Remarkable Landmarks In Rome

Colosseums, gladiators, fashion and food – Rome is a field of remarkable landmarks, expanding culture, centuries of history and undeniable beauty perfect for four days of adventure.

The creation of the city itself is immersed in legend and mythology, and there are various accounts of how this majestic place came to be, influencing some of the best writers in history from Virgil to Shakespeare. Rome is a setting of great imagination and inspiration across every type of storytelling, and the one thing that remains common with every account is its power. Emperors and Caesars have all ruled the city from which the colossal Roman Empire grew – and it all its glory, left behind some of the most incredibly artefacts of humanity.

Today, you can enjoy the modernity of a city still dominated by its ancient charms, and experience the talents of Italian artists, writers and chefs while exploring world-famous sites with gelato in one hand and pizza in the other.

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Travel and Accommodation

I would suggest travelling between April-June or in September to enjoy summer weather, but with inexpensive flights, cheaper accommodation and shorter queues. Still, there is nothing wrong with visiting during July and August if you can handle the heat and don’t mind the crowds.

Like most large cities, Rome hosts a variety of luxury, chain and independent hotels as well as wonderful apartments and Airbnbs to rent – most of which offer spectacular views of the cityscape.

Eight Amazing Landmarks In Rome

The Roman Colosseum a.k.a. Flavian Amphitheatre

The Roman Colosseum is the most iconic symbol of imperial Rome, and despite its morbid history, remains as a vital piece of they region’s culture. It lies at the centre of the city as the largest ancient amphitheatre ever built (holding capacity of an estimated 50000 to 80000 spectators at various points in its history), and is still the largest standing amphitheatre in the world today despite its age.

As many know, the arena was used for public spectacles for over 500 years, and has witnessed unbelievable events including gladiatorial contests, exhibitions of exotic animals, executions of prisoners, and recreations of great battles. It ceased to be used for entertainment in the early medieval era, and is now one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.

Landmarks In Rome: Roman Colosseum — Roman Colosseum

The Pantheon

The Pantheon is the best-preserved ancient Roman monument in the world with its stunning granite Corinthian columns, coloured marble, bronze doors, and dome the also happens to be bigger than that of St. Peter’s Basilica. It was once an important temple in Ancient Rome, but today serves as a church as it dominates the Piazza della Rotonda, a square in the historic heart of the city.

If you think that the external views are striking, wait till you step inside. The sheer grandeur and scale of the architecture and design will take your breath away. Michelangelo himself once said that he felt the Pantheon was the work of angels, not men.

Roman Forum

These well-preserved ruins were once a place of multi-purpose madness. Temples sat alongside brothels, the streets were crowded with processions and markets, passionate political debate were hosted and criminal trials were all conducted here. It was the heart of Ancient Rome, and also home to the Temple of Vesta and the Temple of Saturn.

Tickets to enter the Roman Forum are included in the price when you buy tickets to the Colosseum.

The Trevi Fountains

The famous Trevi Fountain is a marvellous piece of 18th-century architecture with glittering blue waters that pour from the ancient Acqua Vergine aqueduct. It is undeniably one of the most beautiful landmarks in Rome, and is where people come together to have their wishes granted. However, if you think that the idea of throwing coins into the fountains is an age old tradition connected to an ancient civilisation, I’m sorry to have to burst your bubble. The act originated in 1954 with the movie “Three Coins in the Fountain,” and suggests:

If you throw one coin: you will return to Rome.
If you throw two coins: you will fall in love with an attractive Italian.
If you throw three coins: you will marry the person that you met.

Still, it is an enjoyable experience, and the thousands of coins thrown in every day are then collected and donated to the poor. Its a win-win. Just make sure you get here early in the morning because it gets incredibly crowded in the summer.

Trevi Fountains Rome — The Trevi Fountains

The Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps date back to 1723 and connect the Piazza di Spagna with Piazza Trinita dei Monti which is dominated by the Trinita dei Monti Church. It is a lively area where people conjugate, and while I was visiting, I was even able to watch a film in production!

Trastevere

After a day of sightseeing the landmarks in Rome, visit this cobblestoned, ivy-twined neighbourhood for authentic Italian dinner and drinks and listen to the most beautiful street music as you unwind and relax. The Italian cuisine is one beloved by millions and its authentic tastes can not be more enjoyed than in Rome’s little neighbourhoods.

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is an open space in Rome built upon the site of the Stadium of Domitian in the 1st century AD. While the ancient Romans came here to watch the agones (Roman games), today, the magnificent square decorated by a fountain by Benini and lined with small cafes and bars is a popular gathering spot and an excellent location for an afternoon drink.

Vatican City

The Vatican is the smallest city in the world and the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Although it is not technically a landmark in Rome, nor is it technically in Rome, you gain access to the city through the Italian capital. Take a tour and explore the stunning Sistine Chapel, stare in awe at The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo and admire other ornate sculptures that embellish every inch of this place.

You will also find the St. Peter’s Basilica here, which is one of the largest churches built during the Italian Renaissance. For panoramic views of the city, climb the 871 steps to the top of the Basilica’s dome, and then climb down to wander St. Peter’s Square.

Remember that during the summer, you must book a tour for the Vatican; otherwise, you’ll be waiting in line for hours and might not even be able to enter by the end of the day.

Average Cost For Four Days In Rome Per Person

Transport (flights from London + local travel): £120

Accommodation: £120 (£240 per double)

Attractions: £60

Food and amenities: £150

Keep In Mind

If you know a decent amount of Roman history, do not book a tour of the Colosseum. The tours are incredibly rushed and I think enjoying the landmarks of Rome at your own pace is important.

You can educate yourself on the history of the colosseum and other fun facts, here.