Rome, also known as Roma, holds a central position in its historical importance and is the capital of the Lazio region and Italy overall. It sits on the tip of the Italian peninsula, close to the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Tiber River. In antiquity, Rome was the capital of an ancient Republic and Empire whose armies and governance shaped Western civilization and left an enduring mark on the world for centuries.

Legend has it that the twin brothers, Romulus and Remus, founded Rome and the Roman Kingdom. As early as the Bronze Age, Rome was under Roman rule until its unification around the 6th century BCE. In time, the city became the capital of the Roman Empire. During its expansion into continental Europe, the Roman Empire conquered the Italian peninsula. They captured and defeated the Mediterranean basin, and extended its dominion all over the region. Under Pompey the Great and Julius Caesar, Rome expanded its influence over Syria, Jerusalem, Cyprus, and Gaul. In the following years, all Roman lands were under the control of Augustus, the first Roman emperor.

Rome was a city brimming with magnificent public buildings, including palaces, temples, public baths, theatres, and stadiums. The capital city reached its peak of grandeur during the late 1st and early 2nd centuries of the common era. It remained the capital of the Roman Empire until Constantinople, today known as Istanbul, was dedicated to the Emperor in 330 CE. And by the end of the 6th century CE, Rome was under the protection of the Roman Catholic Church. The Papacy or the Roman Catholic Church became supremely powerful in the 15th century.

Rome flourished during the Renaissance and became the capital of the Papal States. And by 1870, Italy had become a united nation. Modern Rome developed into a national center in the 1920s and 1930s, serving as Italy’s administrative, cultural, and transportation hub.

Rome is the eternal city, a political capital, a religious center, and a memorial to the creative imagination of the past. It remains the spiritual and physical seat of the Roman Catholic Church and the cradle of historic intellectual and artistic achievements. In short, the entire city of Rome is a giant museum, so you must visit this city at least once in your lifetime. Here is a list of some top things to do when in Rome.

HISTORIC MONUMENTS AND LANDMARKS IN ROME

The city of Rome abounds in countless fascinating historique monuments and landmarks. From dozens of such spots, I have compiled just a few. On the list of must-sees is the Colosseum, the most significant architectural landmark of Ancient Rome. In the past, the Colosseum was a stadium ground that hosted fierce battles between gladiators and wild beasts. Second on the list is the Roman Forum, where triumphal arches, temples, and basilicas mark the past center of imperial Rome’s public life. It is reputed to be the place where Julius Caesar lies in rest.

Then we have the world-famous Fontana di Trevi. Trevi Fountain stands at the foot of the Quirinal, the highest classical hill in Rome. You will see that this triumphant Baroque design features winged horses, a pair of Tritons, and the Sea God Neptune riding a shell chariot. The place often serves as a wish-fulfilling fountain, and visitors toss coins here for good health and abundance. You also have to visit the Pantheon, once a pagan temple. As one of the colossal domes of its type without reinforced concrete, it is a wonder of symmetry and architectural innovation. There is also the Column of Marcus Aurelius. It exists in honor of the most intellectual emperor, author, and writer of the Meditations, Marcus Aurelius.

Then, the Vittorio Emanuele at Piazza Venezia stands out as the most striking landmark because of its harsh white Brescian marble in a city of honey-gold tones. Another archeological dig that stands out is the Baths of Caracalla. The ruins of the immense bathhouse were the largest complex in Rome, with a capacity of 2,500 visitors. Despite natural disasters affecting the structure, it still gives an impression of the size of the baths of Emperor Caracalla. Our last stop is Ostia Antica, a spectacular day trip from the city. In essence, it is a historical stadium-turned-relaxation park. Perhaps, this is more for tourists planning to stay in Rome for a considerable time since it is about 30kms west of the city.

EXTRAORDINARY MUSEUMS IN ROME

A trip to the unique museums in Rome will give you a deeper understanding of the Roman Empire and the city. It will be an unforgettable experience for life. Among the many museums to attend, here are the ones that you cannot miss. Have you heard about the Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel? Over the centuries, the popes gathered an enormous collection of art, from Roman objects to religious relics. You can view these Catholic art treasures in 54 richly decorated rooms in the Vatican Museums. But the highlight for many visitors will be the Sistine Chapel. Even though it is more of a chapel, it is part of the Vatican Museum. The chapel is most famous for hosting conclaves to elect new Catholic popes, where you can see the beautiful frescoes painted by Michelangelo.

