Routes around Rome: what to see in 1, 2 and 3 days on your own. Entrance fees, opening hours of attractions and how to get there.
The cradle of Christianity, the Eternal City - as enthusiastic tourists call the capital - Rome. It was here that people of art drew inspiration, the destinies of people and entire states were decided. This is one of the most visited cities in the world, where thousand-year-old structures are surprisingly combined with modern facilities.
You should not be under the illusion that you can see all the iconic places in Rome in a few days. A city with a centuries-old history, which survived the rise and fall of the greatest of empires, is so multifaceted that it is impossible to get acquainted with its sights in full in such a limited time. After just a few hours of walking around the city, tourists begin to feel dizzy from the abundance of impressions and excess information, however, they should not lose their heads - if time is running out, you should try to see at least the main cultural monuments. In this article we will outline a route around the Eternal City and tell you what to see in Rome on your own in 1, 2 and 3 days, as well as provide useful information - ticket prices, opening hours of cultural and architectural monuments, as well as how to get to them by public transport and on foot.
(Photo © Txanoduna / flickr.com / License CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Walk around Rome in 1 day
So, it’s better to start from People’s Square Piazza del Popolo. You can get there by metro to the station of the same name or by tram number 2 to the Flaminio stop. The main decorations of the square are the Egyptian obelisk, the central fountain and two works by Cessarini - “Fountain of Neptune” and “Fountain of the Goddess of Rome”; next to the Gate is the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo. The square is located at Pincio Hill, where the entrance to the Borghese Gardens is, and the famous Via del Corso goes south, along which you can go to Piazza Venezia.
Via del Corso- a wide and ancient street, which is very well known to shopaholics all over the world: elite boutiques, restaurants and hotels are located here. If you turn onto Via del Murate, you will find yourself at the most famous fountain in the city - Trevi.
In the center Trevi Fountain- sculpture of the sea god. The extraordinary popularity among tourists is indicated by the bottom of the fountain, completely strewn with coins. According to statistics, 1,500 euros worth of small items are taken out of Trevi every day. Opposite the fountain is a church San Marcello al Corso, decorated with sculptures and bas-reliefs of Cavallini and Raja.
Returning to Via del Corso, you need to go straight to Venice square, where the Altar of the Fatherland and the famous Palace of Venice are located.
Palace of Venice, previously used by the Venetian embassy, was later chosen by Mussolini's government. It was from the balcony of this building that Mussolini spoke to the people. Nowadays the Palazzo Venezia Museum of Decorative Arts is open here, and the Cere Wax Museum is also located here. The museum is open from 8:30 to 19:30, entrance is 5 euros.
(Photo © Bert Kaufmann / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0)
By the way, most of the city's museums are closed on Mondays, December 25 and January 1, but you can get into some - if you know when. When visiting museums and other attractions, it is better to use the Roma Pass card - this way you will save time and money.
Altar of the Fatherland built for the anniversary of the unification of Italy. From the Altar there is a wonderful view of the city, for which you need to take the elevator (7 euros) to the observation deck and, after admiring the views to your heart’s content, go to Capitol Hill.
Michelangelo's staircase with antique sculptures of lions from the temple of the goddess Isis in Egypt and statues from the Pompeii theater attracts attention. In the center of the square is a copy of the statue of Marcus Aurelius. Now the Capitoline museums are open in three palaces, admission is 12 euros, from 8 to 20. The museum houses the original statue of the She-Wolf feeding Romulus and Remus. A copy of it is installed at the entrance to the building.
On the right there is an arch through which you can exit to Roman Forum. If you wish, having bought a ticket, here you can wander among the ruins of ancient temples and columns, or go to Via dei Fori Imperiali, leading to the Colosseum.
What else to see in Rome on your own in 1 day? Of course, the symbol of the Eternal City is the ancient amphitheater Coliseum, built from 70 to 82. n. e. for gladiatorial fights, included in the new seven Wonders of the World. Entrance costs 12 euros, visiting from 8:30 to 19:15 (summer), in winter until 16:30 or 17:30. In the evening, the Colosseum is illuminated and looks very unusual. Nearby is the Colosseo metro stop on Via dei Fori Imperiali, at which point the walk can be completed.
Hotels in Rome
Haven't found a suitable hotel yet? We advise you to do this in advance! To search for hotels at the best price and other parameters, we recommend using Roomguru.ru - this is a search engine that compares prices and allows you to find the best deal. If you start looking for accommodation in advance, then in the city center you can find good hostels at prices starting from 16 € per person, and rooms for two people in a three-star hotel - from 43 €, and excellent apartments - from 80 €. If you don’t have to stay in the very center, you can find cheaper accommodation.
(Photo © Matteo Avanzini / flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
2 days in Rome: what to see?
On the second day we continue the walk interrupted the day before with St. Peter's Square- it is convenient to get to it by metro, Ottaviano stop. Along Via Ottaviano, thousands of tourists and residents of the Eternal City rush to the square. There is a special crowd here on Sunday. In the center of the square is an Egyptian obelisk, erected during the time of Caligula, and a little further is St. Peter's Basilica, the central cathedral of the Vatican and the entire Roman Catholic Church.
Via della Conciliazione leads to Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II bridge, richly decorated with relief images and sculptures. The bridge was opened in 1911 in honor of the anniversary of the country's unification.
