Choose from 177 Fun Things to Do in Rome
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St. Anthony's Basilica (Basilica of St Anthony)
Topped by soaring domes and spires, the Basilica of Saint Anthony is the most important church in Padua and is visited by pilgrims from across the globe. With its mix of Romanesque, Byzantine, and Gothic architecture, and rounded domes reminiscent of St. Mark’s Basilica in nearby Venice, this church is one of Padua’s top attractions.
The Basics
Built during the 13th century, the Basilica of Saint Anthony includes in its design the small pre-existing church where St. Anthony was buried. Inside, notable artworks include 14th-century frescoes by Altichiero da Zevio, an ornate 16th-century candelabrum by Andrea Briosco, and bronze statues by Donatello. Saint Anthony’s body was originally entombed in the Madonna Mora Chapel; today his tongue and jaw bone are displayed in elaborate gold reliquaries, and the rest of his remains are in the Chapel of St. Anthony.
The basilica is included in small-group Padua tours or day trips from nearby Venice, along with other main attractions in Padua like the Scrovegni Chapel—with frescoes by Giotto—and elegant Prato della Valle square.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If you join a walking tour of Padua, opt for comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
- Photography is not allowed in the church.
- The basilica is fully accessible to wheelchair users.
- Visitors must wear modest attire that covers knees and shoulders.
- Restrooms are located off the Blessed Luca Belludi Cloister.
- A shop located off the Magnolia Cloister sells religious articles and books about the life of Saint Anthony.
How to Get There
The Basilica of Saint Anthony is in Padua’s historic center, an easy walk from the city’s train station and main Prato della Valle square.
When to Get There
The feast day of Saint Anthony is celebrated each year on June 13 with special Masses and services. Pilgrims from across the world gather at Padua’s basilica to honor the beloved Franciscan friar, making the month of June a crowded but special time to visit the basilica.
Highlights of the Basilica of Saint Anthony Complex
In addition to the church, you can tour the adjacent Franciscan Friary and its five cloisters: the Paradise Cloister, the Novitiate Cloister, the Magnolia Cloister, the General Cloister, and the Museum (or Blessed Luke Belludi) Cloister. From the Museum Cloister, you can tour the basilica’s Anthonian Museum and the Museum of Popular Devotion; in the General Cloister, you can see a Multimedia Exhibition on the life of St. Anthony.
Address: Piazza del Santo, 11, Padua 35123, Italy
From $ 1,662
Villa Celimontana
The Villa Celimontana and the gardens that surround it sit on one of the ancient seven hills of Rome, the Caelian Hill (Celio in Italian), and the area is a peaceful oasis from the busy city.
The villa itself dates from the 16th century, though it has been modified significantly over the centuries. It was originally called the Villa Mattei after the family for whom it was built, and housed the Mattei family’s art collection. Today, the villa belongs to the Italian Geographic Society.
The gardens around the Villa Celimontana contain some ancient Roman ruins that date back to the 1st century AD, and some of the Mattei family’s collection of ancient artifacts are now on display throughout the grounds. There’s also a relatively small obelisk in the garden that has Egyptian hieroglyphics on it.
Inside the Villa Celimontana today visitors can see some of the historic maps and other documents kept by the Italian Geographic Society. There are also rooms in the villa that have beautiful frescoes and mosaics that were added in the 17th century.
Practical Info
The Villa Celimontana is right behind the Colosseum, but it remains a largely overlooked area of central Rome. There aren’t any places to get a meal nearby, but bring a picnic in warm weather and take advantage of the gorgeous grounds.
Address: Via della Navicella, Rome, Lazio 00184, Italy
Hours: Sunrise to sunset
From $ 87
Statue of David
The image of Michelangelo’s David statue, one of the world’s best-known works of art, is so ubiquitous in Florence that it has become a symbol of Italy’s Renaissance capital. Carved between 1501 and 1504 and installed at the custom-built Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) in 1873, the masterpiece also symbolizes strength and human beauty.
The Basics
Michelangelo’s statue of David is one of the most popular sights in Florence—if not the entire art world—and there are always long lines to enter the Accademia Gallery (Galleria dell’Accademia) in high season. To avoid waiting for hours under the hot Florentine sun, it is essential either to book skip-the-line tickets in advance or to join a guided tour that includes gallery entrance tickets along with an explanation of this important masterpiece. Once you’re inside, admire the four unfinished statues by Michelangelo, known as the Slaves or Prisoners, lining the hall leading to the rotunda under which David holds court. Many Florence city tours include visits to the Uffizi Gallery, Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore), and Accademia Gallery accompanied by an experienced tour guide, and small-group tours of the city center hit must-sees like Ponte Vecchio as well.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Experiencing David is an absolute must for art lovers, Renaissance fans, and pretty much all first-time visitors to Florence.
