Rome occupies a special place among European capitals. It is a symbolic city, a city of origin, where Western civilization was born. The mighty Roman Empire, which conquered the entire Mediterranean, began here - on the banks of the Tiber River. The historical and cultural heritage of Rome is priceless, with architectural and cultural masterpieces waiting for the tourist at every step.
Rome is home to the legendary Colosseum and treasures of the Vatican Museums, the historic ruins of the Capitol and the magnificent facades of Baroque villas. The entire city can be viewed as an open-air museum; its streets and squares are home to the history of three thousand years of development of civilization, thought, art and culture.
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What to see and where to go in Rome?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Coliseum
The main arena of Ancient Rome, a theater for gladiatorial fights, persecution of captives by wild animals and other equally bloody performances of the annual Games of the capital of the Empire. In honor of the opening of the Colosseum in 80 AD. the Great Games were arranged, which lasted more than 3 months. The ancient stones of the Arena still remember gladiators killed for the amusement of the public and slaves torn to pieces for pleasure from the captured provinces.
Pantheon
Construction of the 2nd century BC, "temple of all gods" in translation from Greek. The Pantheon was created during the heyday of ancient Roman architecture. For many centuries, pagan gods were worshiped under the dome of the building, until at the beginning of the 7th century the Pantheon was turned into a Christian temple. The building has survived to this day in good condition thanks to numerous restorations that began before our era.
Vatican
City-state, stronghold and main bastion of the Catholic Church, the seat of the Pope. In total, about 800 people are citizens of the Vatican, mainly priests and church officials. The Vatican is renowned for its museums, which house outstanding collections of painting, sculpture and applied arts. This is the real treasury of humanity. Also, tourists are attracted by the main Catholic church - St. Peter's Cathedral.
Cathedral and St. Peter's Square
St. Peter's Cathedral is the spiritual center of the Catholic branch of Christianity. The Pope himself holds celebratory masses here. The temple was built on the site of the former circus of Nero in the 4th century. At first it was a small basilica where the relics of the Apostle Peter were kept. In the 15th century, it was rebuilt into a grandiose building. Raphael, Michelangelo, Peruzzi, Maderno and others worked on the Cathedral of St. Peter. In front of the temple is a wide square with a colonnade of 284 Doric columns.
Vatican Museums
Museum collections were collected at different times by the popes. They were founded in the 16th century by Pope Julius II. An extensive exhibition of paintings from the 11th - 19th centuries is collected in the Vatican Pinacoteca. You can get acquainted with tapestries and frescoes by the great masters by visiting the Sistine Chapel and Raphael's Stanzas. Antique statues, sarcophagi from Ancient Rome are presented in the Chiaramonti and Pio Cristiano museums. The history of religions around the world is described by exhibits at the Ethnological Missionary Museum. The history of the Vatican is presented in the Historical Museum. The Vatican Library contains over one and a half million books. The visit is open daily except Sundays and Catholic holidays.
Vittoriano
Memorable architectural complex of the 18th-19th centuries in honor of King Victor Emmanuel - the first ruler of a united Italy. On the site in front of the monumental palace, the Eternal Flame is burning and an honor guard is on duty. The inhabitants of Rome do not really like this bulk of white marble, as they believe that it does not fit into the architecture of the city. Some Romans call Vittoriano a ridiculous "wedding cake".
Trastevere
A vibrant and colorful Roman quarter across the Tiber River. Here in the 18th century BC. the Etruscan tribe settled, from which the history of the Eternal City began. In the era of the Empire, there were luxurious patrician villas here. Many buildings and residential buildings in the area are many hundreds of years old, so they look very authentic and attractive to tourists. People continue to live in dilapidated houses.
Piazza Navona
Oval square in the central part of Rome, located on the site of the former circus of Domitian. Since the 16th century, ambassadors, cardinals, bankers and other wealthy members of society began to settle in this area. From the 15th century to the middle of the 19th century, there was a market here. In the middle of the square is the Fountain of the Four Rivers, a sculptural group with deep symbolic meaning. In the middle of the composition there is an obelisk symbolizing the power of the Pope. Around the obelisk there are sculptures representing the rivers of four continents.
Piazza del Popolo
Freely translated into Italian, the name of this place sounds like "People's Square". Piazza del Popolo played an important role in the life of Rome, as the road to the northern provinces began from here. The square is decorated with the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo and the Egyptian obelisk of Ramses II. The piazza got its modern look at the beginning of the 19th century; the architect D. Valadier worked on it.
Castel Sant'Angelo
The building began to be built back in the era of the Roman Empire in the II century A.D. During its existence, it served as a papal dwelling, a prison, a warehouse and even a burial vault. Nowadays, the military history museum is located in the fortress. The castle got its name in the 6th century AD. after the image of the Archangel Michael appeared to Pope Gregory. Directly from the castle, a picturesque bridge is thrown across the Tiber River, which was built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. On the bridge it was possible to get to the Champ de Mars by the shortest way.
