Rome – the capital of Italy is filled with countless places to see that can leave anyone feeling overwhelmed as they will be spoilt with choices.
So, to make sure that you enjoy your Roman tour to the fullest, try to visit the places that we have mentioned in the sections below –
The Colosseum
Tours of Rome cannot be completed if you do not visit the Colosseum which happens to be the largest amphitheater the world has seen to date. It is no wonder that this Roman monument has a place in the Guinness Book of World Records!
The construction works for the monument occluded way back in 80 AD. Back in the day, it was used to host events and games. It was also used to host circuses, festivals, and theatrical performances.
Vatican City
Vatican City is the residence of the great Pope. It is also unique in its own way as it is recognized as the smallest state in the world which covers less than half of a square kilometer.
It is home to the –
- Vatican palace
- St. Peter’s Basilica and
- St. Peter’s Square.
St. Peter’s Square is famous for its countless museums and also for its great basilica.
St. Peter’s Basilica on the other hand is home to Pieta – a work of art by Michelangelo. It is also home to the art of Bernini and several other renowned artists of that time.
One should also see Sistine Chapel as it has a frescoed ceiling which is considered to be one of Michelangelo’s best and world-renowned works.
Other best places of interest in Vatican City are –
- The Borgia Apartments
- The Museum of Secular Art
- The Vatican Library
- The Picture Gallery
- Raphael Rooms
- The Etruscan Museum, and many more
The Pantheon
The Pantheon is also known to be the best ever preserved monument Rome has to offer, which is still standing tall for more than 2000 years.
It once had gilded bronze roof tiles that were supposedly removed after orders were received from Pope Gregory III. Pope Urban VIII, also asked that the bronze roof of the monument be stripped and the metal fragments are melted down to cast the cannons for Castel Sant’Angelo and the canopy over St. Peter’s altar.
The Pantheon suffered damages from a fire that broke out in 80 AD. Post-renovation back in the day, one can now witness the impressive masonry work of the great Roman builders from the day.
The Pantheon boasts a 43-meter dome that looks as if it is suspended without any support. That is not the case as the supports are all nicely hidden inside the walls. The building also makes the best use of natural light to illuminate its interiors during the day thanks to the 9-meter central opening.
Conclusion
To keep your Roman trip interesting, be sure to space out sites of historical and architectural importance by visiting other tourist icons in between. By implementing this simple step, you will enjoy a balanced Roman trip that won’t make you feel overwhelmed or bored.