The capital of the beautiful country of Italy is Rome. This city is simply beautiful and rich in historical and architectural monuments. It has its own centuries-old history, rich in events. There is a saying that says: "Until you visit Rome, it is impossible to fully understand Italy."

Rome has a lot of places to visit. As the saying goes, all roads lead to Rome.

So, I present to your attention 10 places worth visiting in Rome.

1. Roman Forum

At one time, this place became the political, commercial and religious center in ancient Rome.
This delightful group of buildings includes such as: the temple of Vespasian, built in 81, the Church of St. Joseph, Curia - the residence of the Roman Senate, the arch of Septimius Severus, the columns of the temples of Pollux and Castor, built in 484 BC, the remains of the House of the Vestals, the temple of Faustina and Anthony.

2. Tippet

This is the oldest hill in Rome, which is famous for its grand palaces of emperors. In addition to the palaces on the hill, there is Trajan's Column 40 meters high.

3. Pantheon

The most famous and famous monument of Ancient Rome. It was built back in 27 BC. Within its walls are the remains of many famous people, such as Raphael and others.

4. Colosseum

This is the most significant and famous monument in Italy. Its construction began in 72 BC. Its opening was celebrated for exactly 100 days. This is the largest amphitheater in the world. There were fights with animals, and with gladiators, and even filled the arena with water and watched the fights of sea animals.

5. Trevi Fountain

Although this is not the most beautiful fountain in Rome, it is the most famous one. Represents Neptune on a chariot. The legend of the fountain is as follows: if you throw 1 coin there, you will definitely return to Rome, if you throw 2 coins, you will fall in love with this wonderful city.

6. Spanish Steps

It was built to connect Via del Babuino with Via Felice. This is the most popular date place in all of Rome.

7. Vatican

It is the smallest state in the world. Its historical center is the Cathedral of St. Peter. This cathedral is also considered the emblem of Rome.
As you know, the Pope lives there.
A lot of Popes are already buried on its territory.
Now many celebrities are buying places for themselves in those parts, as they want to be buried on holy ground.

8. Baths of Caracalla

This is a complex of ruins that amazes with its grandeur and magnificence. They are simply grandiose, and testify to the luxury in which Roman civilization developed.
Previously, there were swimming pools, gymnasiums, baths, gardens, restaurants, shops, libraries, theaters.

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Rome Attractions - Top 10 Places to Visit

No matter how hard you try, you will not be able to grasp the immensity. There are so many interesting things in Rome, and as always there is not enough time. The only thing that can be advised to do in such a situation is not to rush and determine for yourself. Choose the most interesting sights of Rome that you have long dreamed of seeing and enjoy the beauty of this city. I want to present you 10 sights of Rome, as an option for reflection.

Rome Attractions - Vatican

Rome Attractions - Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona

The most famous square in Rome, it is also called the "heart of Rome". There are two churches on this square, one of which is the church of St. Agnes, 1652. And the second church of Santa Maria - del - Sacro - Cuore is a titular church, located opposite the Palazzo Pamphili, which was built in the XII century. Also on the square there are three fountains: the Fountain of the Moor, in the southern part of the square; fountain of Neptune, in the northern part of the square; Fountain of the Four Rivers, in the center of the square. The Fountain of the Four Rivers, is the work of Bernini, and is an Egyptian obelisk surrounded by statues symbolizing the main rivers of the world: the Danube, Nile, Ganges and La Plata. There are several palaces on the square: Palazzo Braschi, built in 1792; Palazzo Pamphili, built in 1650; Palazzo Torres Lanchelotti, built in 1552; Palazzo de Culis, built between 1450 - 1520. There are also two museums here - the ruins of an ancient stadium and the Museum of Rome, dedicated to the medieval and modern life of Rome, which is located in the Palazzo Braschi.

Rome Attractions - Spanish Steps

spanish stairs

This is a grand baroque staircase, which consists of 138 steps. The staircase starts from the Spanish Square and leads to the top of the Pincio hill to the church of Trinita dei Monti. This staircase was built by the little known architect Francesco de Sanctis between 1723 and 1725 and is officially called Scalinata di Trinit? dei Monti, which literally means "staircase to Trinita dei Monti", although the people simply called it the Spanish Steps, and it has nothing to do with Spain. At the foot of the stairs is the Spanish Square with a fountain in the form of a boat "Barkaccia".