Roman forum
The very heart of Ancient Rome, where important state and social events took place - the fate of laws was decided, consuls were elected, the triumphs of emperors after victorious wars took place. After the fall of the Empire, the forum was destroyed and ruined, and time did its job, so only fragments have survived to this day. The remains of the forum are part of a protected archaeological area, where an open-air museum operates.
Trajan's Forum
The forum appeared at the turn of the 2nd-1st centuries. BC. In those days, it was a large square, surrounded by a market, the temple of Emperor Trajan, Greek and Latin libraries. Trajan's 38-meter column made of Carrara marble has survived to this day. Inside the column is the tomb of the emperor himself and his wife. Trajan's Forum is the last of its kind to be built in Rome.
Baths of Caracalla
Remains of ancient Roman baths on the Appian Way. The culture of visiting the baths was well developed in the Roman Empire. People came here to chat, learn the latest news or conduct business negotiations. Baths of Caracalla were built in the 3rd century AD. under Emperor Septimius Bassian Caracalla. Already in the 5th century A.D. this architectural complex has come to be considered a real wonder of the world. In addition to baths and pools, there was a library here.
Arch of Constantine
The Arc de Triomphe, erected by Emperor Constantine in honor of the victory in the civil war over the troops of his rival Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maxentius. It was under Constantine that Christianity became the official religion (the ruler believed that God himself helped him to come to power), the capital of the Empire was transferred to Constantinople, and Rome was gradually beginning to lose its former power and decline.
Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano
One of the oldest Christian churches, the first temple in Rome. In the church hierarchy, she is above all others, even above St. Peter's Basilica. Catholic hierarchs gave her the title of "basilica major", that is, "senior".She is recognized as "the head and mother of all churches." The temple appeared during the reign of Constantine under Pope Sylvester I in the 4th century AD. Six popes are buried in the basilica and the relics of the apostles St. Paul and St. Peter are kept.
Sao Paolo Fuori le Mura
Temple of the IV century AD, erected on the burial place of the Apostle St. Peter, who was executed at the behest of the Emperor Nero in the 1st century AD. The building was rebuilt several times under the emperors Theodosius I and Valentian II. Almost every Catholic Pope tried to add something of his own to the temple complex, so over time, San Paolo Fuori le Mura expanded in size and grew with new extensions.
Santa Maria Maggiore
One of the four main Catholic churches in Rome. It has a very high status in the church rank of cathedrals (the highest status was given to the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano). The foundation stone of Santa Maria Maggiore was laid in the middle of the 4th century. In the XIV century, a 75-meter bell tower appeared near the church. The façade that has survived to this day is a mixture of Romanesque and Baroque styles.
Il-Jezu Church
The main Jesuit temple in Rome, where Grand Master Ignatius Loyola is buried. The first project of the temple was developed by Michelangelo, but the head of the order did not like it. In 1561, another architect, Giacomo Barozzi, began construction according to his plan. Until the abolition of the Jesuit Order at the end of the 18th century, considerable wealth was kept in the Il-Jezu Church. The church building itself was taken away from the organization. Only after 1814 it was returned back.
Basilica of Saint Clement
A unique archaeological site. The church has three levels. The lowest one was discovered in the 19th century and is a building of the 1st century AD. Frescoes and the remains of decor have been preserved here. The second level is the early Christian church of the 4th century. The upper level is a 12th century basilica, with a baroque façade, an atrium and a fountain inside. The interior decoration is rich, the walls are painted with frescoes of the 18th century.
San Pietro in Vincoli
The name of the church is translated as "St. Peter in chains". It is located on the square of the same name and was founded in the 5th century as a place for keeping the chains with which the holy apostle was bound. Here is the tomb of Pope Julius II, designed by Michelangelo. The famous sculpture "Moses" is rightfully considered one of the main decorations of the tomb. The artist Antonio Polaiolo is also buried in the church.
Church of Sant'Ignazio
The iconic building of the Jesuit Order in the Baroque style was built in 1626. It is located in Ignatius Layola Square and is dedicated to this saint who founded the order (he served as a prototype for Don Quixote). The church consists of many chapels, decorated with columns, arches and three-dimensional stucco. Numerous frescoes tell about the life of Saint Ignatius. The flat ceiling is frescoed to create the illusion of a domed structure.
Santa Maria in Trastevere
Supposedly, this church was the first Christian temple in Rome. Its foundation dates back to the 3rd century AD. It is located in the square of the same name in the Trastevere area. The building is rightfully considered a pearl of medieval architecture: the facade with arches and columns is decorated with colorful mosaics of the 12th century. Inside, the church is arranged according to the principle of a classical basilica. In addition to the Catholic ones, Christian icons are also kept here.
