Choose from 177 Fun Things to Do in Rome
ShowingFilter 41-60 of 177 listings.
Chiesa Nuova (Santa Maria in Vallicella)
Chiesa Nuova, considered one of the great baroque churches of Rome, houses important paintings like Pietro da Cortona's Trinity in Glory and Assumption of the Virgin, along with altarpieces by Peter Paul Rubens and Barocci.
The Basics
Dubbed the “New Church” after being rebuilt in 1575 by St. Philip Neri, Chiesa Nuova—also known as the Church of Santa Maria in Vallicella—has a counter-reformation design with a single nave decorated by Pietro da Cortona's Miracle of the Madonna della Vallicella. Adjacent to the church is the Casa dei Filippini, home to an oratory designed by the Baroque architect Francesco Borromini.
Chiesa Nuova is a highlight of any walking tour of Rome's baroque churches, which also include the Church of San Giovanni dei Fiorentini and the Church of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, in addition to Bernini's statues along Ponte Sant'Angelo.
Things to Know Before You Go
- To enter the church, visitors must wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
- Walking tours of Rome's baroque churches require a significant amount of time on your feet, so wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen.
- The church is not accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- Photography without flash is permitted inside the church.
How to Get There
The church is located on the Piazza Chiesa Nuova along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, a short walk down Via del Governo Vecchio from Piazza Navona and midway between St. Peter's Basilica and Piazza Venezia. A number of city busses stop just outside Chiesa Nuova.
When to Get There
Saint Filippo Neri is one of the patron saints of Italy's capital city. On and May 26, his feast day, Chiesa Nuova holds several masses and celebrations in his honor.
Caravaggio and Chiesa Nuova
An altarpiece Caravaggio originally created for Chiesa Nuova only remained in the church for a short time before a Pope took a liking to it and brought it to the Vatican, where it continues to live today at the Vatican’s art museum.
Address: Via del Governo Vecchio, 134, Rome, Italy
From $ 72
Arch of Titus
Located at the southeastern end of the Roman Forum, the triumphal Arch of Titus stands as a memorial to an emperor's brother.
Emperor Domitian commissioned the arch in the 1st century to honor his brother Titus, with the scenes showing Titus' many victories in war. Among the scenes is the Siege of Jerusalem – you can see a Jewish Menorah being carted back to Rome among the spoils.
Triumphal arches are familiar sights in Europe today – the Arc de Triomphe in Paris is one of the most famous examples – but most were based on the design of the Arch of Titus.
Practical Info
The Arch of Titus sits outside the Roman Forum, so it's always open to the public and free to visit.
Address: Via Sacra, Rome, Italy
Hours: Daily
From $ 23
Fontana dell'Acqua Paola
This monumental fountain sits at the top of Rome’s Janiculum Hill, one of the tallest in the city. Dating from 1612, the ornate terminus of the Acqua Paola aqueduct brought water to Vatican City and Trastevere for the first time. Today, you can admire both the fountain and the view, one of the best in Rome.
The Basics
The ornate Fontana dell'Acqua Paola—known in Rome as Il Fontanone, or “the big fountain”—is located on the hilltop above Trastevere and is a highlight of many walking or Segway tours of this charming historic neighborhood. Trastevere pizza-tasting tours also often stop at the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola, as do tours of attractions featured in the film "The Great Beauty."
The fountain was commissioned by Pope Paul V to be the first major fountain on the Trastevere side of the Tiber river. Much of the marble used by architect Giovanni Fontana to build the fountain was pilfered from the Roman Temple of Minerva in the Forum of Nerva, and four of the six granite columns on the fountain's facade are from the original St. Peter’s Basilica. The design inspired that of the Trevi Fountain more than a century later.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The view from Fontana dell'Acqua Paola stretches across the historic center of Rome to the Roman Forum, so be sure to bring your camera.
- Walking and Segway tours of Trastevere offer little shade; comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen are recommended.
- Remember that it is illegal to bathe in Rome's historic fountains.
- The fountain and scenic terrace are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Fontana dell'Acqua Paola is located on Via Garibaldi on Janiculum Hill (Gianicolo) above the Trastevere neighborhood. Since it can be confusing to wind your way through the back streets of Trastevere to the fountain, it’s best to visit with a group or private tour.
When to Get There
Rome is the most popular tourist destination in Italy, which means that its sights can be very crowded in high season. It's best to visit the city in the spring and fall to take advantage of milder temperatures and fewer tourists. If visiting the fountain in summer, time your tour for early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photos.
