used it as the seat of government in his last decade, much like Louis XIV governed France from Versailles.

Here’s a great Smarthistory virtual tour of Hadrian’s Villa. While you’re in Tivoli visiting Hadrian’s Villa, you should also visit the Renaissance era Villa d’Este .

Here’s my complete guide To Hadrian’s Villa . Click here to book a wonderful guided day tour from Rome.

22. Arch of Janus

The Arch of Janus is the only surviving four way marble arch in Rome. It’s close to the Mouth of Truth, if you’re visiting that. Built in the 4th century, the arch has four facades. It was supposedly built from pieces of other ruins.

The Arch of Janus is built over an ancient drain to the Tiber River. It’s thought to have been a boundary marker, rather than a triumphal arch.

The Arch of Janus now stands in front of the Palazzo Rhinococros. In 2012, the building was purchased and restored by Fendi heiress, Alda Fendi. It’s the newest hotspot/art space in Rome, with cultural and residential spaces that opened in 2018.

A resin sculpture of an endangered white rhino now stands guard in the square, symbolizing the union of the old and the new. Inside the palazzo art gallery, there’s a Michelango sculpture, Crouching Boy, on loan.

23. Forum of Augustus

The Forum of Augustus is one of the Imperial Fora from Ancient Rome. This forum was built after a young Gaius Octavius defeated Brutus and Cassius in the Battle of Philippi. Octavius was avenging the murder of Julis Caesar.

Before the battle, Octavius vowed that, if he won, he would build a temple to Mars Ultor, which translates to the Avenger. After winning the battle, Octavius kept his promise.

He located his forum next to Caesar’s. At the center was the Temple of Mars Ultor. The long sides of the forum sported colonnades.

The once richly decorated Hall of the Colossus held a colossal statue of the Genius of Augustus. Remains of the statue are in the Museum of the Imperial Fora.

There is also the remains of the Great Wall toward the Suburra. The wall was intended to protect the forum from an overpopulated part of Rome subject to frequent fire. It’s one of the most impressive ruins in the Imperial Fora.

The Temple of Mars Ultor once held colossal statues of Mars and Venus, linking Augustus with the gods. Archaeologists think there may have been a third statue depicting a deified Julius Caesar.

In general, the forum functioned as a military, administrative, and political center. It was a gallery of statues and place to hold important ceremonies.

It was also a place for Senate deliberation. Military commanders would make sacrifices to Mars before going off to battle.

24. House of the Knights of Rhodes

The House of the Knights of Rhodes is perched right above the Forum of Augustus. It’s a little known hidden gem in Rome .

This impressive building, known as the House of the Knights of Rhodes, was built in the 13th century by the Knights of Rhodes. It’s been controlled by the Knights of Malta since 1946.

The building features a massive five-arched loggia, which was once used by the pope to receive blessings from the citizens while overlooking the city.

If you’re interested in visiting, note that the House of the Knights of Rhodes is only open to the public by reservation on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Inside, you’ll have the chance to see several interesting rooms, including the Hall of Honor, the Byzantine Hall, the Sala della Loggetta, and the Palatine Chapel, which is dedicated to St. John the Baptist, the patron saint of the knights.

To catch a glimpse of the house from the outside, head to Via dei Fori Imperiali, which offers an excellent vantage point.

25. Church of Santa Costanza

This church is traditionally identified as the mausoleum of Constantina, the daughter of the Emperor Constantine. It was likely built by Constantine at the behest of his daughter.

But, after excavations in 1992, some historians speculate that the mausoleum may have been built 30 years later by Emperor Julian for his wife Helena. It officially became a church in the 13th century.

This 4th century mausoleum is considered a fine example of early Christian architecture. It is a circular brick rotunda covered by a dome with a vestibule porch.

Inside, 12 pairs of Corinthian columns are arranged in a ring. 12 clerestory windows that let light into the interior.

The mausoleum was once elaborately decorated. Originally, the cupola, vault, and niches were covered with early Christian mosaics.

You can still see some in the vault and several niches. They were restored in 1840.

26. Forum Boarium

The other Roman forums get all the love, and so they should. Whereas these famous forums are named for emperors, the Forum Boarium is named … for cattle.

The forum is a Roman ruin that was once the true commercial heart of Ancient Rome. It was the working man’s forum where the docks were located.

The most notable buildings on this forum are the Temple of Hercules (shown above) and the Temple of Portunus.

The Temple of Hercules is the oldest surviving marble building in Rome. Hercules, of course, was the legendary hero of superhuman strength. The Mouth of Truth was likely once located in this temple.

Portunus was the god of gateways, locks and livestock. He might not be the most glamorous god of the Roman pantheon. But he did his job well, granting good luck to the all important merchants.

27. Aurelian Walls

The Aurelian Walls in Rome are the biggest, but most neglected, ruins from Ancient Rome. 

The walls date from the 3rd century. They were 12 miles long and 26 feet high, with 14 gates and 380 watch towers. 

The Aurelian Walls take their name from Emperor Aurelian, a warrior emperor who sought to protect Rome from barbarians when the empire teetered on collapse.

The emperors Arcadius and Honorius made further reinforcements. The two main gates were transformed into self sufficient fortresses. The height of the walls was increased to about 52 feet.

The walls survived the fall of Rome, though parts of the wall were later torn down during the Middle Ages. They continued to serve a defensive function, until they were breached in 1870. This marked the beginning of the unification of Italy.

Here’s my complete guide to the Aurelian Walls .

28. Caligula’s Garden Of Delights

Caligula was the fourth of the Caesarian emperors. He’s mostly known as a combustible lunatic and tyrannical ruler who married often and never forgot a slight.

During the four years he occupied the throne, Caligula had a favorite hideaway. It was an imperial garden called Hour Lamiani on Esquiline Hill.

The garden was essentially a wildlife park, filled with shrines, banqueting halls, orchards, and fountains. Exotic animals completed the tableaux. They were used for private circus games.

Archaeologists discovered the Roman ruins of the lavish garden complex under a 19th century apartment building during excavations in 2006-15.

In April 2021 the Nymphaeum Museum of Piazza Vittorio was opened. You can see highly decorative frescos, mosaics, ceramics, jewelry, pottery, and animal bones.

They paint a vivid picture of wealth and opulence of imperial Rome and the appetite for luxury of Caligula.

29. Pyramid of Cestius

Rome was a little obelisk crazy in its heyday. Egypt was downright fashionable and astonished wealthy and Rome aimed to emulate its example.

In fact, Rome has more obelisks than the country of Egypt. 8 are Roman and 5 are Egyptian. They’re a symbol of what Rome once was — the cultural hub of the known world.

The Roman pyramid was most likely built between 18 and 12 B.C. during the reign of Augustus. The pyramid is 120 feet high and covered in white Carrera marble. 

You can tell it’s not the real deal. The pyramid is too steep and pointy, compared to the real Egyptian pyramids of Giza.

Cestius was built as a tomb for a wealthy Roman under the sway of all things Egyptian. The tomb was long ago ransacked.

The pyramid was excavated and restored in the 16th century. Many of the columns and sculptures that once surrounded it are in the  Capitoline Museums .

You can visit the pyramid on a guided tour . If you want to visit solo, reservations must be made in advance.

30. Ara Pacis

Another Roman ruin to visit in Rome is the Ara Pacis monument. The Roman Senate commissioned this Altar of Peace in 13 BC to honor Emperor Augustus.

It’s a piece of Roman propaganda. Augustus had just defeated the barbarians. His victory marked the beginning of the Pax Romana, a 200 year golden age where arts and architecture flourished.

The altar was once part of a large complex. But the Ara Pacis Museum opened in 2006 and is dedicated to this single monument.

The museum is housed in a modern glass and steel pavilion designed by American architect Richard Meier. It’s light and airy.

The monument is adorned with imagery and wonderful relief carvings depicting the history of Rome and Augustus’ accomplishments. The message was clear. Rome was safe and stable under Augustus.

If you don’t want to pony up the rather outrageous entry fee, you can admire the ornate altar through the windows or take the museum’s virtual tour  here .

But if you do want to go inside, click  here  to book a skip the line ticket for the museum.

31. Largo di Torre Argentina

Largo di Torre Argentina is an archaeological site in the heart of Rome just minutes from Piazza Navona . Excavations have revealed the remains of four Republican-era Roman temples and part of the ancient Theatre of Pompey.

This is ancient stuff, dating from the 3rd century B.C. For history buffs, this is also the place where Julius Caesar was (most likely) assassinated in 44 BC.

Apart from its historical importance, Largo di Torre Argentina is also known for its association with cats. The square has become a sanctuary for stray cats. There is a designated area called the “Roman Cat Sanctuary.”

In the past, visitor could only gaze at the ruins from an observation platform at street level. But the ruins just opened to the public for the first time in June 2023. Now, you can go below and stroll along new walkways.

32. Domus Tiberiana

Another Roman ruin on Palatine Hill is Domus Tiberiana. It was the first official imperial palace in Rome.

The palace was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Tiberius (14-37 AD). Tiberius used as a residence before he became emperor. And it became the designated abode of the designated heir to the empire.

Until recently, it had barely been excavated as it was overlaid by the Farnese Gardens in the 16th century. In September 2023, it will reopen to the public after more than 40 years of restoration.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my guide to the must visit ancient Roman ruins of Rome. You may enjoy these other Rome travel guides:

• 8 ways to spend 1 day in Rome
• 3 day itinerary for Rome
• 5 day itinerary for Rome
• 1 day itinerary for Vatican City
• Hidden gems in Rome
• Best museums in Rome
• Guide to the Borghese Gallery
• Guide to Palatine Hill
• Guide to the Roman Forum
• Guide to the Colosseum
• Walking tour of central Rome

If you’d like to visit must see ruins and historic landmarks in Rome, pin it for later.

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Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Leslie Livingston

16 Ancient Rome Sites & Roman Landmarks to See in Rome, Italy (+Map)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: September 28, 2023

Ancient Rome – the civilization dating from the founding of the city of Rome in 753 BC until the collapse of the Roman Empire in the 5th century AD – has had a big influence on the world. It has inspired and influenced so many generations and continues to do so today…

No matter how many books you read and how many movies you saw, there is no better way to get acquainted with this fascinating culture than by visiting some of the ancient Roman landmarks in Rome, Italy!

In this guide, you can learn about the best Ancient Rome sites that you can still see in Rome today . Some of them – such as the Pantheon or the Colosseum – are world-known and are among the most popular places to see in Rome . Quite a few other remaining Roman landmarks are lesser-known and could be qualified as the hidden gems of Rome , often overlooked by tourists… But they are all worth seeing!

Whether you are fascinated by the Ancient Rome civilization, are interested in antique Roman architecture, or simply want to see some of the most impressive Roman landmarks and learn the stories behind them, this list will give you a good idea of the places that are worth visiting the most.

To help you plan your time, we also created a map indicating the best Ancient Rome landmarks in Rome . You can find this map at the bottom of the article.

