Rome, a city with an incredibly rich history and culture. Here you’ll find iconic ancient monuments led by the Colosseum, magnificent Vatican churches, famous Baroque fountains and picturesque lanes full of hidden squares. This unique mix of history, art and lively atmosphere makes the city an ideal destination, whether you long to follow in the footsteps of emperors, admire Renaissance masters or simply enjoy the real “la dolce vita”.
We’ll show you 45 iconic landmarks and share practical tips so you can plan a carefree holiday in Rome on your own.
Rome landmarks – a map of places to see in Rome
1. The Colosseum
The Colosseum is the largest amphitheatre ever built and an iconic symbol of imperial Rome. The building, begun by the emperor Vespasian in AD 72 and completed by his son Titus in AD 80, was the setting for spectacular and often brutal public shows. Gladiator fights, hunts of exotic animals, re-enactments of famous battles and even staged naval battles were held here. With a capacity of up to 50,000 spectators, it was a masterpiece of Roman engineering, with an elaborate system of entrances, corridors and underground spaces (the hypogeum) where the gladiators and animals were kept.
Practical tips: Buy your tickets online well in advance without fail, so you don’t have to queue for hours. The ideal option is the combined ticket, which is valid for 24 hours and also includes entry to the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. For the best experience and fewer crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Don’t forget comfortable shoes and plenty of water, especially in the summer months.
Admission and opening hours: Open daily, usually from 9:00; the closing time changes with the season (around 16:30 in winter, 19:15 in summer). Last entry is an hour before closing.
2. The Roman Forum
For centuries the Roman Forum was the centre of everyday life in ancient Rome. This wide valley between the Palatine and Capitoline hills served as the main square, the setting for triumphal processions, elections, public speeches, trials and commercial activity. Today it’s an extensive archaeological site full of the ruins of ancient temples, government buildings, basilicas and triumphal arches. Walking along the main road, the Via Sacra, lets you imagine emperors and senators striding along it.
Practical tips: The site is enormous and full of uneven ground, so comfortable shoes are essential. Set aside at least 3–4 hours for your visit. Entry is included in the combined ticket with the Colosseum and the Palatine. I’d recommend starting on the Capitoline or the Palatine for a great view over the whole Forum.
Admission and opening hours: Entry is part of the combined ticket with the Colosseum. The opening hours are the same as for the Colosseum, i.e. daily from 9:00 until about 16:30/19:15 depending on the time of year.
3. The Palatine Hill
The Palatine Hill is considered the birthplace of Rome and is the most central of the seven Roman hills. According to legend, Romulus and Remus founded the city here in 753 BC. During the Roman Republic it became a prestigious residential district, and later the emperors, starting with Augustus, built their opulent residences here. Today the Palatine is a peaceful archaeological park with the remains of imperial palaces, gardens and a stadium.
Practical tips: The Palatine offers one of the best views of the Roman Forum on one side and the Circus Maximus on the other. It’s an ideal place for a calmer walk and an escape from the crowds. Entry is included in the combined ticket with the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
Admission and opening hours: Entry is part of the combined ticket with the Colosseum. The opening hours are the same as for the Colosseum.
4. The Pantheon
The Pantheon is an architectural wonder and the best preserved ancient building in Rome. It was originally built as a temple dedicated to all the gods during the reign of the emperor Hadrian around AD 126. Its most striking feature is the enormous concrete dome with an opening in the middle, called the oculus, which is the only source of natural light. In the 7th century it was converted into a Christian church, which helped preserve it so exceptionally well. Important figures are buried here, including the painter Raphael and several Italian kings.
Practical tips: The Pantheon is in the city centre, so be ready for crowds, especially in the middle of the day. For a calmer atmosphere, come early in the morning. Behave respectfully inside – it’s a working church. Don’t forget to look up at the oculus and watch the sunbeam moving across the interior.
Admission and opening hours: Admission is charged. Open daily from 9:00 to 19:00 (last entry at 18:30).
5. The Trevi Fountain
This monumental Baroque fountain is without doubt the most famous and most beautiful fountain in Rome. It depicts the god Oceanus riding a chariot drawn by sea horses. Designed by Nicola Salvi and completed in 1762, it’s a masterly combination of sculpture and architecture. It’s fed by one of the oldest Roman aqueducts, the Aqua Virgo.
Practical tips: According to tradition, if you throw a coin into the fountain with your right hand over your left shoulder, you’ll be sure to return to Rome. Two coins mean you’ll fall in love, and three that there’ll be a wedding. The place is extremely popular, so for the best photos without crowds come early in the morning (before 8:00) or late at night, when it’s also beautifully lit.