Further the route runs along the embankment to castle of St. Angelo, or the Mausoleum of Hadrian (Castel Sant "Angelo). There was a fortress, the residence of the Pope and a tomb. The dungeon and the first floor served as a prison. It was here that Giordano Bruno, Galileo and Count Cagliostro languished. Now in the castle is the Military History Museum, entrance - 8 .5 euros, open from 9 to 19:30. The beautiful Bridge of the Holy Angel (Eliev Bridge) with original statues runs from the castle.
From Lungotevere Castello you can reach the Palace of Justice in Piazza dei Tribunali. A luxurious palace, the creation of the architect Calderini, the facade is decorated with a bronze chariot, on the sides there are statues.
What else to see in Rome in 2 days? You can cross the river along the Umberto Bridge and stroll along the embankment, and then go a little deeper into the city and walk to the church San Giovanni dei Fiorentini on Via Giulia. The temple took almost 100 years to build. The main decoration of the temple is the altar by Borromini. By the way, this is the only church where cats and dogs are allowed.
From the church it is convenient to head along Via Corso Piazza Navona– a former market and place of city festivities. In the center there is the obelisk of Agonalis, crowned with a dove with an olive branch, and the Fountain of the Four Rivers. These are sculptural symbols of rivers from different parts of the world: the Danube, Ganges, Nile and La Plata. Two more fountains - the Moor and Neptune - surrounded the square at the edges.
From Piazza Navona you can proceed to to the Pantheon in Piazza del Pantheon, a favorite place for musicians. The giant dome of the Pantheon with a hole in the center is impressive; at noon, sunlight penetrates the temple, standing as a huge luminous beam. Since 609, the ancient Pantheon became a Christian temple, which allowed it to survive to this day. Free admission.
There is almost no need to prepare for Rome. When going to the Eternal City, you can cheat and go to the airport with a calm soul and a clean sheet of paper. After all, wherever you go, it will be beautiful. Of course, I'm joking, but as you know, every joke has some truth.
So, before you is Rome. First introductory visit. In just a few days you can see the main attractions without visiting museums. If you are planning a short trip, then my article is just for you.
And the first recommendation is - if possible, do not go to Rome in the summer - it is very hot and there are more crowds of tourists than in Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Under such conditions it is really difficult to get a feel for the city. But winter is the low season - it's time to explore new territory!
For a relaxing, pleasant time, I recommend a bunch of attractions: Old streets of the center of Rome + Borghese Gardens. I’ll tell you in more detail (be sure to read about the other days too, maybe you’ll like the other plans better).
Fountain of Trevi
Finally, it is no longer under renovation, and everyone can see this beauty! They say that if you throw a coin into this fountain, you will definitely return to Rome. And more detailed sources announce the entire “price”: two coins - a love meeting, three - a wedding, four - wealth, five - separation. I don’t know about the rest, but the fountain does bring wealth, at least to the public utilities - in 2017, 1.4 million euros were caught from here.
We go further through the city of stopped clocks. Did you think the phrase “time stopped” was used only figuratively? Nooo, not here. There are a lot of street dials. Those that are coming can be counted on one hand. I think I know why Rome is called the eternal city.
Pantheon
The once former pagan temple became a Christian basilica. Behind the majestic but moderately modest façade hides one of the largest domes in the world with a hole in the center that gives an interesting lighting effect. It is in the Pantheon that Raphael and King Victor Emmanuel are buried. The attraction has been paid for since June 2018 (2 euros), but in any case it is easily accessible and without a doubt worthy of a visit.
Upon entering, we are offered to download an application - an audio guide to the Pantheon, including in Russian. We haven't done this, but you know about this possibility now, so if you want, look for the Pantheon Rome app.
Piazza Navona and other streets nearby
Just one general direction of movement is enough. Walk wherever your eyes look and your feet lead. And let this be a time for your own discoveries.
Lunch time
Perhaps your eyes, like mine at one time, will beg for mercy and want to stop seeing something beautiful at least for an hour, and just focus on food. Will not work.
Roman restaurants have their own special action, where the main role is played, of course, by the waiters. Middle-aged men, impressive, with a straight back, without one extra movement and with an excellent sense of self-esteem, will bring you a menu and proudly take your order.
The average price of one dish is 10-15 euros, pizza: 8-12 euros. On the very, very central streets it will be a little more expensive.
Of course, in traditional Italian restaurants, you probably won’t be able to get your usual sized cup of tea or coffee for any price. For some, this may not be a problem at all, especially in the warm season, but in winter and in general, for some reason this did not make me happy at all. If you're a big drinker of hot drinks like me, then take your own cup with you and make sure there's a kettle in your room
Borghese Gardens
This is where the famous fine art museum Galleria Borghese is located. Original works by Titian, Raphael, Botticelli, Van Gogh, Modigliani, etc. are kept here. The entrance ticket for an adult is 20 euros. Moreover, the time spent in the gallery is strictly limited - you can be here for no more than 2 hours. Purely theoretically, if you plan to visit this gallery and the Colosseum, then it will be more profitable for you to buy a Roma Pass card, but keep in mind that then you will still need to book your time to visit this gallery 1-2 weeks in advance, and the savings will be 5-10 Euro.
In any case, even without any museums, there are places to take a walk in the Borghese Gardens. Over 70 hectares of cooling greenery! On one of the paths, among the Italian heroes, there is a large honorary monument to Pushkin.
It's time to relax and then go to the bar. Yes, yes, Italy is the place where even the most notorious nerds can hang out in bars. After all, a “bar” is nothing more than a “coffee shop”. Great, right?
Quarter Coppede
A little further from the Borghese Gardens is one of the most expensive quarters of Rome. Housing here is sooooo expensive (it never drops below a million euros!), but you can stroll through the streets of “the most fabulous Roman quarter,” as it is often called, with any budget. The concept was developed by one architect - Gino Coppede - and is a mixture of almost all known styles.
