PLACES TO VISIT IN ROME – LOVE THIS EXTRAORDINARY CITY
A BRIEF HISTORY OF ITALY
Before seeing the places to visit in Rome, let’s leap into its past and discover its brief history. Italy has a rich and varied history that spans centuries.
It was inhabited by various ancient peoples, including the Etruscans, Latins, Samnites, Umbrians, Celts, Magna Graecia colonists and others.
The greeks established colonies in southern Italy as early as the 8th century BCE, and the city of Rome formed from an agricultural community on the west coast of Italy.
Ancient Rome rose to become a great civilization, and in 395 CE the roman empire was divided into the Western and Eastern Empires.
Italy was part of the Western Empire and experienced a period of disunity over several hundred years until it was reunified as a kingdom in 1861.
In 1922, Benito Mussolini and the fascist government took control of Italy, and in the 1940s it joined world war ii on the side of Germany.
In 1943, Mussolini was executed and Italy surrendered to the allies. The new government declared war on Germany and in 1944, allied forces liberated Rome.
In 1945, Mussolini was executed and Italy was divided into small states. In 1955, Italy joined the united nations and in 1960, the summer Olympics were held in Rome. In 2002, the euro became the official currency of Italy.
TRAVELLING TO ROME
With many incredible cities and towns in Italy, it can be hard to decide which ones to visit. Some regions are more iconic than others, it is pointless to deny that Italy, from north to south, including the islands, offers travel and vacation opportunities that are unparalleled in the world.
However, let’s start with a visit to Rome, which is known as the “eternal city” and is the oldest city in Europe. It is full of historical sites and iconic buildings, such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon.
HOW TO REACH THE HISTORICAL CENTER OF ROME:
Located 32 km from the capital, Rome Fiumicino airport is well connected to the centre of Rome, both by bus and railway line.
Rome’s Fiumicino airport (FCO) is the main gateway to the city, and there are several transportation options to get you to Rome termini station in the city centre.
The fastest way to get from Fiumicino airport to Rome’s city centre is by train, with two options depending on your final destination.
TRAIN
The Leonardo Express is the fastest way to reach the centre of Rome and takes 32 minutes from the airport to the Rome Termini station.
The cost is €14 for each direction and leaves every 15 minutes except in some less busy time slots when the frequency is every 30 minutes.
Alternatively, you can take the regional train, which isn’t as fast as the Leonardo Express but, the ticket is just €8, almost half the price.
This train doesn’t go to Termini station; it makes stops at Trastevere (27 min.), Ostiense (31 min.), Tuscolana (41 min.), and Tiburtina stations (45 min.).
All of these stops have easy access to the rest of the city.
TAXI
The municipality of Rome’s official taxis is white, with the word “taxi” on the roof and the municipality of Rome’s insignia and licence number clearly visible on the counters.
Taxis are available at both terminal 1 and terminal 3 arrivals and the cost to the Termini station is about €50.
Suggestion: unless you have arranged a private transfer, avoid getting into any vehicle other than an official taxi at the airport exits.
The proposed rate could be significantly greater than the one listed above.
Be aware of anyone who offers transportation to the city from within the airport.
These are some of the best taxi companies in the city:
Radio Taxi: 06-3570.
Pronto Taxi: 06-6645.
BUS
The most budget-friendly option for getting from Fiumicino airport to Rome centre is by taking the bus. There are several bus companies to choose from.
Some of the most popular options include Terravision, SIT, and TAM. All of them end at Rome Termini station and cost more or less the same.
The bus companies charge about €6 to €7 for a one-way trip or about €10-€13 for a round-trip ticket.
However, it will be necessary to take into consideration the unknown traffic which, especially during peak hours, can generate delays.
The average journey time by bus is 45 minutes in optimal conditions, up to 90 minutes in the busiest hours.
Advise: whichever transport you decide to take, we strongly advise you to verify the public transport prices and timetables when planning your trip directly on the official websites to avoid unpleasant surprises due to any changes.
10 MOST POPULAR ATTRACTIONS TO SEE WHEN VISITING ROME
In this post, we will make a list of the 10 most popular places which are a must-see on a visit to Rome, but the list will not be finished yet…so, don’t miss the next posts where we will let you discover the “secret” Rome, the unusual and strange places that you can explore in Rome.
COLOSSEUM (COLOSSEO)
The Colosseum is one of the most iconic sites in Rome and in the world. You can see the impressive arches, the underground chambers, and the inner arena.
Also, is possible to listen to audio guides and learn about the history of this wonderful building. It was once used for gladiator fights and the staging of theatrical performances.
