Top things to do While Visiting the Ancient City of Rome

We all know Rome to be unique in its history, language, and culinary enjoyments. But that’s not all, apart from being the capital of Italy, the city has been a major human settlement for over 2000 years.

Let’s check out the top things that’ll make your experience more memorable.

The Colleseum

Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. The colleseum was built around 80AD to hold gladiator combats, animal fights, and many Roman games which were mostly followed by gruesome killing and lots of bloodsheds. 

 It is the most iconic center in Rome. Tourists can even enjoy the Colleseum through the eyes of a gladiator by booking a guided tour of the arena. You get to see where slaves worked, where wild animals such as lions, hyenas, and bears were kept, and see where gladiators rested, ate, and prayed.

The Optical Illusion Of St Peter’s Dome

There is a certain fascination that accompanies looking at the view of St. Peter from Via Niccolò Piccolomini. What makes this street extraordinary is how it perfectly aligns with the dome of St. Peters.

From the highest end of this hilltop road, the dome appears large and imposing. But once you walk towards the dome, you’ll notice the optical illusion. The closer you get, the smaller the dome seems to the point where it looks tiny.

The illusion is attributed to the layout of the buildings in the street.

Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in the ancient city of Rome. It was constructed in 1762 after many years of work by Nicholas Savi and was finalized by Giuseppe Pannini.

Three myths make seeing Fontana The Trevi alluring.

●     Throwing one coin into the fountain will make you return to Rome.

●     Throwing two coins will make you fall in love with an attractive Italian.

●     Throwing three coins means you’ll marry the person you meet.

There are no other ways to achieve an unforgettable experience like finding love.

St Peter’s Square

At the feet of St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City is St Peter's Square.

The square is one of the largest and most beautiful squares in the world. St Peter’s Square is enormous, covering over 320 meters long and 240 meters wide. 

At the center is a massive obelisk that was taken from Nero’s Circus. St. peter’s square has held over 300,000 people. Tourists can use this as a starting point to explore the Vatican.

St. Peter’s Basilica

This is one of the most recognized and celebrated religious buildings in the world. Designed by both Michelangelo and Bernini. The Basilica has an elaborately designed front facade and is crowned with statues of the Apostles and Jesus.

The sheer amount of decoration and detail makes the Basilica so amazing. There’s a way the light falls in stunning rays at specific points during the day.

You should not forget to climb to the top of the dome for an aerial view of St. Peter’s Square!

The Secret Escapes Route at Il Passetto di Borgo

For people not looking for the conventional tourist experience in Rome, The Passetto di Borgo offers something different.

The Passetto was erected in 1277 by Pope Nicholas III to link the Vatican City with Castel Sant’Angelo which extends for about 800 meters. In 1494, Pope Alexander VI crossed it when the city was invaded by Charles VIII.

Walking in the footsteps of Pope’s who tried to escape danger when Rome was under threat, gives you a sense of how they must’ve felt as they fled along this passageway. However, Passetto is only open in the summer for guided tours.

Vatican Museums

Within the confines of the Vatican state, the museums hold some of the most important pieces of artwork in the world.

The Vatican Museums features 4 different museums with different artworks and themes. Notable works like the Transfiguration by Raphael, the Entombment of Christ by Caravaggio, and the breathtaking gallery of maps.

Shopping in Rome

For the more popular brands, visit Via Cola di Rienzoyou’d find brands like Nike, Calvin Klein, and some well-known Italian brands like Benetton, COIN, and Zara.

If you have a higher budget, check out the prestigious streets of Via Condotti with brands like Gucci, Armani, and Prada.

However, for gifts, antique watches, clocks, sundials, globes, and maps; look at the clutter of streets wedged between Via Garibaldi and VialeTrastevere.

Galleria Borghese

The Galleria Borghese is in Villa Borghese park. A 17th-century villa with 20 rooms featuring masterpieces of the Renaissance and the inception of baroque art.

The Galleria features paintings by Caravaggio and sculptures like Ratto di Proserpina (Rape of Proserpina) and “Apollo e Dafne” (Apollo and Daphne) by Bernini.

Explore The City

Take a stroll along the oldest and longest road of Rome, via Appia Antica, and enjoy the view of ancient houses, grassy fields, mausoleums, and towering pine trees.

Enjoy a gelato, sit at the Spanish Steps, and just enjoy the city’s atmosphere., the best museum in Rome is the city itself.

Like most tourist attractions, tickets should be booked in advance to avoid standing in queues for too long.