Pope Paolo V
Pope Paul V was a member of the Borghese family and you can see the Borghese symbols of the dragon and eagle worked into the marble decorations on the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola.
Address: Via Garibaldi, Rome, Puglia, Italy
From $ 15
Fountain of the Four Rivers
Rome is full of fountains, but some are more famous than others. The Fountain of the Four Rivers in Piazza Navona is one of the fountains that, thanks to popular culture and a colorful legend about rival artists, is on many tourist must-see lists.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini is the artist behind the Fountain of the Four Rivers, which depicts four major rivers - the Nile, the Danube, the Rio de la Plata, and the Ganges - each representing a different continent. Sitting atop Bernini’s sculptures is an Egyptian obelisk.
The fountain was built in 1651 and sits at the center of the Piazza Navona, right in front of the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone. The statue representing the Rio de la Plata faces the church, and appears to be cowering away in horror at the design - the church was built by one of Bernini’s rivals. This is a common story, and a fun one, but it can’t be true - the church was built many years after Bernini’s fountain.
The Fountain of the Four Rivers features prominently in Dan Brown’s “Angels & Demons,” which makes it a must-see stop on any “Angels & Demons” tour of Rome.
Gian Lorenzo Bernini is the artist behind the Fountain of the Four Rivers, which depicts four major rivers - the Nile, the Danube, the Rio de la Plata, and the Ganges - each representing a different continent. Sitting atop Bernini’s sculptures is an Egyptian obelisk.
The fountain was built in 1651 and sits at the center of the Piazza Navona, right in front of the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone. The statue representing the Rio de la Plata faces the church, and appears to be cowering away in horror at the design - the church was built by one of Bernini’s rivals. This is a common story, and a fun one, but it can’t be true - the church was built many years after Bernini’s fountain.
The Fountain of the Four Rivers features prominently in Dan Brown’s “Angels & Demons,” which makes it a must-see stop on any “Angels & Demons” tour of Rome.
Address: Piazza Navona, Rome, The Provence of Rome 00186, Italy
From $ 21
Aventine Hill
Aventine Hill is one of Rome’s famous seven hills. It’s the southernmost hill, located on the eastern bank of the Tiber River. This hill is important in the myths involved with the founding of Rome. The brothers, Romulus and Remus, each chose one of the area’s hills on which to found a city. Remus chose the Aventine Hill, but it was his brother Romulus (set up on the nearby Palatine Hill) who saw more signs (supposedly from the gods) and who goes on to found the city of Rome.
In Ancient Rome, the Aventine Hill was the site of a Temple of Diana, but today the hill is mainly a relatively quiet and wealthy residential district with a few churches and gardens worth checking out, plus one of the most interesting views of St. Peter’s Basilica you’ll see in Rome.
Spots worth visiting on the Aventine Hill include the 5th century church of Santa Sabina, the rose garden, the orange garden, and the famous “keyhole” view of St. Peter’s Basilica at the building housing the Knights of Malta. The Circus Maximus is to one side of the Aventine Hill.
In Ancient Rome, the Aventine Hill was the site of a Temple of Diana, but today the hill is mainly a relatively quiet and wealthy residential district with a few churches and gardens worth checking out, plus one of the most interesting views of St. Peter’s Basilica you’ll see in Rome.
Spots worth visiting on the Aventine Hill include the 5th century church of Santa Sabina, the rose garden, the orange garden, and the famous “keyhole” view of St. Peter’s Basilica at the building housing the Knights of Malta. The Circus Maximus is to one side of the Aventine Hill.
Address: Italy
From $ 31
Garden of Oranges (Giardino degli Aranci)
A lush garden overlooking Roman rooftops and domes, the Giarino degli Aranci was once an ancient fortress and now offers some of the best panoramic views of Rome. Full of orange trees, there are many benches and grassy areas to relax on and escape the bustle of the city. Views stretch across the skyline from Trastevere all the way toward St. Peter’s Basilica.
Legend says that Saint Dominic planted a single bitter orange tree in the courtyard of the nearby Basilica di Santa Sabina in 1200 AD. It is said to be the first orange tree in the whole of Italy, and today the gardens have a pleasant orange aroma from the groups of many trees.
Upon entering the gardens, visitors can see the face of Giacomo Della Porta's fountain, believed to have been made in reference to the river god Oceanus. Overlooking the Tiber River, it has been called one of the most romantic spots in Rome.