Even if you just visit a few of these landmarks, you’ll appreciate so much better how special and unique Rome really is. It’s not for nothing that it’s called the Eternal City.

Good to know: Please note that in this guide we only mention some of the best-preserved and most important Ancient Rome landmarks that are located in or just near the city of Rome.

We also tried to sort this list by age, starting with the oldest Roman landmarks first. However, it’s not always possible to determine the exact dates. Furthermore, some archeological sites contain more than just one building (each dating from different periods), and others were built and rebuilt or their development spanned over several centuries…

So the timeline is only meant to give you an idea of how Ancient Rome developed over the centuries. It should give you a better insight into how old and unique these antique Roman sites really are…

Take a look!

Here are some of the best ancient Roman landmarks you can see in Rome today:

1. Palatine Hill & Roman Forum

The origins date from around the 10th century BC. Some of the oldest Roman temples (7-8th century BC) were located in this area as well.

The Roman Forum (Forum Romanum) and the Palatine Hill (Palatino) are among the oldest places in the city of Rome. It’s in this area that you’ll find most of the ancient Roman landmarks; too many to even try to list them here…

It’s believed that the founders of Rome – Remus and Romulus – were nursed by a she-wolf in a cave – Lupercal – that was located on the slopes of the Palatine. In 2007, this theory was once again confirmed when the archeologists found a vaulted sanctuary deep under the ground that could indeed be the Lupercal.

So if you are looking for the most ancient sites in Rome, this is as good as it gets. The Palatine is literally the birthplace of Rome !

In Ancient Rome, the Palatine was one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city. The rich and the famous built their palaces here and you can still see some very impressive ruins on the Palatine.

Right next to it is the Roman Forum, the bustling heart of ancient Rome. Today, this is a huge archeological site where you can see many of the oldest buildings and monuments of Rome.

How to visit: The Roman Forum and the Palatine are located right next to the Colosseum and an entrance to all these sites is included in the same ticket . You can just walk around on your own, but I highly recommend visiting here with a guided tour . There’s so much to see and it’s a fascinating site, but without knowing what you’re looking at, it’s just a bunch of ruins and stones…

2. Ostia Antica

The origins date from the 7th century BC.

Ostia Antica was an old city, the commercial and military seaport of ancient Rome. The archeological remains found here date to the 3rd- 4th century BC, but some inscriptions are believed to be three centuries older than that.

This is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities and a great place to visit if you want to get a better idea of what life was like for ordinary folks in the old Roman times.

In its glory days (2-3rd century AD), over 100,000 people lived in Ostia. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the city slowly fell into decay. It was completely abandoned in the 9th century.

Big parts of the old city of Ostia are excavated and you can see the remains of old houses, shops, baths, but also docks and warehouses. One of the most impressive sites is the old Roman theater – Teatro di Ostia.

Ostia Antica is often compared to the more famous ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum.

However, these places are located close to Naples, a 2.5-3 hours drive from Rome (they can be visited as a day trip too , but you will need an entire day for that). Whereas Ostia Antica is just 45 minutes drive from the city center. In fact, it’s located very close to Leonardo da Vinci International Airport in Fiumicino.

How to visit: Ostia Antica is the only Roman landmark mentioned in this guide that is located quite a bit further from Rome’s city center. You can get here by taxi or by train, and there are also organized tours. The most popular option is this half-day guided tour by train .

3. Circus Maximus

The origins of Circus Maximus date to Rome’s earliest days. The construction began around the 6th century BC.

Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo) was the largest stadium in Ancient Rome, mainly used for chariot races. It also served as the site of Roman Games, gladiator fights, animal hunts, etc.

Its current distinctive U-shape dates from the times of Julius Caesar who ordered the refurbishing of this arena at around 50 BC. At that time, the stadium could seat about 150,000 spectators.

After the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, Circus Maximus was rebuilt and reached its maximum capacity with place for about 250,000 people.

The last chariot races here were held in the 6th century, after which the ancient arena was pretty much abandoned. The area was cleared and turned into a park in the early 20th century and is nowadays sometimes used for concerts and other big outdoor gatherings. A small part of the ancient site is being excavated, but the majority remains under the ground.

How to visit: Apart from the big open oval space in the middle of the city, there is actually not that much left of the ancient Circus Maximus nowadays. You can see it from an elevated angle from Palatine Hill, and you can also go for a walk here. Some tours also come here. It’s a good way to learn more about the place and the guides usually have pictures showing you what the place looked like, etc.

There may not be much left of it, but as you stand here, it’s easy to imagine a crowd of a quarter of a million people cheering at the chariot races: the noise, the dust, the excitement… It’s well worth seeing Circus Maximus, even if just from a distance. It’s yet another puzzle piece that gives you a better idea of what life was like in Ancient Rome.

TIP: If you are interested in a tour, we recommend this one that visits Circus Maximus and also the Baths of Caracalla (a very interesting ancient Roman site that you can read about further below).

4. Appian Way

Built around 312-264 BC.

Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) is an ancient road that connected the city of Rome to Brindisi in Southern Italy, some 563 km (350 miles) away. Its main purpose was to help the army with the expansion of the Roman Empire.

To me, the Appian way feels the most authentic of all Ancient Rome sites that you can still see today. Built over 2300 years ago, some parts of this road look pretty much as they would have looked back in the old days. There are hardly any signs of modern-day life here, and if you’re lucky to visit on a quiet moment or go just a bit further from the city, you’ll likely be completely alone… It’s magical!

Appian Way is lined with ancient family graves and mausoleums, some of them still standing next to the road today (in the past, it was forbidden to bury people inside the city walls, and it was easy to have a family grave next to a major, easily-accessible way just outside the city).

As you walk or bike on Via Appia, you can easily imagine the Roman military marching here, horses and carriages driving up and down, and families visiting the graves of loved ones… If you’ve seen movies like Spartacus , vivid images of Ancient Rome come to life. It’s a really special place, and if you have a few hours extra, I highly recommend visiting here!

How to visit: The Appian Way is a long road that starts in Rome. The first part closest to the city has changed a lot and looks just pretty much like any other street. And while you don’t have to go very far to find some more authentic parts of this ancient way, it’s not really a place you can easily walk to. It’s best to come here by bus, on a tour, or by bike.

TIP: I highly recommend joining an e-bike tour . Not only is this the best way to get here and explore a bigger section of this unique road, but you’ll also see so much more! It’s also good to visit here with a local guide who knows exactly where to go and will bring you to the most authentic sights.

We visited the Appian Way with this great bike tour that also includes quite a few other ancient Roman landmarks mentioned further in this guide. Highly recommended!

5. Park of the Aqueducts

Most Roman aqueducts date from the period between the 3rd century BC and 1st century AD. The oldest Roman aqueduct – Aqua Appia – was constructed around 312 BC, at around the same time as the Appian Way.

If you want to see more of the most authentic ancient Roman sights and get a bit more off the beaten path in Rome, definitely consider a visit to the Park of the Aqueducts (Parco degli Acquedotti) . This is antique Rome at its best, and without the crowds. In fact, you’ll likely have the park all to yourselves…

Here, you can see several ancient aqueducts dating from the glory days of the Roman Empire. Reliable water supply was of utmost importance for the quickly-growing cities, and a series of aqueducts were built in order to bring drinking water from the mountains into the city of Rome.

Parts of these ancient aqueducts survived to the present day, and you can admire some really fine examples of ancient engineering. Some aqueducts were tens of kilometers in length, and they were built with such a small gradient that was just enough to get the water flowing towards the city at a steady pace. It would be quite an achievement even nowadays…

How to visit: Park of the Aqueducts is located on the outskirts of Rome, about 10 km from the city center. There’s a metro line running just nearby, so you could get here by public transport quite easily. However, it’s a massive park and so if you come on foot, you’ll need at least half a day to explore it. The best way to visit Parco degli Acquedotti is by bike.

We came here on the earlier-mentioned e-bike tour that also took us to Via Appia and ancient catacombs (see further below). It’s really one of the best ways to explore several of the best ancient landmarks in Rome in a short time!

TIP: One of these 2000-year-old aqueducts still supplies water to the famous Trevi Fountain today. If you don’t have the time to visit the Aqueducts Park, you could also opt to visit Vicus Caprarius (aka Trevi Underground) in the city center. Here, you can see one of the ancient aqueducts under the ground.

6. Largo di Torre Argentina

The ancient temples here date from the 2nd – 4th centuries BC.

Largo di Torre Argentina is a town square in the historic center of Rome. Some of the city’s most ancient temples are located here, and this was also the site of Rome’s 1st theater, the Theater of Pompey (55 BC).

The square is best known as the place where Julius Caesar was murdered by the members of the Roman Senate on the Ides of March (15 March) in 44 BC.

Most of the ancient buildings here are just ruins, but some of the remains of the temples can still be distinguished among the rest. The oldest temples are believed to date from the 4-3rd centuries BC, the others are from the 2nd century BC. They all date from pre-Christian times, but one of them was later rebuilt as a church.

How to visit: Largo di Torre Argentina is a public square, just a few minutes walk from the Pantheon and other main sights in the city center. The archeological site has recently been made accessible to the public via a small walkway with several panels where you can learn about the history of this place. It’s free of charge and wheelchair-accessible.

You can also just walk all the way around the archeological site and easily see all the ancient buildings from the street. Some people come here to learn more about the death of Julius Caesar, others – for the ruins, and yet others for the cute cats that inhabit the area.

TIP: This amazing food tour we did in Rome also brings you to Largo di Torre Argentina and the guide gives some explanation about the sites you see.

LEARN MORE: Rome Street Food Tour with a Local Guide

7. Pyramid of Caius Cestius

Built in 18-12 BC .

Looking somewhat out-of-place and totally different from anything else in Rome, the Pyramid of Cestius (Piramide di Caio Cestio) is one of the oldest and best-preserved landmarks in the city .

Just as the famous pyramids in Egypt, this one was also built as a mausoleum. Inside, is the tomb of Gaius Cestius, a wealthy Roman magistrate who died in 12 BC.

The pyramid of Cestius survived for over 20 centuries mainly because it was integrated into the city walls. You can still see one of the old city gates – Porta San Paolo (3rd century) – just next to the pyramid.

How to visit: You can see the pyramid from the outside at any time.

However, it is only open to the public a few days a month and if you want to visit inside, you’ll have to book it in advance. For more information, please consult the official website .

The chances that they are open just when you’re in Rome aren’t very high and it does require quite some planning, so this is one of those landmarks that you can best admire from the outside.

8. Theater of Marcellus

Built around 17-13 BC.

Marcello Theater (Teatro di Marcello) was the largest and most important theater in Ancient Rome, with space for almost 20,000 spectators. Its original construction looks a bit like the famous Colosseum, which was built almost 100 years later.

