Roman vacations: top places to visit

All roads lead to Rome. We'll tell you where to go and what to see in the city below.

The Colosseum

The main gladiatorial arena in the capital. It was opened in 80 AD, with a total capacity of 50,000 people. Spectators were seated according to a hierarchy. The lower row was occupied by the imperial family. A tier above them were representatives of the authorities. The third floor was occupied by people of lower classes. By the way, the amphitheater was considered the most uncomfortable among its counterparts. Today, only a third of the structure remains, but this has not diminished its popularity.

Entrance costs from €18, children under 6 years old can visit for free. To avoid queues, we recommend buying tickets online.

Pantheon

A temple with a 2000-year history. Scholars consider its enormous size and impressive dome to be the greatest architectural achievement of the time. The sanctuary serves as a tomb for some prominent Italians. Among the famous personalities, Raphael is buried here. We advise you to visit at noon when the sun's rays penetrate through the round hole in the ceiling. By the way, thanks to numerous restorations, the building is still in good condition.

Keep in mind that the Italian government has recently canceled free admission to the monument. From now on, the ticket will cost €5.

St. Peter's Basilica and Square

The spiritual center of the Pope's festive masses. In the fourth century, the Circus of Nero was located here. Later it was rebuilt into a cathedral. Raphael, Michelangelo, Peruzzi and other famous sculptors and artists worked on the shrine.

Interestingly, there are five bronze doors leading to the temple. The one on the right is opened only once every 25 years: on Christmas Eve in the Holy Year. After that, the entrance is again covered with concrete.

Tourists are allowed to climb to the top of the dome, overcoming 551 steps. By the way, the ascent can be made easier. The first 230 steps can be reached by elevator, and the rest on foot. The top offers an incredible view of Rome.

Vatican museums

The collections were gathered by pontiffs of different times. In the Stanze di Raffaello, you can admire tapestries and frescoes. In Chiaramonti and Pio Cristiano, you can see ancient statues and sarcophagi from ancient times. And the Vatican Library has collected more than a million and a half books.

Trevi Fountain

The largest fountain in the city and one of the most beautiful in the world. It has a specially designated place where you can get drinking water. There are a lot of travelers here. They not only take photos but also throw a coin into the pond and make a wish.

By the way, you can often witness marriage proposals here. If you are annoyed by the crowd, come here at dawn.

Sistine Chapel

The historic building was built between 1473 and 1481. Today it serves as a mecca for conclaves. It is here that the new pontiff is elected. It is also a real museum of Renaissance art. The walls of the shrine were painted by Michelangelo Buonarroti.

To avoid standing in a long line, we recommend buying a ticket in advance. It will cost €20 without online booking.

Castle of the Holy Angel

The building was built on the banks of the picturesque Tiber River. During its existence, it served as a papal residence, a prison, a warehouse, and even a tomb. Now the fortress houses a historical museum. It has a collection of paintings, sculptures, military memorabilia, and medieval firearms.

The entrance fee is €14. The building is open daily from 9:00-19:30, but the ticket office closes earlier - at 18:30.

Vittoriano

The architectural complex of the first ruler of united Italy. The Eternal Flame burns in front of the palace and an honor guard is on duty. Inside is a 12-meter statue of King Victor Emanuel II. The sculptures above the column symbolize the 16 regions of the country.

Interestingly, the people of Rome are not entirely fond of this building. In their opinion, it does not fit into the architecture of the city.

St. Clement's Basilica

It was here that different stages of Rome's turbulent past were depicted. The monument became the last resting place for the relics of St. Clement, the fourth bishop and one of the apostolic husbands, as well as for Ignatius the Great.

The body of St. Cyril, the enlightener of the Slavic peoples, is also kept here.

Caracalla Baths

A public facility for water procedures. The culture of visiting baths began to develop during the Roman Empire and is still popular today. Romans came here to socialize, learn news, or conduct business negotiations.

The baths were built in the third century for all the inhabitants of Rome. In addition to swimming pools, there was a library.

Discover an eternal city where every corner breathes history. It's time to go on a trip!

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