Roman holidays: what to see in the Eternal City

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

“The city on seven hills and the ruler of the whole earth” - so said one ancient poet about Rome. Since it was not called: the Eternal City, the most romantic city, the most visited city in the world …

Every corner of Rome has a special story! We suggest taking a walk around the capital of Italy together with "Cleo", during which you can see the main sights and at the same time have a good rest.

The main attractions of the city

What defines the "face" of this ancient city, makes it recognizable at first sight? These are famous ancient buildings, churches, obelisks, fountains and other works of architectural art.

Here are some of the most famous landmarks in Rome that you should definitely see:

Coliseum

It is the symbol of the Italian capital. Once upon a time, spectacular battles of gladiators between themselves and with wild animals were organized in this arena, and the stands could take about 50 thousand greedy spectators! And in 2007, the Colosseum was recognized as one of the 7 New Wonders of the World.

One way or another, the crowds of tourists who want to be photographed against the background of this architectural monument do not dry up from year to year. Nearby are the ruins of the Imperial Forums and the Palatine, which also deserve your attention.

Piazza Navona, or the square of the three fountains

One of the most beautiful Roman baroque squares. In the center of Piazza Navona is the famous Four Rivers fountain with a huge Egyptian obelisk in the middle. Along the edges of the square, there are two more water ensembles: the fountain of Neptune, killing the hydra, and the fountain of the Moor. All works belong to the great sculptor Bernini.

Another cultural value of the square is the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, built in honor of the Holy Great Martyr Agnes.

Venice square

Another Roman square, named after the Palace of Venice. The main attraction here is the majestic Vittoriano monument, which houses the Renaissance Museum and one of the best viewing platforms in Rome.

One of the main shopping streets of the capital, Via del Corso, also originates from Piazza Venezia. From here you can go shopping in Italian boutiques, expensive and not so expensive shops.

Pantheon

The temple of all the gods, it is also the tomb of world celebrities such as Vittorio Emanuele or Raphael. This structure looks very harmonious - after all, its diameter is equal to the distance from the floor to the top of the dome. And this is without a single support!

Tourists are attracted by the opportunity to see a real dense column of light right in the center of the Pantheon. However, be vigilant - this miracle can only be seen in the summer.

Capitol hill

Once upon a time, the ancient Romans erected here temples to their gods - Jupiter, Virtus and Juno. Then Capitol Hill was dubbed the main symbol of Rome as the capital of the world! Later, palaces with medieval rulers appeared here, and Michelangelo himself decorated the palace square.

Climb the grandiose Cordonate staircase up the hill to the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius. Then go through the square and look for a tall column with the Capitoline she-wolf at the wall of the house - the one that nursed the founders of the city Remus and Romulus. Explore the Basilica of Santa Maria in Araceli, built on the site of the ancient temple of the goddess Juno.

But that's not all - there is also the Trevi Fountain, Plaza de España, Largo di Torre Argentina and, of course, the Vatican. It is impossible to list everything …

Therefore, we will simply remind you of what else must be done in Rome in order to feel the special spirit of this city.

5 must-do things in Rome

1. Buy a tourist Roma Passwhich will significantly save you time and money. It costs 35 euros and is open for 3 days, during which you can use public transport for free and receive discounts on visits to exhibitions, museums, concerts, etc.

And visiting the first two museums (except for the Vatican museums) will generally be free for you! The Colosseum and some other places even have a separate entrance for holders of such a card.

2. Enjoy an open-top sightseeing bus. The buses are recognizable in red and have audio guides in different languages (including Russian). It is also convenient that they are not only excursion, but also the usual means of moving around the center of Rome.

The Colosseum and some other places even have a separate entrance for holders of such a card.

3. Try Roman ice cream. Ice cream makers can be found here literally at every step, and everywhere - just an extraordinary tasting delicacy!

However, there are two legendary places that you should definitely visit.

The first is cafe Giolitti, which is located near the Pantheon. Only here you can taste ice cream with the taste of champagne, Marsala, Sicilian cassata and much more. Celebrities love to visit Café Giolitti, and the queue can even be compared to the queue at the Vatican Museums!

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Second - cafe San Crispino, whose founders rely on seasonality. So, in the summer here you will be treated to strawberry ice cream, and in the fall - pomegranate. According to The New York Times, "If you haven't tasted San Crispino ice cream, consider that you've never tasted real ice cream at all."

4. Take a cycle rickshaw near the famous Trevi Fountain. But we do not recommend swimming in this fountain! There are many tourists who want to plunge into the fountain and become, according to local legend, “forever young”. But for such a pleasure, you will be fined 500 euros.

5. Visit as many Roman temples as possible. There are many of them in the city, and even the most inconspicuous temple at first glance is fraught with stunning frescoes and decor.