Rome Attractions - Roman Forum

Roman forum

Perhaps I should have written a whole post about this place, maybe later I will. And in this, I will tell you very briefly. The Roman Forum is the center of Ancient Rome, the square with the buildings adjacent to it. On the square are located: the Temple of Saturn - one of the oldest temples in Rome, the Temple of the Dioscuri, the Temple of Vesta, the Temple of Venus and Roma, the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, the Temple of Caesar, the Temple of Vespasian, the Temple of Concordia, the Sanctuary of Venus - Cloacina. Arches: the arch of Titus, the arch of Septimius Severus and the arch of Teberia. Basilicas: Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine - the largest building of the Roman Forum, Basilica of Julia, Basilica of Aemilia. As well as other buildings: "Navel of the City", Regia, Rostra, Curia Julia, Tabularium, "Golden Mile Stone", Lapis Niger, House of the Vestals, Main Road of the Roman Forum, Phocas Column, Mamertine Prison, Vulcanal, Curtia Lake, Yuturna Spring , Warehouses of Agrippa. There were also buildings on the forum that have not survived to this day: the Temple of Janus, the Temple of Jupiter Stator, Comitium, Acre Augustus, the Basilica of Portia, the Basilica of Sepmronius, the equestrian statue of Domitian and warehouses of spices.

Rome Attractions - Capitol

Capitol

The Capitoline Hill is one of the seven hills on which the city of Rome arose. Here is the Capitoline Church, which is also called the Capitol, where meetings of the Senate and people's meetings took place. Capitoline Hill is the smallest of all seven hills, located near the southern bank of the Tiber River, and reaches 46 meters above sea level. At the top of the hill stands the church of Santa Maria in Araceli, which can be reached by climbing stairs from the 122nd degree. At the base of this staircase, the ruins of a Roman insula have been preserved. From the side exit of the church you can get directly to Kapitolskaya Square. The ascent to Capitol Square is crowned or, as it were, guarded by two statues of Castor and Pollux. The entire Capitoline Square was designed by the well-known Michelangelo.

Sightseeing in Rome - Vittoriano

Vittoriano

This is a grandiose monument built in honor of the first king of united Italy, Victor Immanuel II. It is located on Venetian Square on the slope of the Capitoline Hill. This is perhaps one of the most amazing attractions in Rome. A wide chic staircase leads directly to the Altar of the Fatherland and the Unknown Soldier, the ashes of the unknown soldier who gave his life for the Motherland in the Great War of 1915-1918 are buried here. There is a permanent guard of honor at this place. Above the chapel there is a statue of Rome in a niche, a bas-relief by Gianelli on the left and right, and fountains on both sides of the main staircase.

Pantheon

This is a temple dedicated to all the gods on Earth, a monument of centric-domed architecture from the dawn of the Roman Empire, built in the 2nd century. Latin inscription on the front of the building "M. AGRIPPA L F COS TERTIUM FECIT" literally translates as "Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, elected consuls for the third time, erected this." In general, the Pantheon is the greatest engineering achievement of the ancient world. This architectural creation is located in Piazza della Rotonda. This brick, concrete building is covered with a hemispherical dome 43 meters in diameter. This dome consists of circles that are easy to calculate, and with the walls it forms a single shell, which forms the inner space. One of the features of the Pantheon is a hole in the roof, through which an obvious light pillar penetrates at noon, with a south orientation. The light does not spread, but remains in the form of a beam that you can almost touch.

Rome Attractions - Colosseum

The Flavian Amphitheater is one of the largest arenas of Ancient Rome, an architectural monument. This building was built over a period of almost eight years from 72 to 80 years and is considered a collective building of the emperors of the Flavian dynasty. located in a hollow between the Palatine, Caelievsky and Exvilinsky hills, in the place where there once was a pond that belonged to the Golden House of Nero. Today it is considered a symbol of Rome and one of the most popular tourist sites in the world. And in 2007 he was included in the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Sights of Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo is another architectural monument of Rome. It was first a tomb, then a castle, then the residence of the popes and the repository of their valuables and at the same time a prison, and now it is an architectural monument and a museum. This building, which stood for almost two thousand years, was repeatedly rebuilt. Therefore, here you can find traces of different eras. The castle has a spiral gallery, papal apartments, an angel's courtyard, a hall of justice, a courtyard of Alexander VI, a hall of Clement VII and VIII, a loggia of Paul III and IV, as well as a library, a hall of treasures and a secret archive. From the terrace of the castle offers a magnificent view of Rome.

Rome Attractions - Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain

The largest fountain in Rome, its dimensions are almost 26 meters high and almost 20 meters wide. The fountain was made in the Baroque style between 1732 and 1762 by the architect Salvi. The Trevi Fountain adjoins the Palazzo Poli. This majestic facade of the palace and the fountain are perceived as a whole, so the whole structure seems even grander. Many believe that if you throw one coin into the fountain, you will definitely return to Rome, two coins will certainly meet your love, and if three, then there will be a wedding. Every year, utilities "catch a fish" at a cost of up to 700,000 euros. Be sure to visit the Trevi Font to throw a coin, then you will definitely return to this "Eternal" city.

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While preparing for your trip to Rome, you have probably already seen a lot of travel tips and advice. Surely they have heard about and are ready to fulfill the "obligatory" tourist program in the Eternal City. But if this is not enough for you, if you want not only to see the famous “postcard” places, but to feel this city, feel its atmosphere, and maybe even fall in love with it, then we offer some interesting ideas of what to do in the Eternal City. We will not limit ourselves to just visiting famous places, we will not advise throwing coins into the fountain and doing other “tourist” things. Only what you can remember with inspiration and enthusiastically tell your friends. So, what is worth doing in Rome in order to see this city from new sides and at least for a while feel like a “Roman” (or Roman)? We share interesting ideas for your Roman holidays.