Built in the 1st century BC, this open-air theater remained in use until the early 4th century. Just like many old buildings in Rome, it was then looted and the stones were used for the construction of other buildings. What remained of it, was later used as a sort of an apartment building, and afterwards as a fortress.

Nowadays, the archeological site is a museum and it’s sometimes used for concerts as well. The upper part of the building still serves as residential apartments. Marcello Theater looks really impressive at night when it’s nicely lit.

In addition to the ancient theater, you can see lots of other ruins here as well that are yet several centuries older. The most notable is Portico of Octavia (2nd century BC) and also the Temples of Apollo Sosiano and Bellona (5th-1st centuries BC), plus Tempio di Giano (3rd century BC).

How to visit: You can see the theater of Marcellus from the street (the best view is from Via del Teatro di Marcello), but the archeological site can also be visited inside. It is normally open from morning to dusk and is free to visit.

There are informational panels and you can just walk through here when visiting the Jewish Ghetto or on your way from/to Circus Maximus or Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth).

TIP: Outside this archeological site, but also just near the theater, you’ll find several other lesser-known ancient Roman landmarks. This is the site of the cattle market Foro Boario (3rd century BC). Here, you can see the remains of two temples – Tempio di Portuno (2-3rd century BC) and Tempio di Ercole Vincitore (2nd century BC). If you’re in the area anyway, it’s worth checking them out as well.

9. Domus Aurea

Built around 65-68 AD.

Domus Aurea , aka the  Golden House of Nero , is another ancient landmark worth seeing in Rome. It’s located just a stone’s throw from the Colosseum that was built just a bit later.

After the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, Emperor Nero seized a huge centrally-located plot of land in order to build a lavish entertainment complex for himself and his guests. This started the rumors that he might have started the fire in the first place…

Domus Aurea was a lavish entertainment site with landscaped gardens, an artificial lake, fountains, pools, etc. The huge villa was richly decorated and had a rotating dining room with a golden dome with an oculus, a masterpiece of ancient engineering. The building materials included marble, gold, and mosaics made of precious stones and ivory, etc.

The Golden House represented the best of the Roman Empire’s art and engineering, but also the worst of its excesses. The project was hugely unpopular and after Nero’s death, a big part of the site was covered by ground. In fact, the Colosseum was built over the site of Nero’s artificial lake. The villa itself was still used by other emperors, but a few decades later it was also covered by ground and new bathhouses were built over it…

Covered by the earth, Domus Aurea remained very well preserved. It was rediscovered in the 15th century and became an inspiration to many Renaissance artists. However, the exposure to the elements has done a lot of damage, and because a large part of the site remains under what’s currently a park, it’s extremely difficult to preserve what’s left of it without causing a complete collapse.

How to visit:   Domus Aurea is located at Colle Oppio Park; the entrance is on Via della Domus Aurea. You can visit a small part of the original site, partially underground.

The Golden Vault Room virtual reality experience gives a good idea of what this place must have looked like in the past. Here you can see the availability and book a guided tour.

TIP: If you have more time, we highly recommend opting for a guided tour that also includes the Virtual Reality experience !

10. Colosseum

Built around 70-80 AD.

The Colosseum (Colosseo) is probably the most iconic and best-known of all Ancient Rome landmarks. Almost 2,000 years after it was built, it remains the symbol of the Roman Empire, but also of Rome as we know it today.

This was the largest and the most impressive ancient amphitheater. Despite being ruined by several earthquakes, plundering, and looting, the Colosseum still stands today. Built as an entertainment arena, it could seat some 50,000 – 80,000 spectators!

The main purpose of the Colosseum was to keep the regular people of Rome content by providing entertainment (remember the old Latin saying “panem et circenses” – bread and circuses). The amphitheater was used for public spectacles including gladiator fights, animal hunts, but also the recreation of sea battles and dramas based on ancient mythology.

A big part of this impressive building is quite well preserved and you can get a pretty good idea of what the original arena would have looked like. It’s really interesting to see all the different layers of the structure. So if you can, take the time to walk around it and explore deeper, – you’ll appreciate it so much more.

In addition to seeing the Colosseum from the outside, you really have to see the inside as well. Part of the arena floor has been restored and you can also take in the views from the upper levels.

It’s now also possible to visit the underground level which gives you a very unique insight into how the arena functioned. You can see where the wild animals were kept, where the gladiators waited for the fights, the mechanisms used to bring them upstairs, etc.

How to visit: You can see the Colosseum from the outside and walk all the way around it. But you’ll need a ticket in order to visit inside. This is one of the most popular Rome attractions in Rome and you really have to  book your tickets  or  a guided tour in advance.

TIP:  If you want to visit all the levels of the Colosseum including the underground, you’ll need to go with a guide. We opted for  this tour  which includes all the levels of the Colosseum, and also the earlier-mentioned Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, and I can highly recommend it.

LEARN MORE: Colosseum Levels & Best Ticket Options

11. Trajan’s Market

Built around 100-110 AD.

Trajan’s Market (Mercati di Traiano) is a 2nd-century Roman market, often described as the oldest shopping mall in the world . It was part of a bigger complex – Trajan’s Forum – that was once the bustling center of the Roman Empire.

This architectural site is not only a fine example of ancient Roman architecture, but it also gives you a unique insight into the everyday life of the Roman people. It’s also a good place to see how the city has changed over the centuries.

The markets were mainly used in the 2-5th centuries. Later, new floor levels were added, a tower was built, and in the 16th century, there was a convent here… At the beginning of the 20th century, some of the recent additions have been demolished again, and an effort was made to restore Trajan’s Market and the surrounding area.

In 2007, the Museum of Imperial Fora  was opened here, and you can now explore this unique site from close by. Walking on the original streets of ancient Rome – Via Biberatica and Via della Torre – is a really special experience. This is one of the places where you can truly feel the antique Rome around you. And despite its very central location, only very few tourists seem to find their way inside…

How to visit: You can see a big part of the Trajan’s Market archeological site from Via dei Fori Imperiali, the main street between Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum. However, if you want to learn more about it, walk on the ancient streets, and explore the most impressive parts, be sure to visit the Museum of the Imperial Fora in the Trajan’s Markets.

It’s open daily except for some public holidays. More info on the official website . The entrance here is included with this and several other city passes .

TIP: If you have more time to explore, get a ticket that includes a multimedia video . This video gives you a unique insight into what Trajan’s Markets looked like during the glory days of Imperial Rome.

In addition, as you walk on Via dei Fori Imperiali towards the Colosseum, you can see the ruins of the Forum of Augustus (2 BC) and too many other ancient ruins to even try to mention.

12. Pantheon

The origins go back to 27 BC, but the Pantheon as we know it today was built around 125-127 AD.

Built almost 2,000 years ago and still standing strong, the Pantheon is the best-preserved of all ancient monuments in Rome. In fact, the Pantheon is  the oldest building in the world that is still in use today .

Dating from before Christianity, the Pantheon was originally built as a temple to all gods. However, it was later converted into a church (7th century). This saved the old temple from looters and plundering and helped preserve this unique monument through so many centuries.

The Pantheon has also served as the burial place for many artists and kings. Inside, you can see the tombs of Raphael, King Victor Emanuele II, King Umberto I, Queen Margherita of Savoy (after whom pizza Margherita was named), and several others.

World-known for its impressive oculus , the Pantheon has inspired many generations of architects and engineers, including Michelangelo who designed the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Michelangelo was so impressed by the unknown ancient architect and its genius dome structure that – out of respect – he made sure that his own construction was slightly smaller.

How to visit: The Pantheon is a working church, but it can only be visited for free during mass (and you won’t be able to walk around).

It’s open daily, and if you want to visit it as a tourist, you need to pay for a ticket. While you can ‘just’ queue at the entrance, we recommend getting a timed entry ticket in advance. The queues can be really long, there are multiple lines for cash and credit card payments, and it’s overall quite chaotic. Even with online reservation, you have to pick up an actual ticket at another location first (hopefully, they’ll change this in the future, but be sure to read the instructions!).

You can book the Pantheon tickets on the official website (which many of our readers find confusing), or on GetYourGuide or on Tiqets . GetYourGuide also offers free cancelation up to 24 hours before the visit. All online tickets include an audio guide.

TIP: If you want to learn more about this unique ancient landmark and visit without stress, you can also opt for a  guided tour .

13. Castel Sant’Angelo

Built around 134-139 AD.

Castel Sant’Angelo (Mausoleum of Hadrian) is another ancient Roman landmark that you really can’t miss in Rome.

Once the tallest building in Rome, it might look a bit like a castle indeed, but it’s actually a tomb. This impressive mausoleum was built in the 2nd century for Emperor Hadrian and his family. The ashes of several other emperors were placed here as well, including Emperor Caracalla at the beginning of the 3rd century.

At the beginning of the 5th century, the mausoleum was looted and turned into a military fortress. In the 14th century, the building was turned into a castle and was subsequently used by various popes. A covered fortified corridor was built in order to connect Castel Sant’Angelo to the old St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.

Nowadays, Castel Sant’Angelo serves as a museum. Inside, you can see some perfectly preserved frescoes from the Renaissance, visit the Chamber of Ashes where the emperors were incarcerated, and see the Papal Residence.

How to visit: You can just see the building from the outside, but you can also visit the inside. It’s located on the main route on your way to the Vatican.

You can get a fast-track ticket and visit on your own or join a guided tour. The entrance to the museum is also included with the Omnia Pass .

TIP: Don’t miss the panoramic views from the rooftop terrace of the museum. It’s one of the best viewpoints in Rome , offering amazing views of the River Tiber, the historic city center, and the Vatican.

14. Catacombs of St. Callixtus

Built between the 2nd and the 5th century AD.

If you are looking for even-more unique sites to see in Rome, consider visiting some of the ancient catacombs (underground burial sites). There are over 60 known catacombs in Rome, with hundreds of kilometers of subterranean tunnels, and hundreds of thousands of graves. Some of these catacombs are open to the public.

Probably the most special and best-known are the Catacombs of St. Callixtus (Catacombe di San Callisto) , located next to the Appian Way mentioned earlier. This ancient site stretches for about 20 km (12 miles), is over 20 meters (65 ft) deep, and contains about half a million graves.

Several Popes were buried at this site and you can visit the  crypt of the Popes . In addition, you can see the crypts of some early Christian martyrs, including the  crypt of St. Cecilia . You can also walk around and explore underground galleries and see hundreds of – now empty – tombs around you.

How to visit: You can only visit the Catacombs of St. Callixtus with an official guide (included in your entrance tickets ).

You have to make your own way to the catacombs (by car, by bike, or by public transport) and it’s essential to book a tour in advance or you risk not being able to visit. It’s a popular site.

TIP: There are also many guided tours from the city center that include a visit here, usually together with some other ancient sites. We visited St. Callixtus Catacombs with this e-bike tour that also took us to Via Appia and the Park of the Aqueducts.

15. Baths of Caracalla

Built around 212-216 AD.