Practical Info
Open from dawn to dusk, the Garden of Oranges is within the Parco Savello, on Via di Santa Sabina on the top of the Aventine Hill. It is nearby to the Piazza Pietro d’Illiria. The nearest metro stop is Circo Maximo. Admission is free.
Address: Via di Santa Sabina, Rome 00153, Italy
From $ 50
Caelian Hill
One of Rome’s seven legendary hills, Caelian Hill was a wealthy residential district under the Roman Republic. Today, this is home to the ancient Basilica of Saints John and Paul, the circular Church of Santo Stefano Rotondo, and the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla. Travelers can tour Caelian Hill on foot, or by bike, scooter, or bus.
The Basics
Caelian Hill is unique among Rome’s seven historic hills, as its western slope is one of the few tranquil and unpopulated places in Rome. Several ancient churches dating from the fourth and fifth centuries can be visited on Caelian Hill, in addition to Roman ruins and Villa Celimontana, one of Rome’s nicest parks.
The churches and ruins on Caelian Hill are best visited as part of a guided tour to appreciate their historical importance. Consider joining a walking, rickshaw, or Vespa tour of the hills of ancient Rome, or a small-group tour dedicated to the most historic churches in the Eternal City. Many tours of Rome’s seven hills include skip-the-line access to the Colosseum and Roman Forum, which are nearby on Palatine Hill.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Caelian Hill is a must for history buffs, as it is home to some of the city’s most fascinating ancient churches and Roman ruins.
- The Baths of Caracalla are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, and the site offers restrooms and a bookshop. The ruins are open to the elements, so bring a hat and sunscreen in summer.
- Visitors must wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees to enter the churches. Some churches are not wheelchair accessible.
- The park and gardens of Villa Celimontana are an ideal spot for a stroll with kids.
How to Get There
Caelian Hill is located on the southeast corner of the historic center of Rome, along the Tiber River. The nearest metro stop is Colosseo, on line B.
When to Get There
Most of the Baths of Caracalla ruins are outdoors, so visit on a day with clear skies and mild temperatures. The quiet churches, on the other hand, provide a cool refuge from the midday summer heat.
Rome’s Seven Hills
Caelian Hill is the farthest southeast of Rome’s seven hills, which are all east of the Tiber and form the geographical heart of ancient Rome. The other hills are Aventine Hill, Capitoline Hill, Esquiline Hill, Quirinal Hill, Viminal Hill, and Palatine Hill, where legend tells us that Romulus founded the city and where the most famous archaeological ruins can still be seen.
Address: Monte Celio, Rome 00184, Italy
From $ 43
Hadrian's Temple
The ancient facade of Hadrian’s Temple, fronted by 11 carved stone Corinthian columns—each looming almost 50 feet (15 meters) high—serves as the dramatic focal point of Rome’s Piazza di Pietra. One of the city’s most pleasant squares, the piazza is lined with fashionable cafés overlooking the ancient Roman columns.
The Basics
Built by Emperor Antoninus Pius, Emperor Hadrian’s adopted son, the Temple of Hadrian (Tempio di Adriano) dates back to AD 145 and once overlooked the Field of Mars (Campus Martius). Today, all that’s left of the magnificent temple’s original 38 columns are the 11 that form part of Rome’s 17th-century papal palace—now the Borsa building, housing the stock exchange. Italian architect Carlo Fontana integrated the ancient columns into the palace’s north wall, where they remain a striking reminder of Rome’s glorious past.
Many walking tours of Rome’s ancient sites include Hadrian’s Temple along with attractions like the Pantheon and the Church of Santa Maria on Via del Corso (Santa Maria in Via Lata, or Basilica di Santa Maria in Via Lata). Joining a Rome highlights Segway tour is a fun way to explore these and other attractions, including the Trevi Fountain and Trajan’s Column; consider an evening Segway tour to see the monuments beautifully lit.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Temple of Hadrian tour is especially interesting for history buffs.
- Small-group Pantheon, Santa Maria, and Hadrian’s Temple tours require some walking, so opt for comfortable shoes and sun protection.
- Piazza di Pietra, where you can view the columns of Hadrian’s Temple, is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- The columns are particularly picturesque at night, so be sure to bring your camera if joining a Rome night Segway tour.
How to Get There
Hadrian’s Temple is located on Piazza di Pietra in Rome’s historic center, between the Pantheon and Trevi Fountain. A number of city buses stop on Via del Corso, just steps from the square.
