From its broad stockpile of antiquities to the busy contemporary art zones where one can explore true works of art of some of the most popular artists in the world, Rome is an eclectic city that features unique districts which are a catalogue in stone of more than 2000 years of vibrant city life that has seen everything from the rise and fall of the Roman Empire to, just recently, the latest James Bond movie which has been filming a high speed car chase at night.
Trying to condense more than 27 hundred years’ worth of things to do while visiting this amazing city can prove to be very daunting, but there are still ways to experience the city even if staying for just a few days.
Although you’ll gain much from simply wandering down some of the main thoroughfares of the Eternal City or just pass an hour or two people-watching al fresco while sitting at the table of a café in one of the many baroque piazzas, to get the best of Rome you should plan on seeing some of the best tourist attractions around. Below are four tourist recommendations you should consider.
1. See the Colosseum
Given its rich history and significance, the Colosseum (built in 80 AD) is one of the first and one of the most popular attractions people visit while in Rome. Thisis the place where countless death battles have taken place involving gladiators that would fight to the death in order to prove to the Caesar they are the best and entirely worthy of being called Romans.
While entry in the Colosseum was free, people were seated based on wealth and social rank. After many years of bloody fights, the gladiatorial games were banned in 438 AD, but when it comes to the wild beast hunting, it went on until 523 AD. Featuring an impressive and complex architecture, but also brimming with historical value, the Colosseum is by far one of the best places anyone coming to Rome should visit.
2. Taking a walk through history in the Roman Forum
The Roman Forum was once the place where Julius Caesar himself walked and it is a unique place with exceptional architecture and historical significance. To understand better how the Forum looked and what happened here, people are advised to pick up a booklet depicting it in its glory days. Of course, guided tours are definitely going to help understand more about it and are therefore a must. With its imposing and ancient architecture, the Roman Forum is the epicenter of the Roman Empire and one of the most awe inspiring places in Rome.
3. Get a Tour of Vatican City
Vatican City is its own independent city state and anyone who plans on visiting it should dedicate one full day to it. There are plenty of amazing artworks and other treasures see here and with the help of a guided tour anyone will make better sense of what they’re seeing.
Vatican City has been the Pope’s home since the fourteenth century and it’s one of the main reasons why people of all religions come by the thousands here every day in order to behold its beauty and historical glory. On top of that there are the Sistine Chapel and the Basilica of Saint Peter to marvel at.
4. Giorgio de Chirico House-Museum
Anyone who plans on visiting Rome should know that while here getting away from art is an impossible feat. In fact, many call Rome the city of art and for good reasons. Amongst many others, the Giorgio de Chirico House Museum gives tourists the chance to enjoy a guided tour and also behold the artist’s most important and valuable works and even visit his sunny attic studio.
Being in the same place where Giorgio de Chirico lived is a unique experience that true art lovers will certainly appreciate. His two-storey apartment was entirely preserved and it offers a fantastic view over the Piazza di Spagna. In order to avoid waiting in line for hours, it’s recommended that reservations are made in advance.
These 4 tourist attractions are a must for anyone coming to Rome. Just make sure you make reservations in advance and you should have a really special time here!
