5 Things to Do in Rome Italy
Is it time to check off Rome from your travel bucket list this year? Rome took fourth place in the
Top 10 Cities in Europe: Readers’ Choice Awards 2014. The Eternal City is
nine hours five minutes flight from New York City and
served by over 90 airlines.
You definitely can’t see everything in Rome in one trip but you can use Travelmath’s top 5 things to do in Rome list to help you plan your trip.
One: Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
The Flavian Amphitheatre, commonly known by the world as the Colosseum is located in the archaeological heart of Rome. Built in the first century, over 2,000 years ago, it was constructed during the Flavian dynasty for gladiatorial fights.
According to History.com a combination of weather, natural disasters, neglect and vandalism destroyed nearly two-thirds of the original Colosseum including the arena’s marble seats and decorative elements.
This iconic structure in Rome has three stories of arched entrances and accommodated over 50,000 spectators arranged according to social ranking.
If you want to skip the lines and get insider information about the Colosseum, join the Walks of Italy’s VIP Colosseum Underground tour. This three and a half hours tour includes the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. You will enter the famous underground level where gladiators and animals once waited before battle, set foot on the reconstructed arena floor, climb to the upper third tier for views of Ancient Rome and more.
The Walks of Italy tour includes visiting the Roman Forum where you will see the Arch of Constantine, the Senate house, the Temple of the Vestal Virgins and discover the origins of Ancient Rome at the Palatine Hill.
More information:
Colosseum
History.com about the Colosseum
Walks of Italy Tour
Two: Pantheon
The Pantheon was originally built as a pagan temple but the Emperor Phocas presented it to Pope Boniface IV as a gift and became the Church of Santa Maria and the Martyrs since May 13, 609. This is one of the most well preserved iconic buildings in the world.
Visitors are advised to wear appropriate clothing when visiting the Pantheon. Weekly mass is conducted on Saturdays and pre public holidays at 5 pm and on public holidays at 10:30 am.
Useful information on how to get there and visiting hours:
Pantheon
Three: Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain or Fontana di Trevi spills over 2 million cubic feet of water each day. Legend has it that if you throw a coin into the fountain with your back facing the fountain, you will return to Rome.
The fountain has three architectural elements, namely a façade, statues and a sea reef. The statue is over 16 feet and was carved by the late Baroque period Italian sculptor named Pietro Bracci.
There is always a huge crowd at the Trevi Fountain especially at night. Try to get there early before the tour bus crowds.
Information:
Trevi Fountain
Four: Villa Borghese Gardens and Borghese Gallery
Villa Borghese Gardens was once a private vineyard. The gardens house a theatre, museums, parks, a lake, many fountains, and walkways and offer a beautiful view of the city.
Walks of Italy offers a tour of the Borghese Gallery. You’ll see the works of Bernini, Raphael, Caravaggio and Canova displayed in this luxurious Renaissance villa once home to Cardinal Scipione Borghese.
Bicycling is another fun activity to do at Villa Borghese Gardens. There are various types of bicycles for rent including four-seater bikes with canopies.
Note: You must pre-book your tour of Borghese Gallery.
Five: Castel Sant’Angelo
Every level of the Castel Sant’Angelo offers a panoramic view of Rome. The papal fortress by the Tiber River was originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and converted to a fortress by Pope Gregory in 590. Used as a sanctuary for the popes for many years, the castle is connected to St. Peter’s Basilica.
Other than an amazing view of Rome, Castel Sant’Angelo is filled with rooms of paintings, sculptures and historic finds. According to Viator.com the most beautiful way to approach the castle is to walk across the Ponte Sant’Angelo with its white marble sculpture angels. Start at St. Peter’s Basilica and walk towards Castel Sant’Angelo beside the Tiber River with the church behind you.
Information:
Viator
Rome travel tips:
1.
Airlines flying to Rome.
2. US$1 is about 0.88 EUR at the time of writing. Please use
Travelmath’s currency converter to find out the current rate.
3. Beware of pickpockets in Rome especially in the subways, crowded public places and public buses.
4. Wear comfortable walking shoes in Rome.