6. The Spanish Steps
This famous staircase of 135 steps links Piazza di Spagna with the church of Trinità dei Monti at the top. They were built between 1723 and 1725 and are a superb example of Roman Baroque architecture. In spring the steps are decorated with hundreds of flowering azaleas, which makes for a wonderful sight. The place has always been a favourite meeting point for artists, poets and travellers.
Practical tips: Since 2019 sitting on the steps has been forbidden to prevent damage to them. The fines can be steep. The steps are perfect for a walk up to the French church, from where there’s a beautiful view of the rooftops of Rome and the luxury shopping street Via dei Condotti below you.
7. St Peter’s Basilica
St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican is the largest church in the world and the centre of the Catholic Church. It stands on the spot where, according to tradition, St Peter, one of the twelve apostles, was buried. The greatest artists of the Renaissance and the Baroque worked on the basilica’s present form, including Bramante, Michelangelo, who designed its stunning dome, and Bernini, creator of the magnificent square and of the baldachin above the main altar. Inside there are many masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s Pietà.
Practical tips: Entry to the basilica itself is free, but be ready for long queues at the security checks. Observe the dress code (shoulders and knees covered). Don’t miss the chance to climb the dome (for a fee) for a breathtaking 360° view of Rome. You can take the lift part of the way, but you have to tackle the final steep, narrow staircase on foot.
Admission and opening hours: The basilica is open daily, from 1 April to 30 September 7:00–19:00, and from 1 October to 31 March 7:00–18:30. Entry is free.
8. The Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are one of the largest and most important museum complexes in the world. They hold vast collections of art and historic artefacts that the popes gathered over the centuries. The complex includes dozens of galleries and museums, such as the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Maps and the Egyptian and Etruscan collections. For most visitors the absolute highlight of the visit is the Sistine Chapel.
Practical tips: Booking tickets online is an absolute must unless you want to spend hours in a queue. The museums are enormous, so set aside at least 4 hours for your visit and plan what you want to see. There are also shorter, signposted routes. In the Sistine Chapel photography is strictly forbidden and silence is required.
Admission and opening hours: You can buy the basic online ticket here. Open Monday to Saturday, usually from 9:00 to 18:00 (last entry at 16:00). Entry is free on the last Sunday of every month (be ready for enormous crowds).
9. The Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is a chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the pope in the Vatican. It’s famous around the world for its frescoes by the greatest Renaissance artists. The chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, depicts nine scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the iconic Creation of Adam. Later, between 1535 and 1541, Michelangelo returned to paint the monumental Last Judgement fresco on the altar wall. The chapel is still used for the conclave, the election of a new pope.
Practical tips: The Sistine Chapel is part of the Vatican Museums and can’t be visited separately. The chapel is often packed, and absolute silence and no photography are required. The guards enforce the rules consistently. Before you go in, try reading something about the frescoes so you understand better what you’re looking at.
Admission and opening hours: Entry is included in the Vatican Museums ticket. The opening hours are the same as for the museums.
10. The Victor Emmanuel II Monument (Altare della Patria)
You can’t miss this enormous white marble structure on Piazza Venezia. The monument, known as the Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland), was built in honour of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a united Italy. It’s a symbol of national pride, and at its foot lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. Because of its shape and colour, locals have given it nicknames like “the typewriter” and “the wedding cake”.
Practical tips: Access to the steps and terraces of the monument is free and the view from there is great. For the absolute best 360° panorama of Rome, pay for a ride in the glass “Roma dal Cielo” lift right to the very top. Remember that sitting on the steps is strictly forbidden.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to the monument itself is free; the ride in the panoramic lift to the roof is charged. Open daily.
11. Castel Sant’Angelo
This mighty cylindrical building on the bank of the river Tiber has a rich and varied history. It was originally built in the 2nd century AD as a mausoleum for the emperor Hadrian and his family. Later it was converted into a military fortress, a papal residence and a prison. It’s connected to the Vatican by the fortified Passetto di Borgo corridor, which served as an escape route for the popes. Today the castle is a museum tracing its turbulent history.
Practical tips: Be sure to climb all the way up to the top terrace, where you’ll get one of the most beautiful panoramic views in Rome, especially of the Ponte Sant’Angelo and St Peter’s Basilica. The castle has several levels, from dark prison cells to luxurious papal apartments.
Admission and opening hours: You can get tickets online here. Open daily from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 to 19:30 (last entry at 18:30). Closed on Mondays.
12. Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is one of the largest and most elegant squares in Rome, famous for its Baroque gems. Its distinctive oval shape follows the ground plan of the ancient stadium that the emperor Domitian had built here in the 1st century AD for athletic games. The square’s landmark is the magnificent Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi) by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the middle. Two smaller fountains stand at either end, along with Francesco Borromini’s majestic church of Sant’Agnese in Agone.
Practical tips: The square is full of street performers, painters and cafés with outdoor seating. It’s a great place to rest and watch the bustle around you. Prices in the local restaurants and cafés are higher, though. In December traditional Christmas markets are held here.
13. Trastevere
Trastevere, literally “beyond the Tiber”, is a charming, bohemian district with an old-world atmosphere. Its narrow cobbled lanes, ivy-covered medieval houses and hidden little squares create a picturesque setting. Once a working-class district, today it’s known for its lively atmosphere, craft shops and above all as the gastronomic heart of Rome. You’ll find countless traditional trattorias, pizzerias and bars here where you can enjoy authentic Roman cooking.
Practical tips: The best time to visit Trastevere is late afternoon and evening, when the district comes alive. Walk as far as the basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, one of the oldest churches in Rome, which boasts beautiful golden mosaics. Climb the Gianicolo hill for a wonderful view over the whole of Rome.
14. The Borghese Gallery and Gardens
The Borghese Gallery, set in an elegant 17th-century villa, holds one of the world’s finest private art collections. It was founded by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, a great patron of the arts and nephew of Pope Paul V. The collection is famous above all for its masterly sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (Apollo and Daphne and The Rape of Proserpina, for example) and for paintings by Caravaggio. The villa itself stands in the extensive, peaceful Villa Borghese gardens, the third largest public park in Rome.
Practical tips: Booking tickets for the gallery is compulsory and has to be done weeks, sometimes months, in advance, because visitor numbers are strictly limited. A visit is limited to a two-hour time slot. After the gallery, make time for a walk in the park, hire a boat on the small lake or just rest on a bench.
Admission and opening hours: Full admission is charged for the gallery. It’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 to 19:00 (last entry at 17:45). The park is free to enter.
15. The Capitoline Museums
The Capitoline Museums, set on the majestic Capitoline Hill designed by Michelangelo, are considered the first public museums in the world. Their origins go back to 1471, when Pope Sixtus IV donated a collection of ancient bronze statues to the people of Rome. The museums occupy two palaces (Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo) and their collections focus above all on the history of Rome itself. The most valuable exhibits include the original bronze statue of the Capitoline Wolf, the symbol of Rome, and the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius (the original is inside, a copy stands on the square).
Practical tips: Don’t forget to walk through the underground corridor (the Galleria Lapidaria), which connects the two palaces and offers a view of the Roman Forum. The terrace at the back of the Palazzo dei Conservatori gives one of the most photogenic views of the Forum.
Admission and opening hours: Basic admission is around EUR 13. Open daily from 9:30 to 19:30 (last entry at 18:30).
16. The Circus Maximus
The Circus Maximus was the largest chariot-racing stadium in ancient Rome and one of the largest sports arenas ever built. At the height of its glory it reputedly held up to 250,000 spectators. It lies in the valley between the Palatine and Aventine hills. Besides chariot races, other public events were held here too, such as festivals and triumphal processions. Little of the original structure is visible today, but the huge open space gives a clear sense of its monumental dimensions.
Practical tips: Today the Circus Maximus is a large public park, ideal for running, a picnic or simply relaxing. Entry to the archaeological area at the south-eastern end lets you see the remains of the arched structures and shops. The site is often used for concerts and large public events.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to the park is free. The archaeological area is open Tuesday to Sunday and admission is charged.
17. The Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità)
This large marble medallion depicting the face of a bearded man is one of Rome’s best known curiosities. It stands in the portico of the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. According to medieval legend, if a liar puts their hand into the mouth of the medallion, it will be bitten off. The story was immortalised in the film Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. The origin and purpose of the disc are uncertain; it was probably an ancient drain cover or part of a fountain.
Practical tips: Be ready for a queue, because every tourist wants a photo with their hand in the Mouth of Truth. A small voluntary contribution is usually collected for entry. While you’re there, take a look inside the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin as well.
Admission and opening hours: Access is free (a small donation is expected). Open daily from 9:30 to 18:00 (until 17:00 in winter).
18. The Aventine Hill and the keyhole
The Aventine is one of the seven hills of Rome and is a quiet, green, elegant residential district. It’s an ideal place to escape the busy centre. Besides beautiful churches such as the basilica of Santa Sabina and the Orange Garden (Giardino degli Aranci) with its wonderful view of the city, the Aventine hides one of Rome’s most magical secrets. On Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta you’ll find the door of the Priory of the Knights of Malta.
