Enjoying great weather for most of the year, Rome is a living and breathing outdoor museum. During the summer it enjoys a sizzling Mediterranean climate with a high of 28 degrees Celsius in July and August. So make sure to slap on some sunscreen! The best months are May/June and just outside of the tourist high-peak season, September/October.
Rome has just about something for everyone, from designer fashion items and delicate art pieces to vast historical landmarks and impressive museums. Besides that, the people are very friendly and molto bello/bella. It definitely makes for a great time, just sitting back at a cafe with a cappuccino, people-watching.
The city is compact with most landmarks within easy walking distance from one another – once you’re heading in the right direction, that is. Traffic is rather horrendous, so driving is not something you’d want to do. Stick to walking or the trains.
So put on your walking shoes, as Penny takes you through her favourite Roman attractions – in no order of importance because you absolutely have to see them all! Whilst they are touristy, these are must-sees and these top attractions can be seen in just 2 days if you’re short for time.
#1 – The Colosseum (Coliseum)
Considered as one of the greatest buildings during the Roman Empire, The Colosseum was originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. During its hey-day, it was used for gladiatorial contests (yes, lions did feature in them!) re-enactments of famous battles and even mock sea battles. It’s easy to see why it continues to receive millions of tourists annually with its sheer size and intricate architectural design.
#2 – The Roman Forum
What used to be the political, religious and commercial centre of ancient Rome for two centuries, the Roman Forum lies between Capitoline Hill and The Colosseum. The Palatine is pretty much located just east of it, so look out for packaged tickets! While much of the Forum was destroyed, with only a few columns and stone blocks as evidence of certain structures, the remaining monuments shows the distinct importance it held with its vast amount of temples, government offices and memorials.
#3 – Trevi Fountain
Referenced in movies such as Frederico Fellini’s La Dolce Vite and the 1953 film Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, this Baroque fountain is one of the most famous in the world. A traditional legend holds that if you were to throw a coin in, with your back to the fountain, you will return to Rome one day and are assured protection by the waters. So of course we threw one in, or a couple actually, just to doubly ensure that. Stunning and dramatic, the sculpture presents Ocean, the god of the sea and representations of the fluctuating moods of the sea, abundance and salubrity.
#4 – The Pantheon
Another landmark commissioned by Marcus Agrippa, the Pantheon was a temple to all the gods of Ancient Rome. The building is circular with Corinthian columns, a concrete dome and an oculus to the sky, which is the only source of light in the interior. Apparently the interior of the dome was meant to symbolise the arched vault of the heavens. The great Raphael’s tomb who died at 37 years of age is located to the left of the central altar. The Pantheon has been used as a church by the Roman Catholic community since the 7th century up till now, with masses still being celebrated there.
#5 – Vatican City
Less than a 15-minute drive from Termini Station in central Rome, will take you to the landlocked sovereign city-state of Vatican City. Christian or not, you can’t help but be overwhelmed by its architecture. Featuring the biggest church in the world, Saint Peter’s Basilica is breathtaking. Its features include the bronze Baladachin, as tall as a ten-storey building, which adorns the papal altar, set over the tomb of the First Apostle, Peter, and the beautiful statue Pieta, which was sculptured by Michelangelo at only twenty-three years of age.
#6 – Vatican Museums
The museum needs a description all on its own because this is a whole different ball-game altogether that needs to be done! The museums houses the widest archaeological collection and the largest amount of masterpieces and documents from over 3700 years of world history in one place. Some of our favourites from the museum include the sculptures, Group of the Laocoon and the Belvedere Torso; but then again you’ll be hardpressed to find something you do not like from amazing paintings and tapestries to the frescoes that embellish the ceilings, the greatest of which being the Sistine Chapel – you’ll realise why Michelangelo was considered the greatest Renaissance painter.
#7 – Piazza di Spagna / The Spanish Steps
One of the most famous touristy destinations in Rome, this Piazza was named after the nearby Embassy of Spain (to the Holy See). At the top of the steps is an obelisk and a church, Trinita dei Monti, founded in 1502 by Louis XII, King of France. It’s not unusual to see a number of people sitting on the steps, which were a gift from the French King Louis XV to Rome enjoying the weather or resting after a hard day of shopping. Great to do some people-watching, you won’t miss this if you’re walking around town.
#8 – Sant Angelo Castle & Bridge
Located near the Vatican, right across the Tiber, is the most spectacular Roman Bridge, Sant Angelo Bridge, which features 10 Bernini designed Angels. The castle, created in 123 A.D. you can understand why it was never conquered due to its numerous defence devices ranging from drawbridges and iron-lined gates and traps. You’ll also get to have a look at the papal apartments used before and have an enchanting view of Rome from the terrace.
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