Unusual Rome: interesting places that few people know about. Walking around the Eternal City: what you can see in Rome Interesting places in Rome that are worth visiting
Rome is the city of seven hills. The southernmost of them - Aventine - is located on one of the banks of the Tiber and houses many attractions. Usually tourists go to the Aventine to look at the ruins of the ancient circus, the Pyramid of Cestius, and admire the temples of San Sabina (5th century), Sant'Allesio (IV century) and others. And few people know that at the top of the hill, on the Square of the Knights of Malta, there is a unique keyhole. Looking into it, you can see three sovereign state entities at once - Italy, the Vatican and the Order of Malta.
Address: Aventino hill
2. Orange Garden on the Aventine
Going to the Aventine just for some “hole” is, of course, stupid. This place is also home to one of the most romantic places in Rome - Savello Park. Although locals rarely use this name, for the Romans it is the Orange Garden on the Aventine.
It was founded in 1932 on the site where the Savelli family fortress once was (hence the name). The remains of this ancient structure can still be found among the trees.
Wonderful orange groves, slender cypress alleys and blooming oleanders create a unique atmosphere of tranquility. In addition, the garden ends with a terrace from which there are beautiful views of the Tiber, Trastevere, Janiculum and the Vatican.
P.S. Inedible oranges are a wild variety.
Address: L'Aventino, Circo Massimo, Viadi Santa Sabina
Orange Garden on the Aventine 3. Bartolucci Store
For many decades now, in the Bartolucci family, the secrets of carpentry have been passed down from generation to generation: from grandfather to father, from father to son. After all, they have a family business on their shoulders – the Bartolucci wood workshop.
Everything in this shop is made of wood: from the Pinocchio cyclist who greets visitors at the entrance, to the women’s jewelry. Toys, frames, boxes, watches, an exact replica of a motorcycle (!) and, of course, all kinds of Log Boy figurines - your eyes widen at the variety of wooden crafts. You definitely won't leave this store without a souvenir.
Address:
Via dei Pastini, 98.
Website:
bartolucci.com
Operating mode: daily from 12:00 to 20:00
4. Via dei Condotti
One of the oldest and most famous Roman streets lies in the center of the Italian capital. In ancient times, it connected the Pincio hill with the Tiber and crossed the Flaminian Way. Her name is Via Dei Condotti.
Since the 18th century, this street began to acquire an aura of brilliance and “glamour” - fashionable shops and studios grew there like mushrooms after rain. Now the street houses boutiques of the world's most prestigious brands - Valentino, Armani, Hermès, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Salvatore Ferragamo. The oldest fashion establishment in Via Dei Condotti is the Bulgari atelier, opened more than a century ago, in 1905.
Other attractions on this street include house number 11, where one of the inventors of radio, Guglielmo Marconi, lived; house number 68 is the residence of the Grand Master of the Order of Malta; as well as the famous Antico Caffe Greco cafe, where Lord Byron himself, Goethe, Liszt and Stendhal drank coffee.
Address:
strada Via dei Condotti, tra Piazza di Spagna e Via del Corso
Vicky: Via dei Condotti
5. Porta Portese Market
If the glitz and prices of Via dei Condotti suddenly make you sick, urgently head to the Trastevere area for one of the largest European flea markets (more than 1,350 stalls).
It starts at the Porta Portese gate (that’s why it’s called that) and stretches along two streets – Via Ippolito Nievo and Via Portuense. It arose in the middle of the last century, after the end of World War II - unemployment and inflation forced people to sell personal belongings in order to somehow feed their families.
What do they sell at Porta Portese today? In short, EVERYONE. Antique books, picture frames, furniture, used clothes, gramophones, telephones, toys, dishes, reproductions of paintings, watches (all types), military patches... If you wish, you can find any product there, including rare ones. Prices, as expected in the market, are not high, and you can always negotiate with traders.
Address: Via Portuense & Ippolito Nievo
Operating mode: every Sunday
The ancient Romans said “Habent sua fata libelli”, which translated means “Books have their own destiny.” This saying means that one should not rashly judge literary works (perhaps descendants will appreciate the “masterpieces” of Daria Dontsova).
As if a silent reminder of this wisdom is the Roman Fountain of Books (also known as the Fountain of Science or the Fountain of Knowledge), created by the sculptor Pietro Lombardi and dedicated to Thomas Aquinas. It consists of two stacks of books with bookmarks and a deer's head between them. This unusual fountain is located not far from the masterpiece of the Roman Baroque, the 17th century Catholic church - Sant Ivo alla Sapienza, which is part of the Roman Borromini University.
Address: Via degli Staderari
7. Square Colosseum
For political reasons, this place is not included in any of the guides to Rome. The World Exhibition Quarter - Esposizione Universale Roma or EUR - was built in the southwest of Rome in 1943-1945 on the orders of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. The occasion was the twentieth anniversary of fascism and the world fair planned for 1942.
One of the symbols of the “fascist era” was the Palace of Italian Civilization (Palazzo della Civilta Italiana), better known as the “Square Colosseum” (Colosseo Quadrato). There really is something similar to an ancient amphitheater: for example, loggias on the façade of the palace, arranged in six rows of nine arches each. As befits a structure of this type, the marble palace is impressive in size - height 68 m, area - 8,400 sq.m.
