Rome is the pinnacle of beauty and history and is mentioned among the most famous places in the world. In addition to serving as Italy’s capital, the city serves as a monument to the imaginative creativity of architecture. The historic centre of Rome is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site because of the ad hoc urban construction that dates back three thousand years. Located on the Tiber River in the centre of the Italian peninsula, 24 km from the Tyrrhenian Sea. Rome is a city of warm hues and traditional architectural designs.
They say that all roads lead to Rome. Or maybe all interests should be considered. Foodies could spend their whole lives sampling the city’s pasta, including the rich and meaty carbonara and the irresistibly buttery cacio e pepe. Art enthusiasts can take tours of several works of art by artists like Michelangelo and Raphael. The Pantheon, the Colosseum, and the Trevi Fountain are just a few of the numerous historic places that history buffs can visit. But just when you think you understand Rome, something unexpected happens. Just take a peek at its famed nightclubs and up-all-night intensity in its nightlife, which rivals that of any European major. Even if you’ve outgrown bar hopping, it’s still worth partaking in the Roman custom of an aperitivo (pre-dinner drink) to celebrate this immortal city with the inhabitants.
Rome
Rome is located in central Italy, on the banks of the Tiber River. The city covers an area of approximately 1,285 km2 and is situated on seven hills: Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Palatine, Quirinal, and Viminal. The city is also surrounded by the Alban Hills, which are located southeast of Rome. The climate in Rome is typically Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers. Some of the major landmarks in Rome include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, the Vatican City, and St. Peter’s Basilica.
Rome has a claim to being the birthplace of Western civilization. The city is today recognised as the 14th most visited country in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It served as the capital of the Roman Kingdom, Roman Republic, and Roman Empire. Among the Colosseum’s remains or on Palatine Hill, one can get a sense of the strength and grandeur of the former Roman Empire. Nobody can leave Rome without seeing the Sistine Chapel because of the outstanding beauty of the artefacts in the Vatican museums! While a trip to the Vatican would reveal the city’s strong Christian heritage, those with a greater sense of adventure can explore whatever lies within the San Calisto catacombs!
High culture, the arts, fashion, and historic architecture all play a part in the varied culture of Rome. Rome’s long-standing customs, which are rooted in food and religion, dominate daily life. Rome’s status as the Eternal City is attributed to the contrast between its ancient and contemporary customs and culture. The adage “when in Rome, do what the Romans do” must be familiar to you. The expression, which was first used in 387 AD, expressed the rigidity of the orthodox Roman Christians who were not very keen on being flexible with their rituals. Even now, visitors might benefit from a brief overview of Roman culture and traditions. Rome has undergone significant alteration over time.
Rome has evolved into a modern city that is more hospitable and open in its viewpoint, even yet the city nevertheless preserves a serene spiritual and religious aspect (due to its numerous churches and cathedrals). Yet, to truly appreciate Rome, attempt to adopt a little of its culture while there.
According to legend, Romulus and Remus founded Rome in 753 BC. The Forums, the Mausoleum of Augustus, the Mausoleum of Hadrian, the Pantheon, Trajan’s Column, the Column of Marcus Aurelius, as well as the ecclesiastical and civic structures of papal Rome are all included in the World Heritage site, which was expanded in 1990 to include the walls of Urban VIII.
The Flavian Amphitheatre, better known as the Colosseum, was the biggest amphitheatre in the Roman Empire and a prime example of a symbol of Rome. Vespasian started building it in 72 AD, and gladiatorial combat and other amusement shows were held there. Every person may attend the performances for free because the structure was made for entertainment and was accessible to all.
Colosseum
The Forums of Caesar, Augustus, Nerva, and Trajan served as the hub of political action in ancient Rome and were constructed between 46 BC and 113 AD. The Via connects the Colosseum to Piazza Venezia. Benito Mussolini ordered the entire district to be extensively demolished between 1924 and 1932, leading to the Via dei Fori Imperiali as it is today.
Via dei Fori Imperiali
This impressive structure, also known as “Il Vittoriano” or the “Altar of the Fatherland,” was erected between 1885 and 1911 to honour Vittorio Emanuele II of Savoy, the country’s first king, and the magnificence of Rome as its city. The palm represents triumph, the oak represents strength, the laurel represents victorious peace, the myrtle represents sacrifice, and the olive tree represents concordance. These repeating plant symbols were not picked at random. It houses the Altar of the Unknown Soldier, a memorial to all war dead that honours an unnamed Italian soldier who died in the First World War.