When to Get There
In the evening, Piazza di Pietra is particularly lively, filled with café tables and lined by the columns of Hadrian’s Temple dramatically lit.
The Other Temple of Hadrian
Italy is not the only country that is home to an ancient temple dedicated to Hadrian. In Ephesus, Turkey, another temple was built around AD 138 to honor Emperor Hadrian, who visited the ancient city while in Athens a decade earlier.
Address: Piazza di Pietra, Rome, Italy
From $ 3
Chiesa di San Carlo ai Catinari
The 17th-century San Carlo ai Catinari Church (Chiesa di San Carlo ai Catinari) is dedicated to Saint Carlo Borromeo and known for its sumptuous baroque interiors. The church features stucco decorations, three-dimensional depictions of the cardinal virtues, and Antonio Gherardi's Chapel of St. Cecilia, which features a dome illuminated by hidden windows.
The Basics
Guided tours of the Jewish Ghetto and Trastevere often include a stop at San Carlo ai Catinari (Santi Biagio e Carlo ai Catinari), along with the nearby Turtle Fountain (Fontana delle Tartarughe) and the Chiesa di Santa Maria in Trastevere. You can easily pair a visit to this neighborhood with a tour of Rome's most famous sights, including Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and Campo de' Fiori.
The church was designed by Rosato Rosati and has an elegant marble facade by Giovanni Battista Soria. Inside, the elaborate stucco ceiling decorations and paintings of the cardinal virtues around the base of the dome pop out of their frames, making them appear three-dimensional. These are attributed to Domenichino, while other important works by Pietro da Cortona, Giovanni Lanfranco, and Guido Reni decorate the altar and chapels.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visitors must wear clothing that covers the shoulders and knees to enter the church.
- Walking tours of Trastevere and the Jewish Ghetto offer little shade, so bring a hat and sunscreen if visiting in summer.
- There are stairs at the entrance to the church, so it is not accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
- Photography without a flash is allowed inside the church.
How to Get There
Set about halfway between the church of Sant’Andrea della Valle and the Tiber river near the former Jewish Ghetto, Chiesa di San Carlo ai Catinari is located at Piazza Benedetto Cairoli 117. Take bus 40 or 64 from the Termini train station.
When to Get There
Rome's churches offer a cool respite during the heat of the day, so if visiting in summer, time your visit for midday when the temperatures outside soar.
Basin-makers’ Lane
The phrase “ai Catinari” refers to the workshops on a nearby street that once specialized in making clay basins, or “catini.” A small street across from the facade of the church is still called the Vicolo de’ Catinari, or Basin-makers’ Lane.
Address: Piazza Benedetto Cairoli 117, Rome, Puglia, Italy
From $ 83
Foro Italico
The Foro Italico is one of the largest architectural complexes built under Mussolini, and home to two stadiums that host Rome’s soccer teams, international sports tournaments, and concerts. An excellent example of Italian Fascist architecture, the Foro Italico is an interesting stop for architecture aficionados.
The Basics
Originally called the Foro Mussolini, this sprawling sports complex was built to draw the 1944 Olympic games to Italy's capital city (the games were instead canceled due to World War II). The largest building on the site is the Olympic Stadium (Stadio Olimpico), rebuilt in 1990 to seat more than 70,000 people. The nearby Stadio dei Marmi, designed to resemble an ancient Greek stadium, is ringed by 60 marble statues of athletes and can hold 20,000 spectators.
The main draws for visitors to the Foro Italico today are Lazio and Roma soccer (football) games, the Italian Open tennis tournament, rugby matches, swimming competitions, music events, and architecture tours. As the complex is outside the center of Rome, the best way to visit is on a guided tour of Rome’s Fascist architecture that includes transportation to the Foro Italico and back into central Rome. The complex is a stop on many Palermo Segway, walking, and biking tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Foro Italico is an outdoor complex, so wear a hat and sunscreen.
- When large sporting events or concerts are scheduled, only ticket holders can enter the complex.
- This is an especially fascinating site for architecture and 20th-century history buffs.
- The complex is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Foro Italico Sports Complex is located on Viale del Foro Italico outside the city center. Take metro line A from Piazza del Popolo to Flaminio, and then the tram 2.
When to Get There
The complex is outdoors, so tour on a day with clear skies and mild temperatures. During the summer, the best times to visit are in the early morning or late afternoon. Check the event schedule, as visitors who do not have tickets cannot pass the security checkpoints into the complex when large sporting events or concerts are scheduled.
