Rome is more than simply the capital of Italy. It also represents the epitome of European tourism and remains one of the most popular destinations in the world. If you’ve added a visit to Rome to your bucket list, don’t miss these must-see Rome attractions during your stay.
Trevi Fountain
Image via Flickr by garygraphy
As the masterwork of Nicola Salvi, the Trevi Fountain is arguably the most famous water feature in the world. Located at the end of the Aqua Virgo (now known as Acqua Vergine), one of Rome’s most famous aqueducts, the Trevi Fountain rises more than 80 feet high and stands in the shadow of the iconic Palazzo Poli.
Even if you’re not a fan of the history aspect of the fountain, you’ll enjoy your visit to the Trevi Fountain simply because of its lore. If you throw three coins in the fountain, legend suggests that you’re sure to visit Rome again one day.
Spanish Steps
Amateur photographers delight in the photo ops provided by the Spanish steps, the longest staircase on the continent. The base of the Spanish Steps features a stunning Barcaccia fountain while the top of the staircase ends at the Trinità dei Monti church. There are upscale restaurants and shopping options littered throughout the climb, so it’s a tourist’s paradise.
Vatican City
Listing things to do in Rome is easy, because so many of them are painfully obvious. Chief among those is Vatican City, home to the Vatican. Although technically an independent country, it’s located entirely in Rome. You’ll want to see the home of the Pope and the surrounding architectural marvels, and you should also note the Swiss Guard protecting the palace. Their pageantry and showmanship rivals anything you’ll see at Buckingham Palace.
Pantheon
If you’re familiar with Roman deities such as Jupiter, Venus, and Minerva, you’ll want to visit the historic temple ancient citizens erected to honor them. It’s also an architecture buff’s dream. The giant columns are intended to pay tribute to the gods above, and they have been imitated in architecture throughout the world. The Pantheon culminates in an oculus, a giant hole in the center of the dome.
Roman Forum
At the Roman Forum, Roman citizens created the laws of the day. Many of their government principles still hold weight today, and you can visit the building that is a precursor for the new world’s many capitals. As a tourist, your options include picking up a map of the structure and exploring it on your own or taking part in a group tour. The latter is safer since some of the ruins are a bit dicey.
Colosseum
You’ve heard of ancient Roman gladiators. This is the place where they did battle. Think of the Flavian Amphitheatre as the Octagon of its day. The building is an amazing achievement that has stood the test of time. It’s like Fenway Park multiplied by Wrigley Field, and even the worst earthquakes in the history of Italy have done little to undermine its foundation.
Rome offers hundreds of tourist destinations, but make sure to add the attractions above to your itinerary. After a long day of sight-seeing, return to your luxurious Rome hotel to relax and reflect on all you experienced.
