Guide to the 7 most popular places in the greenest Rome
Rome is the capital of Italy and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. A host of historical and cultural attractions reflect the centuries of different people who have left their mark on the Eternal City. In addition to all these landmarks, the city has incredible cuisine and nature!
In this article, we will look at 7 of the most popular landmarks in Rome. It may be hard to believe, but it has been difficult to choose the 7 most interesting attractions in Rome, and there are many historical and cultural attractions in the Eternal City. However, our inside guide will help you plan and make the most of your Europe tour. You can even reserve some of the best vacation rentals in Rome, since a place to stay in this city is not a problem for tourists.
The Colosseum and the Roman Forum
Having stood for almost 2,000 years (it was built between 72 and 80 AD), the Colosseum is possibly the best known of all the landmarks in Rome. In fact, the amphitheater is one of the most recognized buildings in the world.
One side is intact, but its dilapidated state is what makes it so distinctive. It is still the largest amphitheater in the world, the second being in Pula, where originally the Romans went to see gladiators fighting each other. It could hold up to 50,000 people.
It is right next to the Roman Forum, the center of power in ancient Rome and a place with a green area and spectacular bird biodiversity. These ruins were once the government buildings of one of the most powerful empires the world has ever seen.
The Pantheon
It's not as old as the Colosseum, but equally impressive is the Pantheon. It is the best preserved building from ancient Roman times and began as a temple, but is now a church, and incredibly, it still has the largest unsupported concrete dome in the world. That's not the only interesting architectural feature either: the floor drains the water that enters through the open roof, an interesting ecological resource of the time.
The Pantheon is the final resting place of several influencers from the time of Vittorio Emanuelle II, the first king of unified Italy, and the artist Raphael. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome.
The Circus Maximus
The recreational valley built under the reign of the fifth king of Rome, Lucius Tarquinius Priscus in the 6th century BC. Since then it was dedicated to games and historical events, in a place that radiated the splendid nature of a valley. The Circus Maximus could accommodate up to 12 chariots at a time, with four horses (quadrigae) and two horses (bigae). Each one corresponded to what today we would call a team, with its sponsors and fans. They were very dangerous races for both the horses and the charioteers and it was not unusual for someone to die in a race.
Today it is a splendid place to walk and enjoy the nature it houses and the history it breathes.
St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican Gardens
Although St. Peter's Basilica is in Rome, you will enter a different country once you visit it. Yes, Vatican City is the smallest country in the entire world, and it could fit into New York's Central Park 8 times over.
However, it has enough space to house the largest church of Christianity in the world in those small borders. Climb the huge dome and you will get a fantastic view of Rome and its spectacular landscapes. After leaving the church, the Vatican Museums are another must-see on your trip. They house Roman sculptures, Renaissance art, and Michelangelo's beautiful Sistine Chapel, to name a few.
The Vatican Gardens are another part of Vatican City and constitute a true oasis among the crowds that visit other places such as the Basilica or the Vatican Museums.
The 32-hectare green space, dating back to the year 1279, seduces nature lovers above all due to the calm it radiates, its harmony and perfection, and is highly recommended for those who want to delve deeper into the history of the Vatican.
The Trevi Fountain
Get lost in the back streets of Rome's Trevi district and you'll come across another of the city's highlights. Dating back to the 18th century, it is the largest baroque fountain in the Eternal City, adorned with statues of gods. That symbol at the top? It is the papal coat of arms supported by angels.
It is a curious attraction, the Trevi Fountain. You can find it almost by accident, as there is no sound of water to follow you. Even so, the monumental fountain is built on one of the most important aqueducts of the Roman Empire. The Trevi is a magical place to visit at any time, but especially at night, a little quieter than during the day. To get an idea of how popular this place is, more than €3,000 is thrown in per day, in small change.
Nearby you will find charming corners like this:
The Stairs of the Plaza de España
After leaving the Trevi Fountain, jumping to another of the most emblematic attractions in Rome, we find the Spanish Steps. The Piazza di Spagna is connected to the beautiful Trinità dei Monti Church by these 135 steps placed there by the Bourbon Kings of Italy. Baroque architecture was made even more popular in the movie Roman Holiday, starring Audrey Hepburn. Around the Plaza de España, you will find some of the best views of the city. This is a good place to sit and take a break from carrying heavy suitcases.
Bocca della Verità on the banks of the Tiber River
Along the banks of the Tiber, the lifeblood of the city, which is located in an area protected by the Roman Littoral Nature Reserve, you will find an unassuming church that probably has a long queue outside it.
The Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin is where you will find another of Rome's main attractions: the Bocca della Verità. For those who are not familiar with Italian, that is the mouth of truth. But why is this sculpture so famous? The sculpture is dedicated to the Roman god of the sea, and the cylindrical disk is made of marble. Shows his eyes and mouth. There are those who make a wish, many opt for one visit to Capri ☺️, but you're actually supposed to put your hand in your mouth and say your confessions. If you lie, he will bite your hand!In the past, husbands and wives took their partners when they suspected adultery, what happened if the prediction failed?
Now you know more about the 7 most important landmarks in Rome:
We hope you found our list informative and useful when traveling in Europe. For more fascinating tour lists and tips on sustainable travel click here.
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