Places to Visit in Rome

Explore the grandeur of the Imperial Forum, an ancient archaeological complex in Rome, Italy. Once the epicenter of Roman life, this remarkable site features a series of majestic ruins, including temples, basilicas, and triumphal arches. Immerse yourself in the rich history and architecture of ancient Rome as you stroll through the expansive forum. A must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers seeking to unravel the remnants of Rome's glorious past and the cultural legacy that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

The Capuchin Crypt in Rome is one of the most unique and fascinating sites. The crypt is entirely decorated with bones and skulls of more than 4,000 individuals. It is a series of chapels that are built underneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione Dei Cappuccin, which is also sometimes called the ‘Bone church of Rome’.

The Palazzo Massimo alle Terme is one of the four structures of the National Roman Museum and is known to feature some of the best archaeological, architectural, and classical art and craft collections in the world. Constructed in a Neo-Renaissance style, the palace laid its foundations in 1883 and is home to several interesting exhibitions. 

Musei di Villa Torlonia is a spectacularly designed museum, that offers an insight into the 19th-century art and lifestyle of Roman Nobles. The museums include Casino Nobile, Casina Delle Civette, Casino Dei Principi, and Serra Moresca, as well as a lovely English landscape garden. A nice collection of stained glass, sculptures, paintings, artifacts, and other treasures make these museums enticing for both art and history enthusiasts.

A historically significant monument, Villa Doria Pamphili is the biggest landscaped public park in Rome, dating back to the 17th century. Located in Gianicolo, Monteverde, this villa served as a family home for the Pamphili lineage, which died out during the 18th century. Filled with several statues and ornaments, Villa Doria Pamphili is a perfect getaway with your friends and family. 

The Centrale Montemartini is a remarkable example of industrial archaeology turned museum. Residing inside the complex of the Musei Capitolini, this art museum is unique because of its setting of displaying ancient collections in the background of the first electrical power plant. It has a sizable collection of classical sculptures discovered during the excavations in Rome at the end of the 19th and the start of the 20th century.

Bioparco di Roma is one of the most famous zoological gardens in Rome that is best known for its animal-friendly enclosures. During your visit, you will come across about 1200 animals from 200+ different species. This zoo was created for public enjoyment and amusement, in contrast to other zoos of the time that primarily served scientific purposes.

Embark your presence at the famous Apostolic Palace, also known as the summer home of Popes. This castle is famously known for its extravagant grandeur, where Pope spent most of his life. It is a 17th-century villa housing lavish rooms, balconies, private gardens, fountains and other attractions. Get ready to spend some time in the Pope's private space at Apostolic Palace.

The Domus Aurea is the great emperor Nero's palace of residence and is regarded as one of history's most lavish buildings. It is often referred to as the "golden house" and emphasizes the magnificence of hundreds of rooms, priceless mosaics, and more that have stood the test of time. The fort was constructed on Oppian Hill and includes ponds, fountains, and an artificial lake too

Also known as Mercati di Traiano, Trajan's market is an open space area in the ruins of Rome, situated in the Via Dei Fori Imperiali. This market is also popular as the oldest of the shopping malls around the world, filled with several shops and apartments. You can also visit the ancient library, and explore the marble floors housed here. 

The Catacombs of St. Callixtus is one of the oldest cemeteries in the old city of Rome where Christians used to be buried. The cemetery complex spans over five floors and it is believed that more than half a million Christians were buried here, including 16 popes and countless martyrs. In the 3rd century AD, it was also the official cemetery of the Roman church.

Vatican City, one of the major attractions for Roman Catholic Churches, is a well-known region for its magnificent buildings and rich heritage. This tiny country is full of historical and religious structures and has its unique charm that offers many picturesque sights. Some of the tourist and pilgrimage centers include the Sistine Chapel, the Basilica of St. Peter, and the Vatican Museum.

Visit the ancient Roman Forum which served as the focal point of daily life and as a venue for public gatherings, trials, elections, and gladiatorial combat. The Forum housed the largest temples and monuments in the city under the Roman Empire. It was abandoned following the fall of the Roman Empire and its ruins became a tourist destination for all history lovers.

St. Peter’s Basilica, known as one of the holiest catholic shrines in the world, best depicts Vatican City and Christianity and is a must-visit in Rome. Built on St. Peter’s tomb, it boasts the world’s tallest dome and is a remarkable representation of Renaissance architecture. A trip to St. Peter’s Basilica will leave you in awe of its grandeur, elegance, and spiritual vibes.