There aren't many coffee shops or eateries here, so plan on your strength when you go to this area.
Second day in Rome
Colosseum + Palatine Hill + Roman Forum
Rome is one of the most famous places on the planet, home to an incredible amount of antiquities. Can you imagine - columns, stones that have been preserved since “BC”?! The same Colosseum, the photo of which we all remember from history lessons at school, is standing in front of you, and you can even touch it! Remains of the temples of the Holy Roman Empire...The popularity of these places these days is breaking all records, and whenever possible you should try to buy a ticket in advance.
However, even if you haven’t done this, and you really don’t like standing in line, there is an option. Immediately upon exiting the metro, you will be surrounded by dozens of guides selling their services. The guides can spot Russians quite easily, so you won’t get through unnoticed. There is no need to queue with a guide.
For a walk along the Palatine Hill (from which the city of Rome began) and the Roman Forum, I used the route from the izi.travel application. He takes us along a somewhat atypical route, which allows us to at least slightly avoid the crowds of tourists.
A ticket at the box office costs 12.5 euros, payment only by card! This includes visits to the Colosseum, Palantine Hill and the Roman Forum. This can be done in two days - that’s exactly how long the ticket is valid.
The easiest way to get to the Colosseum is to get off at the metro station of the same name. Underground, in the Roman metro, fashion shows are broadcast, and imposing Italians often sit nearby. On this trip, there was a man sitting to my left, carefully reading mathematical formulas. And he seems to be dressed usually - a sweater, jeans, but on top is a stylish double-breasted coat made of high-quality wool. All this together looks very noble.
After such a history-filled day, you might want to head to the Trastevere area, on the other side of the river. They say that this is the most “picturesque in terms of its Italianness” area. There is also the Gianicolo hill, from which a stunning panorama of the entire city opens. Apparently my hands were shaking especially strongly from emotions, so there won’t be a photo of Rome at night :(.
Oh, this Vatican! Pilgrims from all over the world have been trying to get here for more than two thousand years! Once upon a time, getting to this state within a state could have been the goal of a lifetime, but now it is enough to buy an inexpensive plane ticket. What wonderful times we live in!
The Vatican Museums can be explored almost endlessly, but if you don’t have that much time, or rather, very little of it at all, then plan on St. Peter’s Basilica, the first pope. This is the place where all words fade and camera lenses go down. Pointless. It is impossible to stop at something and snatch a photo from the overall beauty. An incredible creation of human hands. Encyclopedia of labor and art. You can go to special places for prayers where photography is prohibited and real silence is observed. Only the candle sways. The main thing is not to lose the thread of conversation with God in such a huge number of things, statues, paintings and decorations.
If you only want St. Peter's Basilica, go to the shorter line - you don't need to buy tickets, just go through security.
If you do come during the season, come at least an hour before opening, so as not to spend half a day in line. You can visit the notorious Sistine Chapel for 16 euros (full ticket). The price includes all museums in the complex. The queues are kilometre-long, so we recommend that you buy tickets in advance on the official Vatican website.
A note for lovers of printed materials - go to the post office right on St. Peter's Square, next to the queues for the cathedral. A postcard from the Vatican costs only 0.50 euros, and shipping costs 1-3 euros. A wonderful greeting for parents and friends.
Beware of strikes! Strike is another Italian attraction that was revealed in all its glory on this trip. Living in an apartment right next to the metro and an hour’s drive from the airport, you somehow don’t think about leaving much in advance. But when the nearest metro station is closed, and the next one too, and the whole city is stuck in traffic jams and you walk faster than a taxi, you begin to realize that the plane can fly away without you.
Thank God, everything turned out to be a 40-minute walk-jog with a backpack through half the city - trains did run from Termini station. Locals told us that nowadays similar strikes by transport workers occur once a month, but of course, each time on a different date. Now I understand why accommodation near Termini Station is so popular
Where I lived in Rome
I lived in an apartment that I booked through AirBnb. Very pleased. For the price of a regular hotel room, you get spacious housing, with a full kitchen and excellent access. If you have never booked through AirBnb, then read my first booking guide.
The following two photos: the apartments that I rented through this site.
What else to see in Rome
I wholeheartedly recommend taking a closer look at excursions from local residents. Modern young guides understand perfectly well how tired everyone is of boring babble and try to present information in an interesting and fun way. It makes sense to take at least one excursion to get a deeper feel for the city.
Do you only have 2 days in Rome? Do you want to understand what you must visit and see in the Eternal City, and how to complete the “maximum program” in 48 hours? Then here is an instruction for you on where to go and what to see in Rome in 2 days.
FIRST DAY
ROUTE: from the Vatican to Piazza di Spagna
What to visit: St. Peter's Basilica - Castel Sant'Angelo - Piazza Navona - Pantheon - Piazza di Spagna
San Pietro - Castel Sant'Angelo - Piazza Navona - Pantheon - Piazza di Spagna
Route description:
The route begins from a huge square in front of St. Peter's Basilica, the main symbol of Christianity. It is worth stopping here and visiting the cathedral, where masterpieces by Bernini, Michelangelo, the tomb of Clement XIII and much more are located. Do not forget to wear appropriate clothing, your arms and legs must be covered - otherwise you will not be allowed into San Pietro.
551 steps of stairs separate you from the top of the dome, but the effort is sure to be rewarded with a wonderful 360 degree view of Rome. Or you can take the elevator, which will take you to the terrace - from there it is only 360 steps and you will have a stunning view.