Baths of Caracalla   (Terme di Caracalla or Termae Anthoninianae) is one of my personal favorite ancient sites in Rome. This grand 3rd-century complex with remarkable ruins and some very well restored mosaics is absolutely impressive! You feel so tiny here and it makes you realize how advanced the Romans really were in architecture and engineering.

These public baths were built at the beginning of the 3rd century and were the second-largest bathhouse in Rome. In addition to the luxurious bathing houses, the complex also had several saunas, a sports center, and even an Olympic-size swimming pool. The site was surrounded by beautiful gardens and even had a library.

The baths were heated via a sophisticated underground oven system and you can still see the remains of it today. These Roman baths remained in use for about 300 years. Nowadays, it’s a working archeological site that is open to the public.

Visiting here gives you an amazing insight into yet another aspect of daily life in the glory days of the Roman Empire. And because the Baths of Caracalla are somewhat of a hidden gem and not many tourists come here, this is one of the ancient Roman sites with a more authentic feel.

How to visit: The Baths of Caracalla are located a 10-15 minutes walk from the Circo Massimo metro station or about 20 minutes walk from the Colosseum.

You can see some ruins from the outside, but the best parts and the mosaics can only be admired if you actually visit inside.

Normally, you can just get your tickets on the spot. You can find more info on the official website (in Italian).

TIP: The earlier-mentioned guided tour is a great option if you want to visit the Caracalla Baths and Circus Maximus with a local guide.

16. Baths of Diocletian

Built around 298-306 AD.

Baths of Diocletian (Terme di Diocleziano) were the largest and most impressive public baths in Rome. The site is just as grand as the above-mentioned Baths of Caracalla, and it also contained several hot and cold baths, but also open-air bathing pools, etc. It’s also believed to have housed a library.

Built at the turn of the 3rd – 4th centuries, the baths remained in use until the 6th century. Over the centuries, the site has been used for various purposes, with lots of construction in and around it shaping the new city of Rome. In the 16th century, a basilica was built here, and later a monastery was added as well. At a certain point, parts of the old bathhouse were used to store and sell grain and oil.

In the late 19th century, the monastery was abandoned. The Roma Termini railway station was built nearby, just as several hotels, palazzos, etc. In 1889, the remaining site of Diocletian’s Baths and the monastery was designated as a museum, part of the National Roman Museum .

This means that the site is quite well-preserved, many of the areas are covered with a roof, there are beautiful sculptures, mosaics, and other Ancient Rome artifacts. It has much more of a museum feel than the Baths of Caracalla, but is well worth visiting too!

How to visit: The National Roman Museum – Baths of Diocletian section is quite centrally located, just next to the main train station in Rome.

It’s normally open daily except on Mondays, and you can just get a ticket on the spot. For more practical info, please see here .

TIP: The entrance here is also included with the Omnia Card .

Map of the best ancient landmarks in Rome

To help you get a better idea of where all the sites mentioned in this guide are located, we created a map indicating the best ancient Roman landmarks in Rome.

This should help you plan your visit, and maybe you can include a few of these places in your itinerary when exploring the most popular sights and tourist attractions in Rome .

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

So, this is our guide to some of the most interesting ancient landmarks to see in Rome. I hope that this gives you a better understanding of when some of the oldest buildings were built, the stories behind the ruins you see, and inspires you to visit at least some of them.

There’s so much history and fascinating ancient sites everywhere you go in Rome, and that’s what makes the Eternal City one of a kind!

For more information and tips for your visit, please also see our itineraries and other guides to Rome via the links below.

Rome travel guides:

• Tips for Planning a Trip to Rome
• How to Get to Rome from the Airport
• How to Plan Your First Trip to Europe
• Must-sees: Best Things to Do in Rome
• Where to stay: Best Area to Stay in Rome
• Where to eat: How to find the best food in Rome
• Hidden Gems of Rome
• Best Views & Viewpoints in Rome
• Rome Underground Sites
• 1 Day in Rome  (all the best places)
• 2 Days in Rome  (the musts + a few hidden gems)
• 4 Days in Rome  (top sights, hidden gems, a few more ancient landmarks)

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

More travel inspiration and tips for Italy:

• What to see:  Best Places to Visit in Italy & Most Beautiful Cathedrals in Italy
• Cities:  Most Beautiful Cities in Italy
• Itinerary: How to See the Best of Italy in 2 Weeks
• Florence: Best Things to Do in Florence & One Day in Florence
• Milan: Best Things to Do in Milan &  One Day in Milan
• Venice:  Best Things to Do in Venice  &  One Day in Venice  &  Doge’s Palace  (must-see!)
• Naples: Best Things to Do in Naples & One Day in Naples & Where to Stay in Naples & Best Day Trips from Naples
• Cinque Terre:  One Day in Cinque Terre & Where to Stay in Cinque Terre & Info + Tips for Visiting Cinque Terre
• Tuscany:  Most Beautiful Towns in Tuscany  &  Tuscany Itinerary & Montepulciano
• Siena: Best Things to Do in Siena & Siena Cathedral
• Amalfi Coast:   Amalfi Coast Itinerary & Capri & Amalfi Coast Travel Tips
• Emilia Romagna:  Emilia Romagna Itinerary & Best Things to Do in Bologna & Best Things to Do in Rimini
• San Marino:  Complete Guide to Visiting San Marino
• Italian Lakes:  Lake Garda  & Lake Como &  Bellagio &  Best Lakes in the Dolomites
• Italian Mountains:  Hiking in the Dolomites  &  Best Places in the Dolomites  &  Best Lakes in the Dolomites & Dolomites Accommodation Guide
• Food:  Italian Food by Region
• … for many more guides and destinations, please see our Italy travel guide .

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Friday 28th of April 2023

Thanks for this great guide, Jurga. It's so interesting to also see the timeline of the oldest places in Rome. I always thought that colosseum is the oldest building in Rome and had no idea about so many other places. I will try to visit Ostia Antica too and already booked the Appian Way bike tour that you recommended.

Thanks for the feedback, Evy, and have a great time in Rome!

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

10 Key Historic Sites to See in Rome

Explore the centre of the ancient world with our guide to the 10 key historic sites in rome, featuring the colosseum to the musei capitolini and beyond..

Peta Stamper

06 mar 2024.

From wonders such as the immense Colosseum to the legendary Palatine Hill, the impressive Pyramid of Cestius and the long history of San Clemente, Rome is brimming with amazing historic places. Other top archaeological sites to see tend to include the famous Ostia Antica and the beating heart of the city: the Roman Forum.

With a legacy that spans over 2,000 years of history, the eternal city has scintillating archaeological attractions around every corner. Whether you’re on a whistle-stop tour of the city or just don’t want to miss the essentials, we’ve put together a guide to the 10 Key Historical Sites in Rome.

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What historical sites should i visit in rome the top 10.

1. The Colosseum

The Colosseum is a site like no other. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, nothing represents the sheer power and magnificence of the Roman Empire like this stunning piece of ancient architecture.

The Colosseum, or ‘Colosseo’ in Italian, was once the largest amphitheatre in the Roman Empire. It was built in the 1st century AD by the Emperor Vespasian as a place for the people of Rome to enjoy. Originally named the Flavian Amphitheatre after Vespasian’s family name, the man who brought the Roman Empire back from the brink would not live to see its completion.

The Colosseum remained the amphitheatre of Rome until the end of the Roman Empire. This was the place where gladiators, lions and those accused of crimes were put to the test, often fighting to the death.

2. Temples of the Forum Boarium

The Temples of the Forum Boarium are two of the best preserved Roman temples to have survived from the Republican era, and together marked an important commercial and religious spot nestled by the Capitoline, Palatine and River Tiber. Comprised of two temples, the Temple of Hercules Victor and the Temple of Portunus, the Temples of the Forum Boarium date back to approximately the 2nd century BC.

Beginning in the late 1990s, the site saw new landscaping and conservation efforts towards both temples, resulting in the site we see today. Backed by tall trees and endless Roman blue skies, the temples are in fantastic condition, providing visitors with a sense of the bustling ancient cattle market dominated by these structures.

3. Pyramid of Cestius

The Pyramid of Cestius is the tomb of affluent magistrate Caius Cestius which was built in the 1st century BC in Rome, Italy. Constructed of white marble and brick, this ostentatious 35-metre high tomb was built in this style due to the popularity of all things Egyptian which swept through Rome after Egypt was incorporated into the Empire.

For those embarking on the Grand Tour during the 18th and 19th centuries, the Pyramid of Cestius was a must-see. Percy Shelley described it as “one keen pyramid with wedge sublime” in a 1821 elegy for the poet John Keats.

Ring-fenced by a guard railing, the Pyramid of Cestius continues to provide a dramatic, awe-inspiring feature to the ancient Roman landscape – a true feat when you consider the monuments it shares the city with.

4. Palatine Hill

The Palatine Hill or Palatino is considered as the birthplace of Rome. One of Rome’s 7 hills, the Palatine Hill is closely linked with the city’s history and today houses some of its most ancient and important sites.

Legend has it that the twins Romulus and Remus were taken to Palatine Hill by the she-wolf who raised them , and here they founded a village which would become Rome .

In a dispute over who was the rightful leader of the new settlement, Romulus eventually killed his brother at the Palatine Hill, thus becoming the namesake of Rome. Indeed, the Palatine Hill is where the earliest huts of Rome were found, supposedly built under the remit of Romulus himself.

5. Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica is an extraordinary Roman site just outside the city centre that contains the ruins of the ancient port town that once served as the gateway to Rome. Tracing its roots back to at least the 4th century BC, Ostia Antica served as Rome’s principle port for hundreds of years: a witness and monument to the rise of the ancient superpower, its dominance and eventual decline.

Today, visitors can view a great many ruins from the ancient town including a well preserved Roman theatre, the Baths of Neptune, remains of the military camp, temples to ancient deities, the forum and even Ostia Synagogue, which is the oldest known synagogue site in Europe.

Yet Ostia Antica is so much more than these notable elements: it contains a huge range of well-preserved typical Roman dwellings, shops, flats and warehouses – even a Roman public toilet. These remains combine to provide visitors with a vivid picture of an ancient Roman town and allows you to get a real feel for day-to-day life in ancient Rome.

6. Roman Forum

The Roman Forum, or Forum Romanum, was the very centre of ancient Rome. Throughout the lifespan of Roman civilisation the Forum served as the focus of political, civic, and religious life.

For over a millennia the Forum’s changing nature reflected the constant shifting in the fortunes of the religious, military, and political natures of the Roman world . The Roman Forum witnessed elections , public speeches, criminal trials, social gatherings, and religious ceremonies among many others.

Today, though much of the grandeur of the Roman Forum has been lost to the ages, it is still a spectacular display of ancient Roman life.

7. Capitoline Museums

Musei Capitolini – the Capitoline Museums – stand on the ancient Capitoline Hill in the centre of ancient and modern Rome , and host a huge wealth of artefacts from the ancient, medieval and renaissance periods.

