The history of the Eternal City goes back centuries and is striking in its versatility. Hundreds of architectural monuments, parks, and residential buildings themselves allow the tourist to take an excursion into the times of the great Roman Empire, and the Renaissance and Classicism, and get to know the modern bustling metropolis: from its origins to the present day. Each time, leaving Rome, there is a feeling of “not enough ...”: overlooked, overlooked, heard. It seems that no matter how much you come here, there will always be unseen sights, unexplored streets and unheard legends of the old city.

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When planning a trip, you need to correctly understand the scale of this city-museum. Considering a few days of stay, you can think over and build routes that allow you to get a comprehensive experience. We will tell you what you can see on your own in Rome in four days.

It is worth spending your first day in Rome exploring the historic part of the city. The main attractions that have survived from the period of Antiquity are located quite compactly. And perfect for walking. It is better to start the program from the Colosseum, moving from which you can sequentially see other buildings.

Coliseum

Looking at the tourist map of the central, historical part of Rome, one immediately gets the feeling of its huge size and complexity. But this is far from true. The main sights of the ancient city are compactly located, and acquaintance with the old city fits perfectly into the hiking routes. The start for our route of the first day, of course, will be the symbol of Ancient Rome - the Colosseum.

The easiest way to get to the Colosseum is by metro "B" (blue line), the station is called COLLOSSEO. By the way, about the subway. The schemes of the Roman metro are very simple, the names of the stops are clear, but the stations themselves are unremarkable. Subway tickets are purchased from vending machines, and the cost of one trip is 1.5 €.

You will see the majestic antique building immediately when you come to the surface of the station. Here it is simply impossible to be deceived by expectations: the Colosseum is beautiful and unusual. To get inside, you need to purchase a ticket. Arriving here in the morning, you will be just lucky, as the queue of those wishing to touch the great will consist of only a couple of hundred people. For comparison, during the day you can spend three or four hours in line.

For convenience, tourists are offered to purchase a single ticket (12 €). It includes a visit not only to the Colosseum, but also to two more architectural complexes: the Roman Forum and the Palatino. By the way, such a ticket is sold in addition to the entrance near the Colosseum, but also at the box office from the side of Via di San Gregorio, near Palatino Hill (there is always less line here). Visiting the main ancient complexes is possible daily from 9 am until dark.

The Colosseum impresses not only with its scale, but also with the thoughtfulness of the layout. An uncountable number of exits allowed at one time 50 thousand spectators to leave the Colosseum in 5-10 minutes. The Roman Forum will meet you with a cemetery of destroyed columns and ruins of temples. Only the imagination will help here, which will take you to the ancient world with the Arch of Titus, the Basilica of Maxentius, the Senate Chamber, the Temple of Vesta, and the Sacred Via Sacra.

Basilica of Saint Clement

To the east of the Colosseum is an ancient architectural complex that has all the features of an early Christian church. The first basilica was buried in a conflagration. The Norman raid on Rome in the twelfth century was dyed red. Surprisingly, even the fire could not destroy some of the frescoes left from the first church. Even today they have not lost their liveliness of colors - a broken stained-glass window of details from the life of St. Clement.

True, the style of decoration of the frescoes is unusual - it resembles the comics that are popular today, only the phrases uttered by the characters are far from the canons of high language - vulgarism and vernacular. Entrance to the basilica is free, but only to the upper level. A ticket to the lower levels will cost 5 €, but not for descending the stairs, but for diving under the vaults of the third century - the ancient temple of Mithra with a marble altar.

Basilica of San Pietro in Viconi

The church appeared in Rome in the fifth century. It was here that a unique artifact was kept for a long time - the chains with which St. Peter was bound. They were brought from Jerusalem at one time. True, today it is known mainly due to the fact that Julius II was buried in the local crypt. Since that moment, the architectural vector of the basilica has changed dramatically: an arched gallery, a marble floor, a wooden ceiling - this has become an excellent backdrop for the creations of Michelangelo Buanarroti, who not only painted the church, but also created an amazing sculptural composition "Moses".

Like many tourist sites in Rome, the basilica is located near the Colosseum. You can get here using the metro - Colosseo and Cavour stations on line B. Or by bus to the Colosseo or Cavour- Annibaldi stops.

Triumphal Arch of Titus

The very phrase "Arc de Triomphe" involuntarily evokes associations with a similar monument in Paris, but if you want to see a really great building, you should definitely go to Rome. The triumphal arch of Titus is one of the two arches of the Forum Square that have survived to this day - a cemetery of ancient columns. Both arches were built in the first century AD. The Parisian arch and many similar monuments are imitations on the theme of an ancient original.

Its architectural appearance is quite modest - it is decorated with three statues and reliefs in the passage of the arch, but real solemnity and nobility are easily read in this modesty. The height of the arch is relatively small - a little more than fifteen meters, but this monumental monument made of Pentel marble, brought from Attica itself, makes you freeze with delight.

Theater of Marcellus

In one tourist vector are attractions such as the Mouth of Truth, the Capitol, the Jewish Quarter and the Theater of Marcellus, which can be reached on foot from the Circo Massimo station. This is perhaps one of the most significant buildings in Italy. It adorns the right bank of the Tiber. The Theater of Marcellus is the direct predecessor of the notorious Colosseum. Its construction was carried out on an unprecedented scale, which is not surprising, because the project itself was developed by Julius Caesar, and Octavian Augustus took up the implementation.