Italy's Fascist Architecture
There are a number of architectural reminders of Italy's Fascist past in the capital city. The most important are clustered in the EUR neighborhood, home to the "Square Colosseum," but perhaps the most controversial is the Obelisco del Foro Italico, a large obelisk at the entrance to the Foro Italico that was erected to honor Mussolini in 1932.
Address: Viale del Foro Italico, Rome, Lazio 00135, Italy
Hours: Varies by building & whether there’s an event going on
Admission: Varies
From $ 93
Forum Boarium (Foro Boario)
Rome’s oldest forum, the Forum Boarium was once a busy cattle market and site of several temples, the remains of which can still be seen today. Much less famous than many of the city’s other ancient sights, the Foro Boario is one of Rome’s most interesting “secret” attractions.
The Basics
The Forum Boarium is across from the famous Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verità) at the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, but it’s often skipped by visitors as the temples are behind fences, so can only be seen from the outside. Consider joining a private guided tour of the “secret” sights of Ancient Rome to explore the temples up close, along with skip-the-line access to the more famous archaeological sites dating from the Roman Empire, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum.
This commercially strategic market along the Tiber river was a major center of livestock trade as far back as the third century BC, and occupied a central location between Ancient Rome's Aventine and Palatine hills, along with the nearby Forum Holitorium produce market. Today, visitors can see the Temple of Portunus (Temple of Fortuna Virilis) from the first century BC and the Temple of Hercules Victor, ringed by a 20 columns. The Forum Boarium is also home to the Arch of Janus, dating from the fourth century.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Foro Boario is an outdoor archaeological site, so wear a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes when visiting.
- The cattle market is an especially fascinating tour for Roman history enthusiasts, and those who want to explore some of Rome's more off-the-beaten-path sights.
- The site is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
The Forum Boarium is located along the Tiber river near the Circus Maximus. Take bus 170 to the Bocca della Verità stop or metro line B to Circo Massimo.
When to Get There
The archaeological site is outdoors, so visit in early morning or late afternoon in the summer months and on mild days with clear skies in winter.
Temple of Vesta
The circular Temple of Hercules Victor is often mistaken for the Temple of Vesta, another round temple ringed by columns located in the Roman Forum but only partially preserved.
Address: Via della Greca, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy
Hours: The area is always open, but the temples cannot be entered
From $ 90
Arch of Constantine (Arco di Costantino)
Standing proud behind the Colosseum and steps away from the beginning of the Via Sacra, the imposing triumphal Arch of Constantine was erected by the Roma Senate in 315 AD in honor of Emperor Constantine's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge that took place three years earlier. At 69 feet (21 meters) tall, the ornate monument was carved from a single enormous block of gray and white marble. In typical Classical style, the great central gateway is mirrored by two smaller side arches and supported by eight Corinthian columns. The arch is decorated with reliefs plundered from other long-forgotten memorials that describe feats of bravery by earlier Roman emperors, as well as inscriptions praising the achievements of Constantine.
Thanks to its close proximity to the Colosseum and its sheer size, the Arch of Constantine is an easy landmark to find and a popular spot for photos. Many walking tours stop to admire the arch before continuing on to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum or to Palatine Hill.
Practical Info
Located on Via di San Gregorio in Rome, travelers can take the Metro or a taxi to the Colosseum next door.
Address: Via di San Gregorio, Campitelli, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy
From $ 6
Fountain of Neptune
In pride of place at the center of the busy Piazza della Signoria, the Fountain of Neptune has long been one of Florence’s most memorable landmarks, set against a backdrop of the grand Palazzo Vecchio (Town Hall). Inaugurated in 1565, the striking artwork is the masterpiece of sculptor Bartolomeo Ammannati and was commissioned to celebrate the wedding of Francesco I de’ Medici and Johanna of Austria.
The elaborate bronze and marble statue portrays a 5.6-meter-high image of Neptune, the Roman God of the Sea, with the face of Cosimo I de 'Medici, stood on a high pedestal above the water, around which Satyrs and horses frolic. Despite sustaining considerable damage over the years, including losing one of its hands to vandals back in 2005, the statue has now been painstakingly restored and remains a popular meeting place for both locals and tourists.
Practical Info
The Fountain of Neptune is located on Piazza della Signoria in central Florence.