Saint Peter’s Square is not only one of the most important tourist spots in Rome but it is also one of the most beautiful and largest squares in the entire wide world. This square is particularly renowned for its sheer size and is believed that during more noticeable events, this square has managed to hold more than 300,000 people at once.

When in Rome, a tour of the world-famous National Gallery of Ancient Art in Barberini Palace is a must, especially if you're an art or literature lover. Arrive at the museum and explore a variety of magnificent displays of paintings, medieval art, sculptures, frescoes, paintings and other famous works of the world's known artists, including Rafael, Van Dyck & Andrea del Sarto. 

The Trevi Fountain in Rome is a magnificent Baroque masterpiece and one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Designed by Nicola Salvi and completed in the 18th century, it features a grand façade adorned with sculptures depicting sea gods and mythical creatures. Visitors toss coins into the fountain, believing it ensures a return trip to Rome.

Basilica of St.John Lateran is a Catholic cathedral church located on the outskirts of Rome, Italy. It is known to be the world's most ancient church, constructed during the 4th century. The main attraction of this church is its incredible building and lavish interior, which fascinates the attraction of visitors traveling to Rome. 

Centro Storico is one of Rome's must-visit historic centers with a dense maze of cobbled alleyways, Renaissance palaces, antique ruins, and baroque piazzas. Get a perfect escape into the hustling streets and shop for high-end brands like Versace and Gucci. The delightful walking stroll around talented local musicians and themed restaurants add to the nighttime experience.

The Spanish Steps are a popular destination in Rome with a 135-step staircase arranged in an erratic butterfly-like pattern. The Spanish Steps is a popular tourist spot to gather and mingle with local musicians, photographers, and artists. Witness old baroque-style fountains and Roman Catholic churches along the picturesque area, from Piazza di Spagna to Piazza Trinità dei Monti. 

The iconic city of Rome is renowned for its glorious architecture and the Hadrian’s Villa is described to be the epitome of Roman architecture. Declared a UNESCO world heritage site, the Hadrian Villa is more of a garden city than just a huge villa as it spans over a huge area of 18 sq. kms. It is a masterpiece that lets us have a detailed look inside the ancient Mediterranean world.

The Basilica of St. Mary of the Altar of Heaven is popular in Rome and is located at the peak of the Campidoglio. Built-in the 6th century on the ruins of Juno Moneta temple, it is still a popular church in the city. The name Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara Coeli is derived from a legend that believed that sibyl might have predicted the origin of Augustus, the son of God. 

Santa Maria Maggiore, located on the top of Esquiline Hill is one of the earliest churches in the world devoted to Virgin Mary. One of Rome's four main basilicas and an extraterritorial possession of the Vatican, it features one of the city's best-preserved Byzantine interiors. Witness the Old Testament-themed mosaics in the triumphal arch and nave from the fifth century.

The Doria Pamphilj gallery is an exquisite art gallery that is home to masterpieces, created by renowned painters like Titian, Raphael, Caravaggio, Correggio, and Velazquez. This museum was originally a palace made for the Pamphilj family and it is worth noting here that Pope Innocent X belonged to this family. Arrive just after the opening of the place to get aesthetically pleasing pictures.

The National Gallery of Modern Art, famously called the La Galleria Nazionale, is one of Rome’s most sought-after destinations, established in 1883. Italy’s most renowned museum preserves a vast collection of foreign and Italian art, paintings, sculptures and drawings. The museum houses more than 20,000 art pieces belonging to different parts of the world.

Also known as the Museum of the Ara Paris, which is known to offer the best views of the Ara Pacis, making it a unique place to visit when in Rome. This structure was designed by the American architect Richard Meier and is an architectural marvel in itself. 

The Appian Way is a strategically designed Roman road founded back in 312–264 BC. The road directly connects Rome to Brindisi while offering a stunning view of the surroundings. It is equipped with green fields, roman ruins, and flat-topped pine trees, which makes it a unique setting for bike or horse riders. Appian Way is also regarded as the Queen of Roads or Regina Viarum.

Walk down the famous Piazza Navona in Rome, known as being a masterpiece of Baroque architecture and home to hundreds of shops, eateries, and restaurants today. The historical spot is popular among tourists for its three beautiful fountains, an ancient church, street performers, local artists, and much more. Created by famous Roman masters, Borromini and Bernini, the piazza is a great place for history enthusiasts. 

Palatine Hill is one of the tallest among the famous ‘Seven Hills of Rome’, and is known for its lush green beauty. The word Palatine is derived from the word palace, and during your visit, you will see enormous palaces. You'll be able to see ruins of palaces and spaces that were created for high Roman society in ancient times.

