The city of Rome is well situated in the heart of the Italian peninsula with great transportation options for everyone trying the visit the city from different parts of the country or abroad. This city is the political, religious, and cultural capital of the country offering numerous events of national and international importance throughout the year.
This influential city is home to the Catholic Church and the government of Italy. The city is located near the banks of river Tiber and is the most populous city in this country. There are plenty of reasons for tourists to travel to Rome. Once the most powerful empire in the world, Rome has inherited the memories of ancient times through architectural marvels like the Colosseum.
Some of the most exciting events that tourists can look forward to are Museum shows, Crafts fair, Literature festival, Opera Season, Tennis Masters, and similar kinds of events. The city has a rich heritage and culture that brings forward brilliant artistic patrimony reflections of the glorious past of this city. Rome was home to the great renaissance artists such as Raphael, Michelangelo and others from that bygone era. Check out these travel tips for Rome.
WHEN TO VISIT
The best to visit this wonderful city is during April to June and September to November. This is the traditional tourist season for Rome. During this period millions of travelers flock to this beautiful city.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Colosseum - Once the famous battleground of Gladiators, Colosseum is a amphitheater that reflects the best of Roman engineering. This is the reason why Colosseum is among the 7 ancient wonders of the world. The bloody history of Colosseum gives a glimpse of glory days of the Rome. No wonder why Colosseum is the most visited tourist attraction of Rome. In the recent years, City officials have started to offer tours inside the Colosseum to the tourists. These tours run through the summer. Don't forget to miss the tours. Here is the list of best hotels near the Colosseum, compiled by our author.
The Pantheon - Another marvel of Roman architecture is The Pantheon, a large temple dedicated to all pagan gods. The temple was built by the Emperor Hadrian in 118 AD. The most famous aspect of the Pantheon is the immense dome that remained the largest in the world for centuries. The building has managed to survive for more than 1800 years. In 609 Pantheon was turned into a Church. Today it contains tomb of several Roman emperors.
Roman Forum - The site may have turned into ruins today but in ancient time, Roman Forum was the center of power. Once it was the seat of most powerful government in the world. The Senate used to assemble at the Roman Forum and take decisions related to the Roman Empire. Even though today this site has turned into ruins, it still manages to attract tourists. The place has ruins of several important government buildings. Take a guided tour for detailed information about the place.
Palatine Hill - Located next to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill is the ruins of once the home of wealthiest people in Rome.
Fontana di Trevi - Trevi Fountain is the biggest and most beautiful fountain in Rome. The 26 meters high and 20 meters wide fountain is among the most popular among the tourists in the world. Located on the backdrop of Palazzo Poli, Trevi Fountain contains a statue of Neptune, the god of sea, riding a chariot driven by two sea horses. According to a legend, if tourists throws a coin into the fountain, they are ensured to return to Rome.
St Peter's Basilica - Known as the finest church in the world, St Peter's Basilica is the home of Christians spiritual leader, The Pope. The church is built on the Vatican Hill where Saint Peter was buried. St Peter's Basilica is a impressive work of architecture and today stands as the largest church in the world. You can visit the Basilica’s dome, which is the largest in the world by paying small entrance fee. You can see the wonderful view of Saint Peter's Square and the city of Rome from the dome. In order to gain access, strict dress code needs to be followed.
Circus Maximus - The site of famous Chariot races, Circus Maximus once was the biggest stadium in Rome that could accommodate one fourth of city's population. Today only layout of the original building has remained.
Pyramid of Caius Cestius - Yes there are pyramids outside Egypt, The Pyramid of Caius Cestius is 36 meters high and 29 meters wide. Today it is one of the best preserved ancient monuments in Rome. Unfortunately tourists are not given access to the interior of the building.
Arch of Titus - The Arch was built by the brother of Titus, Emperor Domitian to honor his brother and the victory over Jews and capture of Jerusalem where Titus played very important role. The 15 meter high arch stands at the Roman Forum.
Arch of Constantine - This arch keeps the tradition of celebrating victories. The Arch of Constantine was built to commemorate Constantine I victory over Maxentius.
Trajan's Column - The column commemorates the victory of Roman emperor Trajan in the Dacian Wars. The design of Trajan's Column inspired several other victory columns in the medieval times.
Villa Borghese - Villa Borghese is a very beautiful park spreading in the area of 148 acres. Villa Borghese is a nice place for family picnics and to have some quite time away from the noise of Rome. The garden has several villas that once belonged to famous people like Pope Julius III and culptor Pietro Canonica.
Ponte Sant'Angelo - Also known as the Bridge of Angels is one of the most beautiful bridges in the world that stands at the Tiber river. Once this bridge was used by the pilgrims to reach Saint Peter's Basicilia. Today it offers great views of Castel Sant'Angelo.
Castel Sant'Angelo - Popularly known as Mausoleum of Hadrian, is a cylindrical building built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a Mausoleum. Later it was used by the Popes as the residence. Today this building has been converted into a museum. The Bridge of Angles provides the best view of the castle.
Basilica of Saint Clement - The Basilica is dedicated to the Pope Clement I. Its a nice small cathedral worth a visit. You can hear the sound of underground river that flows beneath the Rome at the Basilica of Saint Clement.
San Giovanni in Laterano - Constantine I donated this place to built a church. The earliest structure was badly destroyed by the wars and earthquake. It was in year 1646 when Pope Innocent X asked Francesco Borromini to rebuild the basilica.
HOTELS IN ROME
There are hundreds of hotels, hostels, B&B in Rome to accommodate millions of tourists that visit this city every year. Before you book hotel in Rome, check out these Tips for Booking Hotels in Rome.
Some of the popular hotels in Rome include Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese, Hotel Albani Roma, BEST WESTERN Ambra Palace Hotel, Quirinale Hotel, Artemide Hotel etc. Check the complete list of hotels in Rome. Compare the prices offered by over 30 websites and get the best possible deal. You can also check the list of Best Budget Hotels in Rome comprised by one of out authors.
HOW TO REACH
By Plane - Rome has two main international airports and flights to Rome are frequent and affordable from most major European and other cities around the world like Paris, New York, Tokyo, Delhi, Beijing, Melbourne etc.
By train - Termini Station is the main Railway station of Rome that connects the city to other important cities in Italy like Naples, Milan and Florence as well neighboring European countries as well. The station remains locked during 00:30 and 04:30. During this period all long distance trains stops at the Tiburtina station.
By Car - Traveling to Rome by Car is not recommended to the tourists. The city faces huge traffic chaos everyday. Its better to rent a scooter which will cost you around 40€ per day. If you are traveling by your own car than make sure to book hotels with parking.
By Boat - All cruise ships makes a stop at Civitavecchia which is one hour train journey away from Rome. Majority of cruise lines offer some transportation to the customers. These days several cruise ships prefers to dock at Porto di Roma, Ostia which is closer to Rome.
