1. Cultural monuments of Ancient Rome.
The monuments of Ancient Rome are, first of all, city forums, temples, palaces, basilicas, triumphal arches, amphitheaters, aqueducts, fortress walls - objects that had a huge influence on the development of all subsequent European civilization. And we can quite agree with geographer professor E.N. Pertsik, that in the art of Ancient Rome - architecture, sculpture - the geography of the greatest slave-owning power, which, together with Ancient Greece, laid, in the words of Engels, "the foundation of modern Europe," seems to "come to life."
The monuments of Ancient Rome can be divided into three territorial groups. The first of them includes the city of Rome itself - the most vibrant and complete concentration of masterpieces of ancient architecture. To the second - other ancient monuments on the territory modern Italy. And to the third - quite numerous architectural and historical objects preserved outside its borders, in other European countries which were once part of the Roman Empire
As a matter of fact, the List of World Heritage Sites includes a broader wording about " historical center Rome", by which we can understand the layers left in the material appearance of the Eternal City by a variety of eras. But it is still undeniable that in this “layer cake” the most interesting and unique part is formed by the objects of Ancient Rome.
Ancient Rome was such a big city and had so many architectural monuments that a truly enormous literature is devoted to their description. So there is neither the need nor the opportunity to characterize the appearance of the Eternal City in any complete form. Moreover, as Stendhal aptly noted in his voluminous “Walks in Rome,” published in 1829, “in the center of Rome there is not a single soil that is not occupied in succession by five or six equally famous buildings.” Therefore, it is most correct to talk only about what has survived to this day. It seems that this is best done according to the historical eras of the city’s development. After all, the history of Ancient Rome is a period of time spanning more than a thousand years.
From the earliest stage of Roman history, the royal stage, very little has survived to this day. First of all, these are the ruins of the fortress wall that fenced the city in those days. It was built from square blocks of volcanic stone by the sixth king of Rome, Servius Tullius, and was 11 km long. Its best preserved remains can now be seen at the entrance to Rome's Termini station.
More architectural monuments have survived from the second, republican stage, which lasted four and a half centuries. These are, first of all, the ruins of the main civil center of the city - the Roman Forum (Foro Romano), where all the most important events of political and economic life took place - public meetings, legal proceedings, religious ceremonies. By the end of the Republican period, the Forum had already taken on a completely finished architectural appearance - with public buildings, temples, arches, colonnades, statues, the sacred road (Viz Sacra), as well as shopping arcades. However, over time, all its structures ended up deep underground, and this place where cows were grazed began to be called the Cow Pasture (Campo Vaccino). In the 19th century Excavations began here, and now in the protected area of the Forum you can see the remains of ancient temples and colonnades.
From the era of the late Republic, the temple of Vesta, the goddess of the hearth and patroness of the state, has reached us. The priestesses of Vesta, the Vestal girls, were obliged to support in the temple Eternal flame. Throughout the entire “service,” which lasted at least 30 years, they had to maintain a vow of chastity (for breaking it, the Vestals were buried alive in the ground, and their seducers were strangled and stoned). Here, at the foot of the Capitoline Hill, rise the gloomy dark gray ruins of the arcades of the Tabularium - a building intended to store the archives of the republic.
Next came the era of the early Roman Empire, covering the period of the 1st century. BC. and I century. AD, when the country was ruled by the Julio-Claudian dynasty, and then the Flavian dynasty. In modern Rome it is represented by several objects of truly global significance.
These include the so-called Imperial Forums. The first of them began to be built by Julius Caesar, who considered that the old Forum Romano had become too small for the expanding city. This forum with the temple of Venus was completed under Caesar’s successor Augustus, who also erected next to it his luxurious forum with the temple of the god Mars. The size of this temple, which was once admired by the Roman poet Ovid, is still evidenced by three Corinthian columns 18 m high. Apparently, it is no coincidence that the statement that “Augustus took Rome as brick, but left it as marble” was born back in those days. Later, next to the Forum of Augustus, the Forum of Emperor Flavius Vespasian arose. And at the foot of the Palatine Hill, even today, rise the gloomy ruins of the imperial palaces.
Among the very well-preserved monuments of Rome from this era is the marble Triumphal Arch of Vespasian's son Titus in the Forum. It was erected in honor of the successful campaign of the Romans against Jerusalem (they managed to take this city and plunder its famous temple). The relief of the arch depicts the emperor on a triumphal chariot entering Rome, and trophies captured in the Jerusalem temple. On the eve of Rome, those arriving in this city can see the huge arcades of the Claudius Aqueduct, one of the dozen water conduits that approached the city, “constructed by the slaves of Rome.”
But perhaps the most famous architectural monument of the early empire period, one of the main symbols of all Roman antiquity, is the Flavian Amphitheater, or Colosseum. Its construction was started by Emperor Vespasian in 75 AD, and completed by his son Titus in 80. In plan, the Colosseum had the shape of an ellipse measuring 180 by 156 m with a height of 50 m; It is no coincidence that its name is usually derived from the Latin “colosseo” - huge. Built from brownish-yellow travertine, tufa and brick and accommodating more than 50 thousand spectators, it was intended for gladiatorial fights and other mass spectacles, which, as we know, were an integral part of Roman civilization. On the occasion of the opening of the amphitheater, Emperor Titus announced a hundred-day games, during which several thousand gladiators fought in his arena and 5,000 animals were hunted! This is how lines from Lermontov’s poem “The Dying Gladiator” come to mind:
Exuberant Rome rejoices... triumphantly thunders
The wide arena applauds:
And he - pierced in the chest - he lies silently,
His knees slide in dust and blood...
Although only part of it has survived to modern and modern times from the ancient Colosseum, it leaves an indelible impression on everyone who visited and is visiting it. Mark Twain, who traveled around Europe, called it the king of all European ruins.
Architectural appearance The Colosseum can be restored based on its fairly well-preserved southern façade. It can be seen that it had four tiers (the lower one was intended for the imperial court, the second - for members of noble families, the third - for common people, and the fourth with wooden benches is for women). The three lower tiers are through arcades, the significance of which is not only decorative: thanks to them, the amphitheater was quickly filled and emptied. Inside the ellipse, under the former arena, cellars for wild animals, devices that supplied water to the arena on the days of performances of naval battles (naumachia), and service premises were excavated. People, animals, and scenery got from here to the stage with the help of a complex system of corridors, passages and lifts. In extreme heat or rain, a canvas awning was stretched over the entire amphitheater on special masts.
The design features of the largest amphitheater in antiquity, widely used in subsequent eras, are still impressive today. “Climbing to the height of the third floor of the Colosseum,” writes G.D. Bogemsky in a book about the cities of Italy, “you are filled with admiration for the art of the architects of antiquity, who knew how to erect huge structures so harmonious that they do not overwhelm with their heaviness, do not seem massive or even large.” .
From the era of the late empire, even more architectural and historical monuments of Rome have reached us. This especially applies to the 2nd century, when the imperial Antonine dynasty was in power; It is not for nothing that the second century AD is often called the golden age of Ancient Rome. There are at least three particularly impressive monuments from this era.
