Top 10 Things You Shouldn’t Miss When in Rome

1. The Coliseum

Also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, this imposing structure was built over a 10-year period from 70-80 A.D.

under the rule of the emperors Vespasian and Titus.

At the height of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum could hold 55,000 spectators who came to watch gladiators battle

each other and wild animals. It remains the largest amphitheater in the world.

2. Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are located within the sovereign city state of Vatican City. The museums were created by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century and expanded over the

centuries.

The galleries cover over 12 acres. The highlights include the Borgia Apartments, the Raphael Rooms, The Gallery of

Maps and of course the Sistine Chapel.

3. The Trevi Fountain

The largest Baroque fountain in Rome was designed by the Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Pietro Bracci

from white carrara marble and travertine.

The fountain’s water flows from an ancient source known as the Acqua Vergine that comes from the nearby Alban

hills.

Make sure you throw three coins over you shoulder to ensure your return to the eternal city.

4. Galleria Borghese

Set inside the tranquil Villa Borghese park, its collections are housed in a magnificent 17th-century villa that was

once the home of Cardinal Scipione Borghese.

The twenty rooms hold sculptures by Bernini and Canova and paintings by Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio.

5. Church of San Luigi dei Francesi

The Contarelli Chapel deep inside the church of San Luigi dei Francesi is home to Michelangelo Merisi da

Caravaggio’s finest works.

6. Campo de’Fiori

In the early morning, umbrella shaded market stalls are set up selling fresh produce. Bright buckets of the flowers are

found over on the via Pellegrino end.

In late afternoon, the market is swept away and as the sun sets, teenagers gather under the brooding statue of

Giordiano Bruno and the cafes and restaurants fill with lively patrons.

6. Gianicolo Hill

Climb up the hill that gently rises above the neighborhood of Trastevere for one of the best views over the city of

Rome.

8. The Pantheon

This colossal ancient structure in the center of Rome was originally commissioned by Marcus Agrippa in 27 A.D. and

rebuilt after a devastating fire by Hadrian in 126 A.D.

The enormous concrete dome opens to the sky with the oculus. You can see raindrops or snow falling down straight

into the middle of the building when it rains or snows in Rome.

9. Piazza del Campidoglio

The piazza sits on one of Rome’s famous seven hills - the Capitoline hill. This was once the center of the ancient

Roman empire with the statue of Marcus Aurelius in the center of the piazza.

Look for the iconic Roman she-wolf statue set high up on a marble column in the piazza.

10. Pizza al Taglio and Gelato

Snack like a Roman with slices of hot from the forno (oven) pizza bianca (white pizza) slicked with olive oil and a

sprinkle of salt and scoops of cold and creamy gelato.

We love the combination of straciatella, studded with chunks of dark chocolate and pistachio, the Roman gelato

connoisseur test of a truly good gelateria topped with panna, freshly whipped cream.