Today, the theater of Marcellus is a somewhat grotesque structure: the arches of the first tier are well preserved - festivals are held here today, the second tier is more destroyed, and instead of the third tier you will find buildings of the twelfth century and more modern residential buildings.

Roman forum

The Roman Forum is the stronghold of the historical part of the city. The former market, on the territory of which the public, trade and political life Rome, today is a kind of square around which pagan temples were once located. Thanks to the excavations of the last three centuries, the Roman Forum has managed to acquire its current cultural status.

Now it is he who is centripetal, around which the Capitol, the Sacred Road, the Temple of Saturn and other monuments are located. You can get here through Foley Imperiali Street, from the side of the Capitol, or past the Temple of Concord and the Mamertine Prison. The entrance ticket to the territory will cost 12 €. Additionally, you can purchase an audio guide for 4€.

Golden House of Nero

Among the European sites that claimed the status of a royal residence, the Golden House of Nero was considered the largest. Its construction is directly related to the events of 64, when most of Rome was destroyed in a fire. Today, scientists are still arguing about the size of the territory that adjoined this residence. For a better understanding, suffice it to say that its size is equivalent to the territory of the Champs-Elysées, the Louvre and the Tuileries combined.

The center of this “little world” was, in fact, the palace, which got its name due to the presence of a gilded dome that crowned the building. The palace was built on a grand scale - in the entrance hall alone, a modest 36-meter statue of Nero was quite organically located. It should be borne in mind that only the ruins of the Golden House itself, decorated with frescoes, remained from the former scope. Many underground rooms survived. A visit to this place will cost 16€.

capitol square

The history of this place is directly related to the name of Michelangelo, who at one time actively created projects for the reconstruction of the city, some of which he managed to implement. The most significant of his creations are on the Capitoline Hill. The Capitoline Square, which, thanks to the efforts of this brilliant master, acquired a trapezoidal shape, is one of them. This beautiful symmetrical ensemble is richly decorated with bas-reliefs, inscriptions and sculptural groups.

It is worth bearing in mind that the Capitoline was really significant even before it became the focus of Michelangelo's work. From ancient times, the voices of imperial heralds sounded here, people's meetings and ceremonies were held. According to legend, it was here that Emperor Augustus heard the prophecy about the birth of Christ. The triumph of antiquity - these are the words that come to mind when you see Capitoline Square.

Forum of Trajan

The construction of the forum is associated with the name of Emperor Trajan, who decided to build it after a stunning victory over the Daikir kingdom. Some see this gesture as an attempt to eclipse the glory of the campaign of Alexander the Great, but whatever the reasons, Trajan's forum became the largest building of such a plan of all that existed at that time. Art historians still speak admiringly of the structure of the forum: the graceful curve of the triumphal arch turns into a colonnade with plenty of seating. The building is roofed.

Among the most striking elements of the forum are the Ulpia Basilica and Trajan's Marble Column, completely entwined with bas-reliefs that have historical authenticity. Myself great emperor buried under this column. It is impossible to miss the forum of Trajan - it is located in the area of ​​the Palazzo Valentini and Piazza Venezia. It is best to go here at dawn - there is less chance of being buried under an avalanche of enthusiastic tourists.

Trajan's Market

This market is also a component of the forum. In fact, it is something like a shopping center in an antique format. To raise the authority of the empire and demonstrate its wealth, Trajan ordered the opening of 150 shops and workshops, which were supposed to go towards the square, not the city. This design is called "windows".

In addition to retail outlets, taverns and taverns were located here. Gradually, the size of the market increased, and soon it grew to five floors. Today, on the site of the former market, there is a large museum dedicated to the Roman Forums. Its visit will cost 14 €, but you should understand that with this ticket you can also visit a number of other museums and exhibitions.

Second day

Plan the second day of your visit to Rome as a walking day, saturating you with new impressions of antiquity and restoring after an active previous route.

Piazza del Popolo

It is not surprising that this building was once called the "People's Square". It is still one of the most popular venues in Rome today. Piazza del Popolo is easily recognizable due to the presence of identical churches and the obelisk of Flaminius at first glance. In the evenings, many representatives gather here modern trends arts and young people who want to spend their time colorfully. But this impression of an eternal holiday is fleeting for this place. Once upon a time, the city guillotine was installed here.

Another unpleasant fact is connected with the history of the square. The infamous emperor Nero was buried in Piazza del Popolo, but the dislike of the people towards him was not canceled with his death. There were rumors that the evil spirit of the tyrant did not rest. The decomposing body was thrown into the river. And at the burial site they built one of the twin churches, which in fact are not. One of them forms an oval, and the second circle in the perimeter.

Via del Corso

After walking along Piazza del Popolo, do not rush to leave. It is better to continue walking and find yourself on one of the most unusual streets in Rome - Via del Corso, which connects Piazza del Popolo with Piazza Venezia. What is unique about this street? Everything is quite simple: it is one of the oldest in the Eternal City, but it is also the most favored by modern shopaholics.

