Top 10 dingen te doen in Rome

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1. Colosseum

The Colosseum is simply the most iconic monument of Rome and one of the best known landmarks in the world, easily compared to the Tour Eiffel in Paris or the Statue of Liberty in New York. The Colosseum used to be a Roman amphitheatre (most probably the largest one) built more than 2000 years ago where countless of gladiatorial spectacles, executions and dramas were performed. Best seen at night when it is lit up.

2. Pantheon

One of the few drawbacks of Roman monuments is that they are in ruins. While some will appreciate this, others may find a bit painful glazing at buildings that are nowadays pale shadows of what they used to be. However, the Pantheon is different: far from being a handful of crumbling bricks, the Pantheon is incredibly well preserved, and its famous concrete dome, built with a central opening is still the world’s largest unreinforced one.

3. Altar of the Fatherland

Although controversial – one medieval Roman neighborhood was demolished due to its construction – the Altar of Fatherland stands as one of the largest monuments in Rome. Dedicated to the Italian unification, this landmark features a museum dedicated to this historic period as well as a Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

4. Trevi Fountain

There is no need to watch Fellini’s most famous movie “La Dolce Vita” to appreciate the beauty of the Trevi Fountain, the largest baroque fountain in the country and made by Travertine stones. Make sure to throw a coin into the fountain, as it is supposed to bring good luck.

5. Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of the main squares in Rome and surely one of the most picturesque ones thanks to its three fountains - one built by Bernini itself -, statues, baroque palaces and street artists. A famous market is held here during Christmas.

6. St Paul Outside the Walls

Located a bit far from the city center but easily reached by metro, St. Paul Outside the Walls is an enormous basilica famous for its columns and decorated ceiling.

7. Galleria Borghese

Galleria Borghese is an art museum, located in Villa Borghese, displaying several sculptures, paintings, frescos and mosaics and including several works by Bernini. Another collection, which was donated by Evan Gorga, displays musical instruments from all over the world, both ancient and modern.

8. Vatican Museums

Vatican Museums make up one of the most important and most visited museum of the world, receiving more than 4 million visitors per year and being more than 500 years old. The museum contains work signed by world famous artists: among the most important names, we can mention Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Caravaggio, de Chirico and Titian.

9. Saint Peter’s Basilica

One of the largest churches in the world (many sources exactly claim it to be the largest one), Saint Peter’s Basilica is a unique building that can be appreciated both by religious and not-religious people because of its striking beauty and majestic design.

10. Roman Forum

To have a stroll in the Roman Forum means to walk in what used to be the main place of Roman public life. Nowadays, these awe-inspiring ruins attract more than 4 million visitors per year.