If you’re planning a trip to Rome, you’re in for a treat. The city is brimming with historical landmarks, art museums, and culinary delights. With so much to see and do, it can be hard to know where to start. To help you plan your itinerary, we’ve put together a list of the 10 top tourist attractions in Rome. From the Colosseum to the Vatican Museums, there’s something for everyone on this list. So whether you’re a history buff or an art lover, you’re sure to find something to pique your interest.
Colosseum
1. The Colosseum
The Colosseum, or the Flavian Amphitheatre, is a large ellipsoid arena built of concrete and stone. It is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. It is the largest amphitheatre in the world, and could seat around 50,000 spectators.
The Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles such as animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and drama performances based on Classical mythology. The interior of the Colosseum was divided into three levels: the lowest level for slaves and animals; the middle level for commoners; and the highest level for VIPs.
The exterior of the Colosseum is covered with stone sheets that were once painted in bright colors. On the north side of the Colosseum are 72 arches that served as entrances and exits for spectators. The four main entrances were reserved for VIPs. Above the arches are Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns that support a projecting cornice.
The Colosseum was damaged by earthquakes in 1349 and 1444 but was restored each time. In 1749, Pope Benedict XIV consecrated it as a church dedicated to all Christian martyrs, and it has since been known as the Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli (Church of St Peter in Chains).
Roman Forum
The Roman Forum was the center of daily life in Rome. It was a place where people gathered to shop, work, and socialize. The forum was also the site of important political and judicial activities.
Today, the Roman Forum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome. Visitors can explore the ruins of the forum and imagine what life was like in ancient Rome.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions. This ancient temple was built in honor of all the gods of the Roman empire and is one of the best preserved Roman buildings in the world. The Pantheon is a must-see for any visitor to Rome.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi fountain is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome. It is a beautiful fountain located in the heart of the city. Every day, thousands of people visit the fountain to make a wish or simply to take a photo. The Trevi fountain is also one of the most famous fountains in the world and it has been featured in many films and TV shows.
Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are one of Rome's most popular tourist attractions. The steps were built in the early 18th century and lead up to the church of Trinita dei Monti. The steps are a great place to people watch and take in the sights and sounds of Rome.
Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are a series of art museums located within the Vatican City. They display works from the extensive collection of the Roman Catholic Church, which includes some of the most important masterpieces of Western art in the world.
The museums are located in several buildings within the Vatican City, including the Apostolic Palace (the residence of the Pope), the Sistine Chapel (a private chapel used by the Pope and his cardinals), and St. Peter's Basilica (the largest church in Christendom).
Some of the most famous works on display at the Vatican Museums include Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, and Rafael's Stanza della Segnatura.
The museums are open to the public from Monday to Saturday, 9:00am to 4:00pm (last entry at 2:00pm). Admission is free for children under 18 years old, students up to 25 years old, and seniors over 65 years old. For everyone else, admission is €17 (about $20).
St. Peter's Basilica
There's no denying that Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With its rich history and abundance of art and architecture, it's no wonder that the city is a popular tourist destination. One of the most popular attractions in Rome is St. Peter's Basilica.
The basilica is located in Vatican City, and is considered to be one of the holiest Catholic sites. It's also one of the largest churches in the world, with a capacity of 60,000 people. The interior of the basilica is absolutely stunning, with marble floors, countless statues, and an incredibly detailed ceiling.
If you're visiting Rome, be sure to add a visit to St. Peter's Basilica to your list!
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Rome. It is located in the Vatican City and is part of the Vatican Museums. The chapel is home to some of the most iconic paintings in the world, including Michelangelo’s frescoes on the ceiling and his Last Judgment on the altar wall.
The Sistine Chapel was built between 1477 and 1480 by Pope Sixtus IV. It was originally intended to be used as a private chapel for papal ceremonies, but it quickly became one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rome. Visitors can see the chapel’s magnificent artworks up close, including Michelangelo’s famous frescoes. The chapel is also home to many important papal ceremonies, such as the conclave, which elects a new pope.
Palatine Hill
Rome was founded on seven hills, but the most famous is the Palatine. This is where the city’s first emperor, Augustus, had his palace and where you’ll find some of the oldest ruins in Rome. The Palatine Museum is worth a visit for its collection of Roman art and artifacts. To get the best views of Rome, head to the top of the hill at sunset.
Catacombs of Rome
The Catacombs of Rome are a series of subterranean burial chambers that date back to the 2nd century. Used by early Christians as a place to bury their dead, the catacombs are now a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the labyrinthine network of tunnels and see some of the best-preserved early Christian art in existence.