- Luggage, large bags, and backpacks are not allowed inside the gallery, and there is no coat or baggage check.
- The gallery is entirely accessible to wheelchair users.
How to Get There
The Galleria dell’Accademia is located in the heart of Florence, an easy walk from the Santa Maria Novella train station, Duomo, and Piazza della Signoria.
When to Get There
Florence’s Accademia Gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 8:15am to 6:50pm; final entry is at 6:20pm. The gallery is closed on Mondays, January 1, May 1, and December 25. The gallery is most crowded from late morning through the afternoon, so consider reserving a private tour with exclusive early morning access to enjoy the famous statue before the throngs of daily visitors arrive.
Inauspicious Beginnings
The statue of David has a fascinating history, and did not seem initially destined for greatness. The block of marble Michelangelo was given to work with was flawed and had already been partly carved by his predecessor. Nonetheless he carved David to adorn the Duomo, but the finished statue was too heavy to hoist onto the cathedral and was placed instead at the entrance to Palazzo Vecchio in Piazza della Signoria. Not long after the statue was unveiled here, rioters at an anti-Medici rebellion threw a chair out of a window directly onto David's arm, which broke in three places. In 1873, David was moved to the safety of the Accademia Gallery, and a replica—one of many—now marks the spot where the original once stood.
Address: Galleria dell'Accademia, Florence, Italy
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday from 8:15am until 6:50pm, with the last tickets sold at 6:20pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 34
Villa Farnesina
Rome’s Villa Farnesina was originally built in the early 16th century for a wealthy Renaissance banker as his summer retreat. The villa and gardens are in the Trastevere district, which used to be outside the city center, and are now open to the public.
The wealthy banker for whom the villa was built had the good sense to hire some of the era’s best artists to decorate the interior, so it’s a stop well-suited to art lovers. Today, these pieces of art are one of the top reasons to visit. The best-known artist represented is Raphael, who painted lovely frescoes on the ground floor.
All of the Villa Farnesina’s main rooms are open to the public, including the ground floor loggia where you can see the famous Raphael fresco called “The Triumph of Galatea.” Other frescoes by artists such as Baldassarre Peruzzi (who designed the villa) and Sebastiano del Piombo are on upper floors of the villa.
There are guided tours in English at Villa Farnesina given each Saturday at 10am, and English audio guides are available at any time for €2. Some Trastevere tours include the Villa Farnesina, though many only reference it from the outside.
Practical Info
Hang onto your Vatican Museums ticket - if you visit the Villa Farnesina within seven days of your Vatican Museums visit, your Villa Farnesina entry is reduced by €1.
Address: Via della Lungara 230, Rome 00165, Italy
Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-2pm; 2nd Sunday of every month 9am-5pm
Admission: Adults: €6; Seniors: €5; Children: €3; Guided tour of villa & gardens: €4
From $ 52
Via Cola di Rienzo
Via Cola di Rienzo is a long, straight avenue connecting one corner of Vatican City with the Tiber River at the Regina Margherita Bridge. The street was built and named after 14th-century politician Cola di Rienzo in the late 19th century, just after Italy was unified, and was one of the main streets in the Prati neighborhood. Today, it is primarily a shopping destination, with clothing chain stores, department stores, and Italian shoe stores lining the street. While best known for its retail, you'll also find casual restaurants, hotels, and gourmet food items.
Brands along Via Cola di Rienzo include Guess Jeans, The Body Shop, and Benetton, as well as popular European brands, such as Max Mara, Zara, Liu Jo, Stefanel, Sisley, Falconieri, and the Coin department store. Some shopping tours include stops on the Via Cola di Rienzo, and it’s also easy to browse on your own before or after a visit to the Vatican.
Practical Info
The irregularly-shaped Piazza del Risorgimento anchors one end of the Via Cola di Rienzo right next to the Vatican. It’s a transportation hub, with a tram stop right in the piazza and several bus stops nearby serving St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican Museums. The nearest metro stations are Ottaviano and Lepanto, and the nearest bus stop is the Risorgimento-San Pietro: 11 bus lines stop along this street.