Address: Piazza della Signoria, Firenze, Italy
From $ 29
Campo de' Fiori
One of the mainstays of daily life in Italy is shopping at the market, and the market, for many Romans ,means Campo de’ Fiori. This historic square in the city center hosts one of the largest and most famous outdoor food markets each morning,, offering visitors the perfect opportunity to rub elbows with locals.
The Basics
The name Campo de’ Fiori, or “field of flowers”, harks back to a time when this space was a meadow, but it also hints at its main attraction: the daily open-air market with vendors selling fruit, vegetables, and flowers. The Campo de’ Fiori, open daily from the early-morning hours, also has a lively nightlife, with young locals and visitors filling the square’s many cafés and bars.
Private Rome walking, electric bike, and Segway tours, as well as hop-on-hop-off tours, generally include a stop in Campo de’ Fiori, and often offer skip-the-line access to highlights like the Colosseum, Vatican (and Sistine Chapel), and Trevi Fountain. The square is best seen, however, as part of a food and wine tour that allows you to walk through the market stalls and sample local specialities. Many food tours pair a stop at the Campo de’ Fiori market with a walk through the Trastevere neighborhood and the historic Jewish ghetto.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The square is pedestrian only and crowded with lively vendors hawking their wares, making it an interesting diversion for kids.
- If you’re joining a walking or bike tour of Rome and Campo de’ Fiori, wear comfortable shoes and a hat.
- Campo de’ Fiori is easy to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller, although the thick morning crowds may make the market difficult to navigate.
- In addition to the stands themselves, there are plenty of cafés and gelato shops in or near the square, making the area perfect for a snack.
- Shoppers are discouraged from touching the food; instead, point to your selection and the vendor will bag it for you.
How to Get There
Campo de’ Fiori is located in the historic city center of Rome between Piazza Navona and the Tiber River. To reach the square by public transportation, take one of several buses to the Argentina stop on Largo di Torre Argentina—it’s just a short walk from there.
When to Get There
To get a real feel for Campo de’ Fiori, visit in the early morning, when the market is at its busiest, and then again in the late evening, when the market is closed but the cafés and bars lining the square fill up with revelers.
The City of Markets
Campo de’ Fiori may be the best-known market in Rome, but the city is full of permanent and weekly food markets where you can stock up on seasonal produce and local specialties. The most beloved are Testaccio, which recently relocated from Piazza Testaccio into a modern facility; Piazza San Cosimo, a small market in the lively Trastevere neighborhood; and the Piazza dell’ Unità Market in the upscale Prati quarter.
Address: Piazza Campo De Fiori, Rome, Province of Rome 00186, Italy
From $ 3
Chiesa di Santa Maria in Cosmedin
Like most of the many churches throughout Rome, Chiesa di Santa Maria in Comedian has an ancient past and a fascinating story. Built on an ancient worship site that was once a great temple of Hercules, it became under care of the Byzantine Papacy. Its name “Cosmedin” is the Greek word for “beautiful decoration.”
The beautiful decorations remain — with its unique characteristics including a pre-Roman crypt, a massive bell tower, marble inlaid floors, architecture and designed by the Cosmati brothers, a beautiful altar with a rare 8th century mosaic, and frescoed walls.
The famous ‘Mouth of Truth’ or Bocca della Verità can be found in the portico of the church. The face of an unknown man or god is believed to be part of an ancient Roman temple, and is said to have once functioned as a lie detector — as it would bite off the hand of a man who did not speak the truth.
Practical Info
The church is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm and can be found at Piazza della Bocca della Verità 18. While there can be a line to see the Mouth of Truth, it is often possible to walk around this crowd to enter the church.
Address: Piazza della Bocca della Verità, 18, Rome 00186, Italy
From $ 81
Great Synagogue of Rome
The Great Synagogue of Rome has a storied past, with the city housing one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world. The first set arrived in the city in the second century BC, and by the mid-16th century, the area of Trastevere on the west banks of the River Tiber became a Jewish ghetto, which lasted for three centuries until it was disbanded by King Victor Emmanuel II. The Great Synagogue was built across the river from Trastevere shortly afterwards in memory of the dark days of the ghetto; the Art Nouveau structure is stopped with a distinctive square dome and ornamented with floral reliefs.
