Must See Rome Sights and Tourist Attractions
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The Colosseum
Built in eight years from AD 72 to AD 80 the Colosseum is the definitive symbol of Rome for many. This huge amphitheatre held up to 50,000 spectators to watch the Roman gladiators fight. On Sundays the Via dei Fori Imperiali leading to the Colosseum is closed to traffic so you can stroll amongst the souvenir vendors like a real tourist. Ticket lines can be long but you can purchase online or use it as one of your two free admission sites with a Roma Pass (see below). Admission €9 plus €2 for exhibitions.
The Trevi Fountain
One of Rome’s most famous sites although on a first visit it must be said that it looks surprisingly cramped, squashed into the small corner of its piazza. This 18th century fountain draws crowds of tourists, most of them busy throwing coins over their left shoulder into the water to ensure their return.
The Spanish Steps
A good place to sit and people watch, this beautiful set of steps (c1725) leads up from the Piazza di Spagna to the church of Trinita dei Monti providing a lovely vantage point with views of rooftops and city monuments. The Steps are a meeting point for locals and tourists alike and are often crowded with people sitting and relaxing – although don’t relax too much as the area is also renowned for pickpockets. To the right is the pink house where John Keats lived and died of tuberculosis at the tender age of 25. This is now the Shelley Keats Memorial House which has some interesting exhibits including Keats death mask. It is also possible to visit his grave in the non-Catholic cemetery which is a bus or taxi ride away.
The Pantheon
This is one of the most complete pieces of Roman architecture surviving. Originally built in 27BC and rebuilt in the second century AD by Emperor Hadrian it is a domed temple that was made into a Church in the 7th Century. Its most impressive feature is the thirty foot opening or oculus in the dome which lets in the light and occasionally rain and snow. Admission is free and the cafes in the piazza outside offer a pleasant if slightly expensive opportunity to sit and admire this impressive piece of architecture.
The Capitoline Hill and Museum
One of the seven hills of Rome, Capitoline Hill was probably the site of the first settlement of the City. Mythology indicates that the cave where Romulus and Remus were supposed to have been raised by the wolf is located on the western side. The Museum or rather Museums, for there are two of them (www.museicapitolini.org) date from the 15th century. The Pallazo Nuovo houses Greek and Roman Sculptures. The Pallazza dei Conservatori has paintings, sculptures and frescoes. One ticket allows admission to both, admission €6.50.
The Forum
This complex of ruins was once the legal, economic and social centre of Rome. From here the ancient Romans controlled much of the known world. You can get a good view by walking up the Capitoline Hill behind the museums. Admission is free.
NB: The Roma Pass
A three-day pass costing around €20 which gives free access to the first two sites or museums visited with reductions on the rest and unlimited transportation on the metro and buses. The pass can be obtained from Tourist Information Centres, museums and archaeological sites, travel agents and hotels.
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