Walk around Rome at sunrise

Few tourists manage to see Rome free from tourist crowds. Walk along the ancient streets, see the sleepy ruins of the ancient city, admire the deserted .... Seems incredible? Do not be too lazy to wake up at least once at dawn and discover a Rome that most tourists are not familiar with: quiet, deserted, cozy. Walk through the old, not yet fully awakened streets, take a break from the tourist bustle for a while .... This will help you feel why Rome is called the Eternal City, why it has inspired people for centuries.

Spend a relaxed evening strolling through the Roman squares

Rome is an amazingly multifaceted city. Therefore, we recommend not only wandering around the deserted city at dawn, admiring its sleepy beauty and comprehending the secrets of the Eternal City, but also doing something exactly the opposite. Namely - to plunge headlong into the noisy and bustling life of Roman squares, which never “sleep”. But a special revival is observed here in the evenings, when local residents and tourists fill it, turning ancient architectural ensembles into party places. People fill the steps in front of the temples, stick around the fountains, vigorously discussing the latest news, laughing and enjoying life .... Join now!

Wander the old streets of Monti and Trastevere

These picturesque areas will allow you to feel the real Roman atmosphere. As a rule, iconic Roman sites do not need recommendations - they invariably attract crowds of tourists anyway. Almost every tourist leaving Rome has a collection of photos of the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican and other places that everyone knows about. But we don't want to be "like everyone else"?! We want to feel the real Rome and see it not only "postcard" and touristic, but also alive, everyday, unique .... That is why we will look into the charming authentic districts of Monti and Trastevere and walk with inspiration along their old streets.

Monti is located very close to the Colosseum, but here it is much calmer and, perhaps, even more interesting. In this area of ​​Rome, you can see picturesque houses covered with ivy, and ancient churches, and tiny lanes that remember many stories and legends. And also by chance to stumble upon small shops of young designers, where you will find unique gizmos, sometimes even made in a single copy.

Walking around the city with an audio guide is even more interesting! We pass through some streets and squares of the Monti district on the tour "".

Trastevere also has a unique Roman flavor. Here you will be enchanted by houses full of flowers, swirled and carried away by curved medieval streets, cozy squares and ancient basilicas. And if you climb to the top of the Janiculum hill, you will be rewarded with beautiful panoramic views of Rome.

Enjoy ice cream at one of the legendary gelaterias

Delicate Roman gelato (gelato - ice cream) is so famous that it, perhaps, can even be included in the list of Roman attractions. You can try ice cream in Rome almost everywhere, and almost everywhere it will be delicious. But to approach this matter with feeling and sense, look into one of the famous Roman gelateria. They will amaze you with the widest selection of excellent ice cream. Among the most famous gelaterias are Giolitti at Via Uffici del Vicario 40 and Sant'Eustacchio at piazza Sant'Eustacchio 82.

Dine in Trastevere

Roman cuisine can take a special place in your collection of impressions of this city. But it is worth getting to know her in authentic places. Around the iconic Roman sights - the Colosseum, the Vatican and others - there are a lot of dubious establishments that are distinguished not only by inflated "tourist" prices, but also by not very good cuisine. In addition, there you are unlikely to see the Romans themselves. And watching the locals and communicating with them is an interesting experience that will help make the trip bright and rich.

Advice. The presence of Italians themselves in a restaurant or trattoria is also a good indicator of the quality of the cuisine. Italians are great gourmets, spoiled by fine cuisine. They just won't go where the food is bad. So go where the locals go.

We have already mentioned one of the most authentic and colorful areas of Rome - Trastevere. This area on the western bank of the Tiber is famous not only for its cozy old streets and houses, but also for the abundance of excellent trattorias and restaurants. Here you can have a very tasty and relatively inexpensive dinner in an open cafe, enjoying not only food, but also a unique atmosphere.

Read about the features and specialties of Roman cuisine, and what is worth trying in Rome.

Relax in one of the Roman parks

Roman parks and gardens are unique, like everything Roman! Many of them are old villas, where you can not only relax in nature, but also join the art. For example, the famous Villa Borghese- a huge landscape park on the Pincio hill, whose history dates back to the 17th century, when Cardinal Scipione Borghese set up a park on the site of vineyards. For centuries it was the family villa of the Borghese family, and at the beginning of the 20th century the park became the property of the city.

If you decide to take a closer look at the ancient ruins on the Palatine Hill (for example, with our audio tour ""), you can very pleasantly relax in Farnese Gardens. This picturesque park was set up here by Cardinal Farnese (the future Pope Paul III) back in the 16th century, and later the park turned into a luxurious villa with fountains and beautiful pavilions.