On April 13, 1986, Pope John Paul II visited the synagogue, making him the first pope since early Christianity to do so. The synagogue celebrated its centenary in 2004 and serves as a hub for the Jewish community of Rome, as well as housing for the offices of the Chief Rabbi. The city's Jewish Museum is also on the premises, which opened in 1960 and displays precious textiles, manuscripts and silverware documenting centuries of Jewish life in Rome.
Practical Info
Located at Lungotevere de' Cenci in Trastevere, the synagogue is open in June through September, Sunday to Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. From October to May, the site is open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission includes entrance to the Jewish Museum of Rome. Bus No. 8 and No. 10 run regularly along Lungotevere de' Cenci.
Address: Lungotevere de’ Cenci, Trastevere, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy
Hours: Varies
Admission: Varies
From $ 115
Capuchin Crypt
The hauntingly beautiful chapels beneath Rome’s church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini served as the burial chambers for Capuchin friars for centuries. As there were more bodies than space, older graves were dug up, and bones of the dead were used to create intricate designs decorating the chapel walls and ceilings.
The Basics
The Capuchin Crypt, a series of six small chapels used to bury Capuchin monks who died between 1528 and 1870, ultimately held around 3,700 bodies interred in the crypt’s sacred soil brought directly from Jerusalem. You can walk through the bone chapels to admire the unique decorations created by the skeletal remains of the deceased, said to be a reminder of the fleeting nature of mortality.
The best way to understand the historical and religious context of this remarkable site is to join a small-group crypts and catacombs tour. These tours typically visit the Capuchin Crypt and accompanying museum along with the ancient Roman catacombs under the Basilica of San Clemente with a tour guide. To avoid the daytime crowds, you can also opt for an private tour with exclusive after-hours access to the crypt.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This is a slightly macabre stop, so is not recommended for children or anyone who is claustrophobic or squeamish about human bones.
- Book a skip-the-line tour to avoid long waits, especially in the summer months.
- The crypt is not a haunted house, but a sacred burial space. Wear modest clothing, covering shoulders and knees, and maintain a respectful decorum.
- Photography is not allowed.
- The crypt is not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
How to Get There
The Santa Maria della Concezione church is on Via Veneto, not far from the Piazza Barberini metro stop on line A. The Capuchin Crypt is underneath the church and has its own designated entrance.
When to Get There
The Capuchin Crypt is open year-round; check the website for hours. The underground site is a cool reprieve from the summer heat, yet can be very crowded during this time.
Underground Rome
Modern Rome sits on top of thousands of years of history, which is why the capital of Italy is known as the Eternal City. One of the best ways to explore the city’s remarkable past is by taking guided tours through Rome’s many underground sights, including remains of villas and monuments from ancient Rome as well as medieval crypts and catacombs.
Address: Via Vittorio Veneto 27, Rome, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 27
Capitoline Hill & Museums
One of the most elegant public spaces in Rome, Capitoline Hill is the site of Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo in 1536. This piazza overlooking the Roman Forum includes an open square, three Renaissance palace museums—Palazzo dei Conservatori, Palazzo Senatorio, and Palazzo Nuovo—and Cordonata, a monumental staircase. The square’s three palazzi house the Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini), considered the world’s first public museum. The vast collections include classical sculpture, Renaissance paintings, and archaeological finds.
The Basics
The Capitoline Museums, established in 1471 by Pope Sixtus IV and opened to the public in 1734, house collections spread between the three palazzi linked by an underground gallery and Palazzo Caffarelli-Clementino, just off the piazza. The scope of the collection is comparable to that of the Vatican Museums, so a private tour led by an expert guide who concentrates on the highlights is the best way to visit. This is one of Rome’s most important museum sites, so expect long lines to enter; joining a group tour in advance will allow you to skip the line.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There are two separate entrances for visitors with limited mobility, available on request.
- Book a private tour guide to avoid the long lines during the museum’s frequent special exhibitions.
- Strollers are allowed in the museum, but large bags and backpacks must be checked in the free cloakroom.
- The museum has a rooftop cafe with a beautiful view over Rome.
How to Get to There
The main entrance to the Capitoline Museums is through Palazzo dei Conservatori in Piazza del Campidoglio, which is located behind the famous Vittoriano monument in Piazza Venezia. There are a number of bus and tram lines that stop in Piazza Venezia, or you can take the metro to the Colosseo stop and walk about 10 minutes to Piazza del Campidoglio.
When to Get There
The Capitoline Museums are open daily from 9:30am to 7:30pm, with last admission one hour before closing. Like most of Rome's most famous repositories of art, the site is crowded year-round, though numbers peak in summer and during special exhibitions. The best time to visit is first thing in the morning, or during the quieter winter months.