The World Exhibition in Rome never took place, but the EURO quarter and the “Square Colosseum” still stand. By the way, the latter appeared on movie screens more than once (for example, in “The Last Man on Earth” 1964).
Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 559
Vicky: World Exhibition Quarter
8. Pizzeria “U Buffetto”
What is Italy without pizza? One of the most delicious ones is prepared in Pizzeria Da Baffetto restaurants (there are only two of them in Rome). This is a family business, headed by grandfather Buffetto for half a century. He knows a lot about pizza: the dough should be thin and fluffy, and the filling should be fresh and juicy.
Tourists have a life hack: go to places where locals eat. So, both of them are happy to dine at Buffetto’s. After all, for 20-25 euros you get first-class Italian pizza, piping hot (prepared right in front of visitors), beer and a great mood. The only problem is that getting into this pizzeria is not so easy because of the huge queues.
Addresses:
Via del Governo Vecchio, 114 e Piazza del Teatro di Pompeo, 18 (Baffetto 2)
Website: pizzeriabaffetto.it
9. Museum of 21st Century Art
The National Museum of Art of the 21st Century (MAXXI) is very young (opened in May 2010), but, as expected, ambitious. MAXXI building, occupying 27 thousand sq.m. and affectionately called “pasta” by the Romans, was built according to the design of Zaha Hadid on the site of the Montello barracks. Construction cost 150 million euros, but Rome now has a museum of the future.
Or rather the art and architecture of the future. The MAXXI exhibition halls present photographs, installations, prototypes and models of houses, streets and entire cities in which we will live in a couple of decades. In addition, the museum has a conference room, a library and a workshop. Do you want to imagine the future of your children? Head to Rome's National Museum of 21st Century Art.
Address:
via Guido Reni, 4 A, metro station Flaminio
Website: fondazionemaxxi.it
Operating mode: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday – from 11:00 to 19:00; Thursday, Saturday – from 11:00 to 22:00
Italy is the birthplace of Ferrari. Its headquarters are located in Maranello, and in the capital there is the largest store of the world famous brand. This place will drive car fans crazy: key rings, watches, shoes, clothes, toys and hundreds of other items with Ferrari logos.
Of course, you have to pay for the name. Prices, to put it mildly, are steep: 150 euros for a keychain with a rearing stallion; 300 for branded racing gloves and 1,500 for a sparkling red toy car.
By the way, you can also ride through the streets of Rome in a real Ferrari – the rental service there is very popular.
Address:
Via Tomacelli, 147
Website:
store.ferrari.com
Operating mode: daily from 10:00 to 20:00
Ferrari Store in Rome 11. Cloaca Maxima
The exact date of its construction is unknown for certain (either the 4th or 7th century BC), but it is definitely one of the most ancient and unique such structures. Sewage in Rome began to be actively built under Lucius Tarquinius Prisca, who paid great attention to the infrastructure of the city.
It was during his reign that the construction of the Great Cloaca is most often attributed. To do this, they invited Etruscan craftsmen and dug a canal 800 m long, 3 meters wide and 4 meters high between the Palatine and Capitoline hills. Cloaca Maxima was originally open, then it was covered with wooden decks and then paved with Gabi stone.
To this day, despite its venerable age, the Great Cloaca is in fairly good condition and serves as a storm drain.
Address: exits under the Ponte Rotto and Palatinsky bridges.
Vicky: Cloaca Maxima
12. Panoramic platform Gianicolo
Aventine, Viminal, Capitol, Quirinal, Palatine, Caelium, Esquiline... Stop! Where is Gianicolo? Alas, this peak is not one of the famous seven Roman hills, as it is historically located outside the city walls. And in vain, because there are also many ancient monuments here: the monastery of Sant'Onofrio, the Gianicolo lighthouse, Villa Aurelia and others.
But the main reason why you should visit Gianicolo Hill is the observation deck. It offers a simply crazy view of His Majesty Rome.
Address: Gianicolo, Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi
13. Gelateria Blue Ice
Blu Ice Gelateria is a chain of ice cream parlors. The Romans say, and tourists confirm, that these establishments have the best Italian ice cream. These cafes don’t just sell ice cream – they produce ice cream. Therefore, in Blu Ice, the ice treat is always fresh for every taste - with fruits, nuts, chocolate, puffed rice, coconut...
The prices are quite reasonable - from 150 to 350 rubles. Another definite plus is that the cafe is open at night. So Blu Ice gelateria is a paradise not only for children, but also for adults, among whom, as you know, there are so many sweet tooths.
Addresses:
- Via di S.Prassede, 11/bis;
- Via dei Baullari, 130;
- Viale dei Due Macelli, 29;
- Viale Ottaviano, 7;
- Via S.Agnese in Agone, 20;
- Via Sistina, 122, etc.
Website: blueiceitalia.com
Operating mode: daily from 10:00 to 2:00
Art lovers will not be bored in Rome - the Vatican Museum, Borghese Galleries, Barberini and dozens of other exquisite places. However, lovers of thrills (in this case in the literal sense of the word) also have something to visit in the capital of Italy - the Museo Criminologico awaits them.
This is a former prison building, and now a historical exhibition telling about criminals and the punishments applied to them at different times. Thus, in Ancient Rome, offenders were treated with little ceremony: they were executed, given into slaves, or appointed as a gladiator.