The famous Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are nearby, but given their vastness and the masterpieces stored inside, it is recommended to devote a whole day to them.
Or book a tour of the Vatican
With your back to St. Peter's Basilica, you will find yourself on Via della Conciliazione, where you will find shops selling souvenirs and religious items. Having passed it completely, you will reach the second stop of the route - Castel Sant Angelo.
Directly in front of the castle there is a beautiful bridge, topped with white angels, on which you can cross the Tiber, and then, turning slightly to the left, you will reach the charming Piazza Navona. Nearby you will find bars, pizzerias and restaurants where you can relax and have a snack.
From here, through Corso Rinascimento behind the Palazzo Madama (Senato) building, along narrow streets you will reach Piazza della Rotonda and exit to the Pantheon.
From piazza della Rotonda, moving along via dei Pastini to piazza di Pietra past the great Temple of Hadrian, and then walking along via di Pietra to via del Corso Umberto and then via delle Menatte you will come to Piazza Trevi.
And you can complete the route in another beautiful place in Rome. From piazza di Trevi take Via della Stamperia to Via del Tritone and take via due Macelli which will take you to Piazza di Spagna.
If your time in Rome is limited, and you want to spend it as informative and comfortable as possible, it makes sense to book an interesting excursion
SECOND DAY
ROUTE
From the Colosseum to the Capitol (Dal Colosseo al Campidoglio)
WHAT TO VISIT:
Colosseum - Forums - Capitol
On the second day you can follow the route of Ancient Rome. It starts from the Colosseum, which for 2000 years has been considered the main symbol of Rome. By purchasing the Roma Pass discount card (http://www.romapass.it/), you will avoid the long queue. To the right of the Colosseum is the Arch of Constantine - the most famous symbol of the triumph of the Roman Empire, and a little further away is the Palatine Hill on a hill.
Moving from the Colosseum along via dei Fori Imperiali, you will reach the Square of the Ancient Forums, on the territory of which the atmosphere of Ancient Rome is still preserved.
From the Forums the road leads straight to the majestic Piazza Venezia with the huge Vittoriano monument. Here, you can take a panoramic elevator to the top, which offers stunning views of the city.
And the last stage of the route is the Capitol - the smallest but most important hill of Rome. Its square is decorated with the famous 12-pointed star of the famous Michelangelo. In the middle of the star is the famous statue on a horse, a copy of the monument to Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
We also recommend visiting the Capitoline Museums, where you will see the real statue and many other monuments of the Roman Empire.
Experience Rome and the Vatican on our guided tours with locals - experienced guides passionate about the Eternal City
Walking along the streets of the ancient city, admiring its hills, palaces, ancient ruins, it’s as if you are reliving the history of mankind again and again, frozen in the eternal sights of Rome. The sparkle of lights from advertising signs, new architectural buildings, and traffic flows does not prevent you from plunging into the atmosphere of bygone times. The main thing is to think carefully about what to see in Rome in 2 days and organize a tireless walking tour. A rough excursion plan may include a visit to the central part of the city.
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Early in the morning of the second day of your trip to Rome, it is useful to drink a cup of coffee in one of the cafes in Piazza Navona and try the famous Tartufo ice cream, invented here. At the same time, don’t forget to visit the famous Papa Carlo shop, take a photo next to Pinocchioo, take a ride through the ancient city with the children in the Time Elevator time machine, and think about a plan for a difficult walking tour of the sights of Rome.
Coliseum
The calling card of Rome is no longer the venue for the famous gladiator fights. The sad monument of ancient Rome served as a theater, “giving bread and circuses” to the rulers of the country, confirming the power of their power. Events taking place on the territory of the greatest architectural creation distracted residents from their outrage over the policies. The Colosseum was built on the lands of the hated Nero.
Previously, there was a tall statue of Nero, made of bronze and covered with gold. The celebration in honor of the opening of the Colosseum lasted almost 100 days. During it, almost 2 thousand brave gladiators and 3 thousand animals kept in the dungeons of the Colosseum died. The bodies of the dead were dumped into a deep well specially built on the territory. Initially, the Colosseum (colossal) was called “Flavian Amphitheater”, “Caesar’s Amphitheater”, “Arena”.
In its architectural design, the Colosseum was not like classical temples with columns and beautiful pediments. The numerous arches of the Colosseum look like honeycombs connected in the shape of an ellipse. Now the ruins of the building have been preserved for tourists, the dungeons have been excavated, the third tier and the wooden walkway in the auditorium have been restored. Sometimes concerts and services of the Pope are held near the ancient walls. In 2007, the remaining ruins were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Triumphal Arch of Constantine
Leaving the territory of the Colosseum, you cannot help but notice the ancient Arch of Constantine. The first mention of the attraction dates back to 315. This is one of the oldest monuments of the past. The height of the arch reaches 21 meters. It is decorated with statues and bas-reliefs brought from different historical areas of Rome. The arch is considered a symbol of the transfer of power to the Catholic Church from the emperors.
There is a legend according to which Emperor Constantine (who visited Rome only twice), during the battle at the Malvi Bridge, noticed a cross in the sky and heard the words “By this victory.” He took the cross and defeated Emperor Maxentius. In honor of this victory, the Arch of Constantine was built. At the same time, the emperor's architects used decorations from other buildings, replacing the faces of the previous rulers of Rome with the image of Constantine. At this time, the emperor, who was a pagan, converted to Christianity.