Small cozy parks can be found in the very center of Rome. If you are nearby, take a look at Villa Celimontana, V Orange Garden (Savello Park) on the Aventine Hill or in small parks on the Quirinal Hill (Villa Carlo Alberto and the Garden of Sant'Andrea). Lovers of beautiful plants will love the Roman botanical garden.

Ours will help you find a good park nearby. Select a filter under the category "Breathe fresh air".

Admire panoramic views of Rome from its hilltops

As you know, Rome stands on the legendary seven hills. In fact, there are even more hills. That is why there are many opportunities to enjoy panoramic views in the Eternal City. Magnificent views from aventine hill– from the observation deck located in the cozy and romantic Savello Park (better known as the Orange Garden). Another opportunity to view the city from a height and take excellent panoramic photos will be presented to you at Villa Borghese, on the top pincho hill There is also a great viewing platform there. Climbing the famous Spanish Steps, by the way, you will find yourself on the same Pincho hill. From the top of the stairs, though not so large-scale, but still impressive views of the Plaza de España and the old houses surrounding it will open.

Breathtaking panoramas of ancient Roman ruins (and not only) open from different viewing platforms on Palatine Hill. Walking along it and remembering the history of the great empire, do not forget to look around the surroundings, as the ancient Roman rulers did from the top of this hill.

capitol hill also inextricably linked with the ancient history of Rome. On it you can admire not only the ensemble of the Capitoline Square, designed by the great Michelangelo, and the medieval Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli, but also beautiful views of Rome. It is at Capitol Hill that our tour with the audio guide "" ends.

Advice for those traveling withiPhone and sTravelry . Filter by the Views category in your Rome Guide and you will see a selection of the best viewpoints in Rome.

Visit the farmers market

And maybe even have a picnic from the products bought there! This is an interesting (and tasty!) experience that will give you a lot of new impressions. Every morning in the old square of Campo dei Fiori ( Campo dei Fiori, which means "Flower Field"), there is a farmers' market where you can buy delicious and fresh Italian products. True, many tourists have already heard about this, which affects prices. But the fact that this is one of the oldest markets in Rome will give a special flavor to these purchases!

Also, an excellent farmers' market is located at Circo Massimo - this is the Campagna Amica market ( Mercato di Campagna Amica del Circo Massimo). You can find it at Via San Teodoro, 74. Unlike the market on Campo dei Fiori, it works only on weekends, but only locals visit the market near Circo Massimo. So that's even more interesting! Plus, all products are free to try before you buy.

Secret. Adjacent to the Campagna Amica market is one of the best pastry shops in Rome: Cristalli di Zucchero. True, there are no seats in it, but these inconveniences are compensated by excellent goodies.

Escape the hustle and bustle in an old Roman basilica

In ancient Roman basilicas, you can hide not only from the tourist noise (but also from the heat and rain) and take a break from the "race" to the sights, thinking about the eternal. Here you can also see genuine masterpieces of art. By the way, a huge part of the works stored today in museums were originally created specifically for temples. Therefore, in the basilica, paintings and sculptures by outstanding masters (Caravaggio, Michelangelo and many others) are located exactly in the places for which their authors intended and conceived.

You can find a selection of the most interesting churches in Rome in, as well as in the free one, which you can install on your iPhone. Select a filter by the “Think about the Eternal” category and you will easily find interesting temples with brief descriptions, photos and location on the map.

Walk along the Appian Way, breathing in the spirit of a thousand years of history

If you are already a little satisfied with the sights of the center of Rome, allow yourself to move away from the well-trodden tourist routes and breathe not only fresh air, but also ancient history. If time permits, you can plan to walk or cycle along the Appian Way. This is one of the oldest Roman roads along which there are many ancient and medieval buildings, including the famous Roman catacombs. And on the road itself, the antique coating is partially preserved. Inspection of ancient monuments will not be very stressful, since along a large part of the road there is a good park area, which is pleasant to walk and ride a bike.

Rome is beautiful, mysterious, fascinating. Its centuries-old history is reflected in every element of architecture. This city cannot be run around in two days, briefly looking at some of the sights. No, Rome requires careful study - it is in leisurely walks that you can feel its spirit, appreciate it from all sides and enjoy the journey. But the best part is that the tourist route, laid through completely free public places in Rome, is no less impressive than admiring works of art and ancient archaeological finds in museums.

For a walk through the streets, squares and parks of Rome, you will not be charged. Absolutely free of charge you can see the beautiful facades of buildings, trendy shops and cafes, beautiful fountains, gardens and parks. In the Italian capital, shades of the ancient past and the modern rich life of the inhabitants of the metropolis coexist.

The city is territorially divided into several parts:

• Vatican;
• north center;
• modern center;
• Old Rome is the historical center.

Roman Holiday or the most beautiful squares and fountains of the city

Venice square

Piazza Venezia is located in the heart of the city. It is from it that the main streets and the lanes connecting them depart with rays. On Piazza Venezia, there is a palace of the same name with a basilica, which houses a museum, as well as an equestrian monument to the first king of Italy, Vittorio Emmanuele II, surrounded by a chic bas-relief.

