Which places to visit in Rome?
Rome (or Roma in Italian) is the capital of Italy and has a population of 2.8 million, the Romans. According to legend, Rome was founded by the twins Romulus and Remus in 753 BCE. The city is located on the banks of the river Tiber and was founded on top of seven hills; Palatine Hill, Aventine Hill, Capitoline Hill, Caelian Hill, Esquiline Hill, Quirinal Hill and Viminal Hill. Particularly the area around Palatine Hill and Capitoline Hill would later become the centre of power of the enormous Roman Empire. You can find many ruins and excavations here of the Forum Romanum and the Colosseum gives you an impression of how gladiators had to do battle in this enormous Roman amphitheatre. The Pantheon, which is now a church, has its characteristic round, open roof and is one of the best kept buildings from Roman times. And the Via Appia takes you back in time along one of the oldest roads of Rome Italy. Basically, the city of Rome is one giant museum. It is therefore no surprise that the complete historic city centre is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Unique is the ministate of Vatican City, of which the pope is the head of state. This tiny state has an area of just 44 hectares, taken up mostly by St. Peter’s Basilica and St Peter’s square, known for the ‘Urbi et Orbi’ speeches by the pope. For many visitors to Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel, part of the Vatican Museums will be the highlight of their travel. The space, where cardinals hold the conclaves to elect a new pope, is adorned with beautiful frescos by Michelangelo.
Rome travel tips, guide and tourism
What to visit in Rome Italy? With over 900 churches, no other city in the world is so representative for the Catholic faith. Rome has four papal basilicas and seven pilgrimage churches. Each church is more beautifully decorated than the last, with works by the great masters such as Bernini, Raphael, Caravaggio and Michelangelo. As an art lover, you will feel right at home in the Galleria Borghese. All these Roman sights and excavations, the beautiful churches, the Vatican, the fun neighbourhoods like Trastevere, beautiful fountains – including the famous Trevi Fountain) – tasty trattorias, a picture on the romantic Spanish Steps and trendy fashion shops make Rome a chaotic and bustling metropolis where you can easily keep yourself entertained for at least a week.
Public transport in Rome can be a challenge. The city has two completed metro lines. A third metro line has been delayed many times as a result of the many excavations. In order to use public transport as a tourist, there are a number of cost-saving tourist passes to choose from. More travel tips about getting around, visiting Rome Italy and tourist attractions can be found in our ultimate Rome travel guide full with tips for tourism and sightseeing.
- Thanks to romesite.com