Your Ultimate Guide to 6 Must-See Historical Sites in Rome
- Stacy G
- Apr 10, 2023
- 3 min read
Rome is a city that you will definitely fall in love with. It is rich in history, with ancient ruins and landmarks that have stood the test of time. With every corner & every building, you can truly see why this city is a special gem. From the Colosseum to the Roman Forum, there are numerous historical sites to explore. Here are the top 6 must-see historical sites in Rome:
1. The Colosseum
The iconic amphitheater is one of Rome's most recognizable landmarks, and a must-see for any visitor. My first encounter of the Colosseum was watching the Lizzie McGuire movie, where she turned into a pop sensation while visiting Rome on a school trip. Built in 80 AD, the Colosseum hosted gladiator battles, animal hunts, and other spectacles. Parts of the colosseum was restored in 2018. You will have the opportunity to see the colosseum without a guide or with one. I highly recommend visiting the colosseum with a guide so that you can learn the historical foundation of this site. I booked the VIP Colosseum Tour via Viator. You can check it out here.
2. The Roman Forum
The political and social hub of ancient Rome, the Roman Forum is a sprawling archaeological site with ruins dating back to the 7th century BC. Highlights include the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus, and the House of the Vestal Virgins. It is also a lovely walk on beautiful sunny days. The Roman Forum is so interesting because it makes you realize that you are actually underground during the originated times. Make sure to check it out. The best part is that The VIP Colosseum Tour comes with the Roman Forum included. Check out the link here.
3. The Pantheon
The Pantheon was originally built as a temple to all the Gods. It is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome. The domed roof and interior design are a testament to the engineering skill of ancient Rome. What is so interesting about the domed roof is that there is a hole on the top. So yes, rain comes through but it does not flood because of the gently sloped floor. There are also 22 well-hidden holes to help the water to drain away. If your looking for a self guided audio tour you can find that here or if you would like a Pantheon elite tour then you can find that here as well.
4. The Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are home to some of the world's most famous art collections. The Vatican Museums are a must-see for any art lover. Some of the highlights include the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, Gallery of Maps and the Egyptian Museum. I would highly highly recommend the early access Vatican Semi Private tour. It is a-little pricy but it is totally worth it in my opinion. The tour includes an early entrance, skip-the-line Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum. You are able to view the chapel before it opens to the public which is awesome. It feels like you have these artworks all to yourself. You also get to bypass the main lines to enter the Vatican Museums.
5. St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica is home to the largest church in the world. When I tell you that you will be in awe, you will be in awe! It is a stunning example of Renaissance architecture. Some highlights include Michelangelo's Pieta and the dome, which you can find breathtaking views of Rome. The best thing is if you book the tour for the Vatican Museum then the St. Peter's Basilica is included. I will attach the link here again.
6. The Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is of Rome's most famous landmarks. It is a masterpiece within itself. Legend has it that tossing a coin into the fountain ensures a return trip to Rome. Visiting the Trevi Fountain is totally free. Just as a heads up, it gets very crowded there so I would recommend going around 6am so that you can get the views and pictures that you want. Side note: Right across from it has the best gelato, but you have to read my best gelato post to read more about this.
These are just a few of the many historical sites to explore in Rome. No matter where you go, you're sure to be transported back in time and awed by the grandeur and legacy of ancient Rome. I hope you found this guide helpful. For more post like this, be sure to subscribe to my mailing list and check out my website www.trvlandrepeat.com. You can also find me on instagram at @trvlandrepeat and tik-tok as well. Leave me a comment and let me know if this was helpful.