Column Square

Not far from Piazza Venezia is the Roman Piazza Columna. It got its name thanks to the erected forty-meter column, which depicts episodes of battles and campaigns. Initially, the column was crowned with a statue of Marcus Aurelius, but in the 16th century it was replaced by the figure of the Apostle Peter. Here on the square you can see a fountain in the form of a granite bowl with dolphins. And opposite the fountain stands the beautiful building of the Parliament, around which journalists and protesters are constantly scurrying about.

Popolo Square

Piazza del Popolo or People's Square is notable for its colossal size and the Egyptian obelisk towering in the center. The twenty-four-meter obelisk is decorated with bas-reliefs and surrounded by stone lions, from whose mouths streams of water flow very beautifully. There are two more equally grandiose fountains on Popolo Square: the first depicts the famous Goddess of Rome, at whose feet a she-wolf feeds the babies Romulus and Remus, the second fountain depicts tritons led by Neptune.

Plaza of Spain

Plaza de España is known for its beautiful staircase, with a fountain-boat located at its foot. In summer, azaleas bloom on the stairs, additionally decorating the whole composition. It was on this square that many feature films were shot, fashion shows and concerts are also held here. The stairs lead to the two-domed Church of the Holy Trinity on the mountain.

Piazza Barberini and Trevi Fountain

Another extraordinarily beautiful fountain of Triton, towering on the tails of four dolphins, is located in Piazza Barberini. Here you can also see the palace of the same name for free, and if you turn from the square onto via del Tritone, the road will lead to the Trevi Fountain, which is part of the facade of the Poli Palace and at the same time an important landmark of Rome. In the center of the composition is the figure of Neptune racing on a shell chariot drawn by seahorses. Around Neptune there are sculptures of the goddesses of Health, Abundance, as well as images of calm, storms and tritons. According to legend, everyone who throws a coin into the fountain will definitely return to the capital of Italy, and two and three coins thrown, respectively, will make it possible to meet their love and find happiness in marriage.

Navona Square

On the oval square of Navona, where artists and photographers often gather, there are not one, but three fountains. In the center is the Fountain of the Four Rivers by the sculptor Bernini. Four deities personify the largest rivers of the continents: the Danube, the Nile, the Ganges and the Rio del Plata. The other two fountains were designed by Giacomo della Porto, creating compositions again dedicated to Neptune and his tritons.

Campo de' Fiori square

The saddest past is near the Campo dei Fiori square, where the executions of heretics once took place, including Giordano Bruno, whose monument was erected in the center, was burned here. Campo dei Fiori is a favorite place for meetings and walks of the Romans.

St. Peter's Basilica Square

Peter's Cathedral and the square of the same name are known all over the world. From the Cathedral, like two wings, colonnades depart, above which 140 statues rise. In the center of the square there are two fountains - bowls, as well as an obelisk with a bronze ball, which at the same time is a sundial. By the way, immediately after the colonnade, the border of the Vatican begins.

Matti Square

Matti Square , unlike the previous square of St. Peter's Basilica, it cannot be called world-famous or imposing. This place is remarkable for the charming Turtle Fountain (1585). Four beautiful young men lean with one foot on dolphins, from whose mouths jets of water beat. Above the heads of the young men is a bowl into which cute turtles are directed. The composition is located in the center of a square pool. And even this place, which is not popular with tourists, has its own history and romantic legend.

Republic Square

Republic Square, formerly called Exedra, is located on the top of Veminal Hill. On this square are:

• the Naiad Fountain, which is a composition of four patrons of rivers, lakes, oceans and underground waters - naiads sitting on animals;
• the baths of Diocletian - the ruins of ancient Roman baths;
• Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri with its unique architectural design by Michelangelo.

At night, in the light of illumination, the fountain and the square are especially beautiful.

Architectural treasures of Rome, which you can see for free

Pantheon or Temple of All Gods

The Pantheon is the largest ancient domed building, beautiful not only from the outside, but also from the inside. Inside the temple you can see the marble cladding, sculptures of the 18th century in niches, granite columns, but most importantly - a monolithic concrete dome towering over the Temple. In the center of the dome, a round window is the only source of light and the personification of the solar disk. Famous personalities of Rome, including Raphael, are buried in the Pantheon. Wedding ceremonies are also held here, and the doors are open for parishioners daily (until 19:30).

"Mouth of Truth" in the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin

The round marble slab, known to us from many feature films, is called the "Mouth of Truth" due to the legend that anyone who puts his hand in the sculpture's mouth and deceives will lose his hand. The face of Triton is depicted on the plate (diameter is about two meters).

Roman pyramid of Cestius

Yes, in Rome there really was a place for an ancient pyramid 37 meters high. Outside, it is lined with marble blocks and still keeps an inscription-reminder about the builder - Gaius Cestius, whose tomb is located inside the pyramid.

