What to do and see in the charming capital of Italy
Ah, la Bella Italia! If you are travelling around Italy visiting Rome is definitely a must! Rome is a fine and ancient city, full of history and culture. Its story spans more than 2000 years and even without being a history lover, you won’t miss admiring the numerous and wonderful signs of its glorious past.
Not only the past, Rome is also a continually evolving, modern city that gives a lot to its visitors. Also, don’t forget that Rome is the capital of Italy, with luxurious gelatos for your hot summers and glorious dishes of pasta to indulge in. Rome consistently ranks as one of the top picks for travellers in Europe, and for good reasons.
Rome offers a good mixture of historical sites, museums, art, landmarks , good food (if you know where to find it) and beautifully decorated churches. There’s definitely plenty of things to do, sometimes it might even be hard to choose. Let’s go over some of the best things to do in when visiting Rome.
1. Visit the Colosseum
Yes, this has to go on top of the list. This popular attraction, the largest amphitheatre ever built was once the scenery in the past of massacres, performances for its public including gladiators fights, animal huntings and executions. Today is a ever-crowded touristic destination, where everyone can wander around this ancient place full of history and stories to be told.
2. Admire St Peter’s Square
Another of the best things to do in Rome is to take the opportunity to visit a small independent country within the city, the Vatican. It is a very important religious site and to visit St Peter’s square means visiting a place where many events that changed history had happened. At the end of the square is the imponent St Peter’s Basilica, designed by Michelangelo and Bernini and decorated with the finest arts.
3. Be Inspired by the Pantheon
The Pantheon is considered to be one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings in the world. It is a temple dedicated to “All the Gods”, boasting the larget dome in the world.
4. Be reminded of la “Dolce Vita” by visiting Trevi Fountain
This landmark is surrounded by tourists most of the time. It features some wonderful sculptures paying tribute to the Roman God Oceanus. Visit it early in the morning or late at night to have a better, less crowded experience of this wonderful fountain.
5. Walk around the Roman Forum
To wander about the ancient Roman Forum means being reminded of the political centre and world-power that Rome was in the past. It includes many temples, arches and squares.
6. Be amazed by Castel Sant’Angelo
“The Castle of Angles” is a wonderful fort on the banks of the Tiber River. With its original use being the mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian, the castle has, in reality, a long history of intrigues and political misteries. It has been used by the popes and includes a secret passage leading to the Vatican. Today, it has been converted as a museum and visitors can climb on top to admire a great view of the city.
These are only some of the best things to do in Rome, for sure, for anyone visiting the city, these places should not be missed out!