This is the famous Trajan's Column and part of the basilica - all that remains of what was once the most magnificent of the imperial forums. Trajan's Column was erected in honor of the victories of the emperor, who died in Syria during a military campaign. The surface of this 38-meter-high column is wrapped (24 turns) in a 300-meter-long spiral frieze relief, immortalizing Trajan’s conquest of Dacia. On it you can see scenes of the life of the Dacians, the exploits of Roman legionnaires and the emperor himself, who appears on the relief more than 80 times.
Next, this is the Pantheon, built by the emperor Hadrian who replaced Trajan and preserved better than other ancient monuments of Rome. The Pantheon is a surprisingly proportional round temple, having the same (43.5 m) diameter and height. The six-meter-thick walls provide the safety margin necessary to support the huge dome, which is a true miracle of engineering and subtle artistic taste. Serving as the prototype for the domes of St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome and the Church of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, it even slightly surpasses them in size, surpassed only in the 20th century. A nine-meter round hole in the center of the dome - the “eye of the Pantheon” - serves as the only source of light for its interior, which can easily accommodate 2,000 people. In small niches located along the walls of the temple, there are tombs of Italian kings. But greatest attention attracts the left niche, where the ashes of one of the greatest artists Italy - Raphael. The Pantheon was declared by the popes to be the “temple of all gods,” in other words, the temple of the most divine idea, symbolizing peace, harmony, and spirituality. But all this is still valued no less than it was more than two millennia ago. Stendhal was probably right when he wrote: “Two moments are enough to be imbued with its beauty.”
Finally, this is the Mausoleum of Hadrian, built on the right bank of the Tiber for the emperor himself and members of his family. But it performed its initial functions for a relatively short time, being first turned into a bridgehead fortification, and in the Middle Ages into an impregnable castle, which, if necessary, served as a refuge for the popes. At the same time, the former mausoleum received the name of the Castle of St. Angel - after the statue of an angel with a sword that adorned it. Until the very end of modern times, first popes and then kings used it as a prison. Despite numerous reconstructions, Hadrian's mausoleum has also largely retained its original appearance of a huge cylindrical tower.
A bronze equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius remained from the “golden age” in Rome, which later served as a standard for many European monuments. Interestingly, this is the only ancient Roman equestrian statue that survived the Middle Ages. It is believed that a mistake saved it from destruction by Christians: the statue was mistaken for the image of the Christian emperor Constantine, and not the “pagan” Marcus Aurelius.
The rule of the Severan dynasty (III - IV centuries) dates back to the late Roman Empire. The ruins of baths and triumphal arches remind us of this era in Rome.
When getting acquainted with the ruins of Roman baths, you need to keep in mind that in the life of the city they performed one of the central functions, being not just baths for their intended purpose, but also something like clubs, places of entertainment and sports. An example of this could be the largest of the Roman baths - the Baths of Caracalla, which occupied an area of 340 x 330 m. The core of the entire complex was the main building of the baths, in which a large hall with a swimming pool, a luxuriously decorated main hall with cold, warm and hot baths, under the floor of which contained a complex system of water supply, heating and sewerage. Along the façade of the main building there were rest rooms. And the main building itself was located in the park, where there were also two palestras, a place for athletic competitions, library rooms and halls for music classes, and locker rooms. The Baths of Caracalla could accommodate more than 2,000 people at a time. Nowadays their brick-red ruins rise to a height of more than 30 m. In the summer they are used for holding opera festivals. And in the Baths of Diocletian there is now a national Roman museum.
Of the triumphal arches of that era, the two most famous are the Arch of Septimius Severus and the Arch of Constantine. The first of them, 20 m high, was built in honor of the emperor after whom it was named and his victories over the barbarians. The second, later one, erected in honor of Constantine’s victory over Maxentius, has three well-preserved spans.
In general, we can assume that quite a few monuments have been preserved in Rome since ancient times, especially if we take into account the long and turbulent history The Eternal City. Indeed, in the middle of the 1st century, under Emperor Nero, a huge fire broke out in Rome and lasted for a whole week, literally devastating the city. In the 5th century, at the very end of the empire, the Vandals plundered Rome for two weeks, subjecting it to terrible destruction. Many ancient monuments died already in the Middle Ages. For example, in the early Middle Ages, popes and nobles used the Colosseum as a source of building material. In the 15th century it was generally turned into a real quarry: many Roman palazzos were built from the travertine mined here; even metal fittings were knocked out of the walls and used again. It was then that the well-known pun saying arose: “What the barbarians (barberi) did not destroy, the Barberini destroyed” (the surname of several popes and cardinals).
And in the 30s. XX century Mussolini, out of purely ambitious motives, ordered the construction of the main street of the Imperial Forums through the central historical part of the city, destroying many ancient monuments in the process.
Pompeii and Herculaneum are two Roman cities that were located in the southwestern part of Central Italy, in the region of Campania (literally “country of fields”), which, due to the beauty of the Gulf of Naples and favorable living conditions in ancient times, was usually called the “Happy Campania”. The city of Pompeii, founded in the 8th century. BC, first belonged to the Etruscans, Greeks, Samnites, and then passed to the Romans. It was a small but thriving trading center. Herculaneum, named after Hercules, was founded in the 6th century. BC. It was also conquered by the warlike Samnites, and later became a Roman patrician city, a resting place for the nobility. The local population was mainly engaged in fishing and olive oil production. In a word, these were provincial cities that did not stand out in any way. They gained fame in 79 AD, when the Vesuvius volcano, at the foot of which they were located, erupted.
Vesuvius, dormant for many centuries, suddenly awakened. First, a cloud of hot steam and ash appeared above its crater, and on August 24 a strong earthquake began, accompanied by the ejection of a huge mass of stones, ash, volcanic mud and lava from the cracked crater of the volcano. The cloud hanging over Vesuvius sank lower and lower, the ensuing darkness was cut through only by flashes of fire. The hot shower that completed the eruption seemed to cement all these volcanic emissions. As a result, the flourishing coastal zone of the Gulf of Naples turned into a lifeless desert in one day. Cities, villages and villas located at the foot of Vesuvius perished. The city of Pompeii was destroyed by stone bombs flying out of the volcano, covered with volcanic ash, and drenched in hot rain. A flow up to 15 m high completely engulfed Herculaneum. Although most of the residents of both cities managed to escape, many still died. Among them was the famous Roman writer Pliny the Elder, whose death was described in detail by his nephew Pliny the Younger in letters to the historian Cornelius Tacitus. And those rescued had to endure all the horrors of unexpected flight and loss of property. Suffice it to recall the famous painting by Karl Bryullov “The Last Day of Pompeii”.
Stories about this terrible disaster lived in people's memories for a long time. But centuries passed, and no one could imagine where exactly both cities were. When local peasants, while digging wells, found the remains of ancient buildings, no one connected them with forgotten cities.
The location of Pompeii was discovered only in the 17th century. during the construction of a water pipeline, but excavations here began only in the 18th century, and continued on a more scientific basis in the 19th and 20th centuries. Thanks to the work of archaeologists who cleared the territory of the city, restored what was destroyed and damaged, Pompeii turned into a large archaeological and museum reserve under open air, allowing you to imagine what the Italian city was like 2000 years ago. N.V. Gogol saw in it “beautiful skies, a world rich in art and people.”
Excavations of Herculaneum began only in the 19th century, but were mainly carried out already in the 20th century. This city, filled with liquid volcanic mud, was much less destroyed. But to this day, only a relatively small part of it has been liberated from the ground.
