Rome

rome, Italy

Rome

Rome, the capital city of Italy, is a vibrant metropolis steeped in history, art, and culture, often referred to as the "Eternal City."

Overview

Rome is a city of immense historical significance, having been the center of the Roman Empire and a foundational city for Western civilization. Its layers of history are evident in the well-preserved ancient ruins, grand Renaissance architecture, and baroque fountains. Beyond its historical treasures, Rome pulsates with contemporary life, offering bustling markets, charming trattorias, and a lively atmosphere. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks, indulge in world-class cuisine, and experience the unique blend of ancient and modern that defines this captivating city.

Top places to visit

87 places
Colosseum
Historic Sites

Colosseum

An iconic ancient Roman amphitheater, the largest ever built, used for gladiator contests and public spectacles.

Appian Way Regional Park
Nature & Parks

Appian Way Regional Park

Explore an ancient Roman road, tombs, and catacombs in a vast archaeological park, perfect for walking and cycling.

Doria Pamphilj Gallery
Museum

Doria Pamphilj Gallery

A stunning private collection of art housed in a historic palace, featuring works by Bernini, Caravaggio, Velázquez, and more.

St. Peter's Square
Historic Sites

St. Peter's Square

A grand plaza in Vatican City, famed for its monumental scale, Bernini's colonnades, and as a gathering place for significant religious events.

Lateran Basilica (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano)
Historic Sites

Lateran Basilica (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano)

Rome's cathedral and the oldest and highest-ranking of the four papal major basilicas, boasting a rich history and impressive architecture.

Domus Aurea
Historic Sites

Domus Aurea

Discover Emperor Nero's opulent and sprawling palace, now mostly underground, offering a unique archaeological experience with multimedia tours.

Church of San Luigi dei Francesi
Historic Sites

Church of San Luigi dei Francesi

Famous for housing three masterpieces by Caravaggio depicting the life of Saint Matthew, a must-see for art lovers.

Piazza del Campidoglio
Historic Sites

Piazza del Campidoglio

A historic square designed by Michelangelo, featuring stunning architecture and home to the Capitoline Museums.

Roman Forum
Historic Sites

Roman Forum

The center of ancient Roman public life, featuring impressive ruins of government buildings, temples, and markets.

Chiesa del Gesù
Historic Sites

Chiesa del Gesù

The mother church of the Society of Jesus, a prime example of Baroque architecture with an opulent interior.

Quirinal Hill
Historic Sites

Quirinal Hill

The highest of Rome's seven hills, offering panoramic views and home to the official residence of the President of the Italian Republic.

Pantheon
Historic Sites

Pantheon

A marvel of ancient Roman architecture, originally a temple to all gods, now a church and tomb.

National Gallery of Ancient Art in Palazzo Corsini
Museum

National Gallery of Ancient Art in Palazzo Corsini

Housed in a magnificent Baroque palace, this gallery features a superb collection of Italian and European paintings from the Renaissance to the 18th century.

Trevi Fountain
Arts & Culture

Trevi Fountain

The largest Baroque fountain in Rome and one of the most famous in the world, renowned for its intricate sculptures and tradition of coin tossing.

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj
Museum

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

A private palace housing an extensive art collection, including masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Velázquez.

Catacombs of Callixtus
Historic Sites

Catacombs of Callixtus

Explore an ancient underground burial site for early Christians, including popes and martyrs, on the historic Appian Way.

National Gallery of Ancient Art in Palazzo Barberini
Museum

National Gallery of Ancient Art in Palazzo Barberini

Housed in a magnificent Baroque palace, this museum features significant works by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Holbein among others.

Museo Nazionale Romano, Crypta Balbi
Museum

Museo Nazionale Romano, Crypta Balbi

An archaeological museum built around the remains of the ancient Theatre of Balbus, illustrating the urban evolution of Rome through millennia.

Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva
Historic Sites

Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva

A Gothic church built on the ruins of an ancient Roman temple, known for its incredible art and the tomb of Saint Catherine of Siena.

