Visit Rome
Rome’s streets deliver constant surprises. Bakeries pull warm maritozzi from the oven before sunrise. Gelato shops open their windows onto narrow alleys lined with flower pots and laundry swaying above the cobblestones. Campo de’ Fiori fills with vendors slicing cheeses and stacking produce in neat rows. Mercato Testaccio turns fresh ingredients into snacks you can eat on the go, from fried artichokes to mozzarella still warm from delivery.
The city’s landmarks stand with absolute confidence. The Pantheon remains an engineering marvel with the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. Light floods through the oculus and slides across ancient marble as the day moves. The Capitoline Museums display statues and artifacts that once decorated imperial homes and public squares. The Tiber flows past all of it, carrying reflections of bridges that link ancient quarters with modern neighbourhoods. Ponte Sant’Angelo leads straight to Castel Sant’Angelo, once a mausoleum, then a fortress, then a papal refuge.
Explore beyond the main sights and Rome opens even more. In the Jewish Ghetto you find centuries-old bakeries selling ricotta-filled pastries. In Monti, designers and antique dealers share the same streets. In Garbatella, you walk past 1920s garden courtyards built like small villages inside the city. Climb Gianicolo Hill for sweeping views that stretch from St. Peter’s dome to the distant Apennines.
Rome gives you movement and discovery all day long. You can stand inside the Colosseum arches in the morning. Hunt for hidden fountains and quiet cloisters in the afternoon. End the day in a trattoria where carbonara comes piled high and served without fuss. Every district adds something new. Every street carries a piece of the city’s long story. Rome never feels finished, and exploring it by road makes you part of that ongoing rhythm.
Top sights to visit
- Colosseum and Roman Forum Walk through the remains of the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire and imagine the crowds cheering gladiators. The ultimate symbol of Ancient Rome. The Colosseum, the largest amphitheater ever built, is best combined with a ticket to the adjacent Roman Forum (the heart of ancient Roman public life) and Palatine Hill (where Rome was founded and the emperors lived).
- Pantheon The best-preserved building of Ancient Rome. Originally a temple to all the gods, it is now a church. Its architectural genius lies in its enormous, unreinforced concrete dome still standing strong after 2000 years with the central opening, the oculus.
- Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel A collection of art, maps, sculptures and treasures fills the halls of the Vatican Museums. The journey ends at the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s ceiling stuns every visitor. Plan enough time because this is one of the world’s richest cultural experiences.
- St. Peter’s Basilica This monumental church is beautiful with rising columns, marble floors and intricate artwork. You can climb to the dome for breathtaking views over Rome and Vatican City. Inside, Michelangelo’s Pietà remains a moving highlight.
- Trastevere A lively neighborhood of narrow streets and small trattorias serving classic Roman dishes. It feels more local and intimate than the busy center. Evenings here are perfect for walks, eating and enjoying the city’s relaxed atmosphere.
- Fontana di Trevi The most famous Baroque fountain in Rome. Following tradition, toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain to ensure your return to Rome. It is a spectacular sight, especially when illuminated at night.
- Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti) The monumental 18th-century stairway connects the Piazza di Spagna at the base with the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. It is surrounded by high-end shopping streets and is a popular gathering spot.
- Quartiere Coppedè A visually stunning corner of Rome that often feels like a secret fairytale village. Located in the Trieste district, this small area is defined by its unique, extravagant Art Nouveau and Baroque-inspired architecture, particularly the Fountain of the Frogs in the Piazza Mincio.
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History of Rome
Rome began as a small settlement on the Palatine Hill around 753 BC. According to legend, Romulus founded the city after a dispute with his twin brother Remus. Archaeology shows people were already living along the Tiber long before that.
By the 6th century BC, Rome became a kingdom. Senators and consuls governed, while the city expanded across the seven hills. Aqueducts, forums and public baths appeared. The Roman Forum became the centre of politics and commerce. Rome grew into an empire by 27 BC under Augustus. The Colosseum hosted gladiators and massive spectacles. Pantheon domes rose, temples flourished, and public spaces buzzed with life.
In the Middle Ages, Popes gained political authority and rebuilt churches and palaces. The Renaissance transformed the city again. Artists and architects such as Michelangelo, Raphael and Bernini left masterpieces across piazzas, churches and palaces.
Rome became Italy’s capital in 1871. Neighbourhoods expanded and infrastructure modernized. Ancient ruins stand beside Baroque fountains and bustling squares. Every street, piazza and monument tells a story spanning millennia.