A Roman Holiday...things to do in Rome

 

The capital city of Italy is a Robust romantic step into the tapestry of enchanting history, exquisite Art, architecture, illustrious culture, and cuisine. 2500-year-old Rome is like no other place. No wonder it's called the Eternal City. There are no such things in Rome you should miss, the capital of Western civilization; that's why it perfectly fits as Italians say about Rome: "Non basta una vita," meaning that a lifetime is not enough to see Rome. Everywhere you look, you see timeless beauty, grandiosity, craftmanship, century-old engineering marvels, winding streets, bustling piazzas, and whatnot. It's impossible to cover Rome on a single or even multiple trips. However, you can do things truly unforgettable and quintessential.

Things to know before you visit

1. Ready to walk a lot and wear comfortable shoes.
2. There are plenty of visitors to all major attractions.
3. Buy all the tickets 2/3 weeks before your trip.
4. Dress modestly for religious places. Cover your shoulder.
5. Some places are closed on Sundays and Holidays.

Here are the things to see and visit

Colosseum: Rome's trove of treasures and most iconic landmark, the Colosseum, is the most significant surviving amphitheater in the world, so important that we can't imagine Rome without it. This massive monument is a testimony of Roman power and wealth. Built in 75AD and completed in 80AD, it could accommodate 80,000 people. It symbolizes the true spirit of Rome and its glory with its own wear and tear. Moreover, the Colosseum boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding area, including the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Roman Forum and Palatine Hill: The ticket you bought for the Colosseum also gives access to the Roman Forum within 24 hours. Take a 10-minute walk from the Colosseum, and you will witness the most stunning archeological sight and exciting part of Roman history. Once upon a time, this place was the epicenter of many Roman political, social, and religious events, where Julilios Cesear and many prominent personalities stirred their thriving presence.

Trevi Fountain: 26 meters high and 49 meters wide, this stunning Baroque-style fountain is breathtakingly designed by architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Pietro Bracci. The sea god Oceanus (Neptune) is a shell-shaped chariot led by Tritons and two sea horses design and gorgeous sculpture depicts. There is a belief that if you through a coin in the trevi fountain, that ensures your visit to Rome again. Every day, over 3000 Euros are collected from the fountain, which goes to charity for homeless people in Rome. This gorgeous fountain was built at the end of an aqueduct in the 1700s. Its stunning structure and intricate designs captivate many visitors, and it gets crowded most of the time. If you want to pass the crowd, plan to visit early.

The Pantheon: It was built as a Roman temple for the gods in 126 AD. It is an architectural feat and engineering sensation preserved since the ancient Roman Empire. It is the largest unsupported dome on the top, with massive incisions called the oculus, from which natural light hits inside and lights up the whole temple, which is surreal. When it rains, its intelligent drainage system refrains from causing floods.

Vatican City: With 1,000 residents and the smallest city in the world, it was founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century and is home to the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Museums.

Piazza Navona: Cross a few streets, and you will see Rome's most bustling and charming square, which has beautiful Baroque fountains. It's called Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi(fountain of the four rivers). Four of these represent the rivers of the four continents: the Danube (Europe), Ganges (India), Plata (Latin America), and Nile (Africa). The Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone is also on this square, a favorite destination for some great eateries. It's featured in several movies, including Roman Holiday, which stars Audrey Hepburn.

Spanish Steps: One of Rome's most charming and iconic squares, it is filled with high-end shops and cafes, making it a popular destination for shopping and dining. Emerged in the lively square, climb up the steps to see the beautiful panoramic view from the top and admire the Barcaccia Fountain at the bottom.

Largo di Torre Argentina: Filled with ancient ruins, it feels like stepping back in time with four Roman Republican temples and the remains of Pompey's Theatre. This is where Julius Caesar was stabbed on the Ides of March in 44 B.C.E