Address: Via Cola di Renzo, Rome, Lazio, Italy
From $ 49
Villa of the Quintilii (Villa dei Quintili)
Once the largest and grandest of Rome’s private residences, the ancient ruins of the Villa of the Quintilii (Villa dei Quintili) are still an impressive sight today. Located along the legendary Appian Way (Via Appia), the lavish villa includes two impressive entrances, intact mosaic tiles and marble floors, and the remains of its private luxury baths, dating back to 151 AD.
Tour the ruins on a half-day trip from Rome to admire the rooms and artifacts on display, or cycle along the ancient Appian Way to visit the ruins and other ancient landmarks, like the Caracalla Baths and the Mausoleum of Caecilia Metella.
Practical Info
The Villa of the Quintilii is located along the Appian Way, around six miles (10 km) south of central Rome. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 4:30pm. Adult admission is €6 and includes entrance to the Baths of Caracalla and the Mausoleum of Caecilia Metella (useable within 7 days); children younger than 17 enter free.
You can reach the villa by metro, train and bus from Rome's city center. Take metro line Anagnina to Colli Albani, or trains 7197 (Frascati) or FL4 (Ciampino) to Capannelle; then, take bus 664 or 654 to Bisignano—a three-minute walk from the villa. Choose a tour with round trip transportation, including hotel pick up and drop off, to avoid Rome's messy public transportation.
Did you know? In Roman times, the Appian Way (Appia Antica) was one of the world’s most important roads, built in 312 BC and running from Rome to Brindisi in southeast Italy.
Address: Via Appia Nuova, 1092, Rome, Italy
Hours: Tues–Sun: 9am–4:30pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 30
Via del Corso
In an Italian neighborhood known for its winding streets and narrow back alleys, Via del Corso has become well known as the only perfectly straight lane in the historic center of Rome. The iconic stretch of narrow roadway extends from Porta del Popolo to Capitoline Hill and grants travelers access to Baroque churches and other local landmarks.
Visitors will find the picturesque street that once served as the racetrack for Roman Carnival to be the perfect place for people watching, as locals and travelers alike stroll along the sidewalks as part of a traditional passeggiata—a casual, leisurely stroll. In addition to being an ideal spot to see and be seen, Via del Corso also offers plenty of shops, restaurants and boutiques.
Practical Info
Via del Corso is located in the historical center of Rome and runs north to south. Although most of the street has narrow sidewalks for pedestrians, the northern mile (1.5 kilometers) of Via del Corso is for walkers only.
Address: Via del Corso, Rome, Italy
From $ 31
St. Peter's Basilica Dome
St. Peter’s Dome, one of Italy’s most famous monuments, doesn't technically stand on Italian soil—it sits atop St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Michelangelo’s architectural masterpiece is a symbol for Catholics around the globe and, as the highest dome in the world, offers spectacular views across St. Peter’s Square and Rome.
The Basics
St. Peter’s Dome is one of the most popular sights in Rome, so booking a skip-the-line St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro) tour is essential to avoid waiting in long lines, especially in the busy summer months. Tours of the dome and basilica are also included in most Vatican tours, which typically include access to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican gardens. The entrance to the dome is at the portico of the basilica, and views are both internal over the basilica’s main altar and external over the city of Rome.
Things to Know Before You Go
- You must pass through a security check to access the dome—banned items include pocketknives, corkscrews, and umbrellas.
- The dress code in the basilica and dome requires that shoulders and knees are covered.
- The dome is partially accessible to wheelchair users. There is an elevator to the roof level (or you can climb the 320 steps), but only a spiral staircase provides access to the cupola at the highest point of the dome (another 200 steps).
- Views are dizzying from the top of St. Peter’s Dome, so visiting the top is not recommended for anyone afraid of heights.
- Kids especially enjoy the invigorating climb and views, so consider joining a small-group tour tailored to families if traveling with children.
How to Get There
St. Peter’s Basilica is located on St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro) in Vatican City. The closest metro station is Ottaviano.
When to Get There
The dome is open to the public daily. Early morning is the best time to visit, both to beat the crowds and to catch the optimal light for photographing the view.
St. Peter’s Dome History
Like Rome, St. Peter’s Dome wasn’t built in a day. Work began on the basilica in 1506, initially overseen by Roman architect Donato Bramante and later passed on to successors such as Raphael and Bernini. Yet it was Michelangelo who took on the task of completing the dome, proposing a design based on those of previous architects. After his death, his assistants continued the work and, in the end, it was Giacomo della Porta and Domenico Fontana, under the appointment of Pope Sixtus V, who saw the completion of the dome in 1590.