Vatican Museums
Museum

Vatican Museums

Home to an immense collection of art and artifacts amassed by popes over centuries, including the Sistine Chapel.

Piazza Venezia
Historic Sites

Piazza Venezia

A central hub dominated by the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, offering panoramic views of Rome.

Sistine Chapel
Arts & Culture

Sistine Chapel

Iconic chapel within the Vatican Museums, famous for its awe-inspiring frescoes by Michelangelo, including the ceiling and 'The Last Judgment.'

Museo Nazionale Romano - Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
Museum

Museo Nazionale Romano - Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

Home to an extensive collection of ancient Roman art, including exquisite frescoes, mosaics, sculptures, and jewelry.

Centrale Montemartini
Museum

Centrale Montemartini

A unique museum contrasting classical sculptures with industrial archaeology within a repurposed early 20th-century power plant, offering a striking display.

Trajan's Column
Historic Sites

Trajan's Column

An ancient Roman triumphal column commemorating Emperor Trajan's victory in the Dacian Wars, featuring a continuous spiral bas-relief.

St. Peter's Basilica
Arts & Culture

St. Peter's Basilica

The largest church in the world, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and an important pilgrimage site.

Baths of Diocletian
Historic Sites

Baths of Diocletian

The largest thermal bath complex of ancient Rome, now part of the National Roman Museum, preserving impressive ruins.

Terme di Diocleziano
Historic Sites

Terme di Diocleziano

The largest ancient Roman public baths, now housing a section of the National Roman Museum with impressive archaeological finds.

Quartiere Coppedè
Historic Sites

Quartiere Coppedè

A whimsical and unique architectural complex, showcasing a fascinating blend of Art Nouveau, Baroque, and Medieval styles, a hidden gem in Rome.

Quirinal Palace
Historic Sites

Quirinal Palace

One of the three current official residences of the President of the Italian Republic, offering guided tours of its historic rooms and gardens.

Santa Maria Maggiore
Historic Sites

Santa Maria Maggiore

One of Rome's four papal basilicas, known for its stunning mosaics, ancient columns, and rich history dating back to the 5th century.

Castel Sant'Angelo
Historic Sites

Castel Sant'Angelo

A towering cylindrical building originally Hadrian's mausoleum, later a papal fortress and now a museum.

Church of Sant'Ignazio di Loyola
Historic Sites

Church of Sant'Ignazio di Loyola

Famous for its stunning trompe l'oeil ceiling frescoes by Andrea Pozzo, creating an illusion of a false dome and immense space.

Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini
Historic Sites

Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini

Known for its macabre yet fascinating crypt adorned with the bones of 4,000 Capuchin friars, offering a unique reflection on mortality.

Crypt of the Capuchins
Historic Sites

Crypt of the Capuchins

A macabre yet fascinating crypt adorned with the bones of 4,000 Capuchin friars, offering a unique reflection on mortality.

Spanish Steps
Arts & Culture

Spanish Steps

A monumental staircase connecting the Piazza di Spagna with the Trinità dei Monti church, popular for people-watching.

Piazza Borghese
Historic Sites

Piazza Borghese

A charming square near the Mausoleum of Augustus, often hosting antique book markets and surrounded by elegant palaces.

Bocca della Verità
Arts & Culture

Bocca della Verità

A large marble mask believed to bite the hands of liars, located in the portico of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin church.

Santa Maria della Vittoria
Historic Sites

Santa Maria della Vittoria

Home to Gian Lorenzo Bernini's masterpiece 'Ecstasy of Saint Teresa,' a dramatic and emotionally charged Baroque sculpture.

Museo di Roma Palazzo Braschi
Museum

Museo di Roma Palazzo Braschi

Features collections that trace the history of Rome from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century, located in a neoclassical palace.

Ara Pacis Museum
Museum

Ara Pacis Museum

A modern building housing the ancient Altar of Augustan Peace, showcasing Roman imperial art and architecture.

Piazza Barberini
Historic Sites

Piazza Barberini

A busy Roman square famous for two Bernini fountains: the Triton Fountain and the Fontana delle Api (Fountain of the Bees).