Free museums

1. House Museum of Boncompagni Ludovisi, address: 18, via Boncompagni. Here you can see pieces of furniture, clothes, personal belongings of the Italian elite of the early 20th century.
2. MuseodelleAnimedelPurgatorio or Museum of the Dead Souls, address: 12, Lungotevere Prati. The exposition is not for the faint of heart.
3. Archaeological Museum Via Ostiense.
4. Museum complex Vittoriano in Piazza Venezia.

Free temples

In Rome, most churches are open to the public for free access. However, you will have to pay extra for the services of a guide. Sometimes you may be asked to make a token donation to the temple.

Roman Forum and Colosseum

Tourists are not charged for a walk through the ancient ruins, which means that nothing will stop you from enjoying the grandiose Roman buildings and arches. The Colosseum will have to be examined only from the side, since the entrance inside is strictly by tickets.

Rome is a city of mysteries and secrets. And to visit it, you do not need a wallet filled to the brim with banknotes. You can admire the beauties of the city while walking or cycling. It is routes that are far from popular tourist destinations that will reveal the true beauty of the city to you. Be sure to visit the gardens and parks of Rome, many of which are also open to the public.

City parks in Rome

If you want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of tourists gathered around the sights, then be sure to visit one of the charming parks of this city. Here you can have a picnic, read a book and just dream, lying on the soft green grass. In Rome, you can visit some of the most beautiful parks and gardens in the world.

Where to eat in Rome

Italians are very fond of delicious and a lot of food, no wonder Italian cuisine is popular all over the world. Many Italian dishes, such as pizza and pasta, have become truly international, each chef tries to add something of his own to them, slightly changing the taste. A trip to Rome is not only an exciting cultural program, but also an opportunity to get to know the original taste of seemingly familiar dishes.

The best places to shop in Rome

Shopping in Rome is always a pleasure, no matter what your goals are: looking for fashion novelties from couturier, wishing to buy antiques or chasing nice discounts. We offer you some interesting ideas for pleasant shopping in the Italian capital.

Rome is the city of seven hills. The southernmost of them - Aventine - is spread on one of the banks of the Tiber and sheltered many attractions. Usually tourists go to the Aventine to look at the ruins of the ancient circus, the pyramid of Cestius, admire the temples of San Sabina (5th century), Sant'Allesio (4th century) and others. And few people know that on the top of the hill, in the area of ​​the Knights of Malta, there is a unique keyhole. Looking into it, you can see three sovereign state entities at once - Italy, the Vatican and the Order of Malta.

Address: aventino hill

2. Orange garden on the Aventina

Going to the Aventine just for the sake of some kind of "hole", of course, is stupid. This place is also one of the most romantic places in Rome - Savello Park. Although the locals rarely use this name, for the Romans it is the Orange Garden on the Aventina.

It was founded in 1932 on the site where the Savelli family fortress once stood (hence the name). The remains of this ancient structure are still found among the trees.

Wonderful orange groves, slender cypress alleys and flowering oleanders create a unique atmosphere of tranquility. In addition, the garden ends with a terrace, which offers beautiful views of the Tiber, Trastevere, Janiculum and the Vatican.

P.S. Oranges are inedible - a wild variety.

Address: L'Aventino, Circo Massimo, Viadi Santa Sabina

Orange garden on the Aventina

3. Bartolucci store

For many decades now, in the Bartolucci family, the secrets of carpentry have been passed down from generation to generation: from grandfather to father, from father to son. After all, they have a family business on their shoulders - a wooden workshop Bartolucci.

Everything in this shop is wooden: from the cyclist Pinocchio, who meets visitors at the entrance, to women's jewelry. Toys, frames, caskets, watches, an exact copy of a motorcycle (!) And, of course, all kinds of figures of the Log Boy - the eyes run wide from the variety of wooden handicrafts. You will definitely not leave this store without a souvenir.

Address: Via dei Pastini, 98.
Website: bartolucci.com
Working mode: daily from 12:00 to 20:00

4. Via dei Condotti

One of the oldest and most famous Roman streets lies in the center of the Italian capital. In ancient times, it connected the Pincho hill with the Tiber and crossed the Via Flaminius. Her name is Via dei Condotti.

From the 18th century, this street began to acquire a halo of glitz and “glamour” – fashion shops and ateliers grew there like mushrooms after rain. Now the street houses boutiques of the most prestigious world brands - Valentino, Armani, Hermès, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Salvatore Ferragamo. The oldest fashion establishment in Via dei Condotti is the Bulgari atelier, opened more than a century ago, in 1905.

Among other attractions of this street - house number 11, where one of the inventors of the radio, Guglielmo Marconi, lived; house number 68 - the residence of the Grand Master of the Order of Malta; as well as the famous cafe "Antiko Caffe Greco", where Lord Byron himself, Goethe, Liszt and Stendhal drank coffee.

Address: strada Via dei Condotti, tra Piazza di Spagna e Via del Corso
Wiki: Via dei Condotti

5. Market Porta Portese

If the glitz and prices of Via dei Condotti suddenly make you feel bad, urgently go to the Trastevere area to one of the largest European flea markets (more than 1350 stalls).

