What to Do in Rome

Rome is the kind of city that offers grand scale displays around every bend. We believe it is a mistake to try and "do Rome" in an attempt to squeeze all the sights into a short trip, but here are some of the many special places to choose from.

Trevi Fountain
You will be overwhelmed when you enter the small square that holds this enormous, mystical fountain, and most certainly will feel transported to another time. The fountain derives its name by the fact that three roads intersect at it's location and was created by Nicola Salvi between 1732 and 1762 … it is a relatively new attraction in Rome.

Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps
Entering the square from Via Condotti, the first thing you see is a boat shaped fountain (La Barcaccia.) Beyond the boat, begins the ascent of the Spanish Steps which leads to the Trinità dei Monti church. The steps have long provided a gathering and resting place for Romans and Tourists and has been featured in many movies and tv shows throughout the years.

Piazza Navona
This vast piazza features three fountains, the center one being Bernini's masterpiece, the fountain of the four rivers. In the centre of the piazza is the Chiesa di Sant'Agnese in Agone. Save time to wander around this piazza and treat yourself to a gelato in one of the bars that line the outside of the square.

Castel Sant'Angelo
This strange fortress is reached by traversing Bernini's awe inspiring Ponte Sant'Angelo. The structure is connected by an underground tunnel to the Vatican palaces, and was used as a hide away for several popes throughout history. The building is well worth visiting and offers beautiful views of the city.

Roman Forum
During the republic, this was the economical, religious and political center of Rome. Much of the Forum has been destroyed, but with a little imagination and the help of the remaining columns, stone blocks and ruins it is easy to be transported back in time.

Colosseum
Construction of the colosseum started in 72 AD and was inaugurated in 80 AD. It was said to have seated at least 50,000 people and was made famous by the bloody shows that took place there between gladiators and wild animals ranging from lions and tigers to bears and rhinos. Though the structure has been damaged by earthquakes and time, it has held up surprisingly well, and walking through it's walls it is easy to imagine what it must have been like in all it's glory.

Pantheon
This architectural masterpiece was originally built as a temple to all the gods in ancient Rome, and then rebuilt during the second century. It's most amazing characteristic is the dome, which is the largest ever created out of concrete. It is 142.06 feet in diameter. The top center of the dome is a round open "eye" which is 29.52 feet in diameter. Today the Pantheon is home to the tombs of the kings and queens of Italy Victor Emmanuel II, Humbert I and Margherita di Savoia.

St. Peter's and the Vatican City
Located in Vatican state, across the river Tiber, west of Rome's center, St. Peter's square is thought to be Bernini's finest work. It is the largest and most magnificent church in all Christendom. The basilica's dome, designed by Michelangelo is the largest dome in the world measuring 42m in diameter. The square that houses the church is worth the trip in and of itself, with 284 columns and 140 larger-than-life statues of saints perched on top of two semi circles on each side of the square and an obelisk in the center. The Vatican museums house some of the most famous masterpieces in the world, but you will have to dedicate an entire day to get through them all. If you only have a few hours to spare, go directly to the Sistine Chapel.

Walk the streets
To truly experience Rome, one only needs to walk the streets. Every building, wall, bridge and fountain holds a key to the past. It is a grand, colorful city full of mysteries just waiting to be discovered. It truley makes no difference how many times something special you find has been discovered in the past.

Useful phone numbers
Colosseum Phone: 067004261.
Roman Forum, Palatine, Basilica of Maxentius, Palatine Antiquarium and Loggia Mattei Guided Tours may be booked by calling, Phone: 0639080730.
Museum of Roman Civilization Phone: 065926041
Pantheon Phone: 0668300230
Borghese Gallery and Museum Phone: 068548577. Booking is required to visit the museum, please call Phone: 063281101
Palazzo Venezia National Museum Phone: 0669994243.
Barberini Palace Phone: 064814591.
Castel Sant'Angelo National Museum Phone: 066819111.
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms and Loggia Phone: 0669884947 or 0669883333
National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art Phone: 06322981
Napoleonic Museum Phone: 0668806286.