Rome

Rome Essentials

Rome's historical core centers on ancient landmarks like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, once the political heart of the empire. The Pantheon showcases the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome, while the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps represent the city's peak Baroque grandeur. Religious heritage is anchored by the papal basilicas of Saint Mary Major and Saint John Lateran. Art collections range from the Borghese Gallery’s masterpieces to the Capitoline Museums' classical sculptures. From the chariot-racing track of Circus Maximus to the detailed reliefs of Trajan’s Column, these sites define Rome’s architectural and cultural evolution.

Editor's Choice

Rome’s architectural and cultural evolution is captured in this selection of seven landmarks. Highlights include the Pantheon, home to the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome, and the ancient Appian Way, the city’s most significant military road. Explore the ruins of the Circus Maximus, once a massive chariot-racing stadium, or the historic Protestant Cemetery where poets Keats and Shelley are buried. For modern local culture, sample diverse tiramisu flavors at Pompi or participate in interactive history at the city's dedicated Gladiator School.

Hidden Gems of Rome

Beyond the Colosseum, Rome hides a wealth of architectural and historical anomalies. This collection spans from the 1st-century BC Egyptian-style Pyramid of Cestius and the Republican-era temples of Largo di Torre Argentina to the industrial-age Centrale Montemartini, where classical sculptures sit among decommissioned power plant machinery. Explore the Baroque optical illusions of St Ignatius Church, the ancient mound of broken amphorae at Monte Testaccio, and the modern white sails of Richard Meier’s Jubilee Church.

Ancient Roman Ruins

This collection spans the archaeological highlights of Rome, from the iconic Colosseum and Roman Forum to the expansive ruins of Hadrian’s Villa and the ancient port of Ostia Antica. The list features monumental structures like the Pantheon, known for its massive unreinforced concrete dome, and the Domus Aurea, Nero's lavish golden palace. It covers diverse sites including the Circus Maximus chariot-racing stadium, the thermal complexes of the Baths of Caracalla, and the early Christian burial chambers of the Catacombs of Saint Calixt, showcasing centuries of Roman engineering and imperial history.

Historic Churches & Temples

Rome’s spiritual landscape spans two millennia, from the Pantheon’s ancient concrete dome to the Baroque intensity of Borromini’s Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza. This collection highlights the city’s major papal basilicas, including the cathedral of Saint John Lateran and the Marian mosaics of Saint Mary Major. Visitors can explore the artistic evolution of the Renaissance at Santa Maria del Popolo, view Michelangelo’s Moses at Saint Peter in Chains, or descend into the layered history of the Basilica of St. Clement, where medieval structures sit atop ancient Roman ruins and early Christian temples.

Top Museums & UNESCO Sites

Rome’s historical depth is showcased through this selection of world-renowned museums and UNESCO World Heritage sites. The collection spans ancient landmarks like the Colosseum and Pantheon to the Baroque masterpieces housed within the Borghese Gallery and Palazzo Barberini. Highlights include the classical antiquities of the Capitoline Museums, the industrial setting of Centrale Montemartini, and the expansive archaeological ruins of Hadrian's Villa and Ostia Antica. Modern artistic movements are represented at MAXXI and the National Gallery of Modern Art, while major papal basilicas anchor the city's religious heritage.

Rome's Parks & Fountains

Rome’s urban landscape is defined by grand Baroque engineering and expansive historic estates. This collection spans from the theatrical Trevi Fountain and Bernini’s masterpieces in Piazza Navona to the serene heights of the Janiculum Hill and the Orange Garden. It features ancient archaeological sites like the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus alongside the manicured grounds of Villa Borghese and the Orto Botanico. These landmarks showcase centuries of artistic heritage, including Renaissance sculptures, monumental aqueducts, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the city’s historic center.

Authentic Roman Dining

Explore Rome's culinary heritage through its most iconic institutions. This selection includes the historic Caffé Greco, serving coffee on Via dei Condotti since 1760, and Pompi, renowned for its diverse tiramisu flavors. In Testaccio, visit Flavio al Velavevodetto, built into an ancient mound of Roman pottery shards, or try the original trapizzino pizza pockets. From the traditional pasta of Trastevere’s Da Enzo al 29 to the classic cacio e pepe at da Felice, these locations offer authentic regional specialties including wood-fired pizza and Roman stews.

Bridges and Squares of Rome

This collection highlights the architectural evolution of Rome, from the ancient Roman engineering of the Pantheon and the Arch of Constantine to the theatrical Baroque designs of the Trevi Fountain and Navona Square. It features iconic pedestrian crossings like the Renaissance-era Sisto Bridge and the sculpture-lined St. Angelo Bridge. Visitors can explore grand monumental spaces, including the neoclassical Republic Square and the historic Spanish Steps, alongside hidden artistic treasures like the Turtle Fountain and the illusionistic frescoes within St. Ignatius Church.

Historic Theatres & Cinemas

Rome's performance history spans over two millennia, from the 1st-century BC Theatre of Marcellus and the chariot-racing track of Circus Maximus to contemporary stages. This collection includes significant archaeological sites like the Roman Republican temples of Largo di Torre Argentina and the well-preserved theatre at Ostia Antica. Modern venues are represented by the long-standing Teatro Olimpico and Teatro Parioli, alongside local cinematic hubs like the Stardust Village and EUR Cine.

Rome Nightlife

Rome's nightlife spans from the historic center to the modern EUR district. This selection features the Hard Rock Cafe on Via Veneto, known for its American menu and music memorabilia, and Akab Club in the industrial Testaccio neighborhood. For electronic music enthusiasts, Room 26 in the EUR area offers advanced sound technology across two distinct rooms. The list also includes local venues such as the Gordon Bennet pub and Steps nightclub, providing options across the city's diverse residential and commercial quarters.

Shopping and Markets

Rome's retail landscape bridges two millennia, beginning with the Forum of Trajan, often cited as the world's first multi-level shopping complex. Today, the city offers expansive modern malls like Roma Est and Centro Leonardo, alongside the Castel Romano Designer Outlet for high-end fashion. Local life is best experienced at neighborhood markets such as Mercato dell'Appagliatore and Grottaperfetta, where vendors sell fresh seasonal produce, regional specialties, and household goods in traditional open-air and covered settings.

Sports and Recreation

Rome's athletic landscape features major venues like the Foro Italico complex, home to the Stadio Olimpico and the marble-statue-lined Stadio dei Marmi. The city’s sporting history is preserved in sites like the 1960 Olympic water polo venue, Piscina delle Rose, and the Capannelle Racecourse, which dates back to 1881. For recreation, Cinecittà World offers cinema-themed attractions, while Il Fantastico Mondo del Fantastico occupies a castle setting. The list also includes the PalaLottomatica indoor arena and outdoor accommodation at Camping Village Roma.

Castel Gandolfo

Tivoli

Orvieto