National Monument to Vittorio Emanuele
Piazza Venezia contains a number of structures in addition to the Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, such as the Palazzo Venezia, a former papal residence from whose balcony Pope Julius II used to watch the Barberi horse race, which was staged down Via del Corso until 1883. The square’s original design also includes the Palazzo Bonaparte, the home of Letizia Ramolino, Napoleon’s mother, from 1818 until her passing.
Piazza Venezia
The building, which was the culmination of numerous building endeavours and the labour of the best architects of the 16th and 17th centuries, is situated on the site of a former Constantinian basilica from the 4th century. It houses a number of very significant pieces, including Michelangelo’s well-known Pietà. Gian Lorenzo Bernini created and put into place the layout of the square between 1657 and 1667. The Vatican City State, the smallest sovereign State in the world, and the Italian State are separated by its majestic colonnade.
St. Peter’s Basilica
Apart from the innumerable World Heritage Sites that Rome has, it also has many other places worth exploring as a tourist.
The house of a thousand arts, Vatican museums are one of the most popular art museums in Italy. With around 6 million annual visitors, this site is one of the oldest in Rome. Boasting one of the best art collections in the city, the Vatican museums include exhibits that run across around 7 km of corridors and halls. This showcase of priceless art is definitely worth a visit for anyone interested in Roman art.
Vatican Museums
The Roman Forum, or Forum Romanum as it is known in Latin, is a region of ruins that was formerly a marketplace with numerous significant governmental structures surrounding it. Many types of public gatherings, concerts, performances, courtrooms, and open trials took place here in the city of Rome.
Roman Forum
At the foot of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, St. Peter’s Square is a huge and stunning piazza. It is a masterpiece of architecture that Bernini created. An ellipse and a trapezoidal portion make up the square.
St. Peter’s Square
One of the city’s architectural wonders is the Agrippa Pantheon, also referred to as the Roman Pantheon. It is the Roman structure that has been best preserved. The Pantheon’s circular structure has exactly the same diameter as its height: 43.5 metres. This is the most astounding feature of the building’s design. Several Italian kings’ tombs and a vast array of artwork may be seen inside the Pantheon. Raphael, a painter and Renaissance architect, is without a doubt the most well-known individual buried in the Pantheon.
The Pantheon
The Sistine Chapel, which is housed in the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, serves as the Pope’s formal residence. The Last Judgement, The Creation of Adam, and Michelangelo’s ceiling paintings are the main draws for tourists to this location. The side panels, however, painted by other Renaissance artisans, look fantastic as well.
The Colosseum and Palatine Hill are two of Rome’s most significant landmarks, separated by the enormous Arch of Constantine. It is devoted to Constantine, a prominent Roman emperor, and is thought to be the biggest Roman arch ever constructed.
Arch of Constantine
One of the most unusual things to do in Rome is to visit the Marcello Theater. Located close to the Pantheon and the Forum, it is one of the most well-known and well-known theatres in the city. In the past, plays, musical performances, and other forms of entertainment were held in the theatre. Today, you may visit the ruins of this renowned theatre and even watch a play, a concert, or an opera there.
Visit the Marcello Theater
Visiting the Roman Catacombs, which is regarded as one of the Craziest Things to Do in Rome, Italy, is undoubtedly an interesting activity to have on your agenda. The city’s network of underground tombs known as the Roman Catacombs dates to the second century AD. You get the opportunity to see firsthand how the earliest Christians interred their dead here. They offer an intriguing look into the early history of Christianity in Rome and are a complicated labyrinth of tunnels and rooms.
One of the top ten unique things to do in Rome is undoubtedly seeing Saint. Valentine’s skull at the Basilica of Santa Maria. The skull is actual and is thought to be the saint’s own. It is covered with flowers and displayed in a glass case at the Basilica. Given that the skull is rumoured to have been dug up from a Rome cemetery in the 19th century, seeing it is not recommended for the faint of heart. It also has an unsettling attraction.