During the Inquisition there were their own methods of justice:
On the left is a torture chair, on the right is a bronze torture chamber for witches In short, you will probably learn more about Good and Evil in this museum than in any art museum.
Address: via Gonfalone, 29
15. Cat Shelter
"Roman cats. Shelter for homeless cats. Visit" - a strange inscription at the entrance to the excavations of the temple complex from the times of the Roman Republic, in Torre Argentina.
However, the fact remains: stray cats live among the remains of ancient temples and dilapidated statues. And on completely legal grounds. When local residents and authorities learned that homeless tailed, mustachioed creatures had taken a fancy to the Argentine ruins, they decided not to drive away the cats, but to organize a shelter for them. Now it has several hundred inhabitants, cared for by volunteers. Every visitor to this unusual cattery can help the animals with “rubles” (in the sense of euros) by purchasing local souvenirs.
Address: Largo di Torre Argentina
16. Enoteca Costantini
Continuing the topic of gastronomic travel, we cannot help but talk about Italian wine. This sunny country has 20 regions and each (!) of them produces its own wine. Its own unique wine, differing in taste, aroma, terroir and production technology.
You can try different types of Italian wines at the Costantini enoteca. This is a real wine treasury, where thousands of bottles of various brands and ages are stored. You can buy wine and take it with you, or taste it on site in a local restaurant.
Address: Piazza Cavour 16
Website: pierocostantini.it
Operating mode: Monday from 16:30 to 20:00; Tuesday-Saturday – from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 16:30 to 20:00
17. Monument to the Pope
In Rome, not far from Termini station, there is a monument to John Paul II. This is a good sculpture - 5.50 m in height, real bronze, silver plating. It would seem that what is special here, where, if not in the capital, can monuments to the Popes be built?
But the residents of the Eternal City rebelled - “we don’t need such a Pope!” The Romans did not like the appearance of the pontiff: a round head like a ball and an almost complete absence of a neck. At the same time, the pose of the monument, as conceived by the author, symbolizes the universal concern of John Paul II for humanity.
Robert De Niro, who once played one of the members of the Sicilian crime family Corleone, once said: “Italy has long since changed. But Rome is Rome."
Indeed, it is difficult for a city with a thousand-year history to change. And for a tourist coming to the capital of Italy, it is not easy to see another, not only historical, Rome. We hope that with our help you will succeed.
Share in the comments any unique Roman places you know that you definitely need to see.
Rome is the city of seven hills. The southernmost of them - Aventine - is located on one of the banks of the Tiber and houses many attractions. Usually tourists go to the Aventine to look at the ruins of the ancient circus, the Pyramid of Cestius, and admire the temples of San Sabina (5th century), Sant'Allesio (IV century) and others. And few people know that at the top of the hill, on the Square of the Knights of Malta, there is a unique keyhole. Looking into it, you can see three sovereign state entities at once - Italy, the Vatican and the Order of Malta.
Address: Aventino hill
2. Orange Garden on the Aventine
Going to the Aventine just for some “hole” is, of course, stupid. This place is also home to one of the most romantic places in Rome - Savello Park. Although locals rarely use this name, for the Romans it is the Orange Garden on the Aventine.
It was founded in 1932 on the site where the Savelli family fortress once was (hence the name). The remains of this ancient structure can still be found among the trees.
Wonderful orange groves, slender cypress alleys and blooming oleanders create a unique atmosphere of tranquility. In addition, the garden ends with a terrace from which there are beautiful views of the Tiber, Trastevere, Janiculum and the Vatican.
P.S. Inedible oranges are a wild variety.
Address: L'Aventino, Circo Massimo, Viadi Santa Sabina
Orange Garden on the Aventine 3. Bartolucci Store
For many decades now, in the Bartolucci family, the secrets of carpentry have been passed down from generation to generation: from grandfather to father, from father to son. After all, they have a family business on their shoulders – the Bartolucci wood workshop.
Everything in this shop is made of wood: from the Pinocchio cyclist who greets visitors at the entrance, to the women’s jewelry. Toys, frames, boxes, watches, an exact replica of a motorcycle (!) and, of course, all kinds of Log Boy figurines - your eyes widen at the variety of wooden crafts. You definitely won't leave this store without a souvenir.
Address:
Via dei Pastini, 98.
Website:
bartolucci.com
Operating mode: daily from 12:00 to 20:00
4. Via dei Condotti
One of the oldest and most famous Roman streets lies in the center of the Italian capital. In ancient times, it connected the Pincio hill with the Tiber and crossed the Flaminian Way. Her name is Via Dei Condotti.
Since the 18th century, this street began to acquire an aura of brilliance and “glamour” - fashionable shops and studios grew there like mushrooms after rain. Now the street houses boutiques of the world's most prestigious brands - Valentino, Armani, Hermès, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Salvatore Ferragamo. The oldest fashion establishment in Via Dei Condotti is the Bulgari atelier, opened more than a century ago, in 1905.
Other attractions on this street include house number 11, where one of the inventors of radio, Guglielmo Marconi, lived; house number 68 is the residence of the Grand Master of the Order of Malta; as well as the famous Antico Caffe Greco cafe, where Lord Byron himself, Goethe, Liszt and Stendhal drank coffee.