Borghese Gallery and Museum
Museum

Borghese Gallery and Museum

A spectacular art museum housed in a former villa, showcasing masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Canova.

Palatine Hill
Historic Sites

Palatine Hill

The most central of the Seven Hills of Rome, offering stunning views of the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus, home to imperial palaces.

Piazza del Popolo
Historic Sites

Piazza del Popolo

A grand urban square featuring an Egyptian obelisk, twin churches, and fountains, marking a historic northern entrance to Rome.

Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità)
Historic Sites

Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità)

An ancient marble mask, famously believed to bite off the hand of liars, attracting visitors to test their honesty.

Largo di Torre Argentina
Historic Sites

Largo di Torre Argentina

An archaeological site housing the ruins of four Roman temples and the remains of Pompey's Curia, famous for its cat sanctuary.

Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano
Historic Sites

Basilica di San Clemente al Laterano

A unique archaeological site showcasing layers of Rome's history, with a basilica built upon earlier churches and Roman houses.

National Museum of Oriental Art
Museum

National Museum of Oriental Art

Features art and archaeological artifacts from the Near and Far East, offering a fascinating glimpse into diverse cultures.

Piazza Navona
Arts & Culture

Piazza Navona

A beautiful Baroque piazza built on the site of Domitian's stadium, featuring Bernini's Fountain of Four Rivers.

Vittoriano (Altare della Patria)
Historic Sites

Vittoriano (Altare della Patria)

A massive national monument dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II, offering panoramic views of Rome from its rooftop terrace.

Testaccio Market
Food & Drink

Testaccio Market

A vibrant indoor market offering a wide array of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and delicious Roman street food from various vendors.

Portico d'Ottavia
Historic Sites

Portico d'Ottavia

An ancient Roman structure in the Roman Ghetto, once enclosing temples and the Jewish quarter.

Parco Regionale dell Appia Antica
Nature & Parks

Parco Regionale dell Appia Antica

A vast archaeological park encompassing ancient Roman roads, catacombs, and monuments, perfect for cycling and walking.

MAXXI - National Museum of 21st Century Arts
Museum

MAXXI - National Museum of 21st Century Arts

A contemporary art and architecture museum designed by Zaha Hadid, featuring modern and experimental exhibitions in a striking building.

National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia
Museum

National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia

Houses artifacts from the Etruscan and Faliscan civilizations, set in a beautiful Renaissance villa.

Capitoline Museums
Museum

Capitoline Museums

Considered the first public museum in the world, housing significant ancient Roman and Renaissance artworks.

Tempio Maggiore di Roma (Great Synagogue of Rome)
Historic Sites

Tempio Maggiore di Roma (Great Synagogue of Rome)

The largest synagogue in Rome and a significant landmark in the Jewish Quarter, featuring a distinctive square dome.

Piazza della Repubblica
Historic Sites

Piazza della Repubblica

A grand semicircular piazza featuring the Fountain of the Naiads and surrounding historic buildings, including the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri.

Galleria Spada
Museum

Galleria Spada

A small Baroque art gallery known for Borromini's forced perspective gallery, creating an illusion of great depth.

Pyramid of Cestius
Historic Sites

Pyramid of Cestius

An ancient Egyptian-style pyramid built as a tomb for Gaius Cestius, offering a unique and unexpected sight in Rome.

Galleria Doria Pamphilj
Museum

Galleria Doria Pamphilj

A private museum in a stunning palace, displaying an extensive collection of art by Caravaggio, Velázquez, and Bernini.

Galleria Colonna
Museum

Galleria Colonna

A private art gallery within Palazzo Colonna, boasting an impressive collection of Baroque art and stunning frescoes.

Keats-Shelley House
Museum

Keats-Shelley House

A museum and memorial to the Romantic poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley, located by the Spanish Steps, offering literary insights.

Circus Maximus
Historic Sites

Circus Maximus

An ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium and mass entertainment venue, now a large public park and event space.

Museo Nazionale Romano, Palazzo Altemps
Museum

Museo Nazionale Romano, Palazzo Altemps

Houses an exquisite collection of classical sculptures, showcasing Roman and Greek masterpieces in a Renaissance palace.