The historical buildings house numerous boutiques and cafes that offer quality products at liberal prices for Rome. Paradoxically, the concentrated spirit of antiquity is in perfect harmony with the lively side of the modern metropolis.

spanish stairs

In fact, the Spanish Steps could very well be French. It is difficult to say whether in this case we would have seen the solemn baroque in the travertine of 138 steps, or whether this monument would have looked completely different. One thing is for sure - the victory of the Spanish diaspora made it possible to give birth to one of the most beautiful monuments of this type in Europe. The Spanish Steps are especially beautiful in the spring, when the azalea is filled with a delicate color.

It is noteworthy that the staircase has a different width along its entire length. To climb it, you need to get off at the Spagna metro station, from which you can easily reach Piazza di Spagni, the square where the base of the stairs is located. At the very top is the Church of the Holy Trinity, where you can also look, if only for the sake of the elegance of the figure of Christ, created by Daniele da Volterra.

Trevi Fountain

What to do to be sure to return to Rome again? It's simple: take a coin, stand with your back to the Trevi Fountain and throw it into the water. Did you hear the splash? Great, your chance to return to the Eternal City has skyrocketed. A fountain adorns the space in front of the Palazzo Poli. This pompous building was created according to the sketches of Bernini himself, who became famous as a theatrical sculptor. Today, the Trevi Fountain is considered a classic place of pilgrimage for tourists.

Everyone wants to see with their own eyes a large-scale composition, in the center of which is the lord of the seas Netun, holding the reins of a chariot-shell, to which sea horses are harnessed. A pleasant bonus to the fountain is the pool, which is extremely seductive in the Roman heat, and you can swim in it for only 200 € - this is the amount you will have to pay a fine if the desire to cool off overpowers.

Piazza Navona

Another crown of Bernini's creativity is the Fountain of the Four Rivers, which adorns Piazza Navona. Next to the fountain is the church of St. Agnes - a brilliant creation of Borromini. Many art historians still agree that these two monuments appeared as part of the rivalry between the two geniuses of Italian architectural thought.

Piazza Navona itself appeared long before this epic confrontation. It owes its unusual shape to Julius Caesar, who built a stadium here, later destroyed to create a market. During the French occupation, instead of market disputes, equestrian competitions were held here. However, the spirit of trade comes here hand in hand with the spirits of Christmas on the eve of the holidays, when a Christmas fair is set up here.

Pantheon

This pre-Christian building, erected to please all the Roman deities at once, in some incredible way managed to become a Christian temple. This ancient architectural object has been perfectly preserved, although it has lost its religious functions. The temple has an unusual layout - it has no windows. Light cascades from a nine-meter hole in the dome. This feature hides a metaphor for the unity of the Roman pantheon. The interior halls look amazing in winter, when snowflakes fly into the “window”, forming fabulous swirls.

Initially, the Pantheon was decorated with statues of the main deities. They were arranged in such a way that during the year - with the displacement of the Earth - the light alternately fell on each of them. Today they have been replaced by eighteenth-century art. Entrance to the Pantheon is free. To get here, you need to get off at the Barberini metro station.

The third day

Devote this day to the Vatican, the city-state located in the heart of Rome. To enter the territory of a state within a state, you need to cross the border marked with a white line on the square in front of the main cathedral of the Catholic Church. In a single stream, tourists often do not even notice it. You can get to the entrance to the main square of the Vatican by any transport, including sightseeing buses (they all stop at St. Peter's Square). If you choose to travel by metro, then it should be line "A" to the Ottaviano-S stops. Pietro or Cipro-Musei Vaticani, from which the Vatican is 10 minutes on foot.

The Vatican Museum Fund is so huge that it may take more than one day for a complete inspection. The Vatican itself is a true museum, adorned with works by masters such as Michelangelo and da Vinci. Among all the complexes of the Vatican, the most important are museums dedicated to historical realities - especially much attention is paid to the Egyptian civilization - and various objects of art, starting from the Middle Ages.

Locations such as Raphael's Stanzas, the Borgia Apartments, the Vatican Library and the Tapestry Gallery enjoy continued popularity. In fact, to visit all these museums, it is enough to buy a general ticket worth 16€.

Saint Paul's Cathedral

The epicenter of the Catholic world is St. Peter's Cathedral, climbing the dome of which you can see a stunning panorama ancient rome. The first - very modest - basilica appeared on the site of the cathedral in the fourth century. It was unremarkable until, at the beginning of the sixteenth century, an unexpected decision was made to reconstruct it. The dimensions of the modern cathedral are so huge that the largest cathedrals can easily fit under its arches. Eastern world- right on the floor there are corresponding marks showing the contours of the alleged cathedrals.

It will take more than one hour to list all the brilliant masters who at different times worked on the appearance of the cathedral. Entrance to the cathedral is free, but in order to climb observation deck you have to pay 8€ for an elevator or 6€ for wanting to take the stairs. But you need to be careful with your desires - there are exactly five hundred steps, and the passage itself is hardly fifty centimeters.

Bridge Vittorio Emanuele II

This massive three-arch structure connects the Vatican and the historic center of the Eternal City. It is named after the first king of Italy. Its length is more than a kilometer, and its width reaches about twenty meters. It offers a beautiful view of the Tiber and the city hanging over the river. The sculptural decoration of the bridge is really rich and allegorical - just see the sculptural group depicting unity and freedom.