Comprised of 3 main buildings, namely Palazzo Nuovo , Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Senatorio, the Musei Capitolini are located near the Roman Forum and a short walk from the Colosseum.

Current exhibitions include ‘The legacy of Caesar and the conquest of time’, exploring the marble timekeeping and history of Rome from its origins to the imperial age, and ‘The Torlonia Marbles’ which displays the world’s most prestigious private collection of ancient sculptures.

8. Baths of Diocletian

Once the largest ancient baths complex in the world, the Baths of Diocletian – or Terme di Diocleziano – was built between 298 AD and 306 AD in honour of the Roman Emperor Diocletian. Today, they are open to the public as part of the National Roman Museum in Rome, Italy.

One of the key tourist attractions for those wishing to view the baths is the Museo Nazionale Romano – Terme di Diocleziano – which is part of the Rome National Museum (shown on map, above). The museum, which opened in 1889, was built within the Baths of Diocletian and contains several collections from the ancient world. Although the museum contains many interesting exhibits, it gives little insight into the original baths themselves.

9. The Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is an iconic 18th century monument in Rome . A stunning depiction of ancient deities and resplendent with frescos of legends and myths, the Trevi Fountain attracts floods of tourists keen to throw their coins into its waters to assure their return to Rome – or so goes the myth.

Located in Rome’s Trevi district abutting the palazzo Poli, the Trevi Fountain was built on the site of an earlier fountain that was demolished in the 17th century. The Trevi Fountain marks the intersection of three major Roman roads – from which it gains the name ‘Trivium’ – and was the terminus of the Acqua Vergine. Revived from the Aqua Virgo of ancient Rome, this ancient aqueduct once served the Baths of Agrippa.

Any trip to Rome is not complete without visiting the 85 foot tall Trevi Fountain to throw a euro over your left shoulder into the fountain’s clear pool.

10. Curia Julia

The Curia Julia in the Roman Forum was the senate house in Ancient Rome, built under Julius Caesar and later restored by Diocletian after being damaged by fire. The Curia stood at the very heart of the ancient city, both physically and politically, and would have borne witness to some of Rome’s most famous events and figures.

Curia Julia is one of many curia – which roughly translates to ‘meeting house’ – which existed during the course of the Ancient Roman civilisation and was the administrative centre of the empire.

Unusually for an Ancient Roman building, the Curia Julia stands intact due to its conversion into the church of Saint Adriano in 623 AD by Pope Honorius I.

Essential Ancient Sites to Visit in Rome

The glories of ancient Rome are easily accessible to the visitor. Some sites can be visited for free while others are part of Rome Passes and Cards . Most ancient sites are in Rome's historic center so you can visit several places in one day. Even if you don't have time to take an in-depth look, just walking by some of these places is incredible and gives you an overview of ancient Rome's history.

The Colosseum of Rome

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Ancient Rome's huge amphitheater, holding up to 55,000 people, was built by Emperor Vespasian in 80 A.D. and was the scene of many deadly gladiatorial and wild animal fights. Today you may see men dressed in gladiatorial costume as you walk between the Colosseum and the nearby Arch of Constantine, built in 315 A.D. On Sundays, the Via dei Fori Imperiali leading to the Colosseum is closed to traffic so it's a great place for a stroll (if you don't mind the souvenir vendors).

Ticket lines can be long but there are several ways to buy Colosseum tickets faster including buying a Colosseum and Roman Forum pass online from Select Italy or booking a tour .

The Pantheon

TripSavvy / Stella Levantesi 

Rome's Pantheon, the temple of all the gods, was built between 118-125 A.D. by Emperor Hadrian. In the 7th century it was made into a church by early Christians and now is lined with tombs. Go inside to see the spectacular dome. Admission is free. The Pantheon is the best-preserved building of ancient Rome and today is surrounded by a pleasant and lively piazza, a nice place to sit in the evening and enjoy a drink. A good nearby restaurant is Armando's, on a street coming off the piazza.

Roman Forum

The ancient Roman Forum is a huge complex of ruined temples, basilicas, and arches. It was the ceremonial, legal, social, and business center of ancient Rome (The food stalls and brothels were removed in the second century B.C.). To get a good view, walk up the Capitoline Hill behind the museums. Give yourself at least 1-2 hours to wander around, then continue up to the Palatine Hill, also included in the ticket.

The Palatine Hill

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

The emperors and aristocrats of ancient Rome lived on the Palatine Hill starting in the first century B.C. The Domus Flavia and Domus Augustana, built in the first century A.D., where the official residence of the emperors for over 300 years. Admission also includes the Palatine Museum, the Roman Forum, and Colosseum.

The Capitoline Hill Museums

Above the Roman Forum, the Capitoline Hill was Rome's symbolic center and held the Temple of Jupiter. Today there are two museums, the oldest public museums in the world, the Palazzo Nuovo, with Greek and Roman sculptures, and the Palazzo dei Conservatori, with art galleries, sculptures, and frescoes. One ticket gives you admission to both. Just like in ancient Rome, the hill still has the best view of Rome's center.

Piazza Navona

Originally built as a stadium in the first century for athletic contests and chariot races, Piazza Navona is now lined with luxurious cafes and is the home to three lavish Baroque fountains. The much-touted ice-cream dessert, tartufo , is said to have originated here and you can still try it in the cafes as a splurge.

Baths of Diocletian

The Baths of Diocletian, once covering 32 acres, were the largest public baths or thermae in ancient Rome. Although much of the original structure has been destroyed, remains of the baths are now part of the National Roman Museum. Several painted tombs have been moved and reconstructed inside the baths. They can be seen when you visit the baths, open every day except Monday. The baths can be visited with the Four museums ticket and Rome archeology card.

Baths of Caracalla

At the foot of the Aventine hill are the monumental ruins of the Baths of Caracalla, used from the 2nd to 6th century A.D. Taking a bath was a social event for the people of ancient Rome and the huge complex could hold up to 1600 bathers! Besides baths, they held an array of facilities such as a gym, art galleries, gardens, and shops selling food and drinks.

Trajan's Market

Thought to be the world's oldest shopping mall, the arcades in Trajan's Market are now believed by many to be administrative offices for Emperor Trajan. The shops and apartments were built in a multi-level structure and you can visit several of the levels. Highlights include delicate marble floors and the remains of a library. The Museum of the Imperial Forums houses a wealth of artifacts from all of ancient Rome's forums.

Roman Houses Under Saints John and Paul Church

Under the Church of Saints John and Paul are excavations of Roman buildings, including what's believed to be the house of the two saints and an early Christian worship site. The Roman buildings were discovered during excavations to find the tombs of John and Paul and are now open to the public along with a small museum.

Via Appia Antica and Catacombs

The Via Appia was once the major road to ancient Rome with construction starting in 312 B.C. The Appian Way is now a 10-mile long archaeological park, lined with ruins of tombs and monuments. A good way to visit is by bike, although you may also enjoy walking it. Some of the catacombs, burial places of the early Christians, are open for public tours - check for the time of the English tour when you arrive.

The Roman Guy offers a good guided Appian Way Catacomb tour that includes a tour under San Clemente Church and transportation.

Ostia Antica

Although not actually in Rome, the ruins of the ancient Roman port of Ostia Antica, easily accessible from Rome on public transportation, are well worth a visit. It's a huge complex and you can easily spend several hours wandering around the old streets, shops, and houses. You should plan at least a half day for this trip.

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25 Top Tourist Attractions in Rome

Ah, Rome. The city where hope springs eternal. It is a city that is proud of its ancient glorious heritage, a city that once expanded its empire throughout Europe, Africa and Asia. Rome is a city drenched in history and Christianity. First-time visitors may be easily overwhelmed by all this magnificent city has to offer. After all, one can find history and art on almost every street corner. That’s why visitors may want to do their homework to narrow down what they want to see and do before they get on a plane or train bound for the Italian capital.

Rome is divided into several districts with its center, the Colosseo district, containing the most ancient attractions like the Colosseum, Capitoline Hill and the Roman Forum. On the outskirts of the center is Old Rome, featuring the Pantheon, stunning cathedrals, plazas and Renaissance architecture.

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to see all the top tourist attractions in Rome in a few days or even a few months. Wise travelers won’t even attempt to see everything in one trip. To ensure they’ll return to Rome, they’ll toss a coin into the Fountain of Trevi. Legend has it that those who do will return to Rome again.

Map of Rome

25. Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla, the second largest public baths in Rome, were built by Emperor Caracalla in the third century for political propaganda purposes: The emperor simply wanted people to like him.

The baths were functional for over three hundred years. Negligence, looting and an earthquake turned the complex into ruins but their sheer size and ingenuity continues to impress visitors.

24. Villa Farnesina

Visitors who want a peek at how the wealthy lived during the Renaissance may want to visit Villa Farnesina , a villa located in the Trastevere district. The Villa Farnesina is well known for the frescoes depicting the myths of Cupid and Psyche that were painted by Raphael.

Works by various other artists were commissioned by a banker who was also a papal treasurer, and who had the villa built in 1506.

23. Appian Way

The Appian Way is the most famous ancient road in Rome, connecting the city with Brindisi in southeastern Italy. Named after Appius Claudius Caecus, a Roman censor, it was originally a military road.

Many historical monuments can be found along the first 8 km (5 miles) of the 560 km (350-mile) stone road today. This old highway has heavy vehicle traffic at the beginning, but is safe for pedestrians after a couple of miles.

22. National Roman Museum

If you want to soak in as much of Rome’s history, heritage and culture as possible, then don’t miss the National Roman Museum, or the Museo Nazionale Romano .

This Roman museum does not house its entire collection in one spot. Instead, exhibits are located in multiple destinations throughout the city. Find amber, Roman artifacts and jewelry within the incredible Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, admire breathtaking use of marble and stunning sculptures within the Palazzo Altemps and get an up-close look at Roman baths at the restored historic site of the Baths of Diocletian.

21. Victor Emmanuel II Monument

Built in honour of Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy, this bombastic monument may appear to be solid white marble but actually contains many rooms inside. It was designed by Giuseppe Sacconi in 1885 and completed in 1925.

There are two permanent museums, one on Italian Reunification and one on emigration from Italy, as well as other spaces that host rotating exhibitions. The Victor Emmanuel Monument is not exactly known as one of Rome’s most beautiful structures but it is nevertheless well worth the visit, even if only for the great views from the top.

20. Piazza del Popolo

The Piazza del Popolo is a large oval square in northern Rome that has been around since the days of the Roman Empire. At one time, it was the start of the most important road north.

Three churches border the square but the eye-catcher is an obelisk from ancient Egypt. On the north side the square is dominated by the Porta del Popolo, which leads to the Via Flaminia, a road connecting Rome with the Adriatic coast.

19. Santa Maria in Trastevere

Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, with most historians believing it was first built in the 4th century. The church has impressive mosaics from the 12th and 13th centuries; it has been enlarged and restored over the years.

