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Roma, vista aerea del Colosseo e parte dell'arena

Main Attractions in Rome

Quick Guide to the Best Things to See

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The main attractions of Rome tell the story of more than two thousand years of history: from the great monuments of ancient Rome to the city’s most important museums, as well as the basilicas and the symbolic places of Christianity.

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Monuments

Museums

Religious Sites

See also

Colosseo

The Colosseo is the most famous symbol of Rome and one of the best-known ancient monuments in the world. Built during the imperial period to host shows and gladiator combats, it still preserves its extraordinary structure today, with the ancient arena and the underground areas where the events were prepared.

Located within the Parco archeologico del Colosseo, which also includes the Foro Romano and the Palatino, it represents one of the most important testimonies of the history of ancient Rome and allows visitors to discover the monumental heart of the imperial city.

Scorcio del Colosseo e dell'arena di Roma

Pantheon di Roma

The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in the world and one of the most extraordinary examples of Roman architecture. Built during the imperial period as a temple dedicated to the deities, it is famous for its impressive cupola with a central oculo and for the perfect balance of its forms, which still make it one of the most fascinating symbols of the city today.

Roma, Pantheon di notte magistralmente illuminato

Fontana di Trevi

The Fontana di Trevi is one of the most famous attractions in Rome and one of the city’s most recognizable symbols. Created in the 18th century in full Baroque style based on the design by Nicola Salvi, it represents a masterpiece of theatrical composition, with the dio Oceano at the centre surrounded by mythological figures and water features.

Today it is one of the most visited places in the Capital, also famous for the tradition of throwing a coin into the fountain, which according to legend guarantees a return to Rome.

Roma, Fontana di Trevi al crepuscolo

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of the most fascinating squares in Rome, built along the layout of the ancient Stadio di Domiziano, where sporting competitions and public events took place during Roman times.

Its elongated shape still preserves the imprint of the ancient structure and hosts some of the masterpieces of Roman Baroque, including the famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

Roma, Piazza Navona

Piazza di Spagna

Piazza di Spagna is one of the iconic places of Rome and one of the most photographed squares in the world. Dominated by the monumental Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti, built in the 18th century to connect the square with the church above, it has always been a meeting point for visitors and Romans.

At its foot stands the charming Fontana della Barcaccia by Pietro and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, while the elegant surrounding streets help make this area one of the most representative parts of the city.

Roma, panoramica Trinità dei Monti dalla Fontana della Barcaccia

Castel Sant’Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo is one of the most fascinating monuments in Rome, with a history spanning almost two thousand years. Originally built in the 2nd century as the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian, it was transformed over time into a military fortress, a refuge for popes, a residence and a prison.

Today it houses a museum that tells the different periods of the building’s history and allows visitors to admire splendid panoramic views of the city, the Tiber River and the nearby Basilica di San Pietro.

Roma, Ponte e Castel Sant'Angelo al crepuscolo

Fori Imperiali

The Fori Imperiali represent one of the most important archaeological complexes in Rome and tell the story of the political and monumental grandeur of the ancient Roman Empire.

Built between the 1st century BC and the 2nd century AD by the will of different emperors, they were large public squares surrounded by temples, basilicas and spaces dedicated to political and administrative life.

Walking among the remains of the Foro di Cesare, the Foro di Augusto and the other imperial complexes, visitors can immerse themselves in the history of ancient Rome.

Roma, Mercati di Traiano

Foro Romano

The Foro Romano was for centuries the centre of public life in ancient Rome, the place where political, religious, commercial and judicial activities were concentrated.

Among its remains are some of the most important buildings of the ancient city, such as temples, basilicas and triumphal arches that testify to Rome’s evolution from a small community into the capital of a vast empire.

Roma, Carcere Mamertino

Terme di Caracalla

The Terme di Caracalla are one of the best-preserved thermal complexes of ancient Rome and testify to the extraordinary grandeur of imperial architecture, offering one of the most evocative archaeological visits in the capital.

Inaugurated in the 3rd century AD by order of Emperor Caracalla, they covered a vast area and included bathing halls, gyms, gardens, libraries and spaces dedicated to leisure activities.

Roma, Terme di Caracalla

Appia Antica

The Via Appia Antica, known since ancient times as the Regina Viarum, is one of the most important and best-preserved Roman roads in the world. Built in the 4th century BC, it connected Rome with Southern Italy and today is the heart of the Parco archeologico dell’Appia Antica, a vast area where historical heritage and natural landscape come together.

Along its route, visitors can find mausoleums, villas, aqueducts, catacombs and long stretches of the ancient Roman paving stones. The evocative Parco degli Acquedotti is also part of the park, where it is possible to admire the remains of the great Roman aqueducts surrounded by the Roman countryside.

Roma, Appia Antica

Ostia Antica

Ostia Antica represents one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in Italy and allows visitors to discover how people lived in a Roman city more than two thousand years ago.

The ancient commercial port of Rome, it still preserves streets, houses, workshops, thermal baths, temples and a large Roman theatre in an exceptional state of conservation.