The Borghese Gallery and Museum boasts of having the intricate and finest collection of art and sculptures from the best of artists in European history. Some of the most sought-after collections that one can find here are, a portrait of a young woman with a unicorn, the mysterious Christ carried to the tomb, the Sermon of Saint John Baptist, and more such incredible creations.

Founded in 1475, Vatican Apostolic Library is a historical place that houses a vast collection of contemporary books and journals which stores the treasures of the famous Vatican museum. This place is commonly known as the Vatican library or as Vat, which has over 1.1 million printed books and 75,000 codices from history.

Located at the center of the medieval Roman, St. Clement Basilica is a Latin Catholic Basilica made in remembrance of Pope Clement I. Initially a private home for clandestine Christian worship during the early 1st century to a popular basilica in the late 6th century; this historic structure has faced several transformations over the centuries. 

The Baths of Caracalla were one of the largest thermal complexes in ancient times and are the iconic exemplar of a huge Roman bath. A trip to the Baths of Caracalla offers a chance to learn about Roman culture throughout Classical Antiquity. Today left as ruins, their strong wall and enormous size, leave the visitors captivated by the elegance and grandeur of the place.

The enormous Villa Farnesina, located in Rome's Trastevere neighborhood, was constructed during the Renaissance period. Villa Farnesina is renowned for its spectacular architecture as well as its elaborate interior design. This place is also home to some of the iconic creations of great artists like Raphael, Baldassare Peruzzi, and Sebastian del Piombo.

The National Roman Museum is a historical site located in the heart of Rome, Italy. Best described as a series of four magnificent museums nestling at varied locations in Rome, this is an ideal hang-out spot if you find interest in historical artifacts and antiques. All antiques present here belong to the early 5th century BC.

The Altar of the Fatherland is called the Roman wedding cake locally due to the shape of the building which appears as the shape of a wedding cake. It is a historical monument made in honor of the first ruler of unified Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, and is now open for the public to visit.

Visit one of the most well known squares in Rome, the Piazza del Popolo, which was formerly referred to as Porta Flaminia. The piazza is frequented by a large number of visitors especially for the three legendary churches bordering it and the huge Egyptian obelisk in the center. The square also holds immense historical significance for serving as the main gateway to the city of Rome.

Trastevere one of the bustling places of Rome was once a working-class neighborhood. Famous for its vibrant nightlife, Trastevere is known for its old-world cobbled streets, ocher palaces, ivy-clad façade, bohemian atmosphere, and amazing restaurants. This maze of backstreet alleyways is endlessly picturesque and mainly car-free, yet after dark, crowds swarm to its upscale eateries, pubs, boutiques, and craft shops. 

Known to be the city of seven hills, Rome in Italy is one of the world's most magnificent cities, housing over seven giant hills. The eighth and most popular hill is Janiculo, which is known for housing several holy buildings and woods. Although vehicles are prohibited here, several bike rentals are present here, promising a lifetime experience. 

The Castel Sant'Angelo is a famous attraction in Rome known for serving as a mausoleum, a fortress, a hideaway and a museum in different points in time of history. Popularly known as the The Mausoleum of Hadrian where you can experience the beauty of its architecture and wallow in its rich historical splendor as you explore its five floors within. 

Tempio Maggiore di Roma holds one of the top designations in Rome when it comes to religious cultural hubs. It is the largest synagogue in Rome and was built on one of the four plots where the demolition of the Jewish community took place. This massive building has a square base, surmounted by a huge piece of structure denoting the eclectic style of architecture.

Sistine Chapel is one of the notable attractions in Rome known for the Michelangelo artwork and the fact that the papal conclave was held here. It is a simple rectangular brick structure devoid of any of the flounces and adornments on the exteriors. However, it is divided into divinely ornate sections for the purpose of painting dramatic gold-gleaming murals in the interiors. 

Explore one of the most famous squares in Rome, the Piazza di Spagna or Spanish Square which lies at the foot of the iconic Spanish Steps against a stunning backdrop of the church of Trinita' de Monti. The famous square also features Berninis’ Barcaccia fountain, is the starting point of some of the most historic streets in Rome, and is surrounded by the top couture brands and luxury hotels in the city

The Circus Maximus was built as a chariot racing stadium in the 6th century BC and had a huge significance in its time. During the visit, you get transferred to the past as you witness its tracks, the temples, The Sun and the Moon Cult, and Imperial Cosmology. With its seating capacity of 250,000 spectators, this place is one of the celebrated ruins of Rome.