Practical tips: Look through the keyhole in that door. You’ll see a perfectly framed view of the dome of St Peter’s Basilica, exactly at the end of the garden path. It’s one of the most unique and most photogenic views in Rome. A small queue of people waiting for a look often forms here.
Admission and opening hours: The hill and the square are freely accessible. Looking through the keyhole is free.
19. The Baths of Caracalla (Terme di Caracalla)
The Baths of Caracalla were one of the largest and most luxurious public bath complexes in ancient Rome. They were built at the beginning of the 3rd century AD during the reign of the emperor Caracalla and could hold up to 1,600 visitors at once. The complex wasn’t just a place to bathe (with hot, warm and cold baths) – it also worked as a complete social centre with libraries, gyms, shops and gardens. Even today the massive walls and vaults of the ruins are astonishing.
Practical tips: The site is very extensive, so wear comfortable shoes. You can hire an audio guide or virtual reality glasses, which help you imagine what the baths looked like in their full glory. In summer open-air opera and ballet performances are often held here.
Admission and opening hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00; the closing time varies by season. On Monday it’s only open until 14:00.
20. Trajan’s Market and Forum
Trajan’s Market, built at the beginning of the 2nd century AD, is considered the first shopping centre in the world. This semicircular brick and concrete complex, adjoining Trajan’s Forum, contained more than 150 shops and offices on several floors, managed by imperial officials. Today the market buildings house the Museum of the Imperial Fora (Museo dei Fori Imperiali), which documents the history of all the imperial fora superbly. The landmark of the whole area is Trajan’s Column, decorated with a spiral relief depicting Trajan’s victories over the Dacians.
Practical tips: Entry to the museum lets you walk along ancient corridors and look at the fora from a unique perspective. In the evening the whole area of the Imperial Fora (Via dei Fori Imperiali) is beautifully lit and ideal for a stroll.
Admission and opening hours: Open daily from 9:30 to 19:30 (last entry at 18:30).
21. Campo de’ Fiori
Campo de’ Fiori, literally “field of flowers”, is the only historic square in Rome without a church on it. During the day a busy, colourful market is held here, selling fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, cheese, pasta and other local products. In the middle of the square stands the sombre statue of the philosopher Giordano Bruno, who was burnt here for heresy in 1600. In the evening the atmosphere of the square changes: the market stalls disappear and the square comes alive thanks to the many bars and restaurants lining it.
Practical tips: Visit the market in the morning for the best atmosphere and to buy fresh produce. Watch out for pickpockets. In the evening it’s a great place for an aperitivo and people-watching. Prices can be touristy, but the atmosphere makes up for it.
Admission and opening hours: The square is freely accessible. The market is held Monday to Saturday, roughly from 7:00 to 14:00.
22. Palazzo Doria Pamphilj
A hidden gem right on the busy Via del Corso, the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj is one of the largest and grandest private palaces in Rome. It’s still lived in by descendants of the original noble family, but its magnificent gallery is open to the public. The gallery holds an extraordinary art collection, including masterpieces by Titian, Raphael and Caravaggio, and above all Diego Velázquez’s famous portrait of Pope Innocent X.
Practical tips: The ticket includes an excellent audio guide narrated by one of the current family members, Jonathan Doria Pamphilj, which gives a fascinating insight into the history of the palace and the collections. Unlike other big museums, it tends to be pleasantly quiet here.
Admission and opening hours: Admission is charged. Open daily from Friday to Monday 9:00–19:00, and from Thursday 10:00–20:00.
23. The Basilica of San Clemente
The Basilica of San Clemente is one of the most astonishing archaeological sites in Rome. From the outside it looks like many other churches, but its secret is hidden underground. It’s a “lasagne” church – it consists of three layers. The present 12th-century basilica is built on top of a 4th-century basilica, which in turn stands on the foundations of 1st-century buildings, including an ancient Mithraeum (a temple of the god Mithras).
Practical tips: Be sure to pay for entry to the underground levels. Descending into the lower, older layers is like travelling through time. On the lowest level you’ll even hear the sound of an underground stream flowing through.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to the upper basilica is free. Admission is charged. Open daily, usually 10:00–12:30 and 15:00–18:00.