Triumphal Arch of Titus
According to the ancient traditions of Rome, any victory was accompanied by a ceremonial entry into the city center with trophies captured through special arches. The main life took place in the Roman Forum, surrounded by majestic buildings. One of them was a beautiful arch built to honor the victory of Emperor Titus after the capture of Jerusalem. It was erected in 81 during the reign of the son of Titus on the Sacred Road connecting the Capitoline and Palantine hills. On one side of the arch there is a view of the Colosseum, on the other of the Roman Forum. The height of the single-span arch reaches 15.4 m, width 13.5, depth 4.75 m.
It is decorated with semi-columns made of Pentel marble. Figures of winged Victorias are carved in the corners. The inner walls of the arch are decorated with interesting bas-reliefs depicting a procession with trophies after the war. There is an inscription above the span with information about the war. Previously, the arch was decorated with a statue of Titus on a Roman chariot with four horses. The arch is one of the best examples of ancient architecture in Rome.
In the ancient empire, the political and religious center of Rome was located here. “The path of sorrow and joy” was this road. The victorious sounds of commanders returning from successful battles sounded on it, warriors marched, and the sorrowful melodies of chains on the feet of prisoners were heard. A road was created in the territory of impassable swamps between three hills. In the 8th century BC. e. burials were held here. Tarquinius Priscus ordered the valley to be drained, a sewer system made, and the road compacted.
Buildings gradually grew on the site, and the central square of the city, called the Roman Forum, was formed. Trade and court cases took place in the busy city center. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the forum fell into decay. Archaeological excavations took place in the 19th century. Now it is considered an iconic place of the city and is located 10 m below Viadei Fori Imperiali. The ruins of the Roman Empire are still hidden under the busy modern highway.
Forum Nerves
Among the imperial roads of Rome, the forum was the smallest. The forum was called Transitorium (meaning passage or passage). Its construction was completed during the reign of Domitian in 97. A long section (dimensions 120 by 45 m) was located between the forums of Veslasian and Augustus. It connected the Roman Forum with the Argilet area. This path in ancient times was called the “Forum of Pallas”. It was decorated with the temple of the goddess Minerva, standing not far from the building in honor of Mars the Avenger. In 1606, the sanctuary was destroyed by order of Pope Paul V.
The Aqua Paola fountain, the Borgia Chapel in the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore, and the hall of columns were built from the building materials of the temple. In the 20th century the building was destroyed. The building material was reused for other structures. Later, Mussolini ordered the construction of Via dei Fori Imperiali here. From the ancient building, two columns made of white marble, part of the facade with the image of Minevra, and a frieze with a beautiful decor of sculptures have been preserved. The rest of the forum is under the avenue.
Augusta Forum
During the reign of Emperor Augustus, the economic center of Rome formed between the hills on the site of small rivers and swamps. Initially, the new “outlet” was located outside the city. The place was quickly gentrified and, along with the growth of Rome, it became known as the Forum of Augustus, which became an active public area. The main building of the forum was considered the Temple of Mars the Avenger. Parts of the building have been preserved: three columns, part of the wall, stairs leading to the altar, fountains, niches. They talk about its large original size.
The outer facades of the temple were decorated with statues of gods made by famous artists of antiquity. In the center stood a statue of the god Mars, surrounded by sculptural creations from the figures of Venus and Caesar. After the adoption of Christianity, the economic center, and with it the forum, fell into disrepair. The grandiose buildings surrounding the road were dismantled for the construction of Christian churches. For a long time the place was called the “cow field”. Lonely pieces of columns and ruins of buildings spoke of the former greatness of the forum. An interesting collection of found artifacts is organized in the open air at the forum.
Trajan's Forum
In 106, 113 AD, the architect Apollodorus of Damascus, at the request of Emperor Troyan, created a path 300 m long and 165 m wide. It was located opposite the Roman Forum on the cut Quirinal Hill and consisted of a large number of covered colonnades. Among them rises the 40-meter-high Trajan's Column or the dominant of the forum. It was erected from 20 pieces of the purest Carrara marble as a sign of the victory of the Romans over the troops of the Thracian tribes.
The entire surface of the column depicts the triumph of Trajan in the form of complex sculptural bas-reliefs. The height of the landmark is 38 m. Inside, the column is hollow and there is a spiral staircase running along it, which allows you to climb to the top. The column still serves as a kind of tombstone for Trajan. At the base of the column there is a door leading to the interior of the column. The urns containing the ashes of Trajan and his wife Pompeii Plotina are kept here. During the tour of the Forum, the column can be seen at a distance for security reasons.
Capitoline Museums
On the Capitoline Hill of Rome, next to the Roman Forum, is the most visited complex of attractions in Rome. A ticket to visit the Capitoline Museums must be purchased in advance. During a short stay in the city, it is recommended to explore the three main palaces of the museum ensemble. The primary buildings were destroyed and looted. The revival of the Capitoline palaces began under the orders of King Charles V in 1536. The work was supervised by the famous Michelangelo Buanarotti. He was commissioned to create palaces to house the collection donated by Sixtus IV.
It consisted of works of art, coins from different centuries, jewelry, and ancient bronze statues. Rare ancient artifacts are still kept in the collections of palaces. The basis of the complex was: two palaces, Palazzo Conservatori, Nuovo, Capital Square, and the Palace of Senators. The palaces are connected to each other by underground tunnels passing under the square. Along them there is a passage to the Lapidarium gallery with the ruins of ancient dwellings, collections of ancient inscriptions on stones. The entrance to the tunnels is located next to the Roman Forum.