As a World Heritage Site, the archaeological reserve of Pompeii is most interesting because it provides an opportunity to get acquainted with the typical layout and development of a Roman city.
Pompeii had a clear layout. The two main streets of the city ran from north to south and from west to east. The remaining streets, paved with stone slabs, ran parallel to the main ones, dividing the entire city into nine districts. The center of city life was the rectangular forum square, surrounded by the buildings of temples, basilica, city curia, archive-tabularium, and market. In the southern part of the city there was a large theater with well-preserved benches for spectators cut into the hillside and a stage; it was designed for 5,000 spectators. In the southeastern part of Pompeii there was an elliptical amphitheater where gladiator fights took place. And at the gates in the city wall there were usually hotels, taverns, shops, and stables. There were also baths and a brothel in the city.
Among its residential buildings (domus), the houses of artisans with workshops and shops, and especially the houses of rich people, landowners and merchants, are of interest. Judging by the excavations, a typical rich house had a main room - an atrium - with a pool (impluvium) in the center, where rainwater entered through a hole in the roof. Adjacent to the atrium, where the owner received business visitors, was his office - a tablinium, from which a view of the peristyle - the internal garden - opened up. The atrium and peristyle were usually adjacent to a dining room - triclinium - with boxes for meals, designed to receive guests, as well as bedrooms (cubicula), and a library. There was also a bathhouse with cold and hot water.
The houses in Pompeii are interesting not only for their internal layout, but also for their decorative decoration - sculpture and especially well-preserved bright frescoes depicting people, animals, mythical gods, flowers, ornaments. Elements of such decor can now be seen both in the city buildings themselves and in the small museum created at the reserve. They are also on display in the National Museum of Naples.
Herculaneum was also divided into eight blocks by straight streets. It also had a theater, baths, and a palaestra. The buildings of Herculaneum, not destroyed by a hail of stones, but filled with volcanic mud, remained largely intact. And their type itself was somewhat different due to the large number of rich villas. In these houses and villas, wall paintings and floor mosaics are better preserved.
Present Agrigento is a small town on south coast O. Sicily, in general, little known. But in ancient times it was one of the rich and aristocratic cities of the Mediterranean.
Agrigento was founded by Greek colonists at the end of the 6th century. BC, and reached its peak in the 5th century. BC. It was then that the main temples were erected here - Olympian Zeus, Hera, della Concordia, etc. The Greek poet Pindar called Agrigento "the most beautiful city of mortals."
Later, the city was ruled by the Carthaginians, then by the Romans, Arabs, Byzantines, and Norman conquerors, and all this led to the fact that only ruins have survived from the ancient Greek temples. They form the archaeological reserve of Agrigento, which is of historical value.
It is known that the Romans used the word "villa" to designate a rural house, in contrast to the urban one - "domus". Typically, villas belonged to wealthy citizens and served as a place for them to engage in agriculture or for recreation. Many villas intended for country holidays were real palaces. Almost all the villas discovered by archaeologists in Italy date back to the late period of the Roman Empire. An example of such a villa is the Villa Casale, dating back to the 4th century. It was a rich villa of a Roman patrician, as evidenced, in particular, by the mosaic decorating it.
ZIGGURAT, temple tower, belonging to the main temples of the Babylonian and Assyrian civilizations. The name comes from the Babylonian word sigguratu - peak, including the top of a mountain.
The first such towers in the form of primitive stepped terraces appeared in the alluvial valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates at the end of the 4th millennium BC. The last noticeable surge in activity in the construction of Mesopotamian ziggurats is attested already in the 6th century. BC, at the end of the Neo-Babylonian period. Throughout ancient history, ziggurats were renovated and rebuilt, becoming a source of pride for kings.
As the name implies, the ziggurat was an artificial hill, designed as an imitation of one of those sanctuaries that the Sumerians were forcibly deprived of when they moved from their mountainous ancestral home to the plains of Mesopotamia. The ziggurat was a massive structure with sloping walls, completely monolithic except for drainage channels and a small temple at the top. Its dimensions were enormous; the famous Babylonian ziggurat was more than 90 m high, the length of each side of the square base was also more than 90 m. The base of the structure was built from clay or clay bricks, additionally reinforced with layers of reed or asphalt; outside it was surrounded by a thick wall of baked bricks. The ziggurats had a square or rectangular plan, and their only decoration were high and narrow niches located at regular intervals. Abandoning the single-terrace design characteristic of earlier structures, the kings of the Third Dynasty of Ur (c. 2250 BC) introduced a new tradition of building ziggurats from several terraces, placed one above the other and successively decreasing in size. They could be reached by stairs, one of which was located frontally, and the rest along the side walls. The structure as a whole was intended to symbolize the Universe, and the terraces were painted in different colors, denoting respectively underworld, the visible world of living beings and the heavenly world. The summit temple, symbolizing the sky, was painted dazzling white in Uruk, and inlaid with glazed blue brick in Babylon and Ur.
List of used literature:
1. Akof R. The art of problem solving. - M.: Mir, 1982.
2. Altshuller G.S. Invention algorithm. - M.: Radio and communications, 1973.
3. Altshuller G.S. Creativity as an exact science: solution theory
inventive tasks. - M.: Soviet radio, 1979.
4. Altshuller G.S. Fundamentals of Invention. - M.: Radio and Communications, 1982.
5. Amosov I.M. and others. Modeling of a creative personality.
6. Biryukov B.V., Gudchin I.B. Machine and creativity. - M.: Radio and communication, 1982.
7. Bush G.Ya. Methods of technical creativity. - Riga: Liesma, 1972.
8. Bush G.Ya. Methodological foundations of the scientific direction of invention. - Riga: Liesma, 1974.
9. Bush G.Ya. The birth of inventive ideas. - Riga: Liesma, 1976.
10. Bush G.Ya. Analogy and technical creativity. - Riga: Liesma, 1979.
11. Jones D.K. Engineering and artistic design. - M.: Mir, 1976.
12. Jones D.K. Design methods. - M.: Mir, 1986.
13. Shumilin A.T. Problems of the theory of creativity. - M.: Radio and communication, 1989.
14. Ponamarev Y.A. Psychology of creativity and pedagogy. - 1976.
15. Poveleyko R.P. Engineering creativity. - M.: Knowledge, 1977.
16. Luk A.N. Thinking and creativity.
17. Ribot T. Creative imagination.
18.Maksakovsky V.P. World cultural heritage. - M.: Agency "Publishing Service", 2000.
19. Encyclopedia. Volume VII. Art. Volume I. M. 1998
Only a late Greek expression of antiquity. Historians from the Renaissance to the twentieth century noted in it various, but always close to their modern features. In the circulation of Italian humanists of the 15th - 16th centuries. to ancient Rome one can see socio-political (Cola di Rienzo), educational and moralistic (Petrarch), historical and artistic (Ciriac of Ancona) tendencies. However, the most impactful...
They tried to imitate the unattainable examples of classical Greek culture, adopting everything and creating practically nothing of their own. However, the latest research shows original character culture of Ancient Rome, because it represents a certain unity that arose as a result of the combination of the original with borrowed cultural innovations. But similarity does not mean identity -...
Deep delineation heroic characters, the theme of civic consciousness form a life-affirming basis ancient Greek theater. The Age of Hellenism The Age of Hellenism was the last, final stage in the development of the culture of Ancient Greece. The conquest of the powerful Persian state by Alexander the Great marked the beginning of the Hellenistic era, which spanned the period 3-1 centuries. BC e. This stage represented...