24. Palazzo Barberini (Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica)
The Palazzo Barberini is a magnificent Baroque palace designed with the involvement of the three greatest architects of their time: Carlo Maderno, Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Francesco Borromini. Today it houses part of the National Gallery of Ancient Art (the other part is in the Palazzo Corsini). The collection contains works from the 13th to the 18th century, including Raphael’s famous portrait La Fornarina and Caravaggio’s dramatic painting Judith Beheading Holofernes. The palace itself is a work of art, especially the ceiling fresco The Triumph of Divine Providence by Pietro da Cortona in the main hall.
Practical tips: Besides the paintings, admire the architecture itself – Bernini’s square staircase and Borromini’s oval staircase, for example. The palace is extensive and tends not to be as crowded as other museums.
Admission and opening hours: Admission is charged (and the ticket is also valid for the Palazzo Corsini). Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:00).
25. The Via Appia Antica and the catacombs
The Via Appia Antica, known as the “queen of roads”, was one of the most important and strategically most significant roads of ancient Rome. Construction began in 312 BC and the road ran from Rome all the way to Brindisi in southern Italy. Along the first miles of the road outside the city walls there are many ancient tombs and monuments, because Roman law forbade burial inside the city. In this area you’ll also find several extensive catacombs – underground burial places used by the early Christians and Jews from the 2nd century onwards.
Practical tips: The best way to explore the Via Appia is to hire a bike. On Sundays and public holidays a large part of the road is closed to car traffic, which is ideal for cyclists and walkers. The catacombs (of Callixtus, Domitilla or San Sebastiano, for example) can only be visited on a guided tour. Each set of catacombs has different opening days and times, so check them in advance.
Admission and opening hours: The road is freely accessible. Entry to the individual catacombs usually costs around EUR 10 and includes a guide. Opening hours vary, often with a midday break and one closing day a week.
26. The Lateran Basilica (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano)
Although St Peter’s Basilica is the best known, the Lateran Basilica is in fact the official cathedral church of Rome and the seat of the pope as bishop of Rome. It holds the title “mother and head of all the churches of the city and the world”. The original church was founded in the 4th century by the emperor Constantine and for centuries was the main papal residence, before that moved to the Vatican. Its present form is mainly Baroque. Inside there are monumental statues of the apostles.
Practical tips: Directly opposite the basilica stands the building with the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta), which Jesus Christ is said to have climbed in Jerusalem and which St Helena brought to Rome. The faithful climb them on their knees.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to the basilica is free. Open daily from 7:00 to 18:30.
27. The Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls (Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura)
This basilica is one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome and is built on the spot where the apostle Paul was buried. The original church, founded by the emperor Constantine, was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1823. It was subsequently rebuilt according to the original plans. The interior is astonishing for its dimensions and endless rows of columns. Around the main nave runs a band of mosaic medallions depicting every pope from St Peter to the present day.
Practical tips: The basilica lies a little off the main tourist routes, but it’s easy to reach by metro (line B, Basilica San Paolo station). Thanks to its location it’s much quieter than the other major basilicas. Don’t miss the beautiful medieval cloister (chiostro) with its delicately decorated columns.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to the basilica is free. Open daily from 7:00 to 18:30.
28. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
Another of the four major papal basilicas, Santa Maria Maggiore is the largest church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary. According to legend, on a summer night in the 4th century the Virgin Mary appeared to Pope Liberius and told him to build a church on the spot where snow would lie the next day. And sure enough, on 5 August snow covered the Esquiline Hill. The basilica is remarkable for having kept the core of its original structure and is famous for its beautiful 5th-century mosaics in the main nave and on the triumphal arch.
Practical tips: Don’t forget to look up at the coffered ceiling, which is said to be gilded with the first gold brought from America. Beneath the main altar there’s a crypt with a relic believed to come from the manger of Jesus.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to the basilica is free. Open daily from 7:00 to 18:45.
29. The Pyramid of Cestius
This unusual, perfectly preserved pyramid in the ancient style comes as a real surprise in Rome. It was built between 18 and 12 BC as a tomb for Gaius Cestius, a wealthy Roman praetor. At that time Rome was gripped by “Egyptomania” following the conquest of Egypt. The pyramid was later incorporated into the Aurelian Walls, which contributed greatly to its excellent state of preservation.
Practical tips: The pyramid can be seen well from the outside. Right next to it is the interesting non-Catholic cemetery, where the English poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley are buried, among others. It’s a quiet, beautiful place to visit.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to the interior of the pyramid is only possible by prior arrangement and on special occasions. The cemetery is open daily and entry is free (a donation is expected).