Address: Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City, Italy
Admission: Varies
From $ 23
Via Condotti
Shopaholics in Rome, head for Via Condotti, where even the window-shopping is worth the trip.
Via Condotti (its complete name is Via dei Condotti) is a street in central Rome that dates back to the ancient Roman era. It was a fashionable address as far back as the 18th century, when the Caffe Greco opened and was frequented by the likes of Goethe, Byron, Liszt, and Keats. The cafe remains open – and popular with visitors – to this day.
Most of Via Condotti is known for its fashion boutiques. Major names in fashion have shops along the street, including Gucci, Valentino, Armani, Prada, Ferragamo, Dolce & Gabbana, as well as many other designers – Italian and otherwise.
Practical Info
Via Condotti is a relatively short street, running from the base of the Spanish Steps to the intersection with Via del Corso, where it takes on a different name.
Address: Via Condotti, Rome, Italy
From $ 44
Vatican Gardens
The Vatican Gardens cover an impressive 57 acres (23 hectares)—more than half the entire area of the Vatican City-state—and include a Renaissance layout dotted with fountains, statues, and buildings dating as far back as the sixth century. The gardens were a humble expanse of orchards and vineyards until Pope Nicholas III moved his residence back to the Vatican from the Lateran Palace and enclosed the land with a wall in 1279.
The Basics
These lovely grounds are closed to the general public and can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Join an official small-group tour to enter the gardens through the Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani). Or, book a skip-the-line private tour that includes a walking tour of the Vatican Gardens to avoid the long lines. Vatican Gardens tours generally also include visits to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica, home to Michelangelo's Pieta.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Vatican Gardens tours are especially interesting for avid gardeners.
- Picking plants and flowers from the garden is strictly forbidden.
- There is a security check at the entrance to the museums, so items like pocket knives, corkscrews, and umbrellas must be left at the coat check.
- If your Vatican tour includes entrance to the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, be sure to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
- The Vatican Gardens are not wheelchair accessible and tours generally require quite a bit of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
How to Get There
The Vatican Gardens are accessed through the Vatican Museums on Viale Vaticano in Vatican City. The closest metro station is Ottaviano on line A.
When to Get There
The gardens are most crowded at midday, so opt for a morning tour if you prefer a quieter experience. Spring and fall are considered the most beautiful seasons to view the gardens.
Vatican Gardens Highlights
In the 16th century, Pope Julius II commissioned Donato Bramante to rework the area into a Renaissance design; the architect installed a giant labyrinth, introduced Lebanese cedars, and built a fortified stone wall that’s still standing. In 1902, the Lourdes Grotto, a replica of the miraculous cave in France, was added.
Address: Vatican City, Italy
Hours: Open Monday-Tuesday and Thursday-Saturday
Admission: Varies
From $ 98
Vatican Grottoes
Popes have been interred in St. Peter’s Basilica for centuries, and while many papal tombs are inside the basilica, others are located underground in the Vatican Grottoes. Take the stairs down from the transept to view the final resting places of dozens of popes along with a number of royals.
The Basics
The Vatican Grottoes sit below the modern basilica but above the level of the first Christian Roman Emperor Constantine’s original 4th-century basilica. The earliest pope buried in the grottoes is the 9th-century Pope Nicholas I; Pope Paul VI and Pope John Paul II are also interred there. In addition, the tombs of Queen Christina of Sweden, Emperor Otto II, and Queen Charlotte of Cyprus are located inside along with a number of ornately decorated chapels and a 14th-century fresco of the Madonna by Pietro Cavallini.
Due to the long lines to enter St. Peter’s Basilica and the grottoes, by far the best way to visit is to join a skip-the-line Vatican tour that includes the church and underground tombs. Most small-group tours combine the basilica with other Vatican City highlights like the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Gardens.
Things to Know Before You Go
- St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Grottoes are sacred places and have a very strict dress code to enter, so be sure to wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees.
- Entry to the basilica requires a security check in St. Peter’s Square; large bags, suitcases, pocketknives, scissors, corkscrews, umbrellas, and other prohibited items can be left in the free cloakroom.
- The Vatican Grottoes are not accessible to wheelchairs.
