Rome Top Ten

From the opulence of the Vatican home of the Pope and located in an enclave of Rome as the independent state of the Holy See, to the awesome history of the impressive remnants of the Colloseum, Rome is every bit the Eternal City.

Rome is a modern, historic, cosmopolitan and very busy metropolis. So busy, you may have to make a wish at the Trevi Fountain for a safe crossing over a busy intersection as Italian drivers whizz by at top speed. But if you can get around the city, you will enjoy a city essentially Renaisance and Baroque in character. The Historic Centre of Rome is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. With so much on offer, make sure you fit in at least a few of our suggested top ten sights.

1 Colosseum (Colosseo)
This massive marble structure, a Flavian amphitheatre (A.D. 72-80) is a well preserved monument of ancient Rome - considering its age. The amphitheatre was built around 2000 years ago to accommodate some 50,000 spectators to witness the slaughter of wild beasts and bloody contests by gladiators. To get a feel of how big it is take a walk around its exterior. Better still, take a look inside and be struck at how big it is.
Address: Piazza del Colosseo
Website for Colosseo
Entry: 9 euros + 2 euros for exhibitions. Expect long queues so order in advance online
Opening hours from
8:30 am to one hour before sunset
(Good Friday 8:30 am - 2 pm, June 2 1:30 pm - 7:15 pm):
8:30 am - 4:30 pm from January 2 to February 15
8:30 am - 5 pm from February 16 to March 15
8:30 am - 5:30 pm from March 16 to last Saturday of March
8:30 am - 7:15 pm from last Sunday of March to August 31
8:30 am - 7 pm from September 1 to September 30
8:30 am - 6:30 pm from October 1 to last Saturday of October
8:30 am - 4:30 pm from last Sunday of October to December 31
Closed January 1, December 25. Ticket office closes one hour before closing time

2 Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
This former marsh was drained by the Romans to be used as a political and social centre. In effect it was the marketplace of Rome as well as the business district and civic centre. Soon it included temples, a senate house and law courts. Amazingly when the Roman Empire fell, the Forum declined and eventually became buried and turned into pasture for cattle in the Middle Ages. Only columns and a few temples survive, the most well preserved being the arch of Septimius Severus.

3 Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)
The Trevi Fountain, designed by Nicola Salvi and built between 1732-62, is probably the most photographed fountain in Rome. The story goes that if you throw in a coin, you will return to Rome. It's a truly impressive piece of art and at night it is floodlight and looks magnificent.
Address: Piazza di Trevi

4 The Pantheon – The Sphinx of Rome
Built in the 1st century AD during Hadrian’s reign, it is believed it was built as a temple for pagan gods. It is dedicated to the seven planetary divinities and features some fabulous marble.

5 Vatican Museums
Contained here is the biggest collection of art in Rome, including Michelangelo’s ceiling of the Sistine Chapel as well as a 500 year old collection.
www.vatican.va

6 Basilica di San Clemente
This church of San Clemente is a series of three churches built in the 1st century. The churches are built one on top of the other and the eerie grottoes are open to the public.

7 Holy See
The Holy See – Vatican city is a country in its own right owned by the Catholic church. It is in all likelihood the richest independent state in the world taking into account square footage. It has an astonishing, most lavish display of wealth ever to be display in one place.

8 Via Appia Antica
This road, extending from Porta di San Sebastiano to Brindisi on the coast of Puglia, is known to ancient Romans as the ‘regina viarum’ (queen of roads).

9 Piazza Navona
This lovely piazza , the most famous Baroque squre in Rome, has at its central focus Bernini’s spectacular fountain, La Fontana dei Fiumi erected in 1651. Around it are four giant statues by Bernini’s pupils which represent the Nile, the Danube, The Ganges and Rio della Plata representeing one of the four quarters of the world.

10 Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna)
A vibrant and elegant square surrounded by 18th century buildings. They are the creation of Francesco de Sanctis and consist of twelve flights of varying width, which descend to the scenic Franciscan Church of Trinita dei Monti.

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25 July 2007