Most of the sites mentioned here are within walking distance of one another, and Rome has a transportation system that includes buses and subways that will take visitors to just about any place of interest. First up is the magnificent Vatican City.
Travelers may want to devote half a day to visiting Vatican City, as attractions here include St. Peter’s Square, which is framed by 140 statues, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums, and the grotto, where former Popes have been laid to rest. Travelers are required to cover up their arms, legs and shoulders to be admitted into the basilica (as is the case in most churches in Italy). They may find it well worth it, however — the basilica’s ornate décor is awe-inspiring, as is La Pieta sculpture of Mary holding the dying Jesus by Michelangelo, to the bronze statue of St. Peter, with its worn right foot. Pilgrims would traditionally rub the statue's foot, after praying to St. Peter to ask him to open the gates of heaven for them, if they died during their pilgrimage.
The museum’s décor is also worthy of a palace, and the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, also made famous by Michelangelo, may make visitors wonder how he accomplished such a feat (it took him four years). Cameras and talking are not allowed in the chapel, and guards are present to make sure those rules stick.
The grotto is like an underground chapel, where former Popes have been laid to rest, including Pope John Paul II.
The arch contains carvings that depict the soldiers in a battle, as well as Constantine and his generals.
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These days, the Pantheon is used as a church, but its original purpose was as a place to worship the gods. It has undergone a few changes over the centuries: Augustus’ general Agrippa first built the monument in 27 BC. The emperor Hadrian then rebuilt it in AD 120, and it was converted to a church in AD 608. The Pantheon is also the final resting place of famed artists and architects, along with two former kings of Italy, Umberto I and Victor Emmanuel II.
Rome is a city that contains many monuments harkening back to its past, many of which are grouped together in areas, making it all a bonus for visitors to explore. Rome is also a city of contrasts — ancient structures exist among the hustle and bustle of modern-day activity and people.
Vatican City Attractions
Technically speaking, Vatican City is its own country, and home to the Pope.
Travelers may want to devote half a day to visiting Vatican City, as attractions here include St. Peter’s Square, which is framed by 140 statues, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums, and the grotto, where former Popes have been laid to rest. Travelers are required to cover up their arms, legs and shoulders to be admitted into the basilica (as is the case in most churches in Italy). They may find it well worth it, however — the basilica’s ornate décor is awe-inspiring, as is La Pieta sculpture of Mary holding the dying Jesus by Michelangelo, to the bronze statue of St. Peter, with its worn right foot. Pilgrims would traditionally rub the statue's foot, after praying to St. Peter to ask him to open the gates of heaven for them, if they died during their pilgrimage.
The museum’s décor is also worthy of a palace, and the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, also made famous by Michelangelo, may make visitors wonder how he accomplished such a feat (it took him four years). Cameras and talking are not allowed in the chapel, and guards are present to make sure those rules stick.
The grotto is like an underground chapel, where former Popes have been laid to rest, including Pope John Paul II.
The Coliseum in Rome
The Romans built the Coliseum (or Colosseum) ages ago, and it still stands as a testament to one of the greatest architectural monuments. Back in the day, 50,000 spectators would pack the amphitheatre to watch gladiators and condemned prisoners fight off lions in need of a meal. Today, visitors can look down and see the areas and alleyways where prisoners and animals were kept.Italy Travel Guide: Don't Miss These Places
The Arch of Constantine in Rome
Mere steps away from the Coliseum is the Arch of Constantine. The huge triumphal arch commemorates the Emperor Constantine’s winning battle over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD. This victory spurred Constantine to convert to Christianity. Historians say the emperor had a vision of the cross or the first letters of Christ in Greek, “chi-rho,” the night before the battle, along with the words, “by this sign, conquer.” The next day, his soldiers headed off sporting the Christian symbol, and won. Constantine then also declared Christianity as officially tolerated throughout the Roman Empire.The arch contains carvings that depict the soldiers in a battle, as well as Constantine and his generals.
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The Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is situated right across the Coliseum. Once upon a time, this was an area where Romans would do their banking, shopping and trade goods. Nowadays ruins remain — columns and partial buildings — but they still carry the presence, in their architecture, of their former glory.The Pantheon in Rome
Located in the Piazza della Rotonda, the ancient Pantheon contrasts wildly to the modern-day young folks who hang out in the piazza when night falls.These days, the Pantheon is used as a church, but its original purpose was as a place to worship the gods. It has undergone a few changes over the centuries: Augustus’ general Agrippa first built the monument in 27 BC. The emperor Hadrian then rebuilt it in AD 120, and it was converted to a church in AD 608. The Pantheon is also the final resting place of famed artists and architects, along with two former kings of Italy, Umberto I and Victor Emmanuel II.
The Trevi Fountain in Rome
The Trevi Fountain stands as a work of art, featuring sculptures of men and beasts, thanks to Nicola Salvi, who was influenced by an earlier attempt by Bernini. Visitors still toss coins into the fountain — wishes to fall in love, and to return to Rome.The Spanish Steps in Rome
The Spanish Steps got their name courtesy of the Spanish embassy nearby. They extend from the Piazza di Spagna to Trinita dei Monti. Visitors thinking about eating lunch on the steps may want to think twice — officials have fined such activity in the past. At the foot of the steps is the Keats-Shelley Memorial House, and bars, shops and restaurants are all within walking distance of the steps.The Piazza Navona in Rome
The Piazza Navona once served as a market area and now bustles with activity at night. During the daytime, visitors come to marvel at the fountains, including the Fountain of the Four Rivers (the Nile, Plata, Ganges and Danube) by Bernini, listen to the buskers, and put their feet up and have a bite at one of the many cafes. Old buildings surround the square, as well, including Sant’ Agnese Church.Rome is a city that contains many monuments harkening back to its past, many of which are grouped together in areas, making it all a bonus for visitors to explore. Rome is also a city of contrasts — ancient structures exist among the hustle and bustle of modern-day activity and people.
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