The 10 most important sights of Rome

After our trip to the capital of Italy, we decided to write about the most important sights of it, in order to help you not to miss anything significant!

Keep reading to find out what are the most important sights of Rome and learn useful information about them.

 Colosseum

Colosseum or “Flavium Amphitheater” is the most famous sight of Rome. Its name comes from the Italian word “colosseo”, which means gigantic, due to the enormous statue of Nero that used to be there. As for the name “Flavium Amphitheater”, it comes from the Flavians. Flavians was the leading dynasty in Rome, the era Colosseum was constructed.

Colosseum was built in 81 A.D., so that games could be organized there for the amusement of the public as well as for the increase of appreciation to the emperor. The duration of the games was at least one day. However, there has been a game that lasted 100 days! We have to mention at this point that more than 80.000 spectators could visit it on game days free of charge to watch battles between gladiators. Lastly, nowadays inside the Colosseum you can find various exhibits, like busts, sculptures, models, artifacts and much more.

Roman Forum

Roman Forum (Foro Romano in Italian) is located near Colosseum and in the center of Rome. It is an area that consists of many remains of important buildings from the Roman era.

For many years, it was the central area for various events like talks, parades, elections, games etc. Nowadays, Roman Forum is a main draw for most tourists, since it has ruins of significant buildings everywhere. For example, Roman Forum is full of debris of temples, arches and basilicas.

More specifically, the most important buildings that we have to mention is the Temple of Vespasian and Titus, Temple of Vesta, Arch of Titos and Basilica of Maxentius.

Palatine Hill

Palatine Hill is located between Colosseum and Roman Forum. It is the place where an imperial palace was built. Also, that palace was named after the hill (palatium). Palatine Hill is one of the most ancient places in Rome and more specifically it is residential since 10^th century B.C. Moreover, according to Roman Mythology, the cave of the female wolf that saved Remus and Romulus is located at the southern side of the Palatine Hill.

In Palatine Hill, you can marvel at a plethora of significant monuments. The most important of them is the Palace of Domitian, which is separated in three parts (home, conference site, garden). Furthermore, you will find, amongst other monuments, the House of Augustus, who was the first Roman emperor.

Monument of Vittorio Emanuele II

Vittorio Emanuele II monument is located in Piazza Venezia since 1925. Vittorio Emanuele II was the first king of unified Italy and the monument was built to honor him. Also, the Tomb of Unknown Soldier with the Eternal Flame was built there, after World War I.

It is important to mention that in the base of the monument of Vittorio Emanuele II, you can find a Museum of Italian Unification. Also, don’t forget that visitors can go to the building’s roof using an elevator and catch a glimpse of the city from 71 meters.

Pantheon

 
Pantheon is located in Piazza della Rotonda. It is the biggest Roman monument that survived intact until now. It was constructed in 1^st century A.D. for the worshiping of all Roman gods. Afterall, that’s exactly what its name means. More precisely, Pantheon derives from the ancient Greek adjective “πάνθειον”, which means “to/for all gods”. However, Pantheon turned into a Christian church, after the prevalence of Christianism in Rome.

Of course, entering Pantheon you will feel awe, because of the impressive size of the monument. Maybe the first thing you will notice, will be the center of the dome, which has a hole, in order for the light to pass through. Moreover, there is a corner dedicated to Vittorio Emanuele II, the “father of the nation” for Italians.

Fontana di Trevi

Fontana di Trevi, as most of you already know, is a beautiful fountain in Rome. It is located in Trevi Square, which means the square of the three roads. Romans at the end of every aqueduct used to build a fountain. That’s why a fountain was built in 19 B.C. in the same place where Fontana di Trevi is located today. The aqueduct was destroyed due to attacks and in 1762 Fontana di Trevi was built as we know it today.

It Is important to mention the sculptures of Fontana di Trevi. More specifically, Roman technicians are shown discovering the spring that the water of the fountain comes from. Behind them, you can see “Palazzo Poli” which operates as a museum.

As for the coin throwing tradition, there is a legend that connects this tradition with the Trevi Fountain. More specifically, it is believed that if someone throws one coin inside the fountain, he/she will return to Rome, with two coins he/she will marry an Italian and with three coins he/she will get married in Rome. That’s why tourists from around the world throw coins in Fontana di Trevi, for their wish to come true.

Villa Borghese

Villa Borghese is a marvelous Roman sight. The garden of the villa is used as a beautiful park, free for the public and the building operates as an Art Museum.

Inside the museum’s 20 roofs, you can find the great collection of Borghese. For example, you can marvel at exhibits such as paintings and sculptures and mostly a big collection of Bernini’s statues.

As for the garden of Borghese, it is the third biggest public park in Rome. There, you can wander around Borghese park and breathe fresh air or even visit the nearby zoo.

Castle Sant’ Angelo

Castle Sant’ Angelo is a significant building of Rome, the use of which changed with the passage of time. More precisely, it was initially built as Handrian’s mausoleum, in 139 A.D. Later, it turned into a fortress for the popes. Nowadays, it is a museum, where you can find the former residence of the Pope, various statues as well as a collection of weapons. Lastly, you can climb at the top floor, where you can marvel at the view of the city.

As for its name, it is because of the vision a Pope had in 590 A.D. More specifically, Archangel Michael appeared above the building seething his sword, symbolizing the end of plague.

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica is the biggest Christian church in the world. More precisely, its width is 150 meters, its length is 220 m. and a height that reaches 136 meters.

The square in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, attracts many people, especially during the days when Pope is on the balcony and blesses the public. Also, Catholics believe that underneath the Basilica lies the tomb of Saint Peter. Last but not least, remember to climb at the top of the dome, in order to enjoy the marvelous view of Rome.

Vatican City

Vatican City is a state-city and the center of Catholic Church, surrounded by Rome. It’s important to mention that Vatican City is the smallest country in the world and the place that Pope resides. Moreover, St. Peter’s Basilica signifies the beginning of the Vatican City.

It’s really worth visiting, since there are many Art Museums and more specifically 1400 rooms full of exhibits. There, you will also find the well-known Sistine Chapel, with the famous wall-painting of Michael Angel.

You can also watch the following video, in which we talk about our trip to Rome, if you want to learn more information about the city and see more sights!