Castel Sant'Angelo

The construction of the castle began in 135, and therefore it is not surprising that for nearly two thousand years of its existence, the castle was rebuilt several times. He managed to change his status more than once. At different times, there was an archive, a prison, a tomb, the residence of the Popes. Today there is a museum of military history.

The castle got its modern name in the sixth century, when another outbreak of the plague occurred in Rome. Gregory the Great, who was then Pope, saw the Archangel Michael on the roof. Subsequently, a statue of a marble archangel was erected on the roof. When you walk through the halls of the fortress, pay attention to the small holes in the walls, which were the prisoners' cells. The entrance ticket costs 10€.

Bridge of the Holy Angel

The Bridge of the Holy Angel is located just upstream of the Tiber. It is one of the oldest pedestrian bridges in Rome. The bridge was built in parallel with the Castel Sant'Angelo. Outside it is lined with marble. Initially, there were no sculptures on the bridge, but in the Middle Ages, a tradition arose to hang the bodies of executed criminals there. At the same time, sculptural compositions depicting saints appeared here, and after that Bernini added a dozen statues of angels to the bridge.

Palace of Justice

On the very bank of the Tiber there is an enchanting building of the Palace of Justice. Its construction took about twenty years. It is noteworthy that the place of its erection was chosen quite symbolically - on the former Hanged Man's Hill, where, in fact, death sentences were carried out. This palace became perhaps the largest building in Rome, but it seemed to the city authorities that this was not enough.

Citizens had to unite to save the surrounding buildings from destruction. If you have any difficulty finding the Palace of Justice, focus on the Napoleon Museum, which is located directly on the opposite bank of the Tiber.

Fourth day

On the last day of your stay in Rome, you can continue your walking tour on a sightseeing bus, having previously determined the stops for yourself. Alternatively, carry out "point" sorties. Decide.

This most interesting historical complex was built by the decree of Emperor Caracalla at the beginning of the millennium. The once huge room was covered with a massive dome, inside there were halls for gymnastics, for massage, pools with hot and cold water and even libraries. Aristocrats and nobility took baths here until the 5th century. At the time of the raid of the next barbarians, who blocked the aqueducts of the city in order to starve the population with thirst, the baths were abandoned. Again, they started talking about at the time of random excavations carried out in the 16th century.

Today, in the summer, a huge stage is being built near the western wall of the Baths of Caracalla for concerts of opera singers and ballet performances. To visit the baths of Caracalla are open on any day from 9 am until the end of daylight hours, except Mondays, when the baths are open only until lunch. Entrance fee - 6 €.

From the pages of school textbooks, we all know the main road leading to Rome. Merchants, pilgrims, legionnaires passed along the Appian Way. Today, this ancient "highway" is a cluster of attractions. The appearance of such a number of monuments in this place is associated with the ban on burying the dead within the walls of the city. This prohibition applied to all Romans, and therefore burials were carried out along the main Roman route. Impressive tombstones, magnificent statues and monuments accompany the road for many kilometers. Of great interest to tourists are the catacombs with burial niches, which sometimes go several meters underground.

The most convenient way to get to the Appian Way is the Archeological trambus, a special sightseeing bus. Pick-up point from Piazza Cinquecento (Termini). It runs every half an hour, the ticket is 12 €.

At the gates of San Sebastiano, a milestone marks the beginning of the old road. Here you will see fortifications, bastions and you can visit Museo delle Mura (ticket -3€). Further, towards Caffarella Park, it is better to continue the journey on a bicycle, which can be rented near Domine-Quo-Vadis. A sign at the fork will show you the direction of travel towards the medieval farm and park. The street you continue down will later take you back to the Via Appia. And now the most interesting thing awaits you, the cemetery of San Callisto. These are ancient underground burials of Roman bishops, consisting of five tiers. They are open to visitors all days except Wednesday, from morning to 12 noon, then from 14:30 to 17:45. Entrance ticket - 5 €.

Continuing along the Appian Way, you will also be able to visit the catacombs of San Sebastiano and the Basilica of San Sebastiano, which receives visitors every day except Sunday, from morning to 12 noon and in the afternoon, from 14:30 to 17:00. The cost of visiting is 5 €.

At the end of the route, your eyes will see the remains of the temple of Romulus and the arena, which has been perfectly preserved to this day, which accommodated about 10 thousand spectators in its stands.

Days spent in Rome will make you convinced that this is a city of long walks, a city of unforgettable, lively images and vivid impressions. He beckons to himself again and again, promising to reveal the secrets of history to you again.

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Rome Attractions - Top 10 Places to Visit

No matter how hard you try, you will not be able to grasp the immensity. There are so many interesting things in Rome, and as always there is not enough time. The only thing that can be advised to do in such a situation is not to rush and determine for yourself. Choose the most interesting sights of Rome that you have long dreamed of seeing and enjoy the beauty of this city. I want to present you 10 sights of Rome, as an option for reflection.