It originates at the gates of Porte Portese (which is why it is called so) and stretches as far as two streets - Via Ippolito Nievo and Via Portuense. It arose in the middle of the last century, after the end of World War II - unemployment and inflation forced people to sell personal belongings in order to somehow feed their families.

What is sold at Porta Portese today? In short, ALL. Old books, picture frames, furniture, used clothes, gramophones, telephones, toys, dishes, reproductions of paintings, watches (of all kinds), military patches... If you wish, you can find any, including rare, goods there. Prices, as expected in the market, do not bite, and you can always negotiate with merchants.

Address: Via Portuense & Ippolito Nievo
Working mode: every Sunday

The ancient Romans used to say "Habent sua fata libelli", which means "Books have their destiny". This saying means that one should not rashly judge literary works (perhaps the descendants will appreciate the "masterpieces" of Daria Dontsova).

As if a mute reminder of this wisdom is the Roman Fountain of Books (aka the Fountain of Science or the Fountain of Knowledge), created by the sculptor Pietro Lombardi and dedicated to Thomas Aquinas. It represents two stacks of books with bookmarks and a deer's head between them. This unusual fountain is located near the masterpiece of the Roman baroque, the 17th century Catholic church - Sant Ivo alla Sapienza, which is part of the Borromini University of Rome.

Address: Via degli Staderari

7. Square Colosseum

This place, for political reasons, is not included in any of the guides to Rome. The World Expo quarter - Esposizione Universale Roma or EUR - was built in the southwest of Rome in 1943-1945 by order of the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. The occasion was the twentieth anniversary of fascism and the World's Fair scheduled for 1942.

One of the symbols of the "fascist era" was the Palace of Italian Civilization (Palazzo della Civilta Italiana), better known as the "Square Colosseum" (Colosseo Quadrato). There really is something similar to the ancient amphitheater: for example, the loggias on the facade of the palace, located in six rows of nine arches each. As it should be for buildings of this type, the marble palace is impressive in size - the height is 68 m, the area is 8,400 sq.m.

The World Exhibition in Rome did not take place then, and the EURO quarter and the "Square Colosseum" are still standing. By the way, the latter appeared on movie screens more than once (for example, in The Last Man on Earth in 1964).

Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 559
Wiki: World Expo Quarter

8. Pizzeria "Buffetto's"

What is Italy without pizza? One of the most delicious is prepared in Pizzeria Da Baffetto restaurants (there are only two in Rome). This is a family business, which has been headed by Buffetto's grandfather for half a century. He knows a lot about pizza: the dough should be thin and fluffy, and the filling should be fresh and juicy.

Tourists have a life hack: go to places where locals eat. So, at Buffetto's, both of them are happy to dine. After all, for 20-25 euros you get first-class Italian pizza, piping hot (prepared right in front of visitors), beer and a great mood. The only problem is that getting into this pizzeria is not so easy because of the huge queues.

Addresses: Via del Governo Vecchio, 114 e Piazza del Teatro di Pompeo, 18 (Baffetto 2)
Website: pizzeriabaffetto.it

9. Museum of Art of the 21st Century

The National Museum of Art of the 21st Century (MAXXI) is very young (opened in May 2010), but, as it should be, ambitious. The MAXXI building, occupying 27 thousand sq.m. and affectionately called by the Romans "macaroni", was erected according to the project of Zaha Hadid on the site of the Montello barracks. The construction cost 150 million euros, but Rome now has a museum of the future.

Or rather art and architecture of the future. The exhibition halls of MAXXI present photographs, installations, prototypes and models of houses, streets and entire cities in which we will live in a couple of decades. In addition, the museum has a conference room, a library and a workshop. Do you want to imagine the future of your children? Head to Rome's National Museum of 21st Century Art.

Address: via Guido Reni, 4 A, metro station Flaminio
Website: fondazionemaxxi.it
Working mode: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday - from 11:00 to 19:00; Thursday, Saturday - from 11:00 to 22:00

Italy is the birthplace of Ferrari. Its headquarters is located in Maranello, and in the capital there is the largest store of the world famous brand. Car fans will be blown away by this place: key chains, watches, shoes, clothing, toys and hundreds of other items with Ferrari symbols.

Of course, you have to pay for the name. Prices, to put it mildly, bite: 150 euros for a keychain with a rearing stallion; 300 for branded racing gloves and 1,500 for a sparkling red toy car.

By the way, you can also ride a real Ferrari through the streets of Rome - the rental service is very popular there.

Address: Via Tomacelli, 147
Website: store.ferrari.com
Working mode: daily from 10:00 to 20:00

Ferrari Store in Rome

11. Cloaca Maxima

The exact date of its construction is not known for certain (either the 4th or the 7th century BC), but this is definitely one of the most ancient and unique structures of this kind. Sewerage in Rome began to be actively built under Lucius Tarquinius Priscus, who paid great attention to the infrastructure of the city.