30. The Jewish Ghetto
The Roman Ghetto, established in 1555 by a papal bull, is one of the oldest Jewish communities in Europe. It was originally a closed quarter surrounded by walls, where the Jews of Rome were forced to live. Today it’s a charming, lively area full of history. You’ll find the Great Synagogue and the Jewish Museum here, and above all it’s the centre of excellent Roman-Jewish cuisine.
Practical tips: Be sure to taste the local speciality carciofi alla giudia (Jewish-style fried artichokes). Walk past the Portico d’Ottavia, the ancient structure that became the centre of the ghetto, and look out for the “stumbling stones” (stolpersteine), small brass plaques in the pavement commemorating victims of the Holocaust.
Admission and opening hours: The district is freely accessible. To visit the synagogue and the museum you need to buy a ticket.
31. The Ara Pacis Augustae
The Ara Pacis, or Altar of Peace, is a masterpiece of Roman sculpture. It was built between 13 and 9 BC to celebrate the return of the emperor Augustus from Hispania and Gaul and the establishment of peace in the Roman Empire, known as the Pax Romana. The altar is richly decorated with reliefs depicting members of the imperial family, senators and mythological scenes connected with the founding of Rome. Today the altar is protected inside a modern building designed by the architect Richard Meier.
Practical tips: The museum is relatively small and a visit doesn’t take long. It’s a great example of how modern architecture can be used to protect and present ancient art.
Admission and opening hours: Admission is charged. Open daily from 9:30 to 19:30 (last entry at 18:30).
32. The Domus Aurea
The Domus Aurea, or “Golden House”, was an extensive, extravagant palace complex built for the emperor Nero after the great fire of Rome in AD 64. The palace was famous for its opulence, its gilded walls, ceilings inlaid with precious stones and a revolving dining room. After Nero’s death the palace was filled in and other buildings were erected on the site, including the Colosseum. Today its remains are accessible as an underground archaeological site.
Practical tips: A visit is only possible with a guide and after booking in advance. The tour includes a fascinating virtual reality experience showing what the palace looked like at the height of its glory. It’s cold and damp underground, so take warmer clothes.
Admission and opening hours: Admission including the guide and VR is charged. It’s usually open from Friday to Sunday.
33. The Arch of Constantine
This mighty triumphal arch, standing right next to the Colosseum, is the largest and one of the best preserved triumphal arches in Rome. It was built in AD 315 to celebrate the victory of the emperor Constantine over Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. The arch is interesting because many of its decorative reliefs were taken from older monuments built during the reigns of the emperors Trajan, Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius. This practice, known as spolia, was common in late antiquity.
Practical tips: The arch is best seen and photographed from the open space around the Colosseum. It’s a great starting point for a walk towards the Roman Forum. Take a moment to look at the detailed reliefs.
Admission and opening hours: The arch is freely accessible and visible from the public street 24 hours a day.
34. The Theatre of Marcellus
The Theatre of Marcellus, which looks strikingly like a small Colosseum, is in fact older. Its construction was begun by Julius Caesar and completed by the emperor Augustus in 13 BC, who dedicated it to the memory of his nephew and son-in-law Marcellus. It was the largest and most important theatre in Rome, holding up to 20,000 spectators. In the Middle Ages its structure was converted into a fortress and later into a Renaissance palace, which is still lived in today.
Practical tips: The lower arches of the theatre are freely accessible from the street and you can walk through them. It’s a fascinating example of how ancient buildings changed and adapted to new purposes over the centuries. Classical music concerts are held here in summer.
Admission and opening hours: The exterior is freely accessible 24 hours a day.
35. Piazza Farnese and the Farnese Palace
Piazza Farnese is an elegant square dominated by the imposing Palazzo Farnese, one of the most important Renaissance buildings in Rome. The best architects of the time worked on the palace design, including Antonio da Sangallo the Younger and Michelangelo, who completed the facade and the upper cornice. Today the palace houses the French embassy. The two large granite basins on the square come from the Baths of Caracalla.
Practical tips: Because the palace houses an embassy, it isn’t normally open to the public. Visits are only possible by prior booking on set days and at set times. Even the view from outside is impressive, though.
Admission and opening hours: The square is freely accessible. Visiting the palace is restricted and requires an online booking.
36. The Tiber Island (Isola Tiberina)
This small boat-shaped island in the middle of the river Tiber is connected to the banks by the two oldest Roman bridges. Since antiquity the island has been associated with healing; in 293 BC a temple to Aesculapius, the god of medicine, was built here. That tradition continues today, because the Fatebenefratelli hospital stands on the island. It’s a quiet, picturesque place, ideal for a short walk.
