The Must-See Attractions In Rome

In a city which is filled with icons of antiquity as well as the Christian faith, it’s difficult to know where to go and what to see first. Of course, your own interests will regulate your choices, however there are particular sites which are almost compulsory landmarks of Italy in addition of all Europe, for example the Colosseum and the Pantheon.

A word of warning: try to vary your experiences as you investigate Rome, so that you don’t visit too many ancient locations or churches in a row. And intermingle these more serious attractions with a few which are simply tourist icons: the Spanish Steps as well as that place all tourists need to go to so that they can toss in their coin into the Trevi Fountain.

Rome is so big that it can overpower you so even the most dedicated sightseer has to take some much-needed time to kick back, relax and enjoy la dolce vita in a park or sidewalk café. You’ll be able to choose the best places to visit with this handy list of the top attractions in Rome.

The Colosseum And Its Murderous Games

Let’s begin this list of the must-see attractions with the Colosseum, which is located in the Historic Centre (translated as Centro Storico in Italian). It’s the most symbolic monument that you can visit in Rome.

With a capacity of far more than 50 000 onlookers, it’s the biggest amphitheatre in the Roman world. In the Colosseum, quite a bit of blood was shed where the famous gladiatorial combats, animal fights as well as Roman games were held. These events were always followed by horrific deaths.

The visit isn’t free and you will almost certainly need to wait for a couple of hours before getting in there if you are going in peak season.

The Roman Forum

Next door is the Roman Forum which was where religious and public life in ancient Rome took place. The Forum is, together with the Colosseum, the greatest sign of the splendour of the Roman Empire which can be viewed today.

Following the fall of the Empire, the Roman Forum was neglected and little by little it was buried under the earth. Though in the 16th century the existence and position of the Forum was already known about, it was not til the 20th century that excavations were carried out.

Interestingly enough, the place where the Forum was built was originally a marshy area. In the 6th century B.C. the area was drained by means of the Cloaca Maxima, one of the first sewer systems in the world.

Vatican City

The Vatican is the smallest independent country in the world, with an area of less than half a square kilometre. Most of this area is enclosed by the Vatican walls. Inside these wall are the Vatican palace and gardens, St. Peter’s Basilica as well as St. Peter’s Square. It is an area ruled by the Pope, who is the head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Inside St. Peter’s Basilica is Michelangelo’s master work of art, the Pieta, together with statuary as well as altars by Bernini and others. The obvious highlight of the Vatican museums is the Sistine Chapel, whose splendid, frescoed ceiling is Michelangelo’s most well-known work.

In the Vatican Palace are situated the Raphael Rooms; the Borgia Apartments; the Vatican Library, and a number of museums. These museums include the Picture Gallery, Museum of Secular Art, Etruscan Museum, in addition to others that are as enriching as a betbigdollar bonus code. The collections which you can see in these cover everything from papal coaches to 20th-century art reflecting religious themes.