It is during his reign that the construction of the Great Cloaca is most often attributed. To do this, they invited Etruscan craftsmen and dug a canal 800 meters long, 3 meters wide and 4 meters high between the Palatine and Capitol hills. Cloaca Maxima was originally open, then covered with wooden decks and then paved with Gabi stone.

And to this day, despite its venerable age, the Great Cloaca is in fairly good condition and serves as a storm drain.

Address: exits under the Ponte Rotto and Palatinski bridges.
Wiki: Cloaca Maxima

12. Panoramic platform Gianicolo

Aventine, Viminal, Capitol, Quirinal, Palatine, Caelius, Esquiline… Stop! Where is Gianicolo? Alas, this peak is not one of the famous seven Roman hills, as it is historically located outside the city walls. And in vain, because there are also many ancient monuments here: the monastery of Sant'Onofrio, the Gianicolo lighthouse, Villa Aurelia and others.

But the main reason why it is worth visiting Gianicolo Hill is the observation deck. It offers just a crazy view of His Majesty Rome.

Address: Gianicolo, Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi

13. Gelateria blue ice

Gelateria Blu Ice is a chain of ice cream parlors. The Romans say, and the tourists confirm that it is in these establishments that the best Italian ice cream is. These cafes do not just sell - they produce ice cream. Therefore, in Blu Ice, an ice treat is always fresh for every taste - with fruits, nuts, chocolate, puffed rice, coconut flakes ...

Prices are quite reasonable - from 150 to 350 rubles. Another undoubted plus is that the cafe is open at night. So gelateria Blu Ice is a paradise not only for children, but also for adults, among whom, as you know, there are many sweet teeth.

Addresses:

• Via di S. Prassede, 11/bis;
• Via dei Baullari, 130;
• Viale dei Due Macelli, 29;
• Viale Ottaviano, 7;
• Via S. Agnes in Agone, 20;
• Via Sistina, 122, etc.

Website: blueiceitalia.com
Working mode: daily from 10:00 to 2:00

Art lovers will not be bored in Rome - the Vatican Museum, the Borghese Galleries, the Barberini and dozens of other exquisite places. However, lovers of sharp (in this case, in the literal sense of the word) sensations also have something to visit in the capital of Italy - Museo Criminologico awaits them.

This is the building of a former prison, and now a historical exposition that tells about criminals and the penalties applied to them at different times. So, in ancient Rome, offenders were not particularly ceremonial: they were executed, given into slaves or appointed as a gladiator.

During the Inquisition, there were their own methods of justice:

Left - torture chair, right - bronze torture chamber for witches

In short, in this museum you will probably learn more about Good and Evil than in any art museum.

Address: via Gonfalone, 29

15. Shelter of cats

Roman cats. Shelter for stray cats. Visit" - a strange inscription at the entrance to the excavations of the temple complex of the times of the Roman Republic, in Torre Argentina Square.

Nevertheless, the fact remains: stray cats live among the remains of ancient temples and dilapidated statues. And for completely legal reasons. When local residents and authorities learned that stray tailed whiskered creatures had chosen the Argentine ruins, they decided not to drive away the cats, but to organize a shelter for them. Now it has several hundred inhabitants, who are cared for by volunteers. Each visitor to this unusual cattery can help the animals with a "ruble" (in the sense of the euro) by buying local souvenirs.

Address: Largo di Torre Argentina

16. Enoteca Costantini

Continuing the theme of gastronomic travels, one cannot but talk about Italian wine. There are 20 regions in this sunny country and each (!) of them produces its own wine. Its unique wine, which differs in taste, aroma, terroir and production technologies.

You can try different varieties of Italian wines in the enoteca Costantini. This is a real wine treasury, where thousands of bottles of various brands and aging are stored. You can buy wine and take it with you, or taste it on the spot, in a local restaurant.

Address: Piazza Cavour 16
Website: pierocostantini.it
Working mode: Monday from 16:30 to 20:00; Tuesday-Saturday - from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 16:30 to 20:00

17. Monument to the Pope

In Rome, not far from the Termini station, there is a monument to John Paul II. Such a solid sculpture - 5.50 m in height, real bronze, silver plating. It would seem that what is special here, where, if not in the capital, to build monuments to the Popes?

But the inhabitants of the Eternal City rebelled - "We don't need such a Pope!" The Romans did not like the appearance of the pontiff: a round head, like a ball, and an almost complete absence of a neck. At the same time, the posture of the monument, as conceived by the author, symbolizes the universal concern of John Paul II for humanity.

Robert De Niro, who played one of the members of the Sicilian Corleone crime family, once said: “Italy has changed a long time ago. But Rome is Rome.

Indeed, it is difficult for a city with a thousand-year history to change. And it is not easy for a tourist coming to the capital of Italy to see another, not only historical, Rome. We hope that with our help you will succeed.

Share in the comments the unique Roman places you know that you must see.