What to Do When in Rome?

Rome, the legendary capital of an ancient empire, is a city of art, history, culture, architecture, and modernism. Italy’s capital promises to captivate you as you roam through the streets and soak yourself in the rich history of it.

So, here are our top suggestions for the places to visit without further ado when in Rome (of course after-quarantine)!

The Colosseum

The Colosseum or Coliseum, which is also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is located at the heart of Rome and is the most iconic landmark of the city. Built over a span of eight years, from AD 72 to AD 80, it could house 50,000 to 80,000 spectators and was the largest amphitheater in that era. It was made during the reign of Emperor Vespasian and his successor, Titus, using travertine limestone, tuff, and brick-faced concrete, as building materials. 

The primary purpose of this grandiose structure and arena was to host gladiator fights and public entertainments such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, reenactments of famous battles, as well as dramas based on Roman mythology. You can spend your day here and lament in the violent yet majestic history of this remnant from the past.

Roman Forum

Forum Romanum or The Roman Forum is a spectacular compound that houses the ruins of some of the most important government buildings of ancient Rome. It was often referred to as the Forum Magnum because of the market place that used to exist here in the early days. 

This historically rich archaeological site served as the hub of daily life and huge meetings, for ages, and now attracts millions of tourists across the world, every year. From public hearings to criminal trials, gladiator fights, and a commercial hub, the Forum was one of the world’s most renowned venues. It is located very close to the Colosseum and is definitely worth a visit!

The Pantheon

The Pantheon is an ancient Roman temple built by Marcus Agrippa during Augustus’s reign and later converted to a Catholic church. The stunning architecture of this cylindrical building with its massive granite portico, Corinthian columns, coffered domes, vestibules, rotunda, will make you gasp in disbelief! 

In fact, it is still the world’s largest, unreinforced concrete domes. With so much to explore, the Pantheon might take up a whole day to capture through your eyes and lenses! 

St. Peter’s Basilica

A trip to Rome is incomplete without a visit to the world’s smallest country: The Vatican City. Located in the Vatican is The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter or The Saint Peter’s Basilica. This renaissance-style church was designed by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It is the epitome of Renaissance architecture and is the biggest church in the world. With jaw-dropping frescos, painting, and designs, this church’s insides will surely leave you stunned.

Saint Peter was the chief of Jesus’s apostles and was the first Bishop of Rome. His tomb supposedly lies below the basilica’s high altar, and the church itself is considered one of the greatest in Christendom.

Final Words

Rome is filled with beautiful historical sights and will leave you fascinated with everything it has to offer. Of the noteworthy honorable mentions are Vatican Museums, Trevi Fountain, Sistine Chapel, Palatine Hill, Baths of Caracalla, and others. 

So make your list, keep your bags packed and head to Rome once the world is pandemic-free and ready to be explored!