Address:
strada Via dei Condotti, tra Piazza di Spagna e Via del Corso
Vicky: Via dei Condotti
5. Porta Portese Market
If the glitz and prices of Via dei Condotti suddenly make you sick, urgently head to the Trastevere area for one of the largest European flea markets (more than 1,350 stalls).
It starts at the Porta Portese gate (that’s why it’s called that) and stretches along two streets – Via Ippolito Nievo and Via Portuense. It arose in the middle of the last century, after the end of World War II - unemployment and inflation forced people to sell personal belongings in order to somehow feed their families.
What do they sell at Porta Portese today? In short, EVERYONE. Antique books, picture frames, furniture, used clothes, gramophones, telephones, toys, dishes, reproductions of paintings, watches (all types), military patches... If you wish, you can find any product there, including rare ones. Prices, as expected in the market, are not high, and you can always negotiate with traders.
Address: Via Portuense & Ippolito Nievo
Operating mode: every Sunday
The ancient Romans said “Habent sua fata libelli”, which translated means “Books have their own destiny.” This saying means that one should not rashly judge literary works (perhaps descendants will appreciate the “masterpieces” of Daria Dontsova).
As if a silent reminder of this wisdom is the Roman Fountain of Books (also known as the Fountain of Science or the Fountain of Knowledge), created by the sculptor Pietro Lombardi and dedicated to Thomas Aquinas. It consists of two stacks of books with bookmarks and a deer's head between them. This unusual fountain is located not far from the masterpiece of the Roman Baroque, the 17th century Catholic church - Sant Ivo alla Sapienza, which is part of the Roman Borromini University.
Address: Via degli Staderari
7. Square Colosseum
For political reasons, this place is not included in any of the guides to Rome. The World Exhibition Quarter - Esposizione Universale Roma or EUR - was built in the southwest of Rome in 1943-1945 on the orders of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. The occasion was the twentieth anniversary of fascism and the world fair planned for 1942.
One of the symbols of the “fascist era” was the Palace of Italian Civilization (Palazzo della Civilta Italiana), better known as the “Square Colosseum” (Colosseo Quadrato). There really is something similar to an ancient amphitheater: for example, loggias on the façade of the palace, arranged in six rows of nine arches each. As befits a structure of this type, the marble palace is impressive in size - height 68 m, area - 8,400 sq.m.
The World Exhibition in Rome never took place, but the EURO quarter and the “Square Colosseum” still stand. By the way, the latter appeared on movie screens more than once (for example, in “The Last Man on Earth” 1964).
Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 559
Vicky: World Exhibition Quarter
8. Pizzeria “U Buffetto”
What is Italy without pizza? One of the most delicious ones is prepared in Pizzeria Da Baffetto restaurants (there are only two of them in Rome). This is a family business, headed by grandfather Buffetto for half a century. He knows a lot about pizza: the dough should be thin and fluffy, and the filling should be fresh and juicy.
Tourists have a life hack: go to places where locals eat. So, both of them are happy to dine at Buffetto’s. After all, for 20-25 euros you get first-class Italian pizza, piping hot (prepared right in front of visitors), beer and a great mood. The only problem is that getting into this pizzeria is not so easy because of the huge queues.
Addresses:
Via del Governo Vecchio, 114 e Piazza del Teatro di Pompeo, 18 (Baffetto 2)
Website: pizzeriabaffetto.it
9. Museum of 21st Century Art
The National Museum of Art of the 21st Century (MAXXI) is very young (opened in May 2010), but, as expected, ambitious. MAXXI building, occupying 27 thousand sq.m. and affectionately called “pasta” by the Romans, was built according to the design of Zaha Hadid on the site of the Montello barracks. Construction cost 150 million euros, but Rome now has a museum of the future.
Or rather the art and architecture of the future. The MAXXI exhibition halls present photographs, installations, prototypes and models of houses, streets and entire cities in which we will live in a couple of decades. In addition, the museum has a conference room, a library and a workshop. Do you want to imagine the future of your children? Head to Rome's National Museum of 21st Century Art.
Address:
via Guido Reni, 4 A, metro station Flaminio
Website: fondazionemaxxi.it
Operating mode: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday – from 11:00 to 19:00; Thursday, Saturday – from 11:00 to 22:00
Italy is the birthplace of Ferrari. Its headquarters are located in Maranello, and in the capital there is the largest store of the world famous brand. This place will drive car fans crazy: key rings, watches, shoes, clothes, toys and hundreds of other items with Ferrari logos.
Of course, you have to pay for the name. Prices, to put it mildly, are steep: 150 euros for a keychain with a rearing stallion; 300 for branded racing gloves and 1,500 for a sparkling red toy car.
By the way, you can also ride through the streets of Rome in a real Ferrari – the rental service there is very popular.
Address:
Via Tomacelli, 147
Website:
store.ferrari.com
Operating mode: daily from 10:00 to 20:00
Ferrari Store in Rome 11. Cloaca Maxima
The exact date of its construction is unknown for certain (either the 4th or 7th century BC), but it is definitely one of the most ancient and unique such structures. Sewage in Rome began to be actively built under Lucius Tarquinius Prisca, who paid great attention to the infrastructure of the city.
