Hello, Rome! Check Out These Top 10 Things to See in Rome
RJ Frometa November 24, 2019 Other Stuff, Travel
Did you know that Rome was supposedly founded by two brothers, Romulus and Remus? Ultimately, the brothers had a spat, and Romulus killed Remus, becoming the sole ruler of the city.
You don’t have to dwell on the slightly grisly founding of Rome if you’re traveling to the city though—that’s long in the past!
Nowadays, people travel to Rome to admire its breathtaking architecture, art, and food! If you’re planning a trip to Rome, you might be wondering how you should plan your journey.
We’ve got you covered! Below is a list of the top 10 things to see in Rome!
10 of the Best Things to See in Rome
Whether you are on a budget or looking to splurge and treat yourself, there’s plenty of things to do in Rome! Shopping fans and history lovers alike will adore all the sites Rome has to offer!
Pantheon
The Pantheon is a must-see while in Rome. This monumental structure features the largest unsupported dome in the world. If you’re an architecture aficionado, you can’t visit Rome without stopping to see this world-renowned building.
The Pantheon was once a pagan temple to celebrate the Roman gods, but it now operates as a church dedicated to St. Mary of the Martyrs and serves as a reminder of Rome’s rich history.
Villa Borghese Gardens
Villa Borghese is the third largest public park in Rome. It is home to a collection of unique themed gardens. There are three “secret” gardens in the park, as well as the Temple of Faustina and the Temple of Diana.
In the gardens, you can find a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. If you’re looking for a green break from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Villa Borghese gardens are the perfect place to relax for an afternoon.
The Colosseum
This massive arena used to be known as the Flavian Amphitheater, and it was used for the gladiator games. The Colosseum has seating for 50,000, which can give you an idea of the scale of this building.
If you want to get a better look at the Colosseum and want to check out some typically restricted areas, a Colosseum tour can you get you much more up close and personal than any self-guided tour would!
Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain is the perfect place to stop if you’re hoping to snap a good photo for an Insta post. Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome, and it’s recently gone through a restoration process.
It’s said that if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain that you will be destined to return to Rome. Don’t miss your chance at destiny at Trevi Fountain!
St. Peter’s Basilica
Right smack dab in the center of the city, St. Peter’s Basilica is a must-see for tourists. Even if you don’t get to see the pope, St. Peter’s is worth a stop. It is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture and art.
Art fans will admire the mosaics that decorate the church, as well as Michaelangelo’s Pietà. Queues to see St. Peter’s Basilica can be long, but they file through pretty quickly. Don’t miss your chance to see this famous church!
Testaccio Market
Foodies have to take an hour or two to indulge in everything Testaccio Market has to offer. This community market has almost 100 stalls, ranging from prepared foods to fresh produce and deli meats.
Along with a delicious array of edible purchases, there’s also clothing, flower, and home decor stalls. If you are looking for some authentic Roman shopping, Testaccio is the place to go!
Arch of Constantine
Located near the Colosseum, this massive arch was built to honor one of Emperor Constantine’s military victories. A frieze depicts the Battle of Milvian Bridge, where Constantine’s troops defeated those of his co-emperor, Maxentius.
Anyone with a penchant for landmarks or just strikingly beautiful ancient architecture should stop by Rome’s largest triumphal arch!
Appian Way
The Appian Way was at one point the longest continuous road in existence! It connected Rome to other cities, like Capua, Puglia, and Brindisi. The first 10 miles of the Appian Way is part of a regional park, where its history can help be preserved!
There’s much to see on the Appian, such as the tombs that line parts of the road. Other monuments, such as the Domine Quo Vadis Church, where Peter was said to have received his vision from Jesus. The Appian way provides the perfect path for anyone who wants to tour a less touristy part of Rome on foot or by bike!
Capitoline Museums
You’ll find the Capitoline Museums in Piazza del Campidoglio, composed of two buildings: Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo.
The museum’s house an extremely large collection of sculptures, as well as an array of medieval and Renaissance-era art. It’s one of the best things to see in Rome for anyone who wants to get a taste of Roman art throughout the ages!
Roman Forum
Rome is a city that is proud to boast its history, so we have to end this list with yet another site that is rich in history! The Roman Forum ruins will give you a look into ancient Roman society.
Many of the ruins are of government buildings, while the forum itself was a marketplace for ancient Romans. As the forum grew, it became a space where public gatherings were held, which explains the ruins of government buildings, basilicas, and arches.
When in Rome
Rome has always filled its visitors with awe. Now that you know the best things to see in Rome, you can join the crowd!
Many of Rome’s big attractions trace its history, but you can’t escape the city without getting a taste of its current culture (and its food, of course)!
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