You need two lifetimes and an extra set of eyes to soak in Rome. For the last two thousand years, this European city has witnessed the birth of Christianity, boasted some of the most important artists in history, created food enjoyed the world over and served as world capital during the Roman Empire.
Rome’s cityscape is drenched in different flavours from the imperial times through the Renaissance and beyond the Baroque periods. When visiting Rome, take time to discover, and allow the city to unfold before you like a living history book. Narrow down to a few attractions to focus your attention on rather than rushing through the city on a breakneck tour determined to see everything.
Begin your exploration in the historic quarters. Grab a good map and put on your best pair of walking shoes. Rome deserves to be discovered on foot. Don’t forget to look up and see the architectural delights and works of art atop buildings and statues.
Five Must See Attractions in Rome
- The Roman Colosseum - Vespasian began construction of this massive colosseum in AD 72. Upon completion eight year later, it could seat 50,000 spectators who came to watch bloody battles between gladiators and wild beasts from home and abroad. Since its inauguration, it has held a special place in the hearts of Romans and has served different purposes including a botanical garden. Now included on the New Seven World Wonders list, the Colosseum begins Rome’s must see list.
- Palatine and the Roman Forum – Constructed over 900 years, the Roman Forum once held the distinction of commercial, political and religious epicentre. Strolling this immense area allows your mind to comprehend the magnitude of the Roman Empire and the tremendous power the emperors held. Now largely ruins, Rome’s ancient city was in effect dismantled by medieval Romans in the name of progress in order to recycle bricks for new constructions elsewhere in the city.
- Vatican and the Sistine Chapel – The Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world has its own post office, guard and train station. To this day St. Peter’s Basilica, at the heart of the Vatican City remains the central church of Catholicism. St. Peter is believed to be buried under the building which has been adorned over the centuries with exquisite art including Michelangelo’s Pieta. The Sistine chapel, constructed in 1484 to be used as the conclave that elects popes, contains two pieces of art of unspeakable beauty, Michengelo’s frescoes on the barrel-vaulted ceiling, which took the artist over four years to complete and his last judgement on the end wall completed over thirty years later. Whether you are a Catholic or not it’s a sin not to visit the Sistine Chapel during a tour of Rome.
- Trevi Fountain – Rome’s streets overflow with fountains of various degrees of craftsmanship. As much a marvel in architecture as they are art, all the water pumped into this fountain comes from the city’s earliest aqueducts. The fountain dominates a tiny square and, according to custom, if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the water you’re guaranteed a return visit to Rome – not that you’ll need an excuse to go back.
- The Catacombs - These underground corridors and passageways were built as a communal burial ground. While mainly Christian, there are some Jewish and pagan catacombs. The most famous of the Christian catacombs are those along the Via Appia Antica. A short bus ride brings you just outside the city where the street is often closed to cars on Sundays allowing for a leisurely stroll and time to soak in the history of the most famous catacomb, San Callisto as well as smaller ones such as the catacombs of San Sebastiano.
Touring these five must see attractions gives you but a taste of the different flavours of Rome. Once your exploration begins, your path will lead to unforeseen treasures that you’ll call your own.
James W. Coates - A nomad at heart, James W. Coates has been combining his passion for music, writing and traveling ever since his father packed the family ...