It was during his reign that the construction of the Great Cloaca is most often attributed. To do this, they invited Etruscan craftsmen and dug a canal 800 m long, 3 meters wide and 4 meters high between the Palatine and Capitoline hills. Cloaca Maxima was originally open, then it was covered with wooden decks and then paved with Gabi stone.
To this day, despite its venerable age, the Great Cloaca is in fairly good condition and serves as a storm drain.
Address: exits under the Ponte Rotto and Palatinsky bridges.
Vicky: Cloaca Maxima
12. Panoramic platform Gianicolo
Aventine, Viminal, Capitol, Quirinal, Palatine, Caelium, Esquiline... Stop! Where is Gianicolo? Alas, this peak is not one of the famous seven Roman hills, as it is historically located outside the city walls. And in vain, because there are also many ancient monuments here: the monastery of Sant'Onofrio, the Gianicolo lighthouse, Villa Aurelia and others.
But the main reason why you should visit Gianicolo Hill is the observation deck. It offers a simply crazy view of His Majesty Rome.
Address: Gianicolo, Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi
13. Gelateria Blue Ice
Blu Ice Gelateria is a chain of ice cream parlors. The Romans say, and tourists confirm, that these establishments have the best Italian ice cream. These cafes don’t just sell ice cream – they produce ice cream. Therefore, in Blu Ice, the ice treat is always fresh for every taste - with fruits, nuts, chocolate, puffed rice, coconut...
The prices are quite reasonable - from 150 to 350 rubles. Another definite plus is that the cafe is open at night. So Blu Ice gelateria is a paradise not only for children, but also for adults, among whom, as you know, there are so many sweet tooths.
Addresses:
- Via di S.Prassede, 11/bis;
- Via dei Baullari, 130;
- Viale dei Due Macelli, 29;
- Viale Ottaviano, 7;
- Via S.Agnese in Agone, 20;
- Via Sistina, 122, etc.
Website: blueiceitalia.com
Operating mode: daily from 10:00 to 2:00
Art lovers will not be bored in Rome - the Vatican Museum, Borghese Galleries, Barberini and dozens of other exquisite places. However, lovers of thrills (in this case in the literal sense of the word) also have something to visit in the capital of Italy - the Museo Criminologico awaits them.
This is a former prison building, and now a historical exhibition telling about criminals and the punishments applied to them at different times. Thus, in Ancient Rome, offenders were treated with little ceremony: they were executed, given into slaves, or appointed as a gladiator.
During the Inquisition there were their own methods of justice:
On the left is a torture chair, on the right is a bronze torture chamber for witches In short, you will probably learn more about Good and Evil in this museum than in any art museum.
Address: via Gonfalone, 29
15. Cat Shelter
"Roman cats. Shelter for homeless cats. Visit" - a strange inscription at the entrance to the excavations of the temple complex from the times of the Roman Republic, in Torre Argentina.
However, the fact remains: stray cats live among the remains of ancient temples and dilapidated statues. And on completely legal grounds. When local residents and authorities learned that homeless tailed, mustachioed creatures had taken a fancy to the Argentine ruins, they decided not to drive away the cats, but to organize a shelter for them. Now it has several hundred inhabitants, cared for by volunteers. Every visitor to this unusual cattery can help the animals with “rubles” (in the sense of euros) by purchasing local souvenirs.
Address: Largo di Torre Argentina
16. Enoteca Costantini
Continuing the topic of gastronomic travel, we cannot help but talk about Italian wine. This sunny country has 20 regions and each (!) of them produces its own wine. Its own unique wine, differing in taste, aroma, terroir and production technology.
You can try different types of Italian wines at the Costantini enoteca. This is a real wine treasury, where thousands of bottles of various brands and ages are stored. You can buy wine and take it with you, or taste it on site in a local restaurant.
Address: Piazza Cavour 16
Website: pierocostantini.it
Operating mode: Monday from 16:30 to 20:00; Tuesday-Saturday – from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 16:30 to 20:00
17. Monument to the Pope
In Rome, not far from Termini station, there is a monument to John Paul II. This is a good sculpture - 5.50 m in height, real bronze, silver plating. It would seem that what is special here, where, if not in the capital, can monuments to the Popes be built?
But the residents of the Eternal City rebelled - “we don’t need such a Pope!” The Romans did not like the appearance of the pontiff: a round head like a ball and an almost complete absence of a neck. At the same time, the pose of the monument, as conceived by the author, symbolizes the universal concern of John Paul II for humanity.
Robert De Niro, who once played one of the members of the Sicilian crime family Corleone, once said: “Italy has long since changed. But Rome is Rome."
Indeed, it is difficult for a city with a thousand-year history to change. And for a tourist coming to the capital of Italy, it is not easy to see another, not only historical, Rome. We hope that with our help you will succeed.
Share in the comments any unique Roman places you know that you definitely need to see.
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Rome attractions - 10 best places to visit
No matter how you try, you will not be able to grasp the immensity. There are so many interesting things to do in Rome, but time is always short. The only thing that can be advised to do in such a situation is not to rush and determine for yourself. Choose the most interesting sights of Rome that you have long dreamed of seeing and enjoy the beauty of this city. I would like to present to you 10 attractions of Rome, as an option for reflection.