Rome Attractions - Vatican

Rome Attractions - Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona

The most famous square in Rome, it is also called the "heart of Rome". There are two churches on this square, one of which is the church of St. Agnes, 1652. And the second church of Santa Maria - del - Sacro - Cuore is a titular church, located opposite the Palazzo Pamphili, which was built in the XII century. Also on the square there are three fountains: the Fountain of the Moor, in the southern part of the square; fountain of Neptune, in the northern part of the square; Fountain of the Four Rivers, in the center of the square. The Fountain of the Four Rivers, is the work of Bernini, and is an Egyptian obelisk surrounded by statues symbolizing the main rivers of the world: the Danube, Nile, Ganges and La Plata. There are several palaces on the square: Palazzo Braschi, built in 1792; Palazzo Pamphili, built in 1650; Palazzo Torres Lanchelotti, built in 1552; Palazzo de Culis, built between 1450 - 1520. There are also two museums here - the ruins of an ancient stadium and the Museum of Rome, dedicated to the medieval and modern life of Rome, which is located in the Palazzo Braschi.

Rome Attractions - Spanish Steps

spanish stairs

This is a grand baroque staircase, which consists of 138 steps. The staircase starts from the Spanish Square and leads to the top of the Pincio hill to the church of Trinita dei Monti. This staircase was built by the little known architect Francesco de Sanctis between 1723 and 1725 and is officially called Scalinata di Trinit? dei Monti, which literally means "staircase to Trinita dei Monti", although the people simply called it the Spanish Steps, and it has nothing to do with Spain. At the foot of the stairs is the Spanish Square with a fountain in the form of a boat "Barkaccia".

Rome Attractions - Roman Forum

Roman forum

Perhaps I should have written a whole post about this place, maybe later I will. And in this, I will tell you very briefly. The Roman Forum is the center of Ancient Rome, the square with the buildings adjacent to it. On the square are located: the Temple of Saturn - one of the oldest temples in Rome, the Temple of the Dioscuri, the Temple of Vesta, the Temple of Venus and Roma, the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, the Temple of Caesar, the Temple of Vespasian, the Temple of Concordia, the Sanctuary of Venus - Cloacina. Arches: the arch of Titus, the arch of Septimius Severus and the arch of Teberia. Basilicas: Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine - the largest building of the Roman Forum, Basilica of Julia, Basilica of Aemilia. As well as other structures: "The Navel of the City", Regia, Rostra, Curia Julia, Tabularium, "Golden Milestone", Lapis Niger, House of the Vestals, Main Road of the Roman Forum, Phocas Column, Mamertine Prison, Vulcanal, Curtia Lake, Yuturna Spring , Warehouses of Agrippa. There were also buildings on the forum that have not survived to this day: the Temple of Janus, the Temple of Jupiter Stator, Comitium, Acre Augustus, the Basilica of Portia, the Basilica of Sepmronius, the equestrian statue of Domitian and warehouses of spices.

Rome Attractions - Capitol

Capitol

The Capitoline Hill is one of the seven hills on which the city of Rome arose. Here is the Capitoline Church, which is also called the Capitol, where meetings of the Senate and people's meetings took place. Capitoline Hill is the smallest of all seven hills, located near the southern bank of the Tiber River, and reaches 46 meters above sea level. At the top of the hill stands the church of Santa Maria in Araceli, which can be reached by climbing stairs from the 122nd degree. At the base of this staircase, the ruins of a Roman insula have been preserved. From the side exit of the church you can get directly to Kapitolskaya Square. The ascent to Capitol Square is crowned or, as it were, guarded by two statues of Castor and Pollux. The entire Capitoline Square was designed by the well-known Michelangelo.

Sightseeing in Rome - Vittoriano

Vittoriano

This is a grandiose monument built in honor of the first king of united Italy, Victor Immanuel II. It is located on Venetian Square on the slope of the Capitoline Hill. This is perhaps one of the most amazing attractions in Rome. A wide chic staircase leads directly to the Altar of the Fatherland and the Unknown Soldier, where the ashes of the unknown soldier who gave his life for the Motherland in the Great War of 1915-1918 are buried. There is a permanent guard of honor at this place. Above the chapel there is a statue of Rome in a niche, a bas-relief by Gianelli on the left and right, and fountains on both sides of the main staircase.

Pantheon

This is a temple dedicated to all the gods on Earth, a monument of centric-domed architecture from the dawn of the Roman Empire, built in the 2nd century. Latin inscription on the front of the building "M. AGRIPPA L F COS TERTIUM FECIT" literally translates as "Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, elected consuls for the third time, erected this." In general, the Pantheon is the greatest engineering achievement of the ancient world. This architectural creation is located in Piazza della Rotonda. This brick, concrete building is covered with a hemispherical dome 43 meters in diameter. This dome consists of circles that are easy to calculate, and with the walls it forms a single shell, which forms the inner space. One of the features of the Pantheon is a hole in the roof, through which an obvious light pillar penetrates at noon, with a south orientation. Light does not spread, but remains in the form of a beam that you can almost touch.

Rome Attractions - Colosseum

The Flavian Amphitheater is one of the largest arenas of Ancient Rome, an architectural monument. This building was built over almost eight years in the period from 72 to 80 years and is considered a collective building of the emperors of the Flavian dynasty. located in a hollow between the Palatine, Caelievsky and Exvilinsky hills, in the place where there once was a pond that belonged to the Golden House of Nero. Today it is considered a symbol of Rome and one of the most popular tourist sites in the world. And in 2007 he was included in the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Sights of Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo is another architectural monument of Rome. It was first a tomb, then a castle, then the residence of the popes and the repository of their valuables and at the same time a prison, and now it is an architectural monument and a museum. This building, which stood for almost two thousand years, was repeatedly rebuilt. Therefore, here you can find traces of different eras. The castle has a spiral gallery, papal apartments, the Angel's courtyard, the Hall of Justice, the courtyard of Alexander VI, the hall of Clement VII and VIII, the loggias of Paul III and IV, as well as the library, the Hall of Treasures and the Secret Archive. From the terrace of the castle offers a magnificent view of Rome.