The surroundings of the Colosseum are worth exploring as well, including the roman forum and the temple of venus and Rome. you have the option of taking a guided tour or walking around independently.
It is the largest amphitheatre in the roman world, seating over 50,000 people. in these arenas the famous gladiator fights, animal fights and roman games were held, invariably followed by tragic deaths.
The visits are not free and you will most likely have to wait several hours if you go in high season; however, there is the possibility of buying tickets with or without a guide, which will allow you to save several hours of queuing.
There are several websites to buy tickets and guided tours, like Get Your Guide which would make your journey easier.
VATICAN (VATICANO)
It’s the smallest country in the world and the Vatican museums are a vast complex of buildings and galleries within the Vatican City in Rome.
Established in the early 16th century, the museums contain some of the world’s most important works of art and artefacts, including the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael rooms.
The collections are divided into several categories, ranging from ancient Egyptian artefacts and classical statuary to renaissance paintings and modern religious art.
The Vatican museums also house a vast collection of coins, medals, and other numismatic objects. visits to the Vatican museums are extremely popular, and the complex is one of the most visited art museums in the world.
The Vatican pass allows you to visit the Vatican and all of its attractions without having to queue. It is quite convenient because it grants you priority entrance to the museums as well as a guided tour of Saint Peter’s Basilica.
BASILICA OF SAINT PAUL (BASILICA SAN PAOLO)
The Basilica of Saint Paul is a renaissance-style church in Vatican city, west of the Tiber river and near Janiculum hill and Hadrian’s mausoleum. It is the universal headquarters of the catholic church and the residence of the pope.
A large white building with columns and a statue in front of it. The construction of the current Basilica was commissioned by pope Julius ii (1503-1513) and was completed in 1615.
It is known as one of the largest and most influential churches in the world and is an important pilgrimage site in the west.
The basilica’s interior is vast and full of sculptures of great importance, including la Pietà sculpted by Michelangelo.
The facade of the Basilica is punctuated by a giant order of columns and is accessed by steps on which stand two 5.5 m tall statues depicting the first-century apostles of Rome, Saints Peter and Paul.
SANT’ANGELO CASTLE (CASTELLO SANT’ANGELO)
Among the places to visit in Rome it cannot be forgotten Sant’Angelo Castle. Built on the banks of the Tiber river in Rome, Sant’Angelo Castle is an iconic fortress and museum.
Originally built in the 2nd century as a mausoleum for the roman emperor Hadrian and his family, the castle has since served as a fortress and was even briefly used as a papal residence during the middle ages.
Today it is a popular tourist attraction, with visitors coming to explore its history and beauty.
The castle’s massive walls and towers offer 360-degree views of Rome, while the interior is filled with artefacts and artwork from the castle’s rich history.
Inside, visitors can explore the dungeons and prisons, admire the living quarters and tour the terraces. Symbol of Rome, Sant’Angelo Castle has been the protagonist of countless works of art and literature.
Dante Alighieri’s novel ‘Inferno’ served as the entrance to the ninth circle of hell. Ron Howard’s film angels and demons are the location of the search for the four cardinals.
No matter what, Sant’Angelo Castle strives to preserve its rich history and be a symbol of Rome for generations to come.
TREVI FOUNTAIN (FONTANA DI TREVI)
Another place to visit in Rome absolutely is the Trevi Fountain.
The Trevi Fountain is a stunningly beautiful fountain located in the heart of Rome.
It is a popular tourist destination and is widely regarded as a symbol of the city, as well as a masterpiece of baroque art and architecture.
The fountain stands 85 feet high and has two levels, with a central statue of Neptune at the top and is adorned with sculptures of dolphins, tritons, sea nymphs, and other figures from roman mythology.
The water from the fountain is collected from an underground aqueduct and then cascades down the fountain’s tiers. It is said that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you will be granted your wish.
Whether or not that is true, there’s no denying that the Trevi Fountain is a stunning sight to behold.
BORGHESE GALLERY (GALLERIA BORGHESE)
The Borghese Gallery and Museum in Rome is an impressive and unique collection of art, located in the historic Villa Borghese Pinciana.
The collection covers an impressive span of art, ranging from the middle ages to the 20th century.
Highlights include ancient roman sculptures, classic pieces by Raphael and Caravaggio, and baroque pieces by Bernini.
The museum also houses a collection of renaissance coins, furniture, and tapestries; has several permanent and temporary exhibitions, so there is always something new to explore.
Additionally, the gardens around the museum are some of the most beautiful and peaceful parks in the city.