The so-called world power, i.e. a huge multi-tribal state formed as a result of the conquests of neighboring peoples (Egyptian Empire at the end of the 16th-15th centuries BC). 3. The main cultural monuments of Ancient Egypt. A tourist arriving in Giza is greeted with one of the most beautiful paintings ever created by the human hand. Egyptian proverb: “Everyone is afraid of time, but...
September 25, 2018
One of the most popular tourist routes among a great many travelers is a visit to the Eternal City - majestic, with a centuries-old history and a huge cultural heritage. The architecture of Ancient Rome amazes with its monumentality, surprises with its age and simply delights. Thanks to the work of hundreds of thousands of people of various professions, today for us ancient Rome is not just illustrations in a history textbook, but a whole unknown world.
Aqueducts
Another important component of the architecture of Ancient Rome and a vital element, without which the development of the city would have been impossible, is the water supply system. The conduits, impressive in size, based on the same arch, are still in operation.
Similar architectural monuments of Ancient Rome can also include the Eliev Bridge, better known as the “Ponte Sant’Angelo”, located opposite the castle of the same name. This crossing of the Tiber, first built under Emperor Hadrian, was completely reconstructed only during the Renaissance.
Ponte Mulvio is another ancient bridge in Rome that has survived to this day. In ancient times it was located outside the city. The streets of Flaminia, Cassia and Clodia led to it - the main highways connecting the northern cities of the Empire with its center.
Triumphal arches
Many rulers of Rome, who fought for the expansion and power of the Empire, did not hesitate to erect monumental triumphal arches in honor of their own merits. In ancient Rome, such buildings glorified the emperor as a commander and defender of the homeland, perpetuated the memory of his grandiose victories and conquests, and served as symbols of military power and political dominance.
Triumphal arches, demonstrating the engineering and technical progress and artistic tastes of the Romans, were installed throughout the Empire: from Germany and Spain to North Africa and Asia Minor. In Rome itself you can see several monuments of glory that have survived to this day, which are still in excellent condition today.
Rome (Italy) is one of the greatest cities in the world. Its history goes back thousands of years. The city amazes with its monumental architecture, fabulous squares, colorful markets and streets with interesting people - magnificence is simply at every turn.
But if you're traveling to Rome, you need a clear plan. Otherwise, there is a risk of being overwhelmed by the many things to see in the Eternal City.
We have collected for you in one list the main tourist attractions of the city of Rome with photos and descriptions: from the most famous Roman ruins to majestic churches, art museums upper class, charming squares and lively food markets.
You probably won't need one trip to Rome to see all the attractions on this list and those that don't. But you have to start somewhere!
Founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century and expanded by subsequent pontiffs, the Vatican Museums boast one of the greatest art collections in the world.
The exhibits, which occupy about 7 km of halls and corridors, are as diverse as possible: from Egyptian mummies and Etruscan bronze objects to ancient busts, from paintings that have become classics to modern works.
Key places to visit: the impressive collection of classical sculptures at the Pio Clementino Museum, several exhibition halls with frescoes by Raphael and the Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo.
Address: Musei Vaticani, Viale Vaticano, Rome, Italy.
You can visit as part of excursions:
Rome's Great Gladiator Arena is the most spectacular of the city's ancient attractions. Opened in 80 AD, the 50,000-seat Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, was built of travertine and covered with a huge canvas tent raised by 240 masts.
Inside, the arena was surrounded by multi-level stands, and it itself was built above an underground complex (hypogeum), where animals sat and the scenery was prepared. The games featured gladiators fighting wild animals or each other.
Address: Colosseo, Piazza del Colosseo, Rome, Italy.
Entrance: Paid.
Tickets:
The Colosseum can be visited as part of excursions:
A collection of ruins, the former Roman Forum was the central site of ancient Rome, a grand district of temples, basilicas and vibrant public spaces.
The site, which was originally an Etruscan burial ground, was first settled in the 7th century BC, and over time became the social, political and commercial center of the Roman Empire. Attractions include the Arch of Septemius Severus, the Curia and the House of the Vestals.
Like many of the great cities of ancient Rome, the forum lost its importance after the fall of the Roman Empire, until it eventually came to be used as grazing land. In the Middle Ages it was known as Campo Vaccino ("Field of the Cows") and was plundered for its stones and marble.
The area began to be systematically explored in the 18th and 19th centuries, and excavations continue to this day.
Address: Foro Romano, Via della Salara Vecchia, Rome, Italy.
The Roman Forum can be visited as part of excursions:
Saint Paul's Cathedral
This city has many outstanding churches, but none compares to St. Peter's Basilica - Italy's largest, richest and most impressive basilica. Built on the site of a 4th-century church, it was consecrated in 1626 after completing 120 years of construction.
Its luxurious interior includes many famous works of art, including three of Italy's most famous masterpieces: Michelangelo's Pietà, its soaring dome and Bernini's 29-meter canopy over the papal altar.
At the cathedral, you'll likely face lines and a strict dress code (no shorts, miniskirts or bare shoulders allowed).
Address: St. Peter's Basilica, Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City, Papal See (Vatican City State).
St. Peter's Cathedral can be visited as part of excursions:
Situated between the Roman Forum and the Circus Massimo, the Palatine Hill is an atmospheric area with tall pine trees, majestic ruins and unforgettable views. It is believed that it was here that Romulus founded the city in 753 BC, and here, in crazy luxury, the emperors of Rome lived.
Note the stadium, ruins of the Domus Flavia (imperial palace) and stands overlooking the Roman Forum from Orti Farnesiani.
Address: Palatino, Rome, Italy.
If you only have time to visit one art gallery in Rome, come here. Home to what is often called "the queen of all private art collections": the gallery boasts paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael and Titian, as well as some unknown sculptures Bernini.
There is a lot to see in general, but look first for Ratto di Proserpina (The Rape of Proserpina) by Bernini and Venere vincitrice (Venus Vitrix) by Canova.
To limit the number of visitors, visitors are admitted at two-hour intervals, so you will need to pre-book tickets and check entry times.
Address: Museo e Galleria Borghese, Piazzale Scipione Borghese, Rome, Italy.
Capitoline Museums
Capitoline Museum. | Photo: dvdbramhall / Flickr. Built in 1471, the Capitoline Museums are the oldest public museums in the world. Their collection of classical sculpture is one of the best in Italy, including the famous Lupa Capitolina (Capitolian Wolf), the sculpture of Romulus and Remus under the wolf and the Galata morente (The Dying Gaul), describing the death of the war.
There is also a huge art gallery with masterpieces by Titian, Tintoretto, Rubens and Caravaggio.
Address: Musei Capitolini, Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome, Italy.
A magnificent 2,000-year-old temple, now a church, the Pantheon is the best preserved of the ancient Roman monuments and one of the most influential buildings in the Western world. Built by Hadrian from an earlier temple of Marcus Agrippa in 27 BC, it has stood here since around 125 AD, and although its drab exterior is in keeping with its era, it is still a unique and moving monument .
You definitely need to walk through the huge bronze doors and look at the largest unreinforced concrete dome.
The Temple of Hadrian was dedicated to the classical gods, hence the name Pantheon, derived from the Greek words pan (all) and theos (god). But in 608 the temple was consecrated as a Christian church and now officially bears the name Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martires.