Rome Attractions - Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain

The largest fountain in Rome, its dimensions are almost 26 meters high and almost 20 meters wide. The fountain was made in the Baroque style between 1732 and 1762 by the architect Salvi. The Trevi Fountain adjoins the Palazzo Poli. This majestic facade of the palace and the fountain are perceived as a whole, so the whole structure seems even grander. Many believe that if you throw one coin into the fountain, you will definitely return to Rome, two coins will certainly meet your love, and if three, then there will be a wedding. Every year, utilities "catch a fish" at a cost of up to 700,000 euros. Be sure to visit the Trevi Font to throw a coin, then you will definitely return to this "Eternal" city.

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What to visit in Rome - 14 must-see attractions

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Monuments of history and architecture

Catacombs of Domitilla.

Catacombs of Domitilla - The Good Shepherd

In the 2nd century AD, in an effort to circumvent the ban on the burial of the dead in the city, the Romans came up with a non-standard solution - to use underground necropolises. During the existence of the Roman catacombs, which numbered 40 galleries, more than 700 thousand people were buried in their depths. The oldest burial places in Rome are the catacombs of Domitilla, a Christian saint exiled to the island of Ponza for practicing a religion alien to the pagan state.

Mysterious underground tunnels, located on four levels and explored only partially, stretched for 15 km. Many interesting ancient monuments are hidden in the depths of the catacombs of Domitilla: a beautiful three-aisled church illuminated by the penetrating rays of the sun, crypts and sarcophagi, in which they found their last refuge honorary citizens Rome, and marvelous frescoes depicting biblical scenes.

• The catacombs, located on Via delle Sette Chiese, 282, are open to the public from 9.00 to 12.00 and from 14.00 to 17.00 on all days except Tuesday.
• Pre-registration required.
• Website: http://domitilla.info/

Trevi Fountain.

Even at the beginning of our era, there was a water supply system in Rome: water from the purest springs located outside the city came to the Baths of Agrippa. The first fountain in Trevi Square, which was a small bowl, was built by the architect Alberti back in the 15th century. But modesty is by no means the lot of the popes. Already in 1629, at the direction of Pope Urban VIII, the architect Bernini, followed by Carlo Fontana and Nicolo Salvi, implemented the project of a grandiose fountain that went down in the history of world architecture.

The marvelous man-made spring, 26 m high and 20 m wide, has become the largest in Italy. His composition, created in the Baroque style, personifies the greatness water element. The ruler of the seas and oceans, Neptune, rushes through the center of the fountain on a chariot-shell, harnessed by sea horses and driven by tritons. The right corner of the ensemble is dedicated to the healing spring that gives water to Trevi, and the left corner is dedicated to abundance and Mark Agrippa, who approved the water supply project.

• You can get to the Trevi Fountain, located in Piazza di Trevi, on the red metro line A (Barberini station).

Roman forum.

In those years when Rome was only “unsteady on its feet”, life was already in full swing here. Back in the 6th century BC. in the heart of the ancient city appeared Comitium, where public meetings were held, Regia, where the Roman rulers sat, Rosta, a tribune from which speakers spoke, and the temple of Vesta, the keeper of the hearth.

Over time, the Roman Forum gained more and more importance: the Senate gathered here, the ancient gods were glorified, people's destinies were decided and the only prison in the city was located. Each emperor sought to perpetuate himself in the center of Rome: Trajan's Column and Phocas' Column, the Arch of Septimius Severus and monuments signed by Constantine and his successors appeared in the forum.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the center gradually fell into decay, and in the Middle Ages it was completely overgrown with grass.

Now the Roman Forum has again become the center of life: archaeological excavations, held in the 19-20 centuries, returned the world to Ancient Rome.

• The attraction, located on Via della Salaria Vecchia, 5/6, is open from 8.30 to 19.00 (in winter from 8.30 to 16.30).
• Entrance ticket price: 12 euros.

religious buildings

Vatican.

Vatican - St. Peter's Square

There is hardly a place in the world that hides more secrets and finer monuments than the great city of the Vatican. The smallest state on the planet has incredible power: on a tiny patch on the banks of the Tiber, covering 44 hectares, all the governing bodies of the Catholic Church are concentrated.

Although there are no borders and visas between Italy and the Vatican, their own rules apply: for example, the airspace of the papacy is inviolable for aircraft.

A walk along the perimeter of the tiny state will take no more than an hour, and in order to get around all its sights, even a week is not enough. Here is the Papal (Apostolic) Palace, from the window of which the Pope speaks on Sundays, the Sistine Chapel, painted with frescoes by Michelangelo, Botticelli and Pinturicchio, the great St. saints.

• About what you should definitely see in the Vatican, tell http://www.vatican.va/

Pantheon.

