If you love Italian history and are planning a visit to the Eternal City of Rome, check out these top Landmarks in Rome. In this article, we will discuss the top places to visit in Rome and Things To Do In Rome so that you can make the most of your trip to the Eternal City!
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Top Landmarks in Rome
Rome is the capital city of Italy, and one of the most beautiful and historically rich cities in the world. The list of famous monuments in Rome alone is almost a mile long! I have been to Rome a few times, and I love touring the ancient Roman landmarks with and without a guided tour.
With a history spanning over 2500 years, it is no surprise that Rome is filled with awe inspiring architecture, ancient ruins, art, and culture. If you really love history, you will find that there are so man historical sites in Rome that you may need to create a list of famous Landmarks in Rome to keep them all straight!
There is so much to see and do in this city that visiting places in Rome can be overwhelming while you are trying to plan a trip. Some of the most famous places to visit in Rome can be seen for free, but booking a Rome sightseeing tour can get you into some of the paid tourist Rome attractions.
For instance, one of the top Rome attractions includes Vatican city, and you will need to pay for entrance to see the Vatican City landmarks.
Rome is called the Eternal City because ancient Romans believed that no matter what happened to the world, or how many empires rose or fell, that Rome would go on forever.
The great poet Tibullus is credited as the first person to refer to Rome as “Urbs Aeterna,” which is Latin for the “Eternal City.” In the Aeneid, an epic by Virgil, the poet describes Rome as “Imeprium sine fine.” This translates in English as “an empire without end.”
They were not wrong, in a sense. While the fall of Rome happened eons ago, the city goes on and is still an epicenter of culture and history. Rome famous places are a top tourist destination for travelers to this day.
Explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum
One of the most visited famous places in Rome is the most iconic structure of Rome. Of course that would be the Colosseum. The Colosseum is one of the top attractions of Rome because you can explore the outside for free - it is right on the street! The Colosseum is an ancient amphitheater that once hosted gladiator fights and other public spectacles, and is so well preserved that it is on of the top 3 historical sites in Rome Italy.
The Colosseum is a must visit sites in Rome for anyone interested in Roman history. I have actually been to the Colosseum on a guided tour TWICE!
Adjacent to the Colosseum is another one of the most famous Roman Landmarks, the Roman Forum. The Roman forum is a sprawling complex of ruins that was once the center of political and social life in ancient Rome. A guided tour of these two top attractions in Rome is highly recommended to learn more about their fascinating history.
The Arch of Constantine
Right outside of the Colosseum is the the Arch of Constantine. The Arch of Constantine is a triumphal arch in Rome dedicated to the emperor Constantine the Great. The arch was commissioned by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in AD 312.
Situated between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill, the arch spans the Via Triumphalis, the route taken by victorious military leaders when they entered the city in a triumphal procession.
Dedicated in 315, it is the largest Roman triumphal arch, with overall dimensions of 21 m (69 ft) high, 25.9 m (85 ft) wide and 7.4 m (24 ft) deep. It has three bays, the central one being 11.5 m (38 ft) high and 6.5 m (21 ft) wide and the laterals 7.4 m (24 ft) by 3.4 m (11 ft) each. The arch is constructed of brick-faced concrete covered in marble.
The three bay design with detached columns was first used for the Arch of Septimius Severus in the Roman Forum (which stands at the end of the triumph route) and repeated in several other arches now lost.
Visit the most famous Landmarks in Rome: Vatican City and St. Peter's Basilica
The Vatican City is an independent city state located within Rome. One of the most culturally significant place of Rome, Vatican City is home to the Catholic Church and the Pope. One of the most popular Rome tourist attractions, Vatican City is popular with Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
One of the most beautiful sights in Rome, it is worth it to pay for a guided tour to one of the most beautiful places in Rome. A visit to one the most famous Rome landmarks, Vatican City, is an essential part of any Rome itinerary.
The Vatican museums is home to some of the most famous artworks in the world, including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling. The Sistine Chapel alone makes Vatican City one of the most famous landmarks Rome has to offer tourists.
St. Peter's Basilica is located within the Vatican City and is home to the Sistine Chapel. St Peter's Basilica is a breathtaking example of Renaissance architecture and is considered one of the most significant churches in the world.
Discover the Pantheon Rome
One of my favorite Rome sites is the Pantheon. The Pantheon is a former Roman temple that was later converted into a church. The Pantheon is known for its magnificent dome, which like many architectural places of Rome, is considered a marvel of engineering even today.
The Pantheon is actually free to enter and is open to visitors every day. On our first trip to Rome, Angeline and I stayed at hotel within walking distance to this magnificent structure and visited it daily! It is a great spot to visit if you are traveling in Rome and are on a budget.
Wander through the Piazza Navona
The Piazza Navona is a large public square in Rome that is surrounded by stunning Baroque architecture. Pizza Navona is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike! I think that this is not only because it is so beautiful, but there are also plenty of restaurants and cafes to hang out in while enjoying the ambiance.
Just be be sure to visit the Fountain of the Four Rivers, one of the most famous fountains in Rome.
Throw a Coin into the Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome. Known for its stunning
Baroque architecture, the Trevi Fountain is also famous for the legend of throwing a coin over your shoulder into the fountain to ensure your return to Rome.
It is best to plan your visit to the Trevi Fountain early in the morning or late at night to avoid the crowds. I have visited the Trevi Fountain on two separate occasions and it was completely packed both times!
Discover the Spanish Steps in Rome
The Spanish Steps are a set of 135 steps that connect the Piazza di Spagna at the bottom with the Trinita dei Monti church at the top. The Spanish Steps are a popular spot to take in the views of Rome and is surrounded by luxury shops and cafes.
Walk through the Borghese Gallery and Gardens
The Borghese Gallery and Gardens are a must-visit destination for art lovers. The gallery houses a stunning collection of artworks, including masterpieces by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raphael.
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