Sights of Rome - Vatican
Sights of Rome - Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona
The most famous square in Rome, it is also called the “heart of Rome”. There are two churches in this square, one of which is the Church of St. Agnes, 1652. And the second church of Santa Maria del Sacro Cuore is the titular church, located opposite the Palazzo Pamphilj, which was built in the 12th century. There are also three fountains in the square: the Fountain of the Moor, in the southern part of the square; Neptune Fountain, in the northern part of the square; Fountain of the Four Rivers, in the center of the square. The Fountain of the Four Rivers, a work by Bernini, is an Egyptian obelisk surrounded by statues symbolizing the main rivers of the world: the Danube, Nile, Ganges and La Plata. The square has several palaces: Palazzo Braschi, built in 1792; Palazzo Pamphili, built in 1650; Palazzo Torres Lancellotti, built in 1552; Palazzo de Culis, built between 1450 and 1520. There are also two museums here - the ruins of an ancient stadium and the Museum of Rome, dedicated to the medieval and modern life of Rome, which is located in the Palazzo Braschi.
Sights of Rome - Spanish Steps
Spanish steps
This is a grandiose Baroque staircase, which consists of 138 degrees. The stairs start from Piazza di Spagna and lead to the top of the Pincio hill to the church of Trinita dei Monti. This staircase was built by the little-known architect Francesco de Sanctis between 1723 and 1725, and is officially called Scalinata di Trinit? dei Monti, which literally means “stairs to Trinita dei Monti,” although people simply called it the Spanish Steps, and it has nothing to do with Spain. At the foot of the stairs is the Spanish Square with a fountain in the shape of a Barcaccia boat.
Sights of Rome - Roman Forum
Roman forum
Perhaps I should write a whole post about this place, maybe later I will do that. And in this, I will tell you very briefly. The Roman Forum is the center of Ancient Rome, a square with adjacent buildings. The square contains: the Temple of Saturn - one of the oldest temples in Rome, the Temple of the Dioscuri, the Temple of Vesta, the Temple of Venus and Roma, the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, the Temple of Caesar, the Temple of Vespasian, the Temple of Concordia, the Sanctuary of Venus - Cloacina. Arches: Arch of Titus, Arch of Septimius Severus and Arch of Tiberius. Basilicas: Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine - the largest building of the Roman Forum, Basilica Julia, Basilica Emilia. As well as other buildings: “Navel of the City”, Regia, Rostra, Curia Julia, Tabularium, “Golden Milestone”, Lapis Niger, House of the Vestals, Main Road of the Roman Forum, Column of Phocas, Mamertine Prison, Vulcanal, Lake Curtia, Source of Juturna , Warehouses of Agrippa. The forum also had buildings that have not survived to this day: the Temple of Janus, the Temple of Jupiter Stator, the Comitium, Acre Augustus, the Basilica of Porcia, the Basilica of Sempronia, the Equestrian Statue of Domitian and spice warehouses.
Sights of Rome - Capitol
Capitol
The Capitoline Hill is one of the seven hills on which the city of Rome arose. Here is the Capitoline Temple, which is also called the Capitol, where meetings of the Senate and public assemblies took place. The Capitoline Hill is the smallest of all seven hills, located near the southern bank of the Tiber River, and reaches 46 meters above sea level. At the top of the hill stands the church of Santa Maria in Araceli, which can be reached by climbing the stairs from 122 degrees. At the base of this staircase are the ruins of a Roman insula. From the side exit of the church you can get directly to Capitol Square. The rise to the Capitol Square is crowned or guarded, as it were, by two statues of Castor and Pollux. The entire Capitoline Square was designed by the famous Michelangelo.
Sights of Rome - Vittoriano
Vittoriano
This is a grandiose monument built in honor of the first king of a united Italy, Victor Immanuel II. It is located on Venetian Square on the slope of Capitol Hill. This is perhaps one of the most amazing attractions in Rome. A wide, luxurious staircase leads directly to the Altar of the Fatherland and the Unknown Soldier, where the ashes of the unknown soldier who gave his life for the Motherland in the Great War of 1915 - 1918 are buried. There is always a guard of honor at this place. There is a statue of Rome in a niche above the chapel, a bas-relief by Gianelli to the left and right, and fountains on both sides of the main staircase.
Pantheon
This is a temple dedicated to all the gods on Earth, a monument of centric-domed architecture from the dawn of the Roman Empire, built in the 2nd century. Latin inscription on the front of the building “M. AGRIPPA L F COS TERTIUM FECIT" literally translates as "Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, elected consul for the third time, erected this." In general, the Pantheon is the greatest engineering achievement of the ancient world. This architectural creation is located in Piazza della Rotonda. This brick and concrete building is covered with a hemispherical dome with a diameter of 43 meters. This dome consists of circles that are easy to calculate, and with the walls it forms a single shell, which forms the internal space. One of the features of the Pantheon is a hole in the roof through which an obvious pillar of light penetrates at midday, oriented to the south. The light does not spread, but remains in the form of a beam that you can almost touch.