Following that is the Castel Sant’Angelo. With a tunnel connecting the Vatican and the Castle of the Holy Angel, the castle sheltered popes as part of Rome’s defenses. Today the museum-turned-fortress is known for restoring its past, origins, and cultural values. Palazzo Doria Pamphilj is another beautiful city palace adorned with overwhelming collections of paintings and frescoes inside the Doria Pamphilj Gallery. The gallery is one of the largest in Rome that remains in private ownership and features art from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Last on my list is quite an unusual place, the Museum and Crypt of the Capuchins. It is actually a small space divided into many tiny chapels containing the skeleton remains of 3,700 bodies believed to be Capuchin priests buried by their order. This place is not meant for everyone since it could be somewhat disturbing. Therefore, if you have time, you can opt to visit the Borghese Gallery, one of the most prominent art galleries in the world. It is rightly said that if you can experience just one art gallery in your lifetime, let it be this one!!

CATHEDRALS WITH ARTISTIC VALUES

The Roman Catholic Church has so much significance and history attached to its chapels that a voyage to Rome without visiting its Cathedrals is incomplete!! Here is a list of the four best artistic cathedrals that are a must-see. Firstly, St.Peters Basilica, also known as Basilica di San Pietro in Vaticano, is the spiritual center of the Catholic Church and the residence of the Pope. You can view masterpieces such as Bernini’s Baldachin and Michelangelo’s “La Pieta,” as well as the crypts which contain 148 Papal Tombs.

Then, you have Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, the largest of the four Papal Churches which contains many authentic Mosaics with a distinctive golden ceiling. Interesting fact- the altar is said to hold pieces of wood from Jesus’ crib. Arci Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is another noteworthy and interesting church worth visiting in Rome. It is not only one of the four Papal Churches but also includes a distinctive facade with statues by Alessandro Galilei. Lastly, we have Basilica di San Clemente, dedicated to Pope Clement I. It is known for its impressive interiors and mysterious Roman foundations within the chapel.

PICTURESQUE PARKS AND GARDENS

Although Rome generally attracts travelers fascinated by the Ancient Roman or Renaissance facades and architecture, the city parks are rich in historical insights too. And I have put together just a few must-see parks and gardens when in Rome. Villa Borghese tops the list; it is the largest and most beautiful park in the city. This estate once belonged to the incredibly wealthy cardinal Scipione Borghese and centered around the same villa. It has been a public park since 1903 and currently belongs to the city of Rome. Inside the park, you’ll also find the Galleria Borghese, which houses Borghese’s extensive private art collection. The best part is you can choose whether you explore the place on foot or hire a bicycle.

The next on the list is the Roman Appian Way which is indeed one of the oldest roads from Roman times. Hop on a bike and enjoy the ancient streets lined with many cypresses for a picturesque experience. The Vatican Garden is the third on the list, which contains many fortifications, monuments, and underground caves. But the permits to this place are only by guided tour, either by foot or by open-air bus. It is worth visiting this place because, as I mentioned earlier, the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel reside inside the Vatican Garden. Then there is Parco Savello, also known as the Orange Garden due to its lawn of orange trees, a perfect spot during sunsets to view the city’s rooftop. Lastly, we have Villa Torlonia, which rarely gets attention and abounds in WWII history.

ROMAN FEASTING, THE APERITIVO, AND THE DOLCE VITA VIBE

The complete Roman experience screams for that dolce vita lifestyle, from early aperitivo and trattorias to hip cocktail bars and late-night clubs. The combination of romantic alfresco settings and superb food makes eating out in Rome one of its greatest pleasures. You can find fine dining and top-notch wine in many refined restaurants. But if you want an authentic Roman experience with a Roman meal, head to a boisterous pizzeria or a lively neighborhood trattoria. That’s where the Locals indulge their passion for thin, crispy pizza, humble pasta dishes, and refreshing white wines from the nearby Castelli Romani hills. The perfect end to such a delicious meal is a scoop of gelato followed by a shot of coffee that will leave your mouth watering.

If you enjoyed this blog post, please check out my other posts on Tuscany, Venice, Milan, and so on from Italy Travels.