Samuel Johnson said: “Greece appears to be the fountain of knowledge; Rome, of elegance”. Well, this couldn’t be more true in terms of architecture and lifestyle that you’ll only meet in Rome. Both times I’ve visited this charming city, I was delighted to explore its many touristic attractions, as Rome offers an abundance of sights rich in history, tales and legends.
You should know that you cannot see all of Rome in only a few days. Once you get here, do not forget to put on your most comfortable shoes, as the easiest way to reach all major sites is by foot. Plan each day at a time and enjoy what Rome has to offer. Here is a list of the places I really loved to explore during my vacations in Rome.
Sant'Angelo Castle
Walk across Ponte Sant’Angelo, framed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s white marble angel statues, in order to reach Sant’ Angelo Castle or Hadrian’s Mausoleum.
This is an one of a kind building, erected at the order of Roman Emperor Hadrian around the year 135 as a mausoleum for himself and his family. Further on, the mausoleum has been used by the popes as a fortress, papal residence and castle. These days, Sant’ Angelo Castle is a museum opened to the public, split into five floors connected by a spiral ramp.
Colosseum
This overwhelming amphitheater is placed in the very heart of Rome. The construction of the Colosseum has been commissioned by emperor Vespasian around the year AD 72 and could hold almost 80,000 spectators excited to participate to gladiators fights, shows, executions or re-enactments of famous Roman battles. Over the years, two-thirds of the original Colosseum has been destroyed. However, this one-of-a-kind symbol of the Roman Empire is one of Rome's most visited tourist attractions, thus being necessary to wait in line for a while in order to visit it.
More about the Colosseum here: https://www.rome-museum.com/colosseum-rome.php?gclid=CjwKCAjwmJbeBRBCEiwAAY4VVRjPiz9Pck2JhLXDOGj5lHIrjobta9DrfveuPwBSoWY-KUY1YCh7LxoCss8QAvD_BwE
The Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and Trajan’s Column
The Roman Forum has been the marketplace of ancient Rome, home to some of the most important buildings of the city - political and religious institutions, and later a gathering space for processions and trials.
The Palatine Hill holds an important place in the history of the Rome, being known as this hill where the Roman Empire began. It is not easy to recognize the former large palaces and imposing buildings that once filled the area in the ruins remaining today.
Trajan’s Columnn (http://www.trajans-column.org/) is a symbol of the imperial power of Rome and is one of the best maintained monuments left from ancient Rome. The Column portrays the victorious military campaigns led by emperor Trajan against the Dacians and hides, at its base, a chamber that serves as emperor Trajan’s tomb.
Doria Pamphilj Gallery
Doria Pamphilj Gallery (http://www.doriapamphilj.it/roma/en/), housed in the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, is an impressive art collection that you can easily access from Via del Corso, with works of Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Bernini, Velázquez. The gallery is privately owned by the rich Roman family Doria Pamphili. In fact, the guided audio tour is being narrated by the current owner, Jonathan Pamphilj.
National Gallery of Modern Art
Rome’s Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna (National Gallery of Modern Art)(http://lagallerianazionale.com/en/) was created in 1883 in order to house contemporary works of art of the recently unified Italian state. Hence, the museum’s collection includes more than 5.000 paintings and sculptures, dating from the neoclassical period up to the 1960's.
Pantheon
This a truly remarkable building to see. The pantheon was first built as a temple to the gods, as the word Pantheon is a Greek adjective meaning “honor all Gods”. This is the best preserved Ancient monument in Rome, representing the only structure of this size that is still intact.
The most fascinating part of the Pantheon is its giant dome, with the famous oculus on the top. The Pantheon now contains the tombs of the Italian artist Raphael, of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy, as well as of its successor Umberto I.
More about the Pantheon here: http://www.pantheon-rome.com/
Piazza Navona (Navona Square)
Enjoy a cup of coffee or a glass of wine in Piazza Navona (Navona Square), one of Rome’s most loved places. Once a stadium built by emperor Domitian were gladiators fought and sports competitions took place, Piazza Navona is now a square filled with restaurants and terraces. The square’s main attraction is Fountain of the Four Rivers, by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, which I advice you to visit early in the morning, as later on the square gets crowded.
Villa Borghese gardens
During hot summer days, Villa Borghese gardens (www.villaborghese.it) are a great place to find some shadow and to cool down. This is one of largest open spaces in Rome, built on the land of the VIIth century palace of Cardinal Scipione Borghese. These days, this gigantic park has a lake, large alleys and even a zoo.
Piazza Venezia
Piazza Venezia is a famous square in Rome, known for its chaotic traffic, but also for its charming aspect. It was named after Cardinal Venezia who, in the XVth century, ordered the construction of his own Palace (Palazzo Venezia) in this area.
On the southern side of Piazza Venezia stands the impressive Monument of Victor Emanuel II, build between 1855 and 1911 in order to celebrate the Italian Unification.
Villa Farnesina
Villa Farnesina (http://www.villafarnesina.it/) is a Renaissance villa in the joyful district of Trastevere in Rome. This villa was built for Agostino Chigi, the rich treasurer of Pope Julius II. The owner commissioned the fantastic frescoes decorating the villa by famous artists such as Raphael, Sebastiano del Piombo, Giulio Romano and Il Sodoma. The villa became the property of the Farnese family in the XVIth century, hence the name of Farnesina.
For accommodation, I highly advise you to book a room at Antica Dimora De Michaelis, a hotel placed just a walk away from the central Piazza Navona. You’ll love the classical design of the rooms, covered with Renaissance-style paintings. Also, the view from the roof terrace where breakfast is being served daily is simply breathtaking.
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