Capitoline Museum
The world's first museum was founded in 1471, when Pope Sixtus IV donated a collection of antique bronze to the inhabitants of Rome. It is located in Capitoline Square, designed by Michelangelo, in three palaces. An exposition of classical sculpture is presented in the New Palace. In the Palace of the Conservatives there are world famous ancient statues, a collection of paintings from the Renaissance, a collection of coins. The main part of the Palace of the Senators is occupied by the City Hall of Rome, the first floor is reserved for the museum.
National Museum of Rome
It is a museum complex located in four buildings. Palazzo Massimo houses exhibitions of ancient Roman jewelry, coins, as well as sarcophagi, frescoes and mosaics. Palazzo Altemps bears the name of its first owner, Cardinal Altemps. It displays his personal art collection, as well as a collection of antique sculptures and an Egyptian display. Crypt Balbi contains ancient Roman artifacts found in excavations. The building of Thermal Deoclitsiana itself is already a unique architectural monument. Various exhibitions are held here, there is also a permanent exhibition of ancient sculptures, manuscripts and archaeological finds.
Doria Pamphilj Gallery
A private collection is exhibited in Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, on one of the main streets of old Rome. They began to collect it in 1651. The palace is the largest private palace in the city. The most widely represented are paintings by Italian painters of the 17th century. An interesting sculpture gallery, a rich collection of antique furniture and fabrics. In total, more than 500 copies are presented here, in six main halls.
Roman opera house
The first name is the Konstanzi Theater, after the name of its founder. The opening of the theater took place in 1880; in the 20th century, the building was acquired by the city authorities, and was partially rebuilt twice. On this stage, world premieres of great composers took place, the best voices of the world performed. Currently, both opera and ballet performances and concerts are held here. The theater has a ballet school.
Museum and crypt of the Capuchins
Santa Maria della Canchezione is a small Roman church with a modest façade. However, the place is attractive to tourists. Here is buried the Roman cardinal Antonio Barberini, a member of the Capuchin order. The burial place of monks is located under the church, the walls of the crypt are decorated with bones and skulls of more than 4,000 thousand who died from 1528 to 1780. Since 2012, a Capuchin Museum has been organized here: exhibits tell about the history, traditions and secrets of the ancient Order.
Catacombs of rome
Numerous underground galleries and labyrinths that lie beneath the surface of Rome. Many pre-Christian burials have been discovered here, but the foundations of part of the underground passages were created in the era of early Christianity. The first companions of Jesus were hiding in these dungeons. Here they conducted religious rituals, meetings, prayers without the danger of being discovered and caught.
Pyramid of Cestius
It is believed that the structure was erected in the 1st century BC. It served for burial purposes - here is the tomb of the praetor Gaius Cestius Epulus. The construction took place during the period of the conquest of Egypt, when the fashion for the "Egyptian style" appeared in Ancient Rome. At that time, obelisks, sculptures and other monuments were being taken out of the Nile Valley. The Cestius pyramid reaches 37 meters in height and almost 30 meters in width.
Circus Maximus
Antique hippodrome between the Palatine and Aventine hills. During the Roman era, chariot races were held here. Under Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar, the circus was rebuilt and grew to a fairly large size. More than 250 thousand people could watch the show at the same time. In the spectator sector, boxes for patricians and standing places for plebeians were equipped.
Appian Way
One of the most important roads of the Roman Empire, which led from the Eternal City to the south of the Apennine Peninsula. The total length of the path is more than 500 km. The construction of the road began in the 4th century. Due to the excellent quality of the masonry of the pavement, the Appian Way made it possible to quickly reach places remote from the capital or transfer troops in a fairly short time. The roadbed has survived to this day in very good condition.
Villa Borghese
A 16th century palace built for Cardinal Scipione Borghese on the site of a former vineyard. The building is surrounded by a huge English-style park with numerous antique statues. On the territory there is a hippodrome, a zoo, a theater and several museums.Until the beginning of the 20th century, the mansion with the park belonged to the Borghese family, then all the property went to the state.
Villa Medici
It is located on the slope of the Pincho Hill in the former Lucullus Gardens. In the middle of the 16th century, the area near the hill became the possession of the Medici Cardinal, who built a villa here for his family. After the extinction of the Medici dynasty, the house and adjacent lands were transferred to the Lorraine family. The Medici Cardinal acquired many works of antique art to decorate the villa. Some examples can be admired in the Uffizi Gallery.
Spanish Steps
Italian Baroque staircase in the center of Rome. It is recognized as one of the most picturesque in Europe. The staircase starts at Plaza de España and leads to the Pincho hill. The Plaza de España itself is a very expressive place where it is always pleasant to stroll among the flowering flower beds. In the 17th century, the Spanish embassy was located here. As a sign of good relations between the two countries, the piazza was named after Spain.
Trevi Fountain
The most famous Roman fountain of the 18th century, where every guest of the city is simply obliged to throw a coin for good luck. Several thousand euros worth of coins are thrown in a week. All money is donated to a charitable foundation. The sculptural composition of the fountain consists of the figure of the sea god Neptune on a chariot and his companions. 16 architects fought for the right to work on the construction of the fountain.
