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There's a reason why Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world. Renowned as the birthplace of the mouth-watering Gelato and the home to the Colosseum, the eternal city of Rome offers so much. We love the history, food, culture, and exquisite architecture found at every corner, which makes it one of the most unique cities we have been to. Rome has so much to offer but here are seven sites you must see while visiting.
The Pantheon (Latin: Pantheum) in Rome is a former Roman temple that was completed in 125 CE. It is the only ancient Roman building that has remained intact throughout the centuries. Built on the site of an earlier temple, Marcus Agrippa was commissioned during the reign of Augustus. It was then rebuilt by the emperor Hadrian.
Here are a few interesting facts about the Pantheon:
•It is about 2,000 years old.
•The building was built with a huge 45 meters dome - an amazing architectural achievement for the days of ancient Rome. The dome's weight is 4,535 tonnes!
•It was the first temple built for the "common people," which was uncommon. Temples in ancient times were for priests.
•The name "Pantheon" is from the Ancient Greek meaning "all the gods"
•The huge Pantheon dome has been the largest in the world for 1300 years and, to this day is the largest dome in the world.
•An amazing effect can be seen each year on April 21 when the sun's rays enter the oculus and create a disk of light at the entrance of the doorway. Rome's birthday is celebrated on April 21, and it is believed that on that day, Emperor Hadrian wanted to stand at the temple entrance, with his body bathed in golden sunlight, as if the gods were calling him from above to join them.
Entrance Fee: Free.
Opening hours: Every day, 9:00 am to 7:00 pm (last entry 6:30 pm).
The Colosseum is an oval amphitheater in the center of the city of Rome, Italy, just east of the Roman Forum. It is the largest ancient amphitheater ever built and is still the largest standing amphitheater in the world today, despite its age. It is one of the World's Wonders and DEFINITELY worth visiting once in a lifetime. As you spend time in the Colosseum, you feel like you've goen back in time. The decision to purchase tickets for the "full tour" that included not only the arena floor (regular entrance fee) but also a Panoramic view and underground view with a small group including a great tour guide, was a wise choice and money well spent. The extra cost allowed us backstage, where the exotic animals and gladiators were brought to the arena.
The Arena - Regular entrance gives you access to the main arena, one of the important parts of the Colosseum, where games, battles, and shows take place.
The underground - Venture into the arena and the underground tunnels where gladiators and wild animals awaited to fight.
Panoramic Terrence - you can admire the Colosseum from its most impressive point of view and get amazing photos!
Entrance Fee:
• Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour - 18 EURO per adult.
• Skip-the-Line Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill Tour - 30 EURO per adult.
• Colosseum Underground, Arena, Panoramic Terrence, Roman Forum & Hill Tour - 60 EURO per adult. (What we took). This tour is 2-3 hours. It's possible to access the Colosseum only at the time chosen during the booking phase, and it's suggested to show up at the entrance 15 minutes before the chosen time. The entrance to the Colosseum is located at the "Sperone Valadier", near the Arch of Constantine.
Opening hours: Every day. Last admission one hour before closing.
•January 2nd-February 28th, 2022: From 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
•March 1st-26th, 2022: From 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.
•March 17th-31st, 2022: From 9:30 am to 7:15 pm.
To order tickets, click here!
Legend has it that the name of the castle was given after the Archangel Michael appeared at the top of the castle, sheathing his sword and, with that, ending the plague of 590 which tormented Rome. An imposing statue of an angel can be seen on top of the castle. People tend to skip going inside, but I highly recommend not it’s fascinating seeing all the knight's armors and spears.
Entrance Fee: 16 EURO. There's no need to buy tickets in advance.
Opening hours: Every day from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm.
The ticket office closes at 6:30 pm.
Duration of tour: 1-2 hours.
Best time to visit: Sunset.
To order tickets: click here!
The Vatican Museums displays works from the immense collection amassed by the Catholic Church and the papacy throughout the centuries, including several of the most renowned Roman sculptures and most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world.
Best time to visit: Go as early as possible since it gets really busy and the crowds to the Sistine chapel get massively crazy and full. When the weather is hot, you don't want to be waiting in a LONG LONG line.
Sistine Chapel: You are not permitted to take photos inside the Sistine Chapel. Guards are reminding you not to photograph. Please respect the rules. Sometimes one has to sacrifice amazing photos to not miss the beauty around you.
St Peter's Basilica: You can actually enter the Basilica through the Vatican museums. This means once you get to the Sistine chapel, there are two doors, the door on the right takes you to St. Peter's Basilica, but then there is no way back to the museum. The second door on the left takes you back to the museum. This close proximity can be a time saver for those on a tight schedule.
Dress code: It's a basic code for both men and women. Both need to cover their knees and upper arms. They prohibit wearing shorts or skirts above the knee, sleeveless tops, and low-cut shirts. Men must take their hats off before entering, whereas women may continue wearing theirs. This is a very holy place for many, and they are very strict about the dress code. You could be denied entrance if you do not adhere to the dress code.
St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most beautiful churches I have been to. It is the biggest church in the world and was created by artists such as Michelangelo. The most exciting attraction here is climbing up the dome and seeing the view of the city from up above. In the past, you could purchase tickets for 7 or 10 EURO to climb the dome, but now if you'd like to go up to the dome, you'll have to go with a tour guide. The way up is pretty hard and narrow. I wouldn't do it if you suffer from Claustrophobia.
Dress code: Its basic code is for both men and women both need to cover their knees and upper arms. They prohibit wearing shorts or skirts above the knee, sleeveless tops, and low-cut shirts. Men must take their hats off before entering, whereas women may continue wearing theirs. This is a very holy place for many and they are very strict about the dress code. You could be denied entrance if you do not dress appropriately.
Entrance Fee:
• Cathedral - Free.
• Small-Group St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour - 27 EURO.
• St. Peter’s Basilica Dome: Guided Tour - 29 EURO. There are two ways to go up to the Dome The first option is by foot 550 steps or take an elevator and walk up only 350 steps.
Opening hours: Every day from 7:00 am until 6:00 pm.
To order tickets: Click here!
The Victor Emmanuel II National Monument, also known as the Mole del Vittoriano or simply Vittoriano, is a large national monument built between 1885 and 1935 to honor Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy, It occupies a site between the Piazza Venezia and the Capitoline Hill. This is a spot that most skip but squeeze it into your schedule. It's definitely worth visiting. From the top of the façade, the views of the city center are magnificent.
Entrance Fee: Free.
Elevator to the rooftop: 12 EURO if you'd like to take the elevator to the roof for a panoramic view of the Roman Forum and Colosseum.
Opening hours: Both Elevator and museum are open daily from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm (last entry is 6:00 pm).
The Galleria Borghese is an art gallery in Rome housed in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana. At the outset, the gallery building was integrated with its gardens, but nowadays, the Villa Borghese gardens are considered a separate tourist attraction and are free. The Villa Borghese gallery is underrated but such a gem. We really enjoyed our visit there and recommend you visit.
Entrance Fee: 21 EURO. Better order tickets in advance we almost missed this and we ordered the tickets two months before!!
Opening hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm. (No entry after 5 pm).
To order tickets, click here!