Rome, the city of seven hills,
enjoyed a mythic beginning. Romulus and Remus — twin brothers who were nursed
by a she-wolf and fathered by a war god — reportedly founded the Eternal City.
And although historians are a little skeptical about this epic entry into the
world, most travelers are absolutely certain that there is something most
magical about Rome. Whether it's the mystery of nearby Vatican City or the
ghosts of the Colosseum, an afternoon caffè on Piazza Navona or a piled-high
plate of pasta at a trattoria, Roma is sure to enchant.
Italy's capital city, Rome is
also known for a history that dates back to the eras of Octavian, Julius Caesar
and Hadrian, among others. Left behind are structures like the Pantheon, the
Roman Forum and dozens of churches, among other historic gems. Art enthusiasts
will relish the trove of art housed at the Vatican Museums, and foodies will
enjoy the splendid Italian fare, not to mention the gelato. And though its
momentous past is the focus for many vacationers, Rome is also a fast-paced,
modern and relevant city, with gleaming designer storefronts, sleek hotels and
cutting-edge restaurants.
Best
Places to see in Rome
Ostia
Antica
Let’s be honest, when you were
thinking of what to see in Rome, Ostia Antica probably wasn’t the first site
you came across. Yet this underrated gem is one of Rome’s best tourist
attractions. Ostia contains the amazingly well preserved remains of Rome’s ancient
port – it’s quiet, fascinating and just brilliant to explore.
Palatine
Hill
Let’s face it, the Palatine Hill
was the Primrose Hill of its day – where all those who wanted to see and be
seen had a pad. Today it’s among the most visited of Rome’s tourist attractions
and houses some of the city’s most impressive ancient sites. Don’t miss the
small museum and the houses of Augustus and Livia.
Vatican
Museums
You can’t come to Rome without
visiting the Vatican Museums which are rightfully placed among the top sights
in Rome. From frescoes by Raphael and the sarcophagus of the Junius Bassus to
the famed Sistine Chapel, they house a comprehensive collection of artwork and
historical pieces from throughout history.
The
Colosseum
Now the Colosseum, that crops up
on every list of sites to see in Rome there ever was. And with good reason.
Once the largest amphitheatre of the Empire, where gladiators, criminals and
lions alike fought for their lives, the Colosseum is an absolute must for any
tour of Rome, despite crowds and cheap costumes.
Castel
Sant Angelo
Originally the tomb of the
Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant Angelo looms large over the Tiber making it one of
the most striking sites to see in Rome. Today, it is home to a museum as well
as the remains of the Emperor's Mausoleum, medieval prison cells and the papal
apartments.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of the
best-preserved ancient buildings in the world. Though definitely one for your
list of places to visit in Rome, the truth is that it doesn’t really take all
that long and you have to remind yourself that you’re looking at a 2,000
year-old building to really understand the magnificence of what you’re viewing.
The
Ara Pacis Museum
A relative newcomer to the list
of sites to see in Rome, the Ara Pacis Museum displays the Emperor Augustus’s
Altar of Peace. Constructed in 9BC it signified the peace which Augustus had
brought to the Empire. It’s an amazing site which is extremely well preserved
and thoroughly enthralling.
Hadrian’s
Villa
The private residence of one of
Rome’s most famous Emperors, it turns out he liked building villas as well as
walls. Nowadays the remains of Hadrian’s Villa are a bit of a trek and may not
often feature among the top places to visit in Rome. But if you put in the
effort, you won’t be disappointed.
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