The real charm of the Pantheon lies in its enormous size and impressive dome. Considered the greatest architectural achievement of the ancient Romans, it was the largest dome in the world until the 15th century and is still the largest unreinforced concrete dome.
Its harmonious appearance is due to precisely calibrated symmetry - the diameter of the dome is exactly equal to the internal height of the Pantheon of 43.4 meters.
At its center, the 8.7 m diameter oculus, which symbolically linked the temple with the gods, plays a vital role in geometry, absorbing and redistributing enormous forces dome tension. Rainwater enters but drains through 22 almost invisible holes in the sloping marble floor.
Address: Pantheon, Piazza della Rotonda, Rome, Italy.
You can visit as part of the excursion:
Air ticket price calendar
Lateran Basilica (Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano)
Lateran Basilica. | Photo: Paval Hadzinski / Flickr. For a thousand years, this monumental cathedral was the most important church in Christendom. Commissioned by Constantine and consecrated in 324 AD, it was the first Christian basilica built in the city. Until the end of the 14th century it was the main place of worship of the pope. It is still the official cathedral of Rome and the seat of the Pope as Bishop of Rome.
Address: Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome, Italy.
The Trevi Fountain, the setting for Anita Ekberg's bathing scene in La Dolce Vita (The Sweet Life), is a vibrant baroque ensemble mythical figures and wild horses occupying the entire side of the 17th-century Palazzo Poli.
Following a restoration sponsored by Fendi in 2015, the fountain shimmers brighter than before. Here, a tradition is maintained that guarantees return to Rome - throwing a coin into the water. On average, about 3,000 euros are thrown into the fountain every day.
Address: Fontana di Trevi, Piazza di Trevi, Rome, Italy.
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona. With its spectacular fountains, baroque palazzos, colorful actors and street artists, hawkers and tourists, Piazza Navona is an elegant embodiment of culture in the center of Rome.
Built on the site of the 1st century Stadio Domiziano, it was paved in the 15th century and was the city's main market for almost 300 years. The centerpiece includes Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers, a striking fountain with an Egyptian obelisk and muscular representations of the Nile, Ganges, Danube and La Plata rivers.
Address: Piazza Navona, Piazza Navona, Rome, Italy.
The road is named after the consul Appius Claudius Caecus, who laid out the first 90-kilometer section in 312 BC. This was the main road of Rome and was later extended in 190 BC to allow access to Brindisi.
The Appian Way has long been one of Rome's most exclusive destinations, a beautiful cobbled thoroughfare surrounded by grassy fields, Roman buildings and tall pine trees. The most magnificent building on it was the Villa dei Quintili, so desirable that the Emperor Commodus killed its owner and began to own it himself.
This road has a dark history - it was here that Spartacus and his 6,000 slave followers were crucified in 71 BC, and it was here that the first Christians buried people in three hundred kilometers of underground catacombs. You won't be able to visit the entire 300 km, but the three main catacombs of San Callisto, San Sebastiano and Santa Domitilla are open to the public.
Address: Parco Regionale Appia Antica, Via Appia Antica, Rome, Italy.
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. | Photo: Mario T./Flickr. One of Rome's four patriarchal basilicas, this monumental 5th-century church stands atop the Esquiline hill, on the site where snow is said to have miraculously fallen in the summer of 358 AD. To commemorate this event, every year on August 5th, thousands of white petals are lowered from the basilica's coffered ceiling.
Varying over the centuries, this architectural hybrid impresses with a 14th-century Romanesque bell tower, an 18th-century Baroque façade, a largely Baroque interior and a series of magnificent 5th-century mosaics.
Address: Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, Piazza di San Maria Maggiore, Rome, Italy.
You can visit as part of the excursion:
National Museum of Rome: Palazzo Massimo alle Terme. | Photo: Richard Cassan / Flickr. One of Rome's greatest museums, an incredible treasure trove of classical art. The first and second floors are dedicated to sculpture, some of the works are simply breathtaking. Look at the Pugile (Boxer), a Greek bronze from the 2nd century BC, the graceful Ermafrodite dormiente (Sleeping Hermaphrodite) also from the 2nd century BC. e. and the idealized Il discobolo (The Discus Thrower).
On the second floor there are magnificent colored frescoes that are worth seeing.
Address: Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Largo di Villa Peretti, Rome, Italy.
Gallery Doria Pamphili
Gallery Doria Pamphilj. | Photo: damian entwistle / Flickr. Tucked away behind the dingy gray façade of the Palazzo Doria Pamphili, this remarkable gallery boasts one of Rome's richest private collections, containing works by Raphael, Tintoretto, Titian, Caravaggio, Bernini and Velázquez, as well as several Flemish masters.
Masterpieces abound, but the undisputed star is Velázquez's portrait of the implacable Pope Innocent X, who complained that the image was "too real." For comparison, see Gian Lorenzo Bernini's sculptural interpretation of the same character.
Address: Galleria Doria Pamphilj, Corso, Rome, Italy.
Basilica di Sant'Agnese Fuori le Mura & Mausoleo di Santa Costanza. | Photo: Allie_Caulfield / Flickr. Although it's a bit challenging, it's worth seeking out this intriguing medieval church complex. Located above the catacombs where Saint Agnes was buried.
It includes the Basilica of Sant'Agnes Fuori le Mura, which houses a stunning Byzantine mosaic saints, and the Mausoleum of Santa Costanza, a 4th-century circular mausoleum decorated with the oldest mosaics in Christendom.
Address: Basilica di Sant'Agnese fuori le Mura, Via Nomentana, Rome, Italy.
Church of the Gesu (Il Gesu)
Church of Gesu (Il Gesu). | Photo: Karim Rezk / Flickr. An impressive example of Counter-Reformation architecture, Rome's most important Jesuit church is a fabulous example of Baroque art. Major works include the vault fresco by Giovanni Battista Gaulli (aka Il Baciccia) and Andrea del Pozzo's sumptuous tomb for Ignatius of Loyola, the Spanish soldier and saint who led the Jesuits in 1540.
Saint Ignatius lived in the church from 1544 until his death in 1556, and you can visit his private rooms in the Cappella di Sant’Ignazio.
Address: Chiesa del Gesù, Via degli Astalli, Rome, Italy.
National Museum of Rome: Palazzo Altemps. | Photo: dvdbramhall / Flickr. Located north of Piazza Navona, the Altemps Palace is a beautiful late 15th-century palazzo that houses the best of huge collection classical sculpture from the National Museum of Rome. Many of the pieces come from the famous Ludovisi collection, assembled by Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi in the 17th century.
Address: Museo Nazionale Romano, Palazzo Altemps, Piazza di Sant’Apollinare, Rome, Italy.
Basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura
Basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura. This magnificent basilica is the largest church in Rome after St. Peter's (and the third largest in the world), and stands on the site where St. Paul was buried after his beheading in 67 AD.
Built by Constantine in the 4th century, it was largely destroyed by fire in 1823 and much of what you see is a 19th century reconstruction.
Address: Basilica Papale San Paolo fuori le Mura, Piazzale San Paolo, Rome, Italy.
Plaza de España and Spanish Steps
Spanish Steps. | Photo: Paolo Margari / Flickr.