On the square you can see four exhibitions:
- coin museum
- hall of frescoes
- hall pediment with preserved elements of decoration of the Temple of Jupiter
- Santarelli gem collection
The central part of the square with the Capitoline Museums is occupied by a statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. This is a rare treasure of antiquity that belongs to museums. The Capitoline Museum houses the world's sculptural masterpieces: the Capitoline Wolf, the Dying Gaul, and the Capitoline Brutus. Boy pulling out a splinter from the Colossus of Constantine.
Monument to Victor Emmanuel II
The representative of the Savoy dynasty, Victor Emmanuel II, managed to return its lands to the country and create a unified state. He accepted the title of king based on the results of the vote of the people of the country in 1861. And he became the first king of the united kingdom. After his death in 1878, it was decided to create a monument glorifying the king and the entire historical period, called the Risorgimento. It took place from 1815 to 1861 and was associated with the struggle against foreign domination.
For almost 30 years, a grandiose structure was built on the slopes of Capitol Hill. Many of the ancient buildings of this place were demolished. Among them were the Arch of San Marco, which connected the Palace of Venice with the Capitol, the buildings of the Arcelli Monastery, and the Tower of Paul III. Some of the ancient Roman buildings have been preserved and are located on the right side of the square. The Monument to the King (Vittoriano) was created in the form of a snow-white monument at the foot of the hill.
It is at the same time simple, graceful, majestic and solemn. The king sits on a horse on the high pedestal of the Vittoriano. In the central part of the monument is the Altar of the Fatherland. It is surrounded on all sides by interesting bas-reliefs. The portico of the monument is decorated with statues depicting the unity of the 16 regions of Italy. An eternal flame burns at the monument. An honor guard guards the mogul of an unknown soldier.
Venice Square
The construction of the residence of Cardinal Paul II in the middle of the 15th century is considered the beginning of the formation of the largest square in the city. The Palace of Venice was built from nearby quarries, including the Colosseum. In those days, ancient monuments were not highly valued. Holiday lover Paul II moved the festivities to a new square and via del Corso. There was plenty of room for wild horses to race. King Victor Emmanuel banned them after the death of a teenager in 1874.
The roads leading to different parts of the city began from a huge square. The famous street of the Imperial Forums, leading to the Colosseum, begins from here. Sometimes the square is called the geometric center of Rome. The central building of the square, the Palace of Venice, was the property of Austria, the embassy of the Republic of Venice, and the seat of Mussolini's fascist party. His office with a balcony is now decorated with the flag of Italy. Inside the palace is the Museum of the Country Region.
In it you can see paintings dedicated to the historical events of Italy, starting from the Middle Ages. On the square there is the Shishki fountain, found during archaeological excavations. In a corner of the square, not far from the Church of San Marco, stands the famous “talking” statue of Madame Lucrezia. According to the traditions of Rome, notes critical of the authorities and satirical works on political topics were attached to it. These actions are now prohibited.
Useful tips for tourists traveling independently around the city:
- For accommodation, it is better to choose a hotel room. If you're lucky, you can take part in effective discounts. Cheaper hostel options are available near the train station, which is packed with people.
- At McDonald's you can wait a very long time for fries or a burger. Lots of convenient pizzerias, cafes for a quick snack near the morning market of Campo dei Fiori.
- Shopping is easy at the large Porta Portese market. Everything is here. We should not forget about the issue of discounts on any product.
- It is better to buy products in shops on Via Cola di Rienzo. It passes next to the Vatican.
- In Rome and its surroundings, there are two tariffs used to pay for taxi fares: the first for the zone within the ring road, the second outside it. They differ. It is better to ask about the travel route before starting the trip.
- 6. For city guests, there are cards that work like travel tickets and allow you to visit at least three museums, archaeological excavations, and travel on public transport all day.
Another dream has come true and you are in the Eternal City! As they say, all roads lead to Rome!
Oh, this incredibly beautiful, inspiring, unique, inimitable city. No matter what time of year you visit, you will love Rome. Even if you are in this dream city for just 1 day, perhaps you are in transit or a cruise ship is taking you further, you can still see the main attractions. It’s a pleasure to wander around the capital of Italy on your own; wherever you go, it will be beautiful and the atmosphere of this city will not leave you indifferent.
Fountain of Trevi
To walk the main tourist route, and even on your own, you need a good map, comfortable shoes, a good mood, and you’ll have to start your tour early in the morning:
Route around Rome
St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican
Castle Sant'Angelo
Bridge of Angels
Piazza Navona and Fountain of the Four Rivers
Temple of Hadrian
Column of Marcus Aurelius
Fountain de Trevi
Plaza de España
Altar of the Fatherland or Victorian Palace
Venice Square
Trajan's Market
Roman forum
Arch of Constantine
Of course, this is a very superficial route; you won’t have time to visit the museums. But if you are lucky and you are in Mecca for tourists for 2-3 days, then you will have time to visit the Sistine Chapel and the Colosseum. And of course, you will need a detailed itinerary around Rome for 2 days.
Ancient architectural monument – Arch of Constantine
What to see in Rome on your own: 1 day
We will start our tour from St. metro station "Barberini (Fontana di Trevi)". Immediately near the exit you will see the Triton Fountain. Of course, he is also handsome, but that is not your goal. After a short walk past the narrow streets, you will come to the square with the most famous fountain in Rome, the Trevi Fountain, where a sculpture of the sea god is depicted. It doesn’t matter what time of year or hour of the day you come here, there will always be a crowd of tourists. And this is truly deserved, because the fountain is incredible, and is filled with spring water, so you can safely drink the water. There is even a belief that if a couple in love drinks water from the fountain at the same time, they will live happily together until old age.
