There's a good reason why Rome is called an open air museum. To visit Rome is to explore the capital of Italy, capital of the Catholic Church with the Vatican and the capital of the Roman Empire …
Rome is a city of history, culture, traditions and legends. Since its foundation, Rome has been a symbol of power and it is the political and administrative heart of Italy, but not the economic heart located in Milan.
The Italian capital is full of places of interest to see. When you wonder what to do in Rome, you quickly realize that the length of your stay will be too short. Indeed, staying in Rome for 3 days is a short timing as there are so many visits and things to do.
The Colosseum
Let’s start with one of the most beautiful and imposing monuments in the heart of Rome, the Colosseum. It is a Roman amphitheater, and it is the largest ever built under the Roman Empire. Built in the first century, the Colosseum in Rome could accommodate up to 75,000 people. It was in this huge place that gladiatorial fights, horse races, but also public executions took place. Nowadays, the Colosseum is the most visited monument in Italy. Needless to say, if you are going to visit Rome for the first time, you have to go there. But also know that you will be far from being alone around the building … The Colosseum also considered one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World!
The Pantheon
The Pantheon in Rome is a temple from the 2nd century, originally dedicated to all divinities, it later became a Christian church. Its excellent conservation makes it a must visit. The visit of this place of interest is quite quick and free : allow 10 minutes to visit it. The building comes down to a large round room, with hufe walls and details. As an anecdote, inside this monument is the tomb of Raphael, the famous painting of the Italian Renaissance.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is located east of Centro Storico, in the Trevi district. It is the most famous fountain in the Eternal City! It draws crowds from morning until evening. If you ask someone who knows the city what to do in Rome, this fountain is bound to be one of their answers. Every day, 3000 euros are collected from the fountain and donated to the Caritas association. The Trevi Fountain is by the way an old lady since it was completed in 1762. If you want a tourist-free photograph of the Trevi Fountain, you will have to get up early, very early. The Roman Forum
This forum is the most important archaeological site in Rome. It was historically the main square of Rome in ancient times, where people would come to meet and talk. The Roman Forum is quite large. In addition, the Palatine is located in the same enclosure. So you have to visit Roman Forum and Palatine at the same time. In total, it takes between 2:30 and 3 hours to properly visit this archaeological site. The Roman Forum is really dense with a lot of closely spaced ruins.
Vatican Museum
Let's now talk about the Vatican, the other absolutely must-see visit. Again, ask someone who knows the city what to do in Rome, the Vatican is bound to be in the first 2-3 answers. Whether you are a fan of history or not, religion or not, it's hard to ignore a visit to the Vatican.
This breaks down mainly into:
- Vatican museum
- Sistine Chapel located within the museum : The Sistine Chapel is known above all for the fresco located on its ceiling which is a magnificent and impressive work of Michelangelo. But beyond the ceiling, you should know that there are other magnificent frescoes on the walls of the chapel. Works by famous Renaissance artists such as Botticelli or Le Pérugin.
- St. Peter's Basilica and its dome : Majestic and sublime, it is one of the largest basilicas in the world.
Piazza Di Spagna
Piazza di Spagna is one of the most beautiful squares in Rome. It includes a pretty Baroque fountain and a monumental staircase leading to the Trinité-des-Monts church. Around the Spanish Steps, there are many luxury boutiques.
Castel Sant'Angelo And Ponte Sant'Angelo
This castle was built in the 2nd century by order of Emperor Hadrian to make it his own mausoleum. The ashes of other Roman emperors also lie there, such as those of Caracalla. Although its initial vocation was funerary, the Castel Sant'Angelo quickly had a military vocation. The particularity of this Castel Sant'Angelo is also its architecture. It's a circular in shape, and it is in the alignment of the Ponte Sant'Angelo, a very beautiful pedestrian bridge lined with statues. The view of the castle from this bridge is not to be missed!
When is the best period to go to Rome
When you are a little flexible on the date of your trip, you must be wondering when to go on a trip toRome. The answer to this question is not easy! First of all, you should know that this very touristy city and tourists are present there all year round. It's hard to avoid the crowds even though the capital has a high and a low season.
- the climate is the best between the beginning of April and the end of Octobe
- June and September / October may be preferable to avoid the spring and summer crowds
- the low season (winter) from mid-January to early March, crowd is lower and prices are more reasonable
How long to stay in Rome ?
The question to ask. A stay that is too short risks leaving you hungry ... There are so many things to do or places to see in the Roman capital that in my opinion you should go for at least 5 days.
Many travelers opt for a 3-day tour of Rome, especially on a long weekend. Unfortunately, it’s very short. Obviously, it is possible to see the must-sees of the Italian capital over this period, but choices will need to be done.
Lots of Love, Valerie & Alex
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