The Spanish Steps (Scalinata della Trinità dei Monti), which has attracted visitors since the 18th century, is an ideal place for people watching. 135 glittering steps rise from Piazza di Spagna to the famous landmark Chiesa della Trinity dei Monti.
Piazza di Spagna was named after the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See, but the staircase itself, designed by the Italian Francesco de Santis, was built in 1725 with money bequeathed by a French diplomat.
Address: Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti, Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy.
Palazzo Colonna
Gallery Column. | Photo: dvdbramhall / Flickr. This opulent 17th-century gallery, the only part of the Palazzo Colonna open to the public, houses private collection works of art by the Colonna family.
The six rooms of the gallery are topped with magnificent ceiling frescoes dedicated to Marcantonio Colonna, the family's greatest ancestor, who defeated the Turks at the naval battle of Lepanto in 1571. The works of Giovanni Coli and Filippo Gherardi in the Great Hall, Sebastiano Ricci in the Room of Landscapes and Giuseppe Bartolomeo Chiari in the Throne Room tell of his merits.
Note also the cannonball lodged in the gallery's marble staircase, a striking reminder of the 1849 Siege of Rome.
The other wing includes the opulent Chapel Hall and Artemisia's rich collection of 17th-century tapestries. The terrace café is open from May to October.
Address: Galleria Colonna, Via della Pilotta, Rome, Italy.
You can visit as part of the excursion:
Castle of the Holy Angel. This circular keep castle is an instantly recognizable landmark. Built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, it was converted into a papal fortress in the 6th century and named after a vision of an angel that Pope Gregory the Great had in 590.
It currently houses the National Museum of the Castel Sant'Angelo and its collection of paintings, sculptures, war memorabilia and medieval firearms.
Address: Castel Sant'Angelo, Lungotevere Castello, Rome, Italy.
Basilica of St. Clement
Basilica of St. Clement.
Nowhere better captures the various stages of Rome's turbulent past than in this fascinating multi-level church. The 12th-century above-ground basilica sits on the foundations of a 4th-century church, which in turn rises above a 2nd-century pagan temple and a 1st-century Roman house.
Address: Basilica di San Clemente, Via Labicana, Rome, Italy.
Palazzo Barberini. | Photo: Stin Shen / Flickr. Built to commemorate the Barberini family's rise to papal power, Palazzo Barberini is a luxurious Baroque palace that is impressive even before you see the breathtaking art. Many people worked on it famous architects, including competitors Bernini and Borromini.
Among the masterpieces, don't miss Pietro da Cortona's Il Trionfo della Divina Provvidenza (The Triumph of Divine Providence 1632–39) and the most spectacular frescoes on the ceiling of the palazzo in the main hall on the ground floor.
Address: Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica in Palazzo Barberini, Via delle Quattro Fontane, Rome, Italy.
Baths of Caracalla. Leftovers bath complex Emperor Caracalla is one of the most impressive Roman ruins. The complex was opened in 216 AD and occupied an area of 10 hectares. There were baths, gyms, libraries, shops and gardens. The complex was used daily by up to 8,000 people.
Most of the ruins are what remains of the central bathhouse. It was a huge rectangular building surrounded by two gymnasiums and located in the center of the frigidarium (cold room), where bathers stopped after the warm tepidarium and domed caldarium (hot room).
Address: Terme di Caracalla, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome, Italy.
You can visit as part of the excursion:
Villa Medici. | Photo: marthelelièvre / Flickr. This luxurious Renaissance palace was originally built for Cardinal Ricci da Montepulciano in 1540, but Ferdinando de' Medici bought it in 1576. It remained in Medici hands until 1801, when Napoleon acquired it for the French Academy.
Address: Villa Medici, Viale della Trinità dei Monti, Rome, Italy.
Trajan's Market. Trajan's Market - ruins of commercial buildings in Trajan's Forum in Rome. It was a 5-story complex built by Apollodorus of Damascus. The structure was located on a hillside and was built in the form of terraces. It housed about 150 retail outlets, taverns, eateries, and food distribution points for the public.
Each shop had an exit (vitrina) to the street. The shops sold spices, fruits, wine, olive oil, fish, silk and other goods from the East. In the middle of the market was Via Biberatica, a street named after the taverns that lined it.
Address: Mercati di Traiano, Via Quattro Novembre, Rome, Italy.
Santa Maria del Popolo
Santa Maria del Popolo. | Photo: vgm8383 / Flickr. A magnificent repository of art, it is one of the earliest and richest Roman churches of the Renaissance.
Of the many works of art on display, two masterpieces by Caravaggio stand out here: the Conversion of St. Paul (1601) and the Crucifixion of St. Peter (1601) in the chapel to the left of the high altar. But there are other wonderful works here too.
Address: Basilica Parrocchiale Santa Maria del Popolo, Piazza del Popolo, Rome, Italy.
San Luigi dei Francesi
The church has been known to the French community in Rome since 1589. This opulent Baroque church is home to Caravaggio's famous trio of paintings: Vocazione di San Matteo (The Calling of St. Matthew), Martirio di San Matteo (Martyrdom of St. Matthew) and San Matteo e l'angelo (St. Matthew and the Angel), collectively known as the cycle Saint Matthew.
These three paintings, housed in the Cappella Contarelli to the left of the high altar, are among the earliest of Caravaggio's religious works, painted between 1600 and 1602, boasting realism and stunning use of chiaroscuro (bold contrast of light and dark).
Address: San Luigi dei Francesi, Piazza di San Luigi de’ Francesi, Rome, Italy.
Catacombs of Saint Sebastian
Catacombs of Saint Sebastian. These underground catacombs, extending beneath the Basilica of San Sebastiano, were the first to be called catacombs - the name comes from the Greek kata (near) and kimbas (depression) because they were located next to a cave.
The catacombs have been in significant use since the 1st century, and during the persecutive reign of Vespasian they provided shelter for the remains of Saints Peter and Paul.
The 1st level is now almost completely destroyed, but on the 2nd level you can see frescoes, stucco and epigraphs. There are also three beautifully preserved mausoleums and a plastered wall with hundreds of invocations to Peter and Paul, engraved by believers in the 3rd and 4th centuries.
Above the catacombs is the Basilica, a much altered 4th-century church that houses one of the arrows allegedly used to kill St. Sebastian and the column to which he was tied.
Address: Catacombe di San Sebastiano, Via Appia Antica, Rome, Italy.
Quirinal Palace. | Photo: Martha de Jong-Lantink / Flickr. This huge palace overlooking the Piazza del Quirinale is the official residence of the head of the Italian state, namely the President of the Republic. For almost three centuries it was the summer residence of the pope, but in 1870 Pope Pius IX handed over the keys to the new king of Italy. Later, in 1948, the palace was transferred to the Italian state.
Address: Palazzo del Quirinale, Piazza del Quirinale, Rome, Italy.
This dazzling square was founded in 1538 and is located at the northern gate of Rome. Since then it has been rebuilt several times, last time Giuseppe Valadier in 1823. In the center of the square there is a 36-meter obelisk, which was brought by Augustus from ancient egypt, originally it stood in Circo Massimo.
Address: Piazza del Popolo, Piazza del Popolo, Rome, Italy.
Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere. | Photo: Scott Sherrill-Mix/Flickr. Situated in a quiet corner of the central Piazza Trastevere, it is said to be the oldest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome. In its original form it dates from the early 3rd century, but underwent a major rebuilding in the 12th century with the addition of a Romanesque bell tower and a sparkling façade. The portico came later, added by Carlo Fontana in 1702. Inside there is a 12th century mosaic.
Address: Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere, Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, Rome, Italy.
Trunk Villa. The Roman headquarters of the Sovereign Order of Malta, also known as the Cavalieri Di Malta (Knights of Malta), is located in a cypress-shaded square with one of the most famous views of Rome.
Address: Piazza Dei Cavalieri Di Malta, Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, Rome, Italy.
National Museum of Villa Giulia. The 16th-century villa of Pope Julius III provides a charming setting for the exhibition of Italy's finest collections of Etruscan and Roman treasures. The artifacts, many of which come from tombs around the Lazio region, range from bronze figurines and black cutlery to temple decorations, terracotta vases and fine jewelry.
Attractions include a polychrome terracotta statue of Apollo from the temple of Veio and the Sarcofago degli Sposi (sarcophagus of the betrothed), found in 1881 at Cerveteri.
Address: Museo Nazionale Etrusco di Villa Giulia, Piazzale di Villa Giulia 9, Rome, Italy.
To fully enjoy the sights of Rome, one week is clearly not enough. Don't despair and give up your La dolce vita, if you are in Rome for a few days.
In this review we will tell you about both world-famous attractions and those that are not listed in guidebooks, but studying the history of Rome without visiting them will not be complete.
All you have to do is choose places in the city and create a route to suit your taste. For example, first visit historical places (Colosseum, Roman Forum), the top of St. Peter's Basilica. Then go to the Protestant Cemetery, the architectural quarter of Quartiere Coppedè, and experience yourself in Ustye Pravda. And after completing the journey, throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain to return to Rome again someday.
Next to the descriptions of some attractions there are links to purchasing tickets through the official service in Russian.
Brief information about Rome:
| One of the oldest cities in the world, founded, according to one historical version, on April 21, 753 BC. Was the capital of the Roman Empire. The city has two more names: The urban area is only about the size of Rome within the city limits. Whereas in most European cities, development occupies most of the territory. |
||
So, stock up on a cup of coffee and time, because... In our review there are more than 70 attractions of Rome.
Transfer from airport Rome with a Russian-speaking driver.
Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)
One of the most visited attractions by tourists. Not only because of its historical significance, but also because of its location.
Located on the square of the same name, the Trevi Fountain is surrounded by numerous restaurants, shops and nightclubs.
Built in the mid-1700s, di Trevi is an example of Baroque style with a mythological twist - the god of the sea Neptune emerges from the water, surrounded by the faithful Tritons.
Not long ago, a major restoration of the landmark was carried out. Rome spent 2,000,000 euros on it. In 2015 the fountain was reopened to the public.
Why do you need to throw coins into the fountain?
According to Roman legend, throwing one or more coins right hand over your left shoulder, you might end up with:
- Return to Rome again.
- You will fall in love with an attractive Roman or a local beauty.
- You will marry this Roman or this beauty.
Address: Piazza di Trevi.
Nearest metro: Barberini.
Basilica (Cathedral) of St. Peter (Basilica di San Pietro)
The basilica is located in the Vatican in St. Peter's Square. The attraction is open daily and free to visitors.
We recommend going up to the roof - you will be amazed by the views of Rome that open up. If for some reason you cannot overcome the 323 steps, the elevator will take you to the top for an additional fee.
Note!
The cathedral is a working church, so when visiting, please consider the dress code:
- No short skirts.
- No hats.
- Shoulders should be covered.
Please respect these rules.
Because St. Peter's Basilica is one of the city's main attractions - often requiring a long queue to enter.
During the excursion you will visit naves, chapels, and see works of art by Michelangelo, Bernini, Raphael.
Video about the Cathedral:
Address: Piazza San Pietro.
Before becoming the museum we can visit today, Castellum Sancti Angeli had many uses. It was originally built as a tomb for Emperor Hadrian and his family in 123 AD.
In 403 it was rebuilt into a fortified military post. At the beginning of the 11th century, the castle housed a prison. In the 14th century, Castellum Sancti Angeli, after changing several owners, acquired ecclesiastical status. In the 19th century, the building again became a prison and, only in 1906, was converted into a museum.
Open from 9.00 to 19.30.
Closed: Monday, January 1, December 25, May 1.
The exterior and interiors of the castle make an indelible impression on tourists.
We recommend visiting this attraction of Rome.
Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50.
Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
Located near the Colosseum, the Roman Forum is not so popular among tourists, but no less interesting.
This attraction shows the structure of Ancient Rome with its shrines, government houses and monuments. Most of the complex is ruins, but even looking at them you can imagine the former grandeur of the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus and the House of the Vestal Virgins.
Opening hours: from 8.30 to sunset.
Address: Via in Miranda.
National Museum of Rome
What is the value of the National Museum of Rome for the visitor? It houses one of the largest archaeological collections in the world.
It is clear that such a volume of exhibits would not fit in one building. To explore this attraction you need to visit 4 buildings: Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Palazzo Altemps, Baths of Diocletian and Crypt Balba.
Palazzo Altemps
The Altemps Palace has become one of the centers of the museum since 1997. It is one of the striking examples of Renaissance architecture.
Palazzo Massimo
The palace houses one of the world's greatest collections of ancient art. Paintings, mosaics, and sculptures from the Roman period are exhibited.
Crypt Balba
The crypt gives insight into the development of Roman society and cityscapes from the ancient period to the present day.
Baths of Diocletian
Extensive bath complex.
The ticket gives you the opportunity to visit all museum buildings.
Opening hours: 9.00 to 19.45. Closed on Monday.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is open to the public every day. Opening hours are reduced on Sunday.
Built in 120 AD, it amazes with its perfect proportions. If you are involved in architecture, you will probably find new ideas for your creativity after visiting it.
The pantheon contains the burial places of kings Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I. This attraction is listed in many guidebooks as a must see.
By the way, in Piazza Della Rotonda there are several cozy cafes where you can relax with a cup of coffee, pizza or ice cream.
Address: Piazza della Rotonda.
Metro station: Barberini.
Colosseum
Built on marshy ground, the Colosseum was completed in 80 AD. The stands could accommodate up to 50,000 spectators. Is an engineering miracle.
Today this complex is one of the most visited of all Roman attractions.
There are long queues to enter at almost any hour. It is recommended to buy tickets online - they give you the right to skip the line.
The Colosseum can be visited during the day and at night (with a special ticket). Open from morning until sunset.
Address: Piazza del Colosseo.
Metro station: Colosseo.
Baths of Caracalla
How the ancient Romans visited public baths? You have a great opportunity to see it with your own eyes. The Baths are one of the largest and best-preserved examples of the life of ancient Rome.
Built by Emperor Caracalla in the form of a rectangle. The spa was not only a place for water treatments, residents gathered here for sports, recreation, and study.
The different parts of the spa are in the following order: Calidarium, Tepidarium, Frigidarium and Natatio. There are other zones and areas to be found around the two gymnasiums.
By purchasing tickets to the Baths online you get access to the Tomb of Caecilia Metella and Villa Quintili.
The tomb was built during the reign of Emperor Augustus in honor of the daughter of the Roman consul. Made in the form of a circular mausoleum.