Palazzo Barberini - Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica
Museum

Palazzo Barberini - Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica

Houses one of the most important art collections in Italy, including masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Holbein.

Mercati di Traiano - Museo dei Fori Imperiali
Historic Sites

Mercati di Traiano - Museo dei Fori Imperiali

An ancient Roman complex representing the world's first shopping mall, now housing a museum dedicated to the Imperial Fora.

Trastevere
Food & Drink

Trastevere

A charming, bohemian neighborhood known for its narrow cobblestone streets, traditional Roman trattorias, and vibrant nightlife.

Cinquecento
Historic Sites

Cinquecento

A busy square outside Termini Station, named for the 'five hundred' Italian soldiers who died at the Battle of Dogali, featuring an obelisk.

Grotte Vaticane (Vatican Grottoes)
Historic Sites

Grotte Vaticane (Vatican Grottoes)

Explore the underground burial site for popes, including St. Peter, located beneath the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica.

Via del Corso
Shopping

Via del Corso

A bustling central street in Rome, known for its shops, restaurants, and historic buildings leading to many major attractions.

Vicolo del Cinque
Nightlife

Vicolo del Cinque

A charming and lively alley in Trastevere, famous for its traditional restaurants, trattorias, and vibrant evening atmosphere.

Cimitero Acattolico di Roma (Non-Catholic Cemetery)
Historic Sites

Cimitero Acattolico di Roma (Non-Catholic Cemetery)

A serene and beautiful cemetery where poets like Keats and Shelley are buried, featuring lush greenery and unique gravestones.

Via Margutta
Shopping

Via Margutta

A charming street known for its art galleries, workshops, and high-end boutiques, exuding a bohemian atmosphere popular with artists.

Campo de' Fiori
Food & Drink

Campo de' Fiori

A bustling public square that hosts a daily market, surrounded by restaurants and bars, becoming a lively nightlife spot.

Gianicolo Hill (Janiculum)
Nature & Parks

Gianicolo Hill (Janiculum)

Offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of Rome, especially at sunset, and is home to the Garibaldi Monument.

Basilica Papale di San Paolo fuori le Mura
Historic Sites

Basilica Papale di San Paolo fuori le Mura

One of Rome's four major basilicas, housing the tomb of Saint Paul and known for its majestic interior and beautiful cloister.

Villa Borghese Gardens
Nature & Parks

Villa Borghese Gardens

One of Rome's largest public parks, offering beautiful gardens, walking paths, a lake, and various attractions including the Borghese Gallery.

Monte Palatino - Orti Farnesiani
Historic Sites

Monte Palatino - Orti Farnesiani

The Farnese Gardens on the Palatine Hill offer stunning views of the Roman Forum and a beautiful example of Renaissance garden design.

Villa Farnesina
Historic Sites

Villa Farnesina

A beautiful Renaissance villa famed for its frescoes by Raphael and other major artists, a masterpiece of Italian art and architecture.

Porta Portese Market
Shopping

Porta Portese Market

Rome's most famous and largest flee market, held every Sunday, offering everything from antiques to clothing and souvenirs.

Baths of Caracalla
Historic Sites

Baths of Caracalla

Massive ruins of ancient Roman public baths, once a luxurious complex with pools, libraries, and gardens.

Parco degli Acquedotti
Nature & Parks

Parco degli Acquedotti

A vast archaeological park featuring impressive remains of ancient Roman aqueducts, perfect for walks and admiring engineering marvels.

Galleria Sciarra
Historic Sites

Galleria Sciarra

A stunning Art Nouveau covered courtyard, richly decorated with allegorical frescoes celebrating feminine virtues and daily life scenes.

Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri
Historic Sites

Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri

A church built within the frigidarium of the Baths of Diocletian by Michelangelo, featuring a sundial and impressive architecture.

National Roman Museum - Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
Museum

National Roman Museum - Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

Houses an incredible collection of ancient Roman art, including frescoes, mosaics, sculptures, and jewelry.

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