How to Get There
Entrance to the Vatican Grottoes is below the St. Andrew statue near the papal altar inside St. Peter’s Basilica, located on St. Peter’s Square (Piazza San Pietro) in Vatican City. The closest metro station is Ottaviano.
When to Get There
You can visit the grottoes whenever the basilica is open. Note that the basilica closes each Wednesday morning during the weekly papal audience.
St. Peter’s Tomb
The tomb of St. Peter is not in the Vatican Grottoes, but one level below in the Scavi (archaeological dig), accessible only via a private tour that you must book months in advance through the Vatican’s Excavations Office.
Address: Piazza San Pietro, Citta del Vaticano, Vatican City, Italy
From $ 80
Via Veneto
With a long-standing reputation for elegance and a starring role in Federico Fellini's 1960 film La Dolce Vita, Via Veneto was once the stomping ground of international actors, celebrities and paparazzi. Today, the stylish thoroughfare remains one of Rome’s most glamorous addresses, running between Piazzale Brasile and Piazza Barberini in central Rome, and lined with luxury hotels, chic bars and streetside cafés.
Start your explorations at lively Piazza Barberini, home to the magnificent 17th-century Palazzo Barberini, then stroll north along Via Veneto, passing landmarks like the Capuchin Church of the Immaculate Conception and Palazzo Margherita, now home to the U.S Embassy. Be sure to pay a visit to famous cafés like Harry’s Bar, Café de Paris and Doney too, where former customers include big names like Audrey Hepburn, Tennessee Williams and Coco Chanel.
Practical Info
Via Veneto runs between Piazzale Brasile and Piazza Barberini in central Rome.
Address: Via Veneto, Rome, Italy
From $ 38
St. Peter's Square
The heart of Rome's Vatican City is St. Peter's Square, the grand space that provides a magnificent approach to St. Peter's Basilica. Designed by Bernini in the 17th century, Piazza San Pietro is lined by semicircular colonnades four columns deep on either side that seem to reach out and enfold visitors in an embrace.
The Basics
At the center of the square, a soaring Egyptian obelisk and two marble fountains—one by Carlo Maderno dating from 1613 and the second designed by Bernini to match in 1675—break up the sweeping cobblestone space. Within the colonnade, formed by massive Doric columns and topped by 140 statues of the saints, lies the security check for entry to St. Peter's and, on the other side, the Vatican post office. The square is the site of large public Masses on the main Catholic holidays and for papal audiences, when it is packed with pilgrims from all over Italy and the world.
St. Peter's Square is best visited with a tour guide as part of a small-group tour that touches on all the Vatican highlights, including the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Gardens, and the Vatican Grottoes containing the tombs of former popes. The Vatican is a vast repository of art and history; savor it as part of a private tour with skip-the-line tickets to avoid wasting time in the Vatican's notoriously long queues.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Vatican is its own municipality and issues stamps; visit the post office under the colonnade in St. Peter's Square to send your postcards directly from Vatican City.
- If you would like to see Pope Francis, it is imperative to book papal audience tickets in advance.
- The square is accessible to wheelchair users.
- There is a dress code to enter St. Peter's Basilica that requires clothing that covers the shoulders and knees; there is no dress code for the square.
How to Get There
The most spectacular way to enter St. Peter's Square is by foot, crossing the Emperor Hadrian's Ponte Sant'Angelo over the River Tiber to Castel Sant'Angelo (Hadrian's Tomb) and walking up the grand Via della Conciliazione. Otherwise, use one of two metro line A stops: Ottaviano–S.Pietro–Musei Vaticani or Cipro.
When to Get There
The square is crowded with visitors during the opening hours of St. Peter's Basilica, so consider booking a night tour or an early-entry basilica tour to see St. Peter's Square in relative peace.
The Swiss Guards
St. Peter's Square, along with the rest of the Vatican, is protected by the historic Swiss Guards, established in the 16th century and still sporting their colorful Renaissance-style uniforms.
Address: Piazza san Pietro, Vatican City 00120, Italy
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 3
Via Giulia
Commissioned by Pope Julius II in 1508, the grand Via Giulia is one of Rome’s most elegant thoroughfares, running for almost 1km between the Piazza dell'Oro and Piazza San Vincenzo Palloti. It’s a picturesque walkway, with its timeworn cobblestones framed by monumental arches, historic churches and Renaissance-era buildings, and the smattering of cafés and restaurants offer ample opportunities for people watching.