Sights of Rome - Colosseum
The Flavian Amphitheater is one of the largest arenas of Ancient Rome, an architectural monument. This structure was built over almost eight years between 72 and 80 and is considered a collective structure of the emperors of the Flavian dynasty. located in a hollow between the Palatine, Caelian and Exvilian hills, on the site where there once was a pond that belonged to the Golden House of Nero. Today it is considered a symbol of Rome and one of the most popular tourist sites in the world. And in 2007 it was included in the list of the Seven New Wonders of the World.
Sights of Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo
Castle Sant'Angelo
Castel Sant'Angelo is another architectural monument of Rome. It was first a tomb, then a castle, then a residence of popes and a repository of their valuables and at the same time a prison, and now it is an architectural monument and a museum. This structure, which stood for almost two thousand years, was rebuilt several times. Therefore, here you can find traces of different eras. The castle has a spiral gallery, papal apartments, courtyard of the Angel, Hall of Justice, courtyard of Alexander VI, hall of Clement VII and VIII, loggias of Paul III and IV, as well as a library, hall of Treasures and the Secret Archive. From the terrace of the castle there is a magnificent view of Rome.
Sights of Rome - Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain
The largest fountain in Rome, its dimensions are almost 26 meters high and almost 20 meters wide. The fountain was made in the Baroque style between 1732 and 1762, by the architect Salvi. The Trevi Fountain is adjacent to the Palazzo Poli. This majestic facade of the palace and the fountain are perceived as a single whole, so the entire structure seems even grander. Many people believe that if you throw one coin into the fountain, you will definitely return to Rome, two coins, you will definitely meet your love, but if three coins, there will be a wedding. Every year, public utilities “catch fish” at a cost of up to 700,000 euros. Be sure to visit the Trevi Font to throw a coin, then you will definitely return to this “Eternal” city.
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Rome is full of attractions. But in addition to well-known buildings, picturesque ancient ruins, exquisite baroque palaces and legendary basilicas, famous fountains and squares, Rome also has little-known attractions and unusual places that are interesting, among other things, because not everyone knows about them. If you have already completed the “obligatory” program and seen, allow yourself to veer away from the routes trodden by tourists and look into the small streets and secret places of the Eternal City, see a different, unusual Rome. So, what is unusual to see in Rome, where are unusual sights hidden, and what is interesting about them?
“Talking statues” of Rome: can stones talk?
Sculpture lovers will find many magnificent statues in Rome, created by the hands of the great masters of the Renaissance and Baroque. But among the Roman statues there are also those that are not particularly beautiful and beautiful in appearance, but, nevertheless, attract special attention from informed travelers. The fact is that these statues are “talking”. Yes, yes, there are six “talking” statues in Rome! And although at first glance they are silent, as befits pieces of stone, but, looking into history, we learn that in past eras these statues expressed the “voice of the people.” Back in the 16th century, posters with caustic satirical notes and criticism of the authorities began to be attached to their pedestals. The most famous of these statues is Pasquino, located near Piazza Navona. From her the word “libel” arose. The remaining talking statues are Marforio in the courtyard of the New Palace, Fachino in the wall of the Roman Bank (Palazzo Carolis), Madame Lucrezia in Piazza San Marco, Abbot Luigi in Piazza Vidoni, and the statue of Babuino on the street of the same name.
We'll see many of these statues on our Travelry Rome tours. The statue of Pasquino is on the tour "" . The statue of Babuino is in the walk “”, and the sculptures of Madame Lucrezia and Facchino are in the free “ ».
Basilica of San Clemente: a journey into the depths of eras
By Luca Aless, via Wikimedia Commons
Michelangelo's masterpiece and the chains of St. Peter
Another interesting Roman church is San Pietro in Vincoli, or St. Peter “in chains.” This name of the temple is due to the fact that it was built in the middle of the 5th century specifically to store the shrine - the iron chains with which the Apostle Peter was shackled when he was kept in custody for preaching about Christ. The chains are kept in a special ark under the central altar. This shrine still attracts pilgrims to this day. But art lovers also flock to the church, knowing that one of Michelangelo’s sculptural masterpieces, the sculpture of Moses, is kept here. To view the creation of the Renaissance master, you don’t have to visit museums or crowd among a huge stream of tourists! You just need to know the places! ;)
Address: Piazza S. Pietro in Vincoli, 4a.
Visit the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli with an audio tour and listen to an interesting story from an audio guide about the work of Michelangelo and other treasures of this temple.
Crossroads of the Four Fountains: two rivers, two goddesses and three ancient obelisks
Rome is famous for its magnificent fountains. Many of them were built in the Renaissance and Baroque eras. And not just to decorate the city. They had a very practical purpose - the fountains were part of the city water supply system and provided residents with drinking water. Probably, at the intersection of the Four Fountains it was the fastest place to get water - after all, here, judging by the name, there were four water sources at once. These fountains represent the two major rivers of Italy (the Tiber in Rome and the Arno in Florence) and two goddesses of ancient Roman mythology (the immaculate Diana and the strong Juno). But this is not the only interesting thing about the intersection. According to the idea of Pope Sixtus V, who initiated the construction, from the intersection there is a view of three Roman obelisks at once: at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, at the Church of Santissima Trinita dei Monti, which is in Piazza di Spagna, and the obelisk at Quirinal Square.