The annual L’Isola del Cinema film festival is held on Tiber Island, where you may watch movies outside as the Tiber River roars all around you.
Try exploring Ponte Rotto, the city’s oldest Roman stone bridge, also known as Pons Aemilius. The bridge, which spans the Tiber River and dates all the way back to 62 BCE, is thought to be the earliest one ever to cross the river. The 624-metre-long, 24-arched bridge was washed away by floodwaters in 1598. The Roman army used Pons Aemilius to cross the river and fought many battles there.
Visit Pons Aemilius
Rome is known for its delicious food, which is a blend of traditional Italian and Roman cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes and treats in Rome include:
This is a type of pizza that is sold by weight and sliced into rectangular pieces. It is often sold in street-side shops and is a popular snack among locals.
Pizza al taglio
This is a pasta dish made with spaghetti, eggs, pancetta, and Pecorino Romano cheese. It is a staple of Roman cuisine and can be found in many restaurants throughout the city.
Carbonara
These are deep-fried rice balls that are filled with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, and sometimes ground beef. They are a popular snack in Rome and are often sold in street-side shops.
Supplì
This is a simple pasta dish made with spaghetti, Pecorino Romano cheese, and black pepper. It is a classic Roman dish and can be found in many traditional Roman restaurants.
Cacio e pepe
This is a type of Italian ice cream that is made with fresh, natural ingredients. Rome is home to many artisanal gelaterias, which offer a variety of flavours and combinations.
Gelato
This is a classic Italian dessert made with ladyfingers, espresso, mascarpone cheese, and cocoa powder. It is a popular dessert in Rome and can be found in many restaurants and cafes.
Tiramisù
Rome is a city full of hidden gems, lesser-known sites and local secrets waiting to be discovered. Here are some of the hidden gems of Rome that you might want to explore:
This is a small, charming neighbourhood in Rome that is known for its whimsical architecture and fairy-tale atmosphere. The buildings here are decorated with intricate mosaics, sculptures, and other decorative features that make it a truly unique area to explore.
This is one of the best places in Rome to enjoy panoramic views of the city. It’s a bit off the beaten path, but well worth the hike up the hill to enjoy the view.
This is a small keyhole located in a door on the Aventine Hill that offers a unique view of St. Peter’s Basilica through a garden-lined tunnel.
This is an ancient church in Rome that features a series of underground levels, including an ancient Mithraic temple and a Roman street.
Basilica di San Clemente
This is a large park in Rome that is home to several museums and art galleries, including the Galleria Borghese, which is home to some of the most famous works of art in the world.
Villa Borghese
This is a vibrant neighbourhood in Rome that is known for its narrow streets, colourful buildings, and lively atmosphere. It’s a great place to explore and discover some of Rome’s best bars, restaurants, and shops.
Trastevere
Rome has been home to many famous personalities throughout its long and storied history. Here are just a few notable figures associated with Rome:
One of the most famous and influential figures in Roman history, Julius Caesar was a general, statesman, and author who played a key role in the transformation of the Roman Republic into the Roman Empire.
Julius Caesar
This legendary Italian artist, sculptor, and architect is perhaps best known for his work on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, as well as his sculpture of David and other works.
A pioneering astronomer, physicist, and mathematician, Galileo Galilei is considered one of the greatest scientists of all time. He made many important discoveries and inventions, including the telescope.
One of the most famous Italian actresses of all time, Sophia Loren was born in Rome and has starred in many classic films throughout her long and illustrious career.
Sophia Loren
This renowned Italian film director is widely regarded as one of the greatest filmmakers of all time. Many of his most famous films, including “La Dolce Vita” and “8 1/2”, were shot in Rome.
This Italian composer is best known for his work on film scores, including those for classic spaghetti Westerns such as “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”. Morricone was born in Rome and spent much of his life there.
Ennio Morricone
Rome is a city that is rich in cultural events and traditions, and there are many special events that you can attend throughout the year. Here are a few noteworthy events that are worth experiencing:
This is a festive period leading up to Lent, which usually falls in February or March. It’s a time of parades, costumes, and street parties, with celebrations taking place throughout the city.
Rome is the centre of the Catholic Church, and Easter is an important religious holiday in the city. The pope gives a special blessing from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, and there are many religious processions and ceremonies throughout the city.