The majestic “Temple of All Gods” was built twice: the first temple, erected by Mark Agrippa, was buried in fire in the 1st century AD. The new Pantheon, built on the site of the former in 118-125, has become one of the sights of Rome: its impressive dome with a diameter of more than 43 meters has been the largest in the world for centuries.

In 609, the worship of the seven gods was replaced by Christian services, and the amazing windowless building became a source of inspiration for outstanding creators of all times and peoples.

During its existence, the Pantheon has never been destroyed and, having preserved the ancient decoration, managed to become even more beautiful: its niches and altars are decorated with frescoes, paintings and sculptures of the Renaissance. The most famous natives of Italy are also buried here: Rafael Santi, painters Zuccarri and Caracci, King Victor Emmanuel II.

In the Pantheon, located on Piazza della Rotonda, divine services are still being held.

• The temple is open daily from 8.30 to 19.30 (from 9.00 to 18.00 on Sunday), admission is free.

Santa Maria Maggiore.

Among the almost eight dozen Roman churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, founded in 352, occupies a special place. Legend has it that the great temple was erected by Pope Liberius on the spot that he pointed to by sending snow. The Mother of God appeared in a dream.

The church went through many improvements and reconstructions: in 1377, the highest bell tower in Rome appeared here, and in the middle of the 18th century - a beautiful facade with a dagger and a loggia. Behind the rich decoration, bright frescoes and marvelous mosaics, it is difficult to see the true treasures of the temple: the relics of St. Matthew and St. Jerome of Stridon, the precious icon of the Salvation of the Roman People, which came out from under the hand of the Apostle Luke, and pieces of the manger where the Son of God was born.

In one of the chapels of the temple, the Sistine, unlike the chapel of the same name in the Vatican, there are no famous frescoes, however, the oldest nativity scene in the world, created in the 7th century, is kept, and the famous architect Bernini is buried.

• The Basilica, located in Piazza dell'Esquilino, 34, is open daily from 7.00 to 12.30 and from 15.00 to 18.30.
• You can book an excursion to Santa Maria Maggiore on the website: http://www.vatican.va/various/basiliche/sm_maggiore/index_en.html

Parks and recreation areas

Hill Palatine.

Many legends are associated with the second largest hill on which Rome was born. Here was the cave of the she-wolf who nursed Romulus and Remus, the hut of the shepherd Fastulus, who sheltered the twins, and the first Roman fratricide took place right there.

Tradition says that on April 21, 753, "Square Rome" arose on the Palatine - an ancient settlement that turned into the Eternal City. The hill became a home for the urban aristocracy: the palaces of the emperors Tiberius, Augustus, Septimius Severus, Flavius ​​appeared here. Because of luxury and grandeur, the Palatine fell: the invasions of the barbarians devastated the cradle of Rome.

Only in the 11th century life returned here: on the site of the palace of Tiberius, a prestigious quarter grew up, where even St. Francis of Assisi did not disdain to live. Now Palatine Hill is a large archaeological site and an ideal place for walking among the picturesque ruins of ancient Rome.

• The hill is open for visits daily from 9.00 to 17.00.
  
• The cost of a single ticket, which also includes a visit to the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, is 15.5 euros.
  
• It is possible to purchase the preferential tourist card Roma Pass on the website www.romapass.it

Appian Way.

As you know, all roads lead to Rome. And the “Queen of the Roads Going Far,” on the contrary, leads from Rome to the trade and political centers of the former empire. The construction of the most economically important route connecting Rome with the seaport of Brundisium was started by Appius Claudius Caecus in the 4th century BC. The end of the 570-kilometer road, along which legionnaires walked and merchants followed, was crowned by two marble columns that became the landmark of Brundisia.

Despite the fact that many buildings along the Appian Way were plundered in parts in the Middle Ages, it is still used for its intended purpose. A walk along the old trade artery will turn into an exciting journey into the past.

The regional park, which stretches along the road, houses the catacombs of San Callisto, the mausoleum of Romulus, the villas of Seneca and Quintillius, the park of aqueducts and the church of Santa Maria in Palmis, erected at the meeting place of Christ and his first apostle.

• How to get to the Appian Way Park and the opening hours of local attractions can be found at http://www.parcoappiaantica.it/en/

Cafes, restaurants, shopping

Department store “La Rinascente”.

The history of the oldest and most famous shopping center in Rome goes back to 1865: then the first store appeared in Milan, which soon grew into a world-famous network. From 1919 to 1921, Renaissance branches opened in Rome, Genoa, Turin, Florence, Naples, Bologna, Palerno, and a little later in Cagliari. “La Rinascente” is a mecca for shopping lovers who do not have the “thinest” wallets.

The store, located in Rome, resembles a real art gallery, and the range of products will easily satisfy even the most demanding customers.

As Italy's top shopping mall, the boutiques of the department store sell gourmet products and cosmetics, home comfort products and a huge selection of clothes and accessories for the whole family.

• The Roman branch of “La Rinascente” is located at Piazza fiume 5
  
• open daily from 9.30 to 21.30 (Sunday from 10.00 to 21.00).
  
• Website: http://www.rinascente.it/rinascente/en/

The old cafe "Greco" (Antico Caffè Greco).

For the third century now, the Greco cafe has been operating in Rome. In the 19th century, this institution was a real international arts club: Goethe and Gogol, Mark Twain and Stendhal, Franz Liszt and Richard Wagner drew inspiration from cozy tables.