There is another interesting place in Rome, which organically combines ancient history and modernity. Excavations of ancient structures are underway in Torre Argentina. Remains of pagan temples and public buildings have been discovered in this archaeological zone. But when the excavations began, these ruins were chosen by stray cats. At first they were fed spontaneously. In the 1950s, in particular, the famous actress Anna Magnani did this. And subsequently, these ancient ruins officially became a shelter where about 200 cats live. So, when viewing the remains of ancient structures, try not to disturb the mustachioed and tailed owners of this place too much!
How to see all the most important things in the capital of Italy and at the same time have time to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the eternal city in 3 days? This article contains detailed routes, ticket prices and opening hours of attractions. If you are traveling to Rome for 1 day or 2 days, then simply choose the appropriate route: the ancient city, the central part or the Vatican. Prepare for your trip in advance and find out what to see in Rome in 3 days.
Ticket prices and visiting hours for museums and attractions are presented for 2019.
1 day in Rome
Start your walk around the city from the main thing and see the Colosseum in Rome. This is the most iconic Roman landmark, without visiting which it is impossible to imagine the capital of Italy.
It is better to combine the three most important sites of ancient Roman civilization, including the Palatine and the Roman Forum, in one walk, especially since you can buy a single ticket to visit them, and they are located not far from each other.
The easiest way to get to Colosseo Square is by metro. You need to get off at the station of the same name. When you go up, you will immediately see a huge (by ancient Roman standards) arena with many arches - this is the famous Colosseum. Examine it from the outside, go inside. This structure was truly the largest in the history of the ancient world.
The amphitheater is open from April to September daily from 9.00 to 19.00, from March to April - from 9.00 to 17.00, from January to March - from 9.00 to 16.00, from October to January - from 9.00 to 15.00.
Next to the Colosseum is the ancient Palatine Hill, in the vastness of which there are ancient temples, buildings and structures. Some of them are perfectly preserved, while others only have columns left.
It was from this hill that the history of the eternal city began, so visiting it is a must to get acquainted with the history of Rome.
Palatine opening hours: from 8.30 to 17.00 daily, and from March to September until 19.00.
Roman forum
Another center of ancient Roman civilization is the Roman Forum (Forum Romanum). It is here that the main buildings of the ancient city are concentrated, which over time turned into delightful ruins. However, according to the outlines of many of them, the architecture of the ancient city is easily reproduced in the imagination. Having climbed to the top of the slope, take in the entire area at one glance and take a photo as a souvenir.
Visiting hours: from 8.30 to 17.00 daily, and from March to September until 19.00.
Tickets
Don't be put off by having to stand in a long line. Buy a single ticket at the Palatine Hill ticket office, located on Via di San Gregorio, number 30, or Piazza Santa Maria Nova, number 53 (only 200 m from the Colosseum), or at Forum box office. This ticket is valid for 24 hours and gives you skip-the-line access to all three attractions. It costs 12 Euros per adult and is free for children under 18 years of age.
Most likely, visiting these large-scale historical sites will take you the first half of the day. To gain strength, you can have lunch at an authentic restaurant not far from the Forum and go past the Altar of the Fatherland for a walk to Piazza Venezia, and from there to the Capitoline Hill.
Venice Square (Piazza Venezia) is famous for the palace of the same name, from the balcony of which Mussolini spoke to citizens. Currently, it houses the National Museum of Palazzo Venezia, as well as the Cere Wax Museum. Opening hours: daily, except Mondays, from 8.30 to 19.30. The ticket costs 5 Euro.
On the way to Piazza Venice there is the Altar of the Fatherland (Altare della Patria) or Vittoriano (Il Vittoriano). This is a memorial erected by the architect G. Saconni for the anniversary of the unification of Italy. It was first opened in 1911, its construction took 26 years.
In the center of the memorial stands a monument to Victor Emmanuel II, made of bronze. The Altar can be reached via a wide staircase.
By taking the elevator for 7 Euros to the observation deck, you can admire the wonderful view of the city.
Capitol Hill and museums
Further along the route – (Monte Capitolino). The main attractions in this place are Michelangelo's staircase, which is decorated with sculptures of lions brought from the Egyptian temple of the goddess Isis, as well as majestic statues from the Theater of Pompeii. In the central part of the square there is a statue of Marcus Aurelius.
Here you can visit three palaces with Capitoline museums and see the original sculpture of the She-Wolf feeding Remus and Romulus, a symbol of the famous legend about the origin of Rome.
Don’t be confused by the similar sculpture at the entrance to the museum, because it is only a copy. Museum opening hours: daily from 9.30 to 19.30, ticket price – 16 Euro. Among them there are museums that can be visited for free.
2 day in Rome
On the second day, you can stroll through the main squares of the city with majestic palaces, luxurious fountains and ancient churches. And, of course, look into the Pantheon in Rome.
Start your walk from Piazza del Popolo. You can get here by metro - you need to get off at the station of the same name. Pause for a moment in this delightful square and admire the Egyptian obelisk and three fountains: Neptune, the Goddess of Rome and the central fountain. The Church of Santa Maria del Popolo is also located here.
Along the way, turn slightly left to see the famous Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Spagna), dotted with flowers in the summer and tourists enjoying the sunny weather. At the top rises the temple of Trinità dei Monti (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti).
There is always a festive atmosphere in Piazza di Spagna, especially during the Haute Couture days that take place here every summer.