Capitoline Museum Highlights
A number of important works of art are housed in the Capitoline Museums' collections, including the “Capitoline Wolf,” a bronze statue of Romulus and Remus suckling a she-wolf, and “The Dying Gaul,” an ancient Roman sculpture of a dying soldier. There are also masterpieces by Caravaggio, Titian, Pietro da Cortona, and Guercino.
Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, 00186, Italy
Hours: Open daily 9:30am-7:30pm
Admission: € 15 for adults
From $ 22
Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia
When we think of ancient civilizations, more often than not we think of Rome. Yet before the Romans, there were the Etruscans who lived in west Italy from the 9th century onward. Their necropolises, or burial grounds, represent much of what we know about not only Etruscan culture but also burial practices from that ancient time.
Depictions of daily life can be found on frescoed walls, and many of the necropolises resemble Etruscan homes. The necropolis of Cerveteri alone has thousands of tomb structures which are arranged as if a small city. It can be navigated in largely the same manner, with paths, city squares, and even distinct neighborhoods.
The nearby Tarquinia necropolis has more than 6,000 tombs carved into rock. Interestingly, these tombs built for death are one of the greatest keys we have to understand how the Etruscans lived. Many of them are the only existing structure of their kind.
Practical Info
Cerveteri is located in northern Lazio, about 28 miles from Rome. Open from 8:30 am daily, it costs 6 Euros to enter either tomb (Cerveteri and Tarquinia.) The National Museum of Cerverteri of Etruscan artifacts is nearby to the necropolis, and is also worth checking out. The Cerveteri necropolis is located at Via della Necropoli 43/45, whereas Tarquinia is at Strada provinciale Monterozzi Marina. You can get there by driving, or take Rome’s Metro Line A the Cornelia stop; from the Cornelia stop, you can catch a CoTral bus to Cerveteri. It’s about 45 minutes to then travel to Tarquinia.
Address: Via della Necropoli, Cerveteri, Italy
Hours: 8:30 am to sunset
Admission: 6€
From $ 116
Centro Storico
The exact borders of Rome’s Centro Storico, or historic center, is the subject of much debate among Romans and visitors. Officially, however, it’s the area inside the ancient Aurelian Walls plus Vatican City, and it encompasses some of the city’s most famous sights.
The Basics
UNESCO designated the “Historic Center of Rome” a World Heritage Site in 1980, declaring the area inside the Aurelian Walls (plus Vatican City, just outside the walls) as the city's Centro Storico. Many consider the smaller area covering what was once the ancient Campus Martius (now the location of the Campo Marzio rione, or quarter) as the true Centro Storico, however. Regardless of how you measure it, the Centro Storico, home to the Pantheon, Temple of Hadrian, the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva, Piazza Navona, and Campo de' Fiori, is one of the most important neighborhoods in the Eternal City. The Trevi Fountain, Roman Forum and Colosseum, and Piazza di Spagna and the Spanish Steps are just outside the narrowest interpretation of the Centro Storico, as is Vatican City across the Tiber River.
Because of its narrow streets and pedestrian-only areas, the best way to visit the Centro Storico is on a walking or electric-bike tour that includes Rome’s most important sights. Many Ancient Rome tours also cover some or part of the Centro Storico, as do night tours.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Rome's Centro Storico is a great place to get a taste of Italian nightlife—the area is filled with restaurants, bars, and clubs.
- There’s a lot to cover during Centro Storico walking tours, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and a sun hat.
- The cobblestone streets of the Centro Storico may be a challenge for wheelchairs and strollers, but the squares are wide and flat.
- The lion's share of Rome's most popular attractions are located inside the confines of the Centro Storico, so be sure to bring your camera.
How to Get There
The Centro Storico can loosely be defined as the area of Rome's city center that’s sandwiched between Piazza Venezia/Via del Corso and the Tiber River. Take the 64 bus from the Termini station to the Piazza Navona stop.
When to Get There
Rome is one of the most popular destinations in Italy, and the Centro Storico is where most visitors head. To escape the wall-to-wall crowds, visit the capital city during winter, or low season (excluding the December holidays).
Nearby Neighborhoods
The Centro Storico is situated close to a number of other interesting neighborhoods, including trendy Trastevere just across the river, bohemian Monti to the east, and elegant Prati to the north.
Address: Rome, Italy
From $ 31