For a long time there has been a legend: if the cardinal is at the Greco table, he will certainly be elected Pope. The memorial plaque at the door greets with the inscription: “The ancient cafe “Greco” was founded in 1760. It is under state protection as an important monument of antiquity.

More than three hundred works of art and memorable autographs adorn the walls of the cafe, and its tiramisu and coffee are famous throughout Rome. Of course, it’s not cheap at all: a small cup of coffee at a table will cost 8 euros, and you will have to pay 10 for a cake. But the unique aroma, saturated with the spirit of history, easily compensates for any costs.

• Café Greco, located at Via dei Condotti, 86,
  
• open daily from 9.00 to 20.00.
  
• You can find out about the choice of drinks and famous guests of the cafe at http://www.anticocaffegreco.eu/

Entertainment

Time lift.

Unusual entertainment awaits guests of the 5D cinema, which opened in Rome in 2011. Like a real time machine descended from the pages of science fiction books, it takes visitors thousands of years back.

Instead of modern Rome, the cave of the she-wolf who nursed Romulus and Remus turns out to be in front of your eyes, and very soon the construction of the Eternal City begins. The surround sound and the smell of smoke immerse you in the very center of the tragedy that has played out around you. Under the frenzied cries of women and children, it becomes clear that Rome is burning, set on fire by the insane Nero. Gloomy shots are replaced by another grandiose construction site: the construction of St. Peter's Cathedral is in full swing, and there, behind the next shot, the talented Michelangelo is already working on the Sistine Chapel. The Time Elevator is very popular with tourists and residents of Rome: in the first year of its existence, a quarter of a million spectators visited it.

• Cinema located on Via Santa Maria dell'Anima, 29
  
• open from 10.30 to 19.30 seven days a week
  
• Depending on the selected session, the ticket price varies from 12 to 18 euros.
  
• Website: http://www.romeguide.it/mostre/time_elevator/indexeng.htm

Stadio Olimpico.

Stadio Olimpico, Italy's main stadium

The main sports arena in Rome, accommodating more than 72.5 thousand spectators, was built on the initiative of Benito Mussolini. The grandiose construction, begun in 1928, was interrupted by the war: only on May 17, 1953, the Stadio Olimpico was officially opened. In 1960, the stadium hosted the Olympic Games, in 1968 - the European Cup final between Yugoslavia and Italy, which was marked by the victory of the hosts. It hosted matches of the UEFA Champions League and the 1980 European Football Championship, and a large-scale reconstruction was carried out for the 1990 World Cup.

Stadio Olimpico acquired new stands capable of accommodating up to 74 thousand fans, and a hinged roof that protected them from rain. Since then, the football arena has hardly been idle: the field has twice hosted the Champions League finals, home matches of Roma and Lazio football clubs, as well as games of the national rugby team. After another reconstruction, made in 2007, the Roman stadium was recognized as the UEFA Elite Arena.

• You can find out the schedule of matches in the arena, located in Piazzale del Foro Italico, at http://www.stadiodi.it/olimpico-roma/

Cultural rest

A huge collection of unique monuments of antiquity are hidden in their depths by two palaces located on the most famous hill of Rome. The basis of the collection of the Capitoline Museums was laid back in 1471: then Pope Sixtus IV presented the inhabitants of Rome with several ancient sculptures, creating the first museum in the world.

Today, the exposition of the Conservatory Palace contains a significant collection of statues created by the masters of ancient Greece and Rome. Its most famous exhibits are the sculpture of Marcus Aurelius and the bronze she-wolf feeding the twins Remus and Romulus and dated to the 5th century BC.

No less interesting is the collection of the New Palace, located opposite: there are Roman sarcophagi, mosaics and Roman statues created according to classical Greek canons. The underground gallery under the Capitol Square also allows you to see ancient Rome from an unusual angle.

• Capitoline Museums located in Piazza del Campidoglio, 1
  
• open from 9.00 to 20.00 on all days except Monday
  
• Ticket price: from 13 to 15 euros
  
• Website: http://en.museicapitolini.org/

Coliseum.

The largest arena of ancient Rome is the Colosseum.

The largest arena of ancient Rome, donated to the townspeople by Emperor Flavius ​​Vespasian, was the most important place of the empire. The ancient Romans spent no less than a third of their lives in the Colosseum: in addition to bloody spectacles, their favorite vacation spot also guaranteed free bread.

The famous amphitheater seems huge even in the days of skyscrapers: its height exceeded 44 meters, and the stands were able to accommodate up to 50 thousand spectators. With the ban on gladiator fights and animal baiting, the Colosseum gradually fell into disrepair: its stones were used to build villas and even St. Peter's Basilica.

In the 18th century, the arena, which claimed thousands of lives, received the status of a holy place, and in July 2000 it again became a concert venue. In order to preserve an important historical heritage, concerts are held here only by the legendary performers of our era: for example, Ray Charles and Paul McCartney, Elton John, Andrea Bocelli and Adriano Celentano.

• Plan your visit to the Colosseum available at http://www.il-colosseo.it/
  
• open from 9.00 to 16.00 in winter and until 19.00 in summer

As you can see, the interesting places of Rome are admired, the best sights of the eternal city are remembered forever. There is something to visit both on your own and with a company or with children!