The most famous fountain in Rome
It is here that everyone who wants to come again to this incredibly beautiful city throws a coin, the main thing is to throw it while standing with your back to the fountain, over your shoulder. To meet love you need two coins, for a speedy wedding - 3 coins, for great wealth - 4 coins))) But 5 coins are no longer worth throwing. This belief has been proven over the years; it is not for nothing that utility workers extract about 1.5 thousand euros from the Fontana de Trevi every day.
Opposite you will see the church of San Marcelo al Corso, with amazing bas-reliefs and sculptures. In general, there are a lot of ancient churches here, it’s not for nothing that these places are called the cradle of Christianity. But if you go into everything, you will not see the main masterpieces of the great city.
Rome in November
Then go to Spanish Square. It is here that the monumental staircase of 138 steps is located, connecting Piazza di Spagna with the French Church of the Holy Trinity. This is all quite symbolic and there is some politics involved. The two great powers Spain and France were at enmity with each other many centuries ago, but somehow had objects in this territory. Spain is the embassy, and France is the church at the top of the hill. But in the 15th century, a French diplomat decided to end years of disputes and connect the 2 objects using a staircase as a sign of reconciliation. Now it is an unspoken symbol of reconciliation between two warring parties or the unification of people from different social circles. This is exactly what was well shown in the famous film “Roman Holiday” with Audrey Hepburn, an episode that was also filmed on this staircase.
Staircase in Plaza de España
And at the foot of the stairs you will see the famous monument to the Barcaccia boat. Once upon a time there was a severe flood in Italy, and the Tiber overflowed its banks, flooding everything around. After the water receded, a boat was discovered at the site. In 1627, a monument was erected according to Bernini's design. The water here is also from a spring and can be drunk.
Monument to the boat
Entering the wide, beautiful street Via del Corso (the main thing is not to get lost among the world-famous boutiques; this entertainment can be left for the evening, when all the main museums and attractions are closed), you will go straight to Piazza Venezia and the Palazzo Venezia of the same name. It was from the balcony of this palace that Mussolini made his speech to the people.
In Piazza Venezia
But here in front of you is an extraordinary, white, completely out of place with the architecture of this part of Rome - the majestic Victorian Palace or Altar of the Fatherland, as it is also called. This palace was built in honor of Vitorio Emmanuel ׀׀, the first king of a united Italy.
Vittoriano
On both sides of the palace there are fountains symbolizing the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic seas.
It is precisely because of its pomp and whiteness that the Romans do not like this palace; they call it “zephyr” or “wedding cake”. Moreover, it is not even included in many guidebooks, but don’t worry, you won’t be able to miss it, since it is right on the way to the Colosseum.
Inside the palace there is a museum of the Unification of Italy and the Banners of the Navy, admission is free, open until 15:00.
But the most interesting thing is an excursion to the observation deck of this palace, which offers amazing views of the main attractions of Rome: the Colosseum, the Ancient Forum, the Pantheon, the Church of St. Pavel.
The cost of the excursion is 7 euros.
Schedule:
Monday to Thursday: 9:30 – 19:30
Friday and Saturday: 9:30 – 22:00
Sunday: 9:30 – 20:30
View from the Vittoriano observation deck
Just behind the snow-white palace you will see the ruins of the ancient Roman Forum.
You will be amazed and delighted; here you can feel the history in every stone. The Ancient Forum was the heart of an entire empire; it was here that all political, financial and religious events were held, and the destinies of peoples were accomplished. Of course, for a better understanding, it is better to read maps and descriptions of the territory.
Ruins of the ancient forum
Ticket price: 12 Euro, also valid for entry to the Colosseum and Palatine within 48 hours. To avoid standing in a huge queue, it is better to buy a ticket from the Roman Forum than from the Colosseum. But it's best to buy online. If you have an Omnia Roma Pass, admission is free.
Opening hours: daily
from 8:30 to 16:30 winter period
from 8:30 to 17:30 in spring
from 8:30 to 19:00 summer period
When leaving the Ancient Forum, you will immediately see the main symbol of Rome, the center of attraction for all tourists, the legendary Colosseum amphitheater!
Symbol of Rome
This monument is more than 2000 years old. It’s not for nothing that they say “As long as the Colosseum stands, Rome stands.”
It was from these stands that thousands of people once whistled and shouted for pardon or execution of the gladiator. Today this architectural monument is one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Ticket price: 12 euros, or go with the Omnia Roma Pass for free and without a queue. The queue here is huge at any time of the year.
If you are in Rome for 2-3 days and plan to visit the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica and the Colosseum, I advise you to purchase the Omnia Roma Pass. Besides the savings, the main benefit of this card is skip-the-line entry, which will save you many hours of valuable tourist time.
Opening hours: daily
from 8:30 to 16:30 winter period
from 8:30 to 17:30 in spring
from 8:30 to 19:00 summer period
Coliseum stands
The first day of the tour of Rome has come to an end.
Hurry to any local cafe to refresh yourself. If you still have energy, you can return to Via del Corso and do some shopping; the whole street will be lit up in the evening, which will give it even more charm. But the main thing is to have a good rest, because no less interesting things are planned for the second day, where you will spend most of the day in the smallest state.
PS. The photo shows the eternal city in the least tourist season, late November - early December. But there are still a lot of tourists and there are long queues at all popular attractions.
The weather in December is quite comfortable, +14C. Sometimes there was a light drizzle in the morning, but it did not interfere with the excursion.