Located in the popular Trastevere neighborhood, its atmospheric piazza is enhanced by the mosaics on the façade, especially at night when the church and its tower are illuminated.

18. Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica is an important archeological site that once was the seaport for Rome. It is located less than 20 miles from Rome at the mouth of the River Tiber. The site has well-preserved ancient buildings, some of which date back to the fourth century BC.

Ostia Antica is known for the outstanding frescoes and mosaics on these old buildings, as well as ancient public toilets that turned bathrooms into a social setting.

17. Basilica of San Clemente

Located just a few blocks from the Coliseum, the 12th century Basilica of San Clemente is built on top of a 4th century Church and older Roman temple. The present church is noted for its fabulous frescoes and mosaics.

For an admission fee, it is possible to explore the excavations of the lower two levels, which is a fascinating journey into the history of Rome.

16. Capitoline Museums

It may have taken the Romans 400 years to build the Capitoline Museums , after they were designed in 1536 by Michelangelo, but the wait was worth it. This outstanding collection of art and archeological museums, which started with a papal donation in the 15th century, can be found at Piazza del Campidoglio atop Capitoline Hill. The collections include medieval and Renaissance art, old Roman statues and jewels.

15. Palatine Hill

Palatine Hill, one of the Seven Hills of Rome, has links to Roman mythology, as it was here a wolf allegedly found the twin boys Romulus and Remus, and cared for them until a shepherd rescued them.

Even if this legend is not true, Palatine Hill is still the place where Rome was founded. Today only ruins remain but during the Imperial era, the hill was completely built up with large palaces.

14. San Giovanni in Laterano

San Giovanni in Laterano (St. John Lateran) is one of four major basilicas in Rome. Dedicated to John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, it is the home cathedral for both the archbishop of Rome and the pope.

It is believed to be the first Catholic church built in Rome. Its exterior doesn’t seem as ornate as other churches, but inside it’s beautiful decorated, with wall ornaments, columns, mosaics and paintings.

13. Galleria Borghese

The Galleria Borghese is an art gallery that was built as a party house by Cardinal Sciopione Borghese in the 17th century. A nephew of Pope Paul V, the cardinal also was a patron of the arts.

The galleria today houses many pieces of paintings, sculptures and other antiquities from his collection. Paintings by Titian, sculptures by Bernini, and the National Museum of Musical Instruments can be seen here.

12. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

Founded in the 4th century, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore (St. Mary Major) is considered one of the most important Catholic churches in Rome. Its 18th-century exterior conceals one of the best-preserved Byzantine interiors in the city.

Travelers who are in Rome on August 5 may want to attend the Miracle of the Snows celebration when thousands of white petals are dropped from the ceiling.

11. Saint Peter’s Square

Located in Vatican City, St. Peter’s Square is the most famous square in Rome. Hundreds of thousands of people gather here to hear messages from the pope. Created in the 17th century by Bernini, the square has an elliptic shape, surrounded on two sides by colonnades before St. Peter’s Basilica.

Statues sit atop the colonnades. At the center of the ellipse stands an Egyptian obelisk that was transported from Egypt to Rome during the reign of Emperor Augustus.

10. Campo de’ Fiori

Campo de’ Fiori is a rectangular square south of Piazza Navona used as a marketplace during the day, and party central for college students and tourists at night. The name means “field of flowers” and was first given during the Middle Ages when the area was actually a meadow.

Today the market is a lively place, especially when the daily vegetable market is held here (every morning except Sundays). Visitors can buy fresh produce at the market, as well as fish, meat, flowers and spices. The square is surrounded by cafes and restaurants, making it a good place to eat after shopping or just wile away the afternoon.

9. Piazza Navona

One of the most famous of Rome’s many squares, Piazza Navona was established towards the end of the 15th century, and preserves the shape of the Stadium of Domitian that once stood here.

Built by Emperor Domitian in 86 AD, the stadium, which had a larger arena than the Colosseum was mainly used for festivals and sporting events. The buildings surrounding the square stand where the spectators once sat.

Today, the square features no less than three magnificent fountains and is an immensely popular place to sip a cappuccino, shop, and watch street performers.

8. Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo was built to be a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian and his family. Built in 123 BC, it later was turned into a fortress and castle by the popes. It was once Rome’s tallest building.

The ashes of other emperors were buried there, but scattered when the Visigoths invaded in 410. It also served as a prison, but today the castel is a museum. Among the most well known sights in Rome, film buffs will recognize it as a setting from “Angels and Demons”.

7. Roman Forum

Located in the small valley between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, The Roman Forum (or Forum Romanum in Latin) was for centuries the teeming heart of ancient Rome: the site of triumphal processions and elections, venue for public speeches, and nucleus of commercial affairs.

The Forum today is a sprawling ruin of architectural fragments and includes the Arches of Septimius Severus and Titus, the Temple of Antoninus Pius and Faustina and the Temple of Saturn.

6. Spanish Steps

A truly monumental stairway of 135 steps, the Spanish Steps were built with French funds between 1721‑1725 in order to link the Bourbon Spanish embassy to the Holy See with the French church, Trinità dei Monti.

The steps are usually very crowded attracting tourists as well as locals who use it as a gathering place. Each year in May the steps are decorated with pink azaleas. At the foot of the Spanish Steps is the Piazza di Spagna (Spanish square) and the Fontana della Barcaccia, a sober fountain designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

5. Trevi Fountain

Completed in 1762 to a design by Nicola Salvi, this world famous Baroque fountain features a mythological sculptural composition of Neptune, god of the sea, flanked by two Tritons.

The location of the Trevi fountain marks the terminus of the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct and is so named on account of its position at the junction of three roads (tre vie).

The fountain was the setting for an iconic scene in Fellini’s film Dolce Vita starring Anita Ekberg and Marcello Mastroianni. Since than, it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome. The legend says that one who throws a coin in the fountain shall one day return to Rome.

4. Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums began in the 16th century with a collection of sculptures by Pope Julius II. Today, they encompass several museums inside the Vatican City and include some of the world’s most important relics. Attractions of the museums include the spiral staircase, the Raphael Rooms and the exquisitely decorated Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo painted the chapel ceiling between 1508 and 1512.

Today the ceiling, and especially The Last Judgment, are widely believed to be Michelangelo’s crowning achievements in painting. To keep the massive crowds under control, the museums have 4 itineraries that range from one and a half hours to more than 5 hours. All itineraries end in the Sistine Chapel.

3. Pantheon

One of the best preserved Roman buildings, The Pantheon was built in 126 AD as a temple for all the Roman gods. The temple has served as a Roman Catholic Church since the 7th century. Eight graceful granite Corinthian columns extend across the front of this circular building, with lesser columns in back.

Though it is 2,000 years old, the Pantheon’s famous dome remains the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. It is believed Marcus Agrippa built the Pantheon to be his private temple. The current building was reconstructed by Emperor Hadrian in the second century.

2. St. Peter’s Basilica

The center of the Catholic world and a major tourist attraction, the Basilica of St. Peter is a huge church: with an interior height of 120 meter (400 feet), the space shuttle, together with its booster rockets, could fit inside, as could the Statue of Liberty.

The basilica stands on the traditional site where Peter, the apostle who is considered the first pope, was crucified and buried. Construction on the current building began in 1506 and was completed in 1615. Many famous artists worked on the complex and its surroundings: Michelangelo designed the dome while Bernini designed the great St. Peter’s Square.

1. Colosseum

The Colosseum is another of Rome’s major tourist attractions. Its construction was started by emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty in 72 AD and was finished by his son Titus in 80 AD.

The elliptical amphitheater could hold up to 50,000 people who turned out to watch gladiators do battle, people be publicly executed and enjoy other forms of entertainment. This stone and concrete structure, built in the first century, was the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire. It is considered one of the Romans’ greatest architectural and engineering feats.

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Reader interactions.

October 1, 2017 at 5:15 am

Rome is really majestic! I would love to see these beautiful architectures soon.

May 22, 2014 at 10:50 am

this is so nice

February 1, 2014 at 2:29 am

it is very nice to see Italy, the famous pantheon, koloseum and a lot of other places to see. When i visit it i saw a lot. Bravoo Italy, the most beautiful place in the world.

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Top Attractions

Top 10 sights in rome.

The Colosseum, Fontana di Trevi, Sistine Chapel, Catacombs…Enjoy an unforgettable trip to Rome by visiting these 10 essential visits.

Top 10 sights in Rome

Roman forum, piazza navona, trevi fountain, st. peter's square, st. peter's basilica, sistine chapel, piazza di spagna & the spanish steps, you may also be interested in.

Explore Rome's most impressive squares, fountains, monuments and attractions. Rome is a breath-taking open-air museum and these are its top sights. 

Known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Roman Colosseum is one of the capital's most remarkable monuments. Every year over 6 million people visit it. 

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11 Roman ruins worth travelling to see

Roxanne de Bruyn

• 11 Roman ruins worth the trip

The Roman Empire stretched far and wide at its height and, as a result, impressive Roman ruins are littered across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. These range from sprawling Roman cities, Roman additions to ancient Greek cities and small outposts and temples.

While you can see remnants of ancient Rome in many places – and a number of these are UNESCO world heritage sites – the list below includes some of the most remarkable Roman ruins in the world today. These are either particularly well preserved, notable for their size or detail, or significant for another reason.

The below sites are also limited to those which are actually the ancient ruins – places which were destroyed and then completely rebuilt (e.g. Bath in the UK) are not included in this article, although those which have been restored are. So, without further justification, here are some of the best Roman ruins, all which are definitely worth travelling for.

1. The Colosseum in Rome, Italy

A major feature of Rome's skyline, the Colosseum was built over 2,000 years ago as a gift to the Roman people. Primarily a venue for the infamous Roman games, which included animal hunts and gladiatorial battles, the Colosseum was also used for performances and public entertainment. With a capacity of up to 80,000 people, the Colosseum is an architectural marvel and is the largest amphitheatre ever built.

As impressive as the Colosseum is from the outside, exploring the inside gives you a wonderful perspective of the scale of the stadium and an idea of how the Games would have been run. For access to the underground and upper levels, you’ll need to book the full experience tour , which I highly recommend. This includes going into the bowels of the building and see the route gladiators would have taken to the stage. You can also go up to the third tier of seating and have magnificent views of the Colosseum and central Rome.

Visiting the Colosseum is a must if you are staying in Rome . The ticket includes entry to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, both which are well worth a visit. For an additional two euro, you can book a time slot online (compulsory during Covid-19) and avoid waiting in queues for entry.

Book in advance and skip the queue with a priority ticket to the Colosseum (also includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill).

2. The Pantheon in Rome, Italy

Originally the temple to the Roman pantheon of gods, the Pantheon is one of the best-known landmarks in Rome . The Pantheon was made into a church in the 7th Century CE with the Roman deities in the alcoves in the building replaced with saints and other biblical figures. As a result, the Pantheon is one of the best-preserved buildings from ancient Rome. The building is built from a material that seems similar to modern-day concrete which has lasted incredibly well. The floors are still original, and while the doors aren’t original, they are also from ancient times.