In ancient times, Villa Quintili was the most luxurious and largest. In 151 AD, after the villa became imperial property, the area was expanded and the buildings were enlarged. The villa offers magnificent views of the countryside.
Opening hours: from 9.00 to sunset (entrance closes an hour in advance).
On some dates, access to three attractions will end earlier.
Address:
Baths of Caracalla: Via delle Terme di Caracalla, 52
Tomb of Caecilia Metella: Via Appia Antica, 161
Quintili in Villa: Via Appia Nuova , 1092
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Within its walls is one of the Vatican's most famous landmarks, the Sistine Chapel (and Michelangelo's famous frescoes). The Vatican Museums tour gives access to various areas of the palaces, including the Sistine Chapel.
But don't overlook the treasures housed within the museums themselves, including the spiral staircase and Raphael's rooms. The Vatican Museums are so huge that a guided tour is highly recommended. If the cost of a guide’s services seems high to you, take a ticket with an audio guide - it’s much cheaper.
Most visitors to museums are on Saturday, Monday, the last Sunday of the month, on holidays and rainy days.
Please pay attention to the rules of dress and behavior when visiting:
- No short skirts.
- Shorts are prohibited.
- Clothing with bare shoulders is prohibited.
- It is prohibited to talk or take photographs in the Sistine Chapel.
Video about the Sistine Chapel:
|
Tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (skip the line): Entrance to the museum with the first group+ audio guide in Russian (map and DVD as a gift). VIP morning ticket with audio guide. Explore the museum after sunset(on Fridays). Standard ticket to the Vatican Museums. Standard ticket with audio guide in Russian language. |
||
Allow half a day to explore this attraction.
Address: Viale Vaticano, 97.
Church of San Luigi dei Francesi
If you are a fan of Caravaggio, be sure to add a visit to this attraction to your Rome itinerary.
The church contains three paintings by this Baroque artist, including “The Calling of St. Matthew” and “The Martyrdom of Matthew.”
Entrance to the church is free. But it closes for lunch from 12.30 to 15.00.
On Thursday visiting hours are only until lunch.
You can find it in the area of Rome - Navona. Nearest metro station: Barberini.
Address: Via Santa Giovanna d'Arco 5.
Vatican Gardens by bus + Museum and Sistine Chapel
A unique opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the famous Vatican Gardens. For a long time they were closed to the public. According to tourists, the gardens bring peace, tranquility and enjoyment of nature to people.
You will find yourself surrounded by the beauty of nature and the works of many talented artists, inspired by their faith, love and care for the space around them. You can practically taste the sweet scent of the flowers and Mediterranean plants that grow here alongside the exotic spices. Be enchanted by the beautiful green lawns, trees, small forest and replica of a rock in the heart of Rome.
The audio guide is available in several languages, including Russian.
Duration:
approximately 40 minutes + 1 hour 30 minutes for visiting the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel
Departure:
From 01.01. to 02.04 and from 31.10 to 31.12
Monday-Saturday (except religious holidays) at 10:30
From 03.04 to 28.10
Monday – Saturday (except religious holidays) at 11:15 and 12:15
Departure point:
ORP. PIAZZA PIO XII, N°9
Note:
Entrance to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel included in the price
Personal documents are required
This attraction is not currently accessible for people in wheelchairs or for children under 6 years of age.
Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria
After Dan Brown mentioned this church in his “Angels and Demons,” fans of the writer’s work were added to the usual tourists.
But true fans of Baroque art go to the church to admire Gianlorenzo Bernini's Cornaro Chapel, which houses the statue of "The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa."
According to tourists who visited it, the church and the statue leave a stunning impression.
The church is located about a kilometer west of Barberini station.
Open daily with a lunch break.
Allow about 1 hour for the inspection.
Address: Via XX Settembre 17.
Trastevere area
If you are tired of crowds of tourists and want to see the real Rome, head to the Trastevere district, which is the home of St. Mary.
The area is located south of the Vatican and is rarely visited by the average tourist. A leisurely walk around Trastevere will help you more fully experience the authenticity of the capital of Italy.
There are many cafes and restaurants in the area that are not aimed at tourists, and as a result, their food is of higher quality and prices are lower.
Address: Trastevere.
Basilica of San Clemente
The Basilica of St. Clement is ideal for archeology buffs - a second-century pagan temple sits beneath a fourth-century church, which in turn sits beneath a 12th-century church.
Enter from the street at the level of a 12th century building, take the stairs down to the 4th century level, and at the end you will find the sanctuary of Mithras, a god who was popular in the 2nd and 3rd centuries.
Judging by the rave reviews online, the basilica is a unique attraction, a visit to which will provide useful knowledge about the history of Rome.
Attention!
Around the church we can meet beggars and beggars. Some of them pose as volunteers of the Church of St. Clement and require an entrance fee in the form of donations.
Entrance to the church is free! You only need to pay for visiting the lower levels of the basilica.
Open daily with a lunch break.
Address: Via Labicana 95.
Metro station: Colosseo.
Piazza Navona
One of the most famous squares in Rome, built at the end of the 15th century. Nowadays it is the tourist center of the city. In addition to the many cafes and restaurants located on it, you can see both the work of modern street artists and famous historical monuments.
Piazza Navona is located one kilometer west of the Barberini metro station.
Gianicolo Hill (Passeggiata del Gianicolo)
This hill is located west of the Tiber River (next to another attraction - the Trastevere district).
Its peaks offer an amazing view of Eternal Rome. The landscaped area is conducive to walks and quiet time.
According to travelers, the most best time to visit the Gianicolo hill - at sunrise or sunset.
The hill can be reached via Trastevere via Garibaldi.
Address: Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Campo de' Fiori
One of the unusual attractions. Campo dei Fiori is worth visiting twice. During the day on it, just like in the 1800s years go by trade in fish and vegetables. The buildings around the square have not changed and today they are just as striking in their disorder. The houses are mixed with hotels, cafes, shopping arcades, and merchants' houses.
As the sun sets, Rome's nightlife begins to bustle in the bars and shopping area.
Giordano Bruno was burned in the square - a monument was erected on this site. In ancient times, public executions were held at Campo dei Fiori.
Address: Piazza Campo de' Fiori.
Swap meet
Porta Portese comes alive on Sunday at six in the morning and closes at two in the afternoon. For fashionistas and antique lovers, this attraction of Rome is a must-see.
The market sells everything from books to candlesticks, but the bulk of the goods are clothes, both new and used.
The flea market is not often mentioned in guidebooks. If you want to bring back a cute, original souvenir from Rome, spend time on this part of the city's modern history.
Rome is rightfully considered one huge open-air attraction. But in the process of planning a vacation in the Italian capital, it is important to take into account a number of “branded” treasures of antiquity that simply cannot be ignored.
We invite you to explore interesting sights in Rome together so that you can properly plan your route in advance without haste or stress. Study the location of objects on the map, learn names, remember addresses, sitting in the comfort of your home.
So, TOP 30 best attractions in Rome that cannot be missed!
Sights of Rome on the map
Exploring the Eternal City: where to find the best excursions for educational walks
You can talk about the historical and cultural heritage of Rome for hours! No guidebook can convey the unique atmosphere of the city, reveal its rich past, or tell about its famous sights. But this can be done by licensed guides who have lived in Rome for many years and are happy to conduct private excursions for tourists.
Where can you see the available options?
Pay attention to services and;
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock.com.