Attractions in Rome

Rome, known to the world as the “Eternal City” is without a doubt one of the world’s most popular destinations for tourists. Over 3.8 million people live in Rome and added to the number of visitors it gets each year it can be quite crowded. The late summer may be the best time to visit when the locals head out on their own holidays.

Having been at one time the capital of the western world, the city is home to a number of antiquities representing ancient Rome, a variety of beautiful piazzas and fountains, amazing museums, well-known churches, and, of course, Vatican City.

Discovering Ancient Rome
Most people are undeniably drawn to such places as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, two of the most famous landmarks in Rome.

Many of the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian columns that make up the Colosseum are still standing and invite visitors to witness the site of the great battles of the gladiators. It also includes a maze of underground cells, hallways, ramps, and elevators.

The Forum was Rome’s center for religious, political, and commercial gatherings. There were actually two forums near Palantine Hill and they represent the historical heart of the Roman Empire. There are not many buildings still intact, but the best preserved is the Arch of Septimus Severus that was used to celebrate Roman victories.

For more detailed information about the Roman Empire and to see collections of artifacts, Rome’s many museums are centered on this era. Some of the best of these museums are the Capitoline Museum, the Museum of Roman Civilization, and the Imperial Forums Museum.

Exploring Rome’s Churches
Rome is well knows as the center of the Roman Catholic religion. Many of the churches here are incredibly beautiful and are filled with artwork the likes of which can only be found in Rome. There are over 900 churches.

There are four papal basilicas in Rome, the most famous and important of which is St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Any visit to Rome should include St. Peter’s that sits above the tomb of Peter himself. Among the artwork inside St. Peter’s is Michelangelo’s Pieta. The Vatican grottoes that contain tombs of the popes can be reached from stairs inside the Basilica.

Another must see is the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s famous ceiling painting. The frescoes on the sidewalls were painted by five author famous artists of the time, including Botticelli.

Other Attractions in Rome
Rome is also known for its beautiful piazzas and the fountains located in them. The most famous of these may be Trevi Fountain that was built for Pope Clement XII. It is thought that throwing a coin into Trevi Fountain is a guarantee that you will return to Rome some day.