The Pantheon is also remarkable for its dome and well worth adding to your Rome itinerary – staring up at the dome from inside is a riveting experience. It was the largest dome in the world for over a thousand years, until Brunelleschi built the dome of the Duomo in Florence, after carefully studying the Pantheon.

On the Spring Equinox light streams through the hole at the top of Pantheon in a way which aligns perfectly with the doorway. The was to mark the date of the legendary founding of Rome by Romulus and Remus. Entry to the Pantheon is free and the scale of the building is truly wonderous, even if it is a bit heart-breaking to see the ancient gods replaced with Christian figures.

Book a guided tour of the Pantheon to learn more about its history and architecture

3. Baalbek, Lebanon

The ruins of Baalbek (called Heliopolis by the Romans) are extraordinary and predate the Roman Empire by thousands of years. According to ancient legends, Baalbek was the birthplace of Baal, the Canaanite god of the sun. Long before the Romans conquered the site in 47 BCE, the largest stone block construction found in the world stood at Baalbek.

Saying that, there are two particularly important Roman temples at Baalbek. The Temple of Jupiter, which was built on the base mentioned above, was huge, and probably built over the remains of a Phoenician temple to Baal. The temple served as an oracle and was dedicated to Jupiter Heliopolitanus. Unfortunately, now only a few columns remain of what was once the largest temple of the Roman world.

The Temple of Bacchus, while sometimes called "the small temple", is in fact larger (and better preserved) than the Parthenon in Athens. Spanning eight columns wide and fifteen columns deep, the Temple of Bacchus temple is still one of the largest of Antiquity, although it would have appeared small next to the Temple of Jupiter next to it.

The décor of the Temple of Bacchus is particularly impressive. The main entrance rises 11 metres high and is decorated with grapes and vines. The artwork and decorations have led to assumption that the temple was dedicated to Bacchus, the god of wine.

You can either visit Baalbek on a tour from Beirut (they often include a couple of other ancient sites) or visit independently. The site is also quiet, with relatively few visitors, so you can take the time to explore the temple (and city) at your leisure.

Staying in Beirut? Book a day tour to Baalbek

4. Maison Carrée in Nimes, France

The Maison Carrée in southern France , is in such good condition that it technically doesn't qualify as a Roman ruin. With a beautifully preserved exterior, the Maison Carrée (square house) has most of its original ornament and decoration, giving visitors a good idea of what the temple must have looked like in ancient times.

The temple was built in the early 1st Century CE, commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus. The temple was dedicated to Agrippa's two sons, Lucius and Gaius Caesar, who were heirs to the Imperial Throne before both unexpectedly dying at young ages. The Maison Carrée has a near perfect façade and is a beautiful example of Vitruvian architecture as it confirms to Vitruvius' principles of architecture.

Now a museum, the temple has been in constant use since the 11th Century, performing various functions including a church, private house and stables. The inside of the temple is accessible to the public but is surprisingly small and dark. Visitors can watch a film about the Roman history of the city.

5. The Villa of the Mysteries in Pompeii, Italy

Preserved after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, the Villa of the Mysteries is a relatively large house in Pompeii, Italy. Built around a central courtyard, the villa is famous for the colourful frescoes decorating the walls of one of its guest halls.

The Dionysiac frieze is a long fresco, which spreads across three walls and is one of the best preserved ancient paintings. It shows a mysterious rite, with Dionysus and his wife, Ariadne, appearing in the central panel. The walls may depict an initiation into the the Dionysian mysteries or, as many modern historians believe, the rituals and traditions before the wedding of a young woman. The paintings date back to the 1st Century BCE, so were already reasonably old when the city was destroyed.

The villa itself was originally built in the 2nd Century BCE but seems to have been renovated around 80-70 BC, which is the same period as the famous frieze. Grapes and olives were grown in the fields and a few presses were found on the site. Archaeologists have also found small rooms used by the slaves and workers who worked for the owners of the villa.

Entry to the Villa of the Mysteries is including in the entrance ticket to Pompeii . Many travellers recommend doing a guided tour of Pompeii , if you aren't very familiar with the site.

Skip the crowds and book an entrance ticket to Pompeii to see the Villa of the Mysteries for yourself

6. Zeugma mosaics in Gaziantep, Turkey

Zeugma was a 1st Century Roman city in southern Turkey, which has been relatively recently uncovered. Zeugma is situated about 10km out of Gaziantep, on the banks of the Euphrates River, and is said to have been founded by Seleucus I Nicator, a general in Alexander the Great’s army.

The most remarkable thing about this site, are the sheer number of mosaics found on the floors of villas, many incredibly well preserved. The mosaics are on display at the Zeugma Mosaic Museum in Gazientep, Turkey, which is the largest mosaic museum in the world. First opened in 2011 to display these mosaics, The Zeugma Mosaic Museum now has over 3000 square metres of mosaics on display from the Roman and Eastern Roman periods.

Subjects displayed include pastoral scenes, patterns and figures from Greek and Roman mythology, including the famous Gypsy Girl and Dionysus mosaics. There are also several floor mosaics from the Eastern Roman period on display. These are from churches which have been excavated in Gaziantep and the surroundings areas.

The Zeugma Mosaic Museum is usually open from 9am – 7pm during the summer and 10am – 5pm in the winter.

7. The Library of Celsus in Ephesus, Turkey

While the city of Ephesus (now located in western Turkey ) was originally Greek, the majority of ancient ruins on the site were built during the city's Roman period. The most impressive of these buildings is the Library of Celsus, which towers over the ancient city.

Built in the 2nd century CE, the library was named after the city's former Roman governor, Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, and also served as a monumental tomb for him. While the library is ruins, the wonderful two-storey façade remains today, distinctive with its Corinthian style columns on the ground floor and window openings in the upper story. The statues in the niches of the columns today are the copies of the originals, which are displayed at the Ephesus Museum in Vienna.

The Library of Celsus housed over 12,000 scrolls, which were kept in cupboards on the walls and was the third wealthiest library in ancient times, after the great libraries of Alexandra and Pergamum.

The library is included in the Ephesus entry fee and the ancient city has good signage if you're visiting independently. There are also a range of good small group and private tours available from Selçuk, Kusadasi and Izmir.

Staying in Izmir? Book a day trip to Ephesus

8. The amphitheatre at El Jem in Tunisia

The ancient Roman city of Thysdrus, now called El Jem, was second only to Carthage in Tunisia. The Roman amphitheatre is of particular significance - it's the one of the largest amphitheatres in the world and is surprisingly well preserved.

Constructed in 230-238 CE from stone blocks, the estimated capacity of the stadium is around 35,000, and it stands at 32 metres high. Near the amphitheatre is a museum, which has a large selection of mosaics and a restored Roman villa.

The ruins are in the midst of a modern city, and it's well worth staying overnight here if you have the time, otherwise you can do a day trip from Tunis or Hammamet . When you visit the temple, climb to the higher levels for views of the countryside. The basement beneath the arena is also fascinating to explore. This is where the animals for the fights would have been caged, and the area is more accessible and better preserved than the underground areas of the Colosseum in Rome.

Staying in Tunis? Book a day trip to El Jem

9. Herculaneum in Italy

Herculaneum is probably the best preserved ancient site in the world. Buried under 16 metres of ash and mud during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, two-storey homes have remained in tact, with most of the internal architecture and décor still visible. Everyday items like fabric, food and furniture have also been preserved.

While Herculaneum is smaller than nearby Pompeii, walking around the city gives you a unique view into the daily lives of everyday people in ancient Rome. The most fascinating part of walking through Herculaneum is the seeing the houses and shops, and getting an idea of what the ancient city would have looked like. The shops still have some of the fittings and the baths have wooden shelves, making it easier to imagine everyday life in the city.

One of the more impressive houses in the city, the Villa of the Papyri, was once home to Julius Caesar's father in law and leads to the sea. In this villa and many others, you can see frescoes, floors and other decorations and well as seeing the layout of the homes. There is also a museum on site, opened in 2018 and displaying jewellery and other precious objects from the archaeological site.

Tickets are easily accessible at the entrance and it isn't necessary to pre-book most times of year. If you are unfamiliar with the site, it can be worth taking a tour with an archaeologist to learn more about its history and significance.

Book a guided tour of Herculaneum to learn more about the ancient city

10. Leptis Magna in Libya

On the Mediterranean coast in Libya, stand the ancient columns of the amphitheatre at Leptis Magna. Founded more than 2,000 years ago, this Roman city was the birthplace of Emperor Septimius Severus who invested significantly in the city during his reign.

Leptis Magna was one of the beautiful cities of the Roman Empire, and the ruins include monuments, a harbor, hops and residential districts. Some of the most impressive sites include the Arch of Septimius Severus, constructed in 203 CE to honor the emperor, the amphitheatre, Hadrian's Baths and the Basilica of Severus. The city was situated on the coast and there are lovely views out to sea.

The site is less than two hours' drive from Tripoli, but the spectacular ruins are quiet with few tourists - a sign of the challenges the country faces. As there is limited signage and information at the site, it's best to visit with a knowledgeable guide.

Staying in Tripoli? Book a day trip to Leptis Magna

11. Jerash in Jordan

The haunting ruins of Jerash in Jordan are all that remain of the ancient city of Gerasa, destroyed in an earthquake in 749 CE. Buried under the desert sands, it took almost a thousand years for the ruins to be discovered - by the German explorer Ulrich Jasper Seetzen in 1806.

One of the best preserved Roman cities in the Middle East, the ruined city of Jerash is Jordan's largest and most interesting Roman site. It was an important imperial centre, and home to Hadrian's arch, built in 129 CE in honour of the visit of the Emperor Hadrian, as well as a large Hippodrome with room for 15,000 spectators. Nowadays, there are daily performances in the hippodrome, reenacting some common activities of the time including military drills, mock gladiator battles, and a chariot race.

The forum is one of the most distinctive parts of Jerash, because of its unusual shape, huge size and the 56 Ionic columns which surround it. The cardo maximus, the main road of the city is still paved with its original stones, and you can see the where the ancient chariot wheels have marked them. There is also a small museum which many of the most important artefacts from the site.

As there's almost no signage, it's worth getting one of the guides at the ticket checkpoint to show you around and bring the ruins to life. You can also do an organised tour from Amman if you prefer.

Staying in Amman? Book a day tour to Jerash

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Author - Roxanne de Bruyn

Roxanne is the founder and editor of Faraway Worlds. She is a freelance writer and guidebook author and has written for several travel publications, including Lonely Planet and The Culture Trip. With a background in communications, she has studied ancient history, comparative religion and international development, and has a particular interest in sustainable tourism.