Practical tips: In summer the island hosts the L’Isola del Cinema film festival, when its banks turn into restaurants, bars and an open-air cinema.
Admission and opening hours: The island is freely accessible 24 hours a day.
37. Villa Farnesina
This beautiful Renaissance villa in Trastevere was built for the wealthy Sienese banker Agostino Chigi. It’s famous for its stunning frescoes by the greatest masters, including Raphael. His fresco The Triumph of Galatea is one of the peaks of Renaissance art. Other rooms are decorated with scenes from the myth of Cupid and Psyche and with illusionistic paintings that create the impression of looking out over open countryside.
Practical tips: Villa Farnesina is an often overlooked gem, so there tend to be no crowds here. It’s a great chance to see Raphael’s work in peace. Don’t forget to look up at the ceilings in the loggia.
Admission and opening hours: Admission is charged. Open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 14:00.
38. The Church of San Luigi dei Francesi
This church near Piazza Navona is the national church of France in Rome. Although its exterior is fairly unassuming, inside it hides a real treasure. In the Contarelli Chapel there’s a cycle of three magnificent, dramatic canvases by Caravaggio depicting the life of St Matthew: The Calling of St Matthew, The Martyrdom of St Matthew and The Inspiration of St Matthew.
Practical tips: Looking at the paintings is free, but they’re in a dark chapel. To see them properly you have to put a coin (1 or 2 EUR) into the machine that lights them up for a while. Have some change ready.
Admission and opening hours: Entry is free. Open daily, but with a midday break (usually 10:00–12:30 and 15:00–19:00).
39. The Church of St Peter in Chains (San Pietro in Vincoli)
This 5th-century church was built to house the relic of the chains with which St Peter was said to have been bound in Jerusalem and Rome. For most visitors, though, the main draw is Michelangelo’s monumental statue of Moses. The statue was originally intended for the magnificent tomb of Pope Julius II, which was to stand in St Peter’s Basilica, but the project was never completed in full. Moses with horns on his head (the result of a mistranslation from Hebrew) is considered one of the greatest sculptural works in history.
Practical tips: The church stands on a hill a short walk from the Colosseum. Entry is free. Besides the statue of Moses, take a look at the chains themselves, displayed in a reliquary beneath the main altar.
Admission and opening hours: Entry is free. Open daily from 8:00 to 12:30 and from 15:00 to 19:00 (until 18:00 in winter).
40. The Capuchin Crypt
The Capuchin Crypt beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini is one of the most bizarre and most fascinating sights in Rome. It consists of several small chapels whose walls are “decorated” with the bones and skulls of around 4,000 Capuchin friars who died between the 16th and 19th centuries. It isn’t a morbid spectacle but a reminder of the transience of human life, as the inscription in one of the chapels suggests: “What you are now, we once were; what we are now, you shall be.”
Practical tips: Photography inside is strictly forbidden. A visit is part of the museum tour, which explains the history of the Capuchin order. Given the nature of the place, respectful behaviour is required.
Admission and opening hours: Admission is charged. Open daily from 10:00 to 19:00 (last entry at 18:30).
41. Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (the National Roman Museum)
One of the four branches of the National Roman Museum, the Palazzo Massimo holds one of the most important collections of ancient art in the world. The collections are spread over four floors and include amazing sculptures such as the Sleeping Hermaphroditus and the Discobolus, and above all incredibly well-preserved frescoes and mosaics from Roman villas such as the Villa of Livia and the Villa Farnesina. In the basement there’s an extensive numismatic collection.
Practical tips: This museum is an absolute must for lovers of antiquity. It isn’t as crowded as other places and lets you study the exhibits calmly and in detail. The ticket is also valid for the other branches of the museum (the Baths of Diocletian, Crypta Balbi, Palazzo Altemps).
Admission and opening hours: A combined ticket to all 4 branches costs EUR 12 and is valid for 3 days. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 to 19:00.
42. The Baths of Diocletian (the National Roman Museum)
Another branch of the National Roman Museum is set in the remains of the largest public baths of ancient Rome. The Baths of Diocletian, built around the turn of the 3rd and 4th centuries, held up to 3,000 people. Today the baths house a collection of inscriptions and sculptures. The complex also includes the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, which Michelangelo brilliantly built into the main hall (the frigidarium) of the baths, and a beautiful cloister (chiostro).
Practical tips: The sheer size of the ruins gives you a great sense of the monumentality of Roman buildings. Take a look at the church, where you can clearly see how Michelangelo used the original ancient structures.
Admission and opening hours: Entry is included in the combined ticket to the National Roman Museum. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 to 19:00.