Vatican City Tour: Day 2
We will start the second day of our trip to Rome with a visit to the Vatican. Getting off at the Musei Vaticani metro station, you don’t even need to guess where to go, follow the crowd and you will find yourself at the dwarf enclave state itself. You will immediately recognize it when you see the huge colonnades of St. Peter's Square on which statues of saints rise. In the very center is an Egyptian obelisk, brought long ago by Caligula, and at the top of the obelisk is a piece of the cross from the crucifixion of Jesus. And even today, this obelisk can be used to determine the time; it is also a gnomon of a sundial.
Queue at the Vatican in early December
Whenever you arrive, there are always huge queues to the cathedral on this square. In summer you can easily stand for about 4 hours. And although entrance to the cathedral is free, in order to avoid the queue, it is better to purchase an Omnia Rome Pass in advance; besides, with it you can enter the Sistine Chapel for free.
Also, do not forget to cover your knees and shoulders, after all, you are on the territory of the Holy See.
The heart of the Vatican is, of course, St. Peter's Basilica; Michelangelo, Bernini and Raphael took part in its design.
Heart of the Vatican
In the center of the facade there is a balcony from which the Pope addresses believers on holidays.
Despite the huge queue, the cathedral itself is quite spacious. They say it can accommodate up to 60 thousand visitors. Don't forget to make your deepest wish by touching the foot of the statue of St. Peter.
Monument to Saint Peter
There is an excursion to the dome of the cathedral. It costs 10 euros if you take the elevator and 8 euros if you walk up the 231-step spiral staircase. This excursion is not included in the Rome Pass, but it is worth it, the dome from above is even more beautiful and the views of the city from the rooftop are unbeatable.
View of the Vatican from the roof of the cathedral
St. Peter's Basilica is open from 7:00 to 18:30, so it's best to come early in the morning to avoid the crowds and continue to explore the museums longer.
There are a lot of different museums in the Vatican, so it’s better to go straight to the Sistine Chapel before you get tired, it’s located at the very end. The conclave is still held in the Sistine Chapel when the cardinals elect a new pope.
A ticket to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel costs 30 euros, with the Omnia Rome Pass it is free, and most importantly, there is no queue.
Main dome of the Vatican
If you initially visited the Sistine Chapel, and then want to go to St. Peter's Basilica, at the exit from the Sistine Chapel, go through the right door fenced with bars. This is an outlet for organized groups, but no one will stop you, you may have fallen behind the group. But from this exit you will immediately get to the cathedral.
Pay attention to the Swiss guards guarding the Vatican and their uniform, which was sewn according to Michelangelo’s sketches.
Vatican Guards
Of course, it’s worth stopping by any souvenir shop and buying a postcard. Stamps and mailboxes are nearby. So, after returning from vacation, after a while you will receive a pleasant surprise in the form of a postcard with a stamp from the Vatican. Plus 1 country to your collection!
Of course, ideally it would be worth spending the whole day looking at the richest and most unique collections, but we still need to see the equally interesting sights of Rome.
If you walk along the main street, you can go straight to Castel Sant'Angelo. This castle is about 2000 years old, but it is perfectly preserved. They say that the castle is connected to the Vatican by an underground passage, and in times of various dangers the Popes took refuge here, as in the most protected point of the eternal city. Previously, it was a fortress, a mausoleum, and the dungeons served as a prison. It was here that the philosophers and scientists Giordano Bruno and Galileo Galilei were imprisoned.
Ancient fortress
Now it is the Military History Museum. Entrance 10.50 euros. Admission is free with the Omnia Rome Pass. Open from 9:00 to 19:30.
Palace of Justice
After crossing the bridge we will go to Piazza Navona, now a popular place for creative people, musicians and artists. You will recognize the square by the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers. These are the rivers: Nile, Ganges, Danube and La Plata from four continents: Africa, Asia, Europe and America.
Well, the last masterpiece on the second day in Rome is the Pantheon, in Piazza della Rotonda. A truly monumental structure, the “Temple of All Gods”, an ancient monument, which is also 2000 years old. Initially it was a pagan temple, but in 609, by order of the Pope, it was renamed into a Christian church, thanks to which the temple has survived to this day. For a long time, the dome of the Pantheon remained the largest in the world. Even Michelangelo, when designing St. Peter's Cathedral, in order not to reduce the significance of the ancient creation, designed a dome that was only 1 meter smaller.
Temple of all Gods
There are absolutely no windows in the temple. The only window of the Pantheon is the central hole in the dome, with a diameter of 9 meters, which is also called the “Eye of the Pantheon”, thanks to which light penetrates into the temple. The strongest beam arrives at 12 noon and remains a tangible pillar. It is believed that if you stand in the very center of the temple under the dome, where the light penetrates, the gods will forgive you all your sins.
Antique monument
Of course, Italy has so many attractions and beautiful buildings, but the Pantheon is a must see. You will be amazed by the monumentality and calm majesty of the structure.
Opening hours: from 8:30 to 19:30 on weekdays and from 9:00 to 18:00 on Sundays and holidays.
Free admission. The nearest metro station is Barberini.
After such a busy program, it’s worth stopping at one of the nearby restaurants to once again enjoy this eternal city with an amazing and unique history over a glass of wine and a meal of delicious Italian cuisine!
Of course, these are not all the iconic places of this historical city, but a couple of days is enough to fall in love forever and then dream of meeting him again, it’s not for nothing that you threw coins into the fountain;)
If you want to visit non-tourist places in Italy, I advise you to find a way to.
What did you like most about Rome or why do you dream of going there? Write in the comments, because there is something to tell about this city