Originally from South Africa, Roxanne has travelled widely and loves learning the stories of the places she visits. She enjoys cooking, dance and yoga, and usually travels with her husband and young son. She is based in New Zealand.

Last Updated 28 November 2023

Here Are 10 Ancient Roman Walls To Have On Your Bucket List

R omans are famous for their walls (and many other impressive engineering projects). They built impressive walls around their cities and crossed their borders to guard the frontiers of their sprawling empire. Famous Roman walls range from the frontier wall, Hadrian's Wall , to the formidable city Walls of Constantinople .

While many Roman walls have crumbled into the earth or have been dismantled, some still stand to date. Here are many of the best ancient Roman walls to see today.

Hadrian's Wall, England

Hadrian's Wall inspired the "Wall" in Game of Thrones. It was constructed across northern England to protect Roman Britain from raids from the wild and untamed north.

Today, visitors can hike the full length of Hadrian's Wall and ponder what it was like when this formed the northern frontier of the empire.

• Remark: Runs From Sea To Sea In England

Aurelian Walls Of Rome, Italy

For much of Rome's imperial history, it was barely defended. It was a mark of pride for the ancient Romans that their Eternal City didn't need defensive walls. But as the security of the Empire declined, the Romans were forced to hurriedly build walls around the city.

Today, much of these walls stand today and are some of the most impressive ruins in Rome.

• Remarks: See How The Pyramid of Cestius Was Incorporated Into The Walls

Related: Discover The Ancient Walls Of Rome Still Standing Today

Lugo Walls, Spain

The Romans ruled Spain for many hundreds of years, and today, there are many ancient Roman ruins to discover around the country. While the ancient Roman city of Merida is one of the best to see an assortment of Roman ruins, Lugo is the best to see Roman city walls.

Walk around these walls and see some of the best Roman walls tucked away in Spain.

• Remarks: Most Complete Roman City Walls Standing

Related: This Spanish City Has The Only Nearly Intact Roman City Walls

Theodosian Walls Of Constantinople, Turkey

The Walls of Constantinople became known as some of the most impenetrable walls. Time and again, the walls successfully defended the city from attacking armies (and even sometimes, armies would see the walls, shake their heads in despair, and turn around).

Today many of the walls are preserved, and visitors can climb up them.

• Remarks: Particularly Formidable

Fortifications Of Diyarbakir, Turkey

Travel to the east in Turkey and discover the ancient city of Diyarbakir in northern Mesopotamia (locally called 'Amed').

The ancient walls around this city were built by the Eastern Roman Empire, and they continue to stand strong and proud. They are the longest (mostly) continuous walls after the Great Wall of China.

• Remarks: Longest Continuous Roman Walls

Antonine Wall, Scotland

The Antonine Wall is one of the forgotten Roman walls . It was an earthen wall built to protect the frontier after the Romans pushed deep into Scotland.

It was the northern but earthen counterpart to its stone Hadrian's Wall to the south. The wall can still be seen in places in Scotland.

• Remarks: Earthen Wall Across Scotland

The Walls Of Chester, England

The Walls of Chester are famous for being the oldest, longest, and most complete city walls in England today . While most of what people see at the Chester Walls is medieval, the base and the path of the walls are from the older Roman walls.

Chester is also famous for its extraordinary Tudor architecture.

• Remarks: Oldest, Longest, and Most Complete City Walls In England

Related: Chester Rows: What To Know Of The English Medieval Shops Built Over Roman Ruins

Roman Walls Of Córdoba, Spain

Córdoba is famous in Spain for its Roman ruins and heritage. Córdoba also preserves some of its ancient Roman walls. These walls are particularly old, having been first built after 206 BC - during Roman Republic times.

They stretch for 2,680 meters and completely surround the old city.

• Remarks: Exceptionally Old Roman Walls

Servian Wall Of Rome, Italy

The Aurelian Walls were not the first Roman City walls - they were constructed much later in Rome's history when it was a massive empire. The Servian Wall was built during the early history of Rome in the early 4th century BC.

The walls were named after the sixth king of Rome, Servius Tullius, and segments of the walls can still be seen today.

• Remarks: Original 4th Century BC Rome Walls

Wall Of Le Mans, France

The old Gallo-Roman wall of Le Mans in France is one of the most complete Gallo-Roman city walls to survive in France, earning them a place among the best preserved Roman walls. They are regarded as the best of their type preserved in France. They are 1300 meters long with 12 towers that wrap around the preserved Plantagenet Old City.

Go in the summer in July and August and see a light show that tells the history of Le Mans.

• Remarks: Best-Preserved Gallo-Roman City Walls

Ch. 9 The Development of Russia

Ivan i and the rise of moscow, learning objective.

• Outline the key points that helped Moscow become so powerful and how Ivan I accomplished these major victories
• Moscow was considered a small trading outpost under the principality of Vladimir-Suzdal into the 13th century.
• Power struggles and constant raids under the Mongol Empire’s Golden Horde caused once powerful cities, such as Kiev, to struggle financially and culturally.
• Ivan I utilized the relative calm and safety of the northern city of Moscow to entice a larger population and wealth to move there.
• Alliances between Golden Horde leaders and Ivan I saved Moscow from many of the raids and destruction of other centers, like Tver.

A rival city to Moscow that eventually lost favor under the Golden Horde.

Grand Prince of Vladimir

The title given to the ruler of this northern province, where Moscow was situated.

The Rise of Moscow

Moscow was only a small trading outpost in the principality of Vladimir-Suzdal in Kievan Rus’ before the invasion of Mongol forces during the 13th century. However, due to the unstable environment of the Golden Horde, and the deft leadership of Ivan I at a critical time during the 13th century, Moscow became a safe haven of prosperity during his reign. It also became the new seat of power of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Ivan I (also known as Ivan Kalita) was born around 1288 to the Prince of Moscow, Daniil Aleksandrovich. He was born during a time of devastation and upheaval in Rus’. Kiev had been overtaken by the invading Mongol forces in 1240, and most of the Rus’ principalities had been absorbed into the Golden Horde of the Mongol Empire by the time Ivan was born. He ascended to the seat of Prince of Moscow after the death of his father, and then the death of his older brother Yury.

Ivan I. He was born around 1288 and died in either 1340 or 1341, still holding the title of Grand Prince of Vladimir.

Ivan I stepped into a role that had already been expanded by his predecessors. Both his older brother and his father had captured nearby lands, including Kolomna and Mozhaisk. Yury had also made a successful alliance with the Mongol leader Uzbeg Khan and married his sister, securing more power and advantages within the hierarchy of the Golden Horde.

Ivan I continued the family tradition and petitioned the leaders of the Golden Horde to gain the seat of Grand Prince of Vladimir. His other three rivals, all princes of Tver, had previously been granted the title in prior years. However they were all subsequently deprived of the title and all three aspiring princes also eventually ended up murdered. Ivan I, on the other hand, garnered the title from Khan Muhammad Ozbeg in 1328. This new title, which he kept until his death around 1340, meant he could collect taxes from the Russian lands as a ruling prince and position his tiny city as a major player in the Vladimir region.

Moscow’s Rise

During this time of upheaval, the tiny outpost of Moscow had multiple advantages that repositioned this town and set it up for future prosperity under Ivan I. Three major contributing factors helped Ivan I relocate power to this area:

• It was situated in between other major principalities on the east and west so it was often protected from the more devastating invasions.
• This relative safety, compared to Tver and Ryazan, for example, started to bring in tax-paying citizens who wanted a safe place to build a home and earn a livelihood.
• Finally, Moscow was set up perfectly along the trade route from Novgorod to the Volga River, giving it an economic advantage from the start.

Ivan I also spurred on the growth of Moscow by actively recruiting people to move to the region. In addition, he bought the freedom of people who had been captured by the extensive Mongol raids. These recruits further bolstered the population of Moscow. Finally, he focused his attention on establishing peace and routing out thieves and raiding parties in the region, making for a safe and calm metaphorical island in a storm of unsettled political and military upsets.

Kievan Rus’ 1220-1240. This map illustrates the power dynamics at play during the 13th century shortly before Ivan I was born. Sarai, the capital of the Golden Horde, sat to the southeast, while Moscow (not visible on this map) was tucked up in the northern forests of Vladimir-Suzdal.

Ivan I knew that the peace of his region depended upon keeping up an alliance with the Golden Horde, which he did faithfully. Moscow’s increased wealth during this era also allowed him to loan money to neighboring principalities. These regions then became indebted to Moscow, bolstering its political and financial position.

In addition, a few neighboring cities and villages were subsumed into Moscow during the 1320s and 1330s, including Uglich, Belozero, and Galich. These shifts slowly transformed the tiny trading outpost into a bustling city center in the northern forests of what was once Kievan Rus’.

Russian Orthodox Church and The Center of Moscow

Ivan I committed some of Moscow’s new wealth to building a splendid city center and creating an iconic religious setting. He built stone churches in the center of Moscow with his newly gained wealth. Ivan I also tempted one of the most important religious leaders in Rus’, the Orthodox Metropolitan Peter, to the city of Moscow. Before the rule of the Golden Horde the original Russian Orthodox Church was based in Kiev. After years of devastation, Metropolitan Peter transferred the seat of power to Moscow where a new Renaissance of culture was blossoming. This perfectly timed transformation of Moscow coincided with the decades of devastation in Kiev, effectively transferring power to the north once again.

Peter of Moscow and scenes from his life as depicted in a 15th-century icon. This religious leader helped bring cultural power to Moscow by moving the seat of the Russian Orthodox Church there during Ivan I’s reign.

One of the most lasting accomplishments of Ivan I was to petition the Khan based in Sarai to designate his son, who would become Simeon the Proud, as the heir to the title of Grand Prince of Vladimir. This agreement a line of succession that meant the ruling head of Moscow would almost always hold power over the principality of Vladimir, ensuring Moscow held a powerful position for decades to come.

• Boundless World History. Authored by : Boundless. Located at : https://www.boundless.com/world-history/textbooks/boundless-world-history-textbook/ . License : CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

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Also if we do not stay 7 working days in one place do we still have to be registered. I have booked an Airbnb for first 7 nights and they will not register us

Any help will be much appreciated

Do a query here at TA about "Golden Ring" cities...and/or separately Vladimir, Suzdal, Sergiev Posad...that would be your best bet for starters.

forget the registration thing if you are in one city for less than ten days

Basically agree about the Golden Ring,

To be honest, August is quickly approaching, it's a good idea to make up your mind about the places to visit and start thinking how you are going to get there

My 2 favorite outdoor places where i feel real Russia (nature+heritage) :

Pereslavl-Zalesskiy and Zvenigorod.

Mind - mosquits, billions.

Zvenigorod. 1 hour on a train and + a little on a taxi. Moscow River+Monastery. You can kayak down the river with a group for a day and then stay in mini hotel jr tent.

Also it is possible to kayak down Sudogda river in Vladimir 3-4 days (it is about 3 hours by train) and then explore ancient Vladimir city.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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