Roma, Ostia Antica,Podium, Round Temple

Altare della Patria e Vittoriano

The Altare della Patria, also known as the Vittoriano, is one of the most imposing and representative monuments of modern Rome.

Built between the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century to celebrate Vittorio Emanuele II and the Unification of Italy, it houses the Milite Ignoto, a symbol of national remembrance.

From its panoramic terraces, visitors can also enjoy one of the most spectacular views over the historic centre of the capital.

Roma, Altare della Patria, Vittoriano

Musei Vaticani e Cappella Sistina

The Musei Vaticani constitute one of the most important and most visited museum complexes in the world. Created from the art collections of the popes, they preserve thousands of works that tell more than two thousand years of history, from classical antiquity to the great masterpieces of the Renaissance.

The visitor route passes through monumental galleries, courtyards, richly decorated rooms and the papal apartments, eventually reaching the famous Cappella Sistina, where Michelangelo’s frescoes, including the Creazione di Adamo and the majestic Giudizio Universale, represent some of the greatest masterpieces in the history of Western art.

Guardando in alto verso il soffitto della Cappella Sistina dalla transenna

Gellaria Borghese

The Galleria Borghese is one of the most prestigious art museums in Italy and houses the extraordinary collection commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese in the 17th century.

Located inside the elegant Villa Borghese, it allows visitors to admire masterpieces of painting and sculpture in a refined setting that still preserves the charm of the original noble residence.

Among its most famous works are the spectacular sculptures by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, paintings by Caravaggio, Raffaello and Tiziano, as well as numerous masterpieces of the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Roma, Galleria Borghese, Sala 3

Musei Capitolini

The Musei Capitolini, located on the panoramic Piazza del Campidoglio designed by Michelangelo, are considered the oldest public museum in the world. Their collections tell the history of Rome through sculptures, mosaics, paintings and precious archaeological finds.

Among the most famous works are the Lupa Capitolina, the monumental statua equestre di Marco Aurelio and numerous masterpieces from ancient Rome, which allow visitors to retrace more than two thousand years of history.

Roma, Musei Capitolini, Palazzo Nuovo

Museo Nazionale Romano

The Museo Nazionale Romano is one of the most important archaeological museums in Italy and houses an extraordinary collection of finds that tell the history of Rome from ancient times to the late imperial period.

The museum is divided into four locations: Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Terme di Diocleziano, Palazzo Altemps and Crypta Balbi, each dedicated to different aspects of art and life in ancient Rome.

The Terme di Diocleziano, the largest thermal complex of ancient Rome, houses statues, inscriptions and important archaeological evidence, offering a fascinating immersion into the history of the imperial city.

Roma, panoramica Terme di Diocleziano

Basilica di San Pietro

The Basilica di San Pietro is the main place of worship of the Catholic Church and the spiritual heart of the Città del Vaticano. Traditionally built over the tomb of the Apostle Peter, it is one of the most important and spectacular destinations in Rome.

Inside, it houses absolute masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldacchino del Bernini, while the complex also includes the Museo del Tesoro, with important works of sacred art.

The visit can be extended to the Cupola di San Pietro, the Grotte Vaticane and the Necropoli Vaticana, offering a journey through art, history and spirituality spanning almost two thousand years.

Roma, Basilica di San Pietro, facciata illuminata, al crepuscolo

Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome and represents the official seat of the Pope as bishop of the city. It is the oldest of the four papal basilicas and is often referred to as the “mother of all churches”.

Its monumental façade, the imposing statues of the Apostles and the vast interior spaces make it one of the most important religious complexes in the Christian world, further enriched by the nearby Battistero Lateranense and the Scala Santa.

Roma, facciata Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four papal basilicas of Rome and one of the most important places of worship dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Founded in the 5th century, it still preserves splendid early Christian mosaics and a rich artistic heritage.

The interior impresses visitors with the magnificence of its decorations, golden ceilings and monumental chapels, which testify to the central role of the basilica in the religious and artistic history of the city.

Roma, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, altare

Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura

The Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura stands along the ancient Via Ostiense in the place where, according to Christian tradition, the Apostle Paul was buried. It is one of the four papal basilicas and one of the main pilgrimage sites of Christianity.

The building impresses with its monumental dimensions, elegant cloisters, precious mosaics and the famous gallery of portraits of the Popes, offering visitors an atmosphere of great spirituality and contemplation.

Roma, interno Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura

See also

Other Destinations

Naples
Naples, the Neapolitan wonder see Naples and then die. The magic of a city unlike any other in the world.
Florence
Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance masterpieces, artisan workshops and views make every moment unforgettable.
Venice
Venice, suspended over the water alleys, canals and palaces transform every walk into a timeless journey.

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By Luca Aless – Venice, panoramic view of Doge’s Palace and St. Mark’s Campanile – Own work – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia Commons
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By Jorge Franganillo – Roma, Pantheon at night beautifully illuminated – Roma: Pantheon – CC BY 2.0 – Wikimedia Commons
By User:Colin – The spiral staircase by Giuseppe Momo decorated with bronze panels by Antonio Maraini (1932) – Wikimedia Commons – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia Commons
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