They are filled with sculptures and fountains and offer a great view of the city skyline. Visiting the Borghese Gallery and museum is the perfect way to appreciate the beauty of Rome.
It is a great place for art lovers and those looking for a peaceful, relaxing afternoon.
VILLA BORGHESE WATER CLOCK (OROLOGIO AD ACQUA DI VILLA BORGHESE)
We cannot fail to include it in our list of places to visit in Rome the Villa Borghese water clock! Located in Rome, is an iconic timepiece that has been around since the 17th century.
Built by architect Carlo Fontana, the clock uses a system of channels and cisterns to power its intricate mechanism, which allows it to track the passing of time with astonishing accuracy.
The clock has a unique design, featuring four levels of water collection, each with a distinct purpose.
The lowest level is used to measure shorter intervals, while the higher levels are used to measure longer intervals. The clock also has an impressive display, featuring two angels that strike a gong every 15 minutes.
The Villa Borghese water clock has been an important part of Rome’s history and culture for centuries and is today a popular attraction for visitors to the city.
SPANISH STEPS (PIAZZA DI SPAGNA)
The Spanish Steps is a beautiful and iconic landmark. Constructed in 1723-1725, the steps were designed by Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi, with Bernini’s contribution of the famous boat-shaped fountain at the base of the stairs.
The steps feature 135 steps and 16 landings, which connect the Piazza di Spagna at the top to the Piazza Trinità dei Monti at the bottom.
The Steps are a popular tourist destination, hosting around 1.5 million visitors annually, but even for locals, providing an astounding view of Rome and an atmosphere of relaxation and fun.
Once you are here, it is also worth taking a look at the Hertziana Library which is located in Via Gregoriana 28, Zuccari Building (Palazzo Zuccari), just behind the Spanish Steps.
Founded in 1913, it collects more than 300,000 volumes and is a photo library with over 800,000 photographs, constituting one of the most essential documentation centres in the world on Italian art.
The entrance to the Zuccari Building is so beautiful that Gabriele D’Annunzio also mentioned it in the book “Il Piacere”. It is also always open to visitors, and it is free.
CAMPIDOGLIO SQUARE (PIAZZA DEL CAMPIDOGLIO)
The square was designed by Michelangelo, orienting it towards St. Peter’s Basilica, which was the city’s political centre at the time.
In the centre of the square was placed a magnificent bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, which is now housed at the palace of the conservatories (Palazzo dei Conservatori).
The statue that we currently admire in the square is a faithful reproduction of his. Regrettably, Michelangelo died before his work was done, but the structure was completed in accordance with the master’s concept.
The Campidoglio square today is one of the main tourist attractions of the city, not only for its location but also because the Capitoline museums are located there, at the corner between the senatorial palace (Palazzo Senatorio) and the new palace (Palazzo Nuovo).
There is also the sculpture of the Capitoline wolf (Lupa Capitolina), the protagonist of the mythical legend of Romulus and Remus. The she-wolf on the column is only a copy of the original kept in the Capitoline museums.
THE STREET ART OSTIENSE
Street art in Ostiense, is another attraction that can not be missed in the list of places to visit in Rome. Is an incredibly vibrant and diverse scene.
From large-scale murals to small-scale graffiti, the artworks and styles on display reflect the diversity of the local community.
The artworks often feature bright colours and intricate designs and often contain messages of social justice, politics, and human rights.
The scene is supported by a variety of organizations and initiatives, including the street art Ostiense museum, which showcases the works of established and emerging artists, as well as educational and cultural events.
Artists held workshops and educational events at the museum, helping to grow awareness and appreciation of the scene.
The artworks themselves often incorporate elements of classical roman culture and design and draw on the city’s cultural heritage.
They can be found on walls, streets, and doorways all across the Ostiense area. In recent years, they have begun to spread to other parts of the city, creating an exciting and diverse street art culture.
The street art scene is constantly evolving, with new works emerging all the time. It is a vibrant and energetic scene and provides a unique insight into the city and its culture
On your visit to Rome, you absolutely shouldn’t miss the typical roman dishes.
Simple and real foods are appreciated in roman cuisine, and anything that indicates the complication of international cuisine is strictly forbidden. Below are just some typical roman dishes:
•Cheese-Rice Ball (Supplì)
• Artichokes (Carciofi Alla Romana E Carciofi Alla Giudia)
• Pasta: Cacio E Pepe, Carbonara And Amatriciana
• Pork Roast (Porchetta)
•Broccoli and sprightly soup (Minestra broccoli e arzilla)
• Gnocchi alla romana
• Lamb chops (Abbacchio a scottadito)