Rome Attractions

Rome Pictures

The Foro Romano (Roman Forum), once the political, commercial and social center of Rome displays incredible ruins of temples and palaces of times gone by. Take the metro to Colosseo or the bus to Piazza Venezia. Equally impressive is the gigantic oval Colosseo (Colosseum) dating back to 72AD. Though only a skeletal framework remains, this was the scene of gladiatorial conquests (made famous by the recent Hollywood film) and remains ancient Rome’s hallmark monument. The best preserved of Rome’s ancient monuments is the architecturally beautiful Pantheon situated in Piazza della Rotunda.

The Vatican City lies close to the Tiber in central Rome and is a fully independent state. The Sistine Chapel adorned with Michelangelo’s astonishing frescos attracts long queues but is clearly worth waiting for. Meanwhile, the Vatican Museum includes the world’s largest collection of classical statues. The interior of St Peters Basilica is an opulent display of the Church’s power and wealth, and home to Michelangelo’s famous Pieta. Lastly, St Peters Square (Piazza San Pietro) is a large, circular Piazza which can hold up to four hundred thousand and is the site of the Palazzo Vaticano.

One of Rome’s many fountains, the Fontata di Trevi (Trevi Fountain) on Piazza di Trevi was the setting for the famous scene of Fellini’s La Dolce Vita. Meanwhile at Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Steps) a steep climb leads to Trinita dei Monti from where spectacular views of the city can be enjoyed. East of the Spanish Steps lies the welcome greenery of the park Villa Borghese which is scattered with sculptures and home to Galleria Borghese, a magnificent palace.

Campo dei Fiori (Field of Flowers) is a wide square that hosts the fruit and vegetable market, popular with locals as well as visitors it is more down to earth and at night becomes very lively with many bars and trattorie. The principal modern street, Via Veneto, Rome's 'Champs Elysées', is lined with hotels, embassies and cafés. From here the many fashionable and elegant shopping streets can be explored.