43. The Quirinal Palace (Palazzo del Quirinale)
The Quirinal Palace, standing on the highest of the seven hills of Rome, is the official residence of the president of the Italian Republic. It previously served as a papal summer residence and later as the seat of the Italian kings. It’s one of the largest palaces in the world. On the square in front of the palace stand an obelisk and a fountain with statues of the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollux.
Practical tips: Every day you can watch the ceremonial changing of the guard in front of the palace. The palace can be visited on guided tours, but these have to be booked online well in advance.
Admission and opening hours: Visits have to be booked online. Tours take place on set days (usually Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Admission varies depending on the route you choose.
44. The Aurelian Walls
This imposing ring of walls was built between AD 271 and 275 during the reigns of the emperors Aurelian and Probus to protect Rome from barbarian invasions. The walls are about 19 kilometres long and enclose most of the historic centre. They’re one of the largest and best preserved ancient fortifications in the world.
Practical tips: In the section by the Porta San Sebastiano gate there’s the Museum of the Walls (Museo delle Mura), which lets you walk along part of the wall and learn more about its history and construction.
Admission and opening hours: Most of the walls are visible from the street. Entry to the Museum of the Walls is free. Open Tuesday to Sunday.
45. Piazza and Church of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola (Piazza e Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola)
The Church of St Ignatius is a Baroque gem famous for its incredible illusionistic ceiling fresco by Andrea Pozzo. The fresco, called The Apotheosis of St Ignatius, creates a perfect illusion that the flat ceiling opens up to the sky and the church architecture carries on upwards. The false dome is just as deceptive – it’s painted on canvas, because there was no money left to build a real one.
Practical tips: For the illusion to work fully, stand on the marble disc marked on the floor of the main nave. From that point the perspective is perfect. The square in front of the church is architecturally interesting too, designed in the Rococo style.
Admission and opening hours: Entry to the church is free. Open daily from 7:30 to 19:00.
46. Quartiere Coppedè
This small, fairy-tale district is a hidden gem of Rome, completely different from the rest of the city. It lies a short way from the centre and is the work of the Florentine architect Gino Coppedè. Between 1913 and 1927 he created a unique group of buildings here that are a fantastical mixture of Art Nouveau, Baroque, antiquity and the Middle Ages. The centre of the district is Piazza Mincio with the Fountain of the Frogs (Fontana delle Rane).
Practical tips: It’s a purely residential district, ideal for a quiet, visually fascinating walk. The entrance to the district is marked by a large arch linking two palaces. Pay attention to the bizarre, detailed decorations on the buildings.
Where to stay in Rome?
1. Centro Storico (the area around the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori)
For those visiting Rome for the first time who want all the main landmarks within reach. Ideal if you want to enjoy romantic walks along cobbled lanes and be at the centre of things. Expect picturesque lanes, hidden little squares, plenty of restaurants and boutiques and, of course, crowds of tourists. Everything is within walking distance from here, so you’ll save both time and money on transport.
2. Trastevere
For young travellers, foodies and anyone looking for a bohemian, lively atmosphere. Ideal if you love nightlife and great food in authentic trattorias. A charming district with cobbled, ivy-covered lanes. During the day it’s relatively quiet, but in the evening it turns into the pulsing heart of Rome’s nightlife with countless bars and restaurants.
3. Monti
For couples, lovers of fashion and design and anyone who wants to stay in a trendy, “cool” district with a village feel. Monti is the hipster heart of Rome. You’ll find plenty of vintage shops, craft workshops, stylish bars and small restaurants here. It’s a short walk from the Colosseum, yet it keeps its local, alternative character.
4. Prati (the area near the Vatican)
For families with children, visitors who want to be close to the Vatican and anyone who prefers a quieter, more elegant and more orderly district. Prati is a smart residential and commercial district with wide boulevards, Art Nouveau buildings and great shopping (especially on Via Cola di Rienzo). It’s safe, clean and calmer than the historic centre.
More tips for your travels:
We have prepared for you this comprehensive list of links, discounts, and resources for travel planning in one place. Bookmark this page and whenever you plan a vacation in the future, just open it and save yourself a lot of time.
1) Where to book accommodation?
- We prefer to find an accommodation using Booking.com.
- It's also worth it to compare with AirBnb.
- Read also our guide - How to search for the best accommodation.
2) How to find cheap flights?
- We recommend searching for flights on Skyscanner.
- Read also our complete guide - How to find cheap flights.
3) How to rent a car?
- We recommend a comparison portal RentalCars.com to compare the best offers of all available rental companies.
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