This is a contemporary arts festival that takes place from September to November each year. It features theatre, dance, music, and visual arts performances from around the world, with many events taking place in historic venues throughout the city.
Rome is a magical place to be during the Christmas season. The city is beautifully decorated, and there are many Christmas markets, nativity scenes, and special events taking place throughout the city.
This is a spring festival that takes place in April, celebrating the arrival of spring. The festival includes live music, food stalls, and cultural events, and is a great way to experience Roman culture.
This is a farmers’ market with shops and vendors selling a range of fruit, meat, cheese, and other food products derived from nearby farmers and producers. In this market, buyers can also find handcrafted items like pottery and pasta. It is also a fantastic location to acquire seasonal, local, and fresh products. Don’t forget to sample the locally-sourced organic prosciutto, mozzarella, and honey, all of which are produced in the Lazio region.
One of Rome’s most well-known open-air markets, Borghetto Flaminio offers a wide range of products, including fresh fruit, meat, seafood, cheese, and baked goods. A fantastic destination to find old designer bags, clothing, and antiques, it is also home to businesses selling second-hand goods including handicrafts and curiosities. The Borghetto Flaminio market is an excellent location to start if you want to experience a real Roman market.
One of the biggest flea markets in the city is Porta Portese. It is situated in the Trastevere neighbourhood and is packed with stalls offering a variety of products, including apparel, accessories, jewellery, purses, and mementos. A wide variety of food is also available, including fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese, and meat. You may find anything in Porta Portese, from brand-new clothing and presents to second-hand furniture, antiques, vinyl, and even household things.
Rome is a popular tourist destination, and as such, there are many hotels and other types of accommodation available in the city. Here are a few options to consider:
Rome has many luxury hotels, such as the Hotel Eden, the St. Regis Rome, and the Hassler Roma. These hotels offer five-star amenities, such as spas, fine dining restaurants, and rooftop terraces with panoramic views of the city.
If you’re looking for something a little more intimate and unique, Rome has many boutique hotels, such as the Hotel Vilòn, the Hotel de Russie, and the Hotel Art by the Spanish Steps. These hotels often have stylish decor and personalised service.
If you’re travelling on a budget, there are many affordable hotels in Rome. Hostels are a popular option for backpackers and budget-conscious travellers, with options such as The Yellow Hostel and Generator Rome. There are also budget hotels, such as Hotel Paba and Hotel Adriano.
Another option for accommodation in Rome is to rent an apartment or a vacation rental. This can be a good option for families or groups of friends who want more space and privacy. There are many vacation rental platforms, such as Airbnb and VRBO, with options throughout the city.
Rome also has many Bed and Breakfasts, which offer a more personalised and home-like experience. Some popular ones include B&B Roma Centro San Pietro and B&B La Casa di Campagna.
Rome is a large city with a lot of traffic, so getting around can be challenging at times. However, there are several transportation options available to visitors, including:
Rome has two metro lines that cover most of the city. The metro is fast and efficient, and it’s a good option for getting around the city quickly. However, it can be crowded during rush hour.
Rome has an extensive bus network that covers the city and its suburbs. Buses are a good option if you want to travel to areas that aren’t covered by the metro. However, buses can be slow and crowded during peak hours.
Rome has six tram lines that cover some of the city’s major attractions, such as the Colosseum and the Vatican. Trams are a good option for getting around the city while enjoying the views.
Taxis are available throughout the city, and they’re a good option if you want to avoid public transportation. However, taxis can be expensive, and it’s important to make sure you use a licensed taxi to avoid scams.
Rome has a bike-sharing system called Roma Bike that allows you to rent a bike and explore the city on two wheels. This is a good option if you want to explore the city at your own pace.
Rome is a very walkable city, and many of its attractions are located within walking distance of each other. Walking is a good option if you want to take in the sights and sounds of the city at a leisurely pace.
The weather in Rome is Mediterranean. The daytime high can reach 30°, although the evenings are typically more pleasant and warm. Rome experiences pleasant springtime temperatures, and its summers can get rather hot and muggy. In July and August, temperatures can easily rise above 32°Celsius. Winter is also a fantastic time to travel. Plan your trip for the winter if you want to avoid long lineups at tourist attractions and save money on accommodation.