Highlights of Via Giulia include the ivy-covered Arco Farnese, designed by Michelangelo; the adjoining Palazzo Farnese; and the 17th-century Fontana del Mascherone. Other architectural gems include the Palazzo Falconieri, the baroque Santa Maria dell'Orazione Church; and the Palazzo Sacchetti, while the street has also earned a reputation for its quality antique shops.
Practical Info
Via Giulia runs parallel to the Tiber River, between Piazza dell'Oro and Piazza San Vincenzo Palloti, in central Rome.
Address: Via Giulia, Rome, Italy
From $ 58
Via Sacra
Leading from the Capitoline Hill to the Colosseum via the first-century AD Arch of Titus as it traverses the Forum from west to east, the Via Sacra (Sacred Way) was once the main thoroughfare of Ancient Rome. With its origins stretching back to at least the fifth century BC, it was later paved and later still, in the times of Nero, lined with colonnades. The street was backed by Ancient Rome’s temples, civic buildings and the palaces of the wealthy; it was here that festivals were held, where prostitutes came to solicit clients and where crowds gathered to gossip and gamble along its route. Via Sacra was also scene of triumphal processions to celebrate military victories, when slaves and prisoners were dragged to market. Today the road forms part of the open-air museum that is the Forum; over the centuries this has been ravaged by fire, plundered for its stone and used as cow pasture but still retains something of its ancient majesty among scattered boulders, shattered arches and broken columns.
Practical Info
Via Dei Fori Imperiali, Campitelli, Rome. Admission to the Forum complex: adults €12; students €7.50; free for over 65 and under 18. Open daily 8.30am–one hour before sunset. Much of this area of Ancient Rome is
pedestrianized, so Via Sacra is best approached on foot; the entrance to the Forum is at the junction of Via Dei Fori Imperiali with Via Cavour. Taxis stop outside the Colosseum, where there is also a metro station.
Address: Via Dei Fori Imperiali, Campitelli, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy
Hours: Daily 8.30am–one hour before sunset
Admission: Adults €12; Students €7.50; free for over 65 and under 18
From $ 70
Via Margutta
A tranquil oasis running between the teeming spaces of Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna, Via Margutta is a short but charming cobbled street with narrow townhouses in hues of red and terracotta, decked with ivy and planted with shrubs. In ancient times an open sewer and today one of Rome’s prettiest streets, Margutta has attracted artists, stonemasons, poets, sculptors and composers to its three short blocks since medieval times. Today art stalls, workshops, galleries and studios abound among the terraced trattorias and the street’s Fontana delle Arti is topped by a carved stone bucket filled with artists’ brushes. Revered Italian film director Federico Fellini lived at number 110 and it has even starred in its own movie, when Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn take a cab to Via Margutta, 51, in Roman Holiday. Over the years the romantic little lane has also been home to Picasso, Stravinsky, Puccini and Debussy; it looks particularly lovely during April’s festival of ‘100 Pittori’ (100 Pictures), when artists set up stalls and exhibit their work for sale.
Practical Info
Via Margutta, Tridente, Rome. Take the Metro to Spagna.
Address: Via Margutta, Tridente, Rome, Lazio 00187, Italy
From $ 57
Vittoriano Museum Complex
The Vittoriano monument, among the most famous landmarks in Rome, is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Vittoriano Museum Complex. This is where some of the city’s most important art exhibitions are held each year, so it’s a particularly interesting for art enthusiasts.
The Basics
The Vittoriano, also known as the Altare della Patria or Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, was inaugurated in 1911 to honor the first king of the newly united Italy. Today, in addition to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Museo Centrale del Risorgimento (Museum of Italian Unification), and the Sacrario delle Bandiere gallery of Italian military flags, the enormous building houses a large exhibition space in the eastern wing (Ala Brasini), which is used as a venue for temporary exhibitions. For one of the best views in the city, take the panoramic Roma dal Cielo elevator, which was added to the building in 2007, up to the rooftop Terrazza delle Quadrighe.
The Vittoriano dominates the central Piazza Venezia square near the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and is included in many small-group walking tours of Rome, or guided tours by bike or car. The monument is particularly striking at night, so consider joining an evening tour to see its white-marble staircase and dramatically lit facade.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The museum complex inside the Vittoriano hosts important exhibitions and retrospectives of Italian and international artists, which change regularly.
- Be sure to bring your camera if you’re taking the Roma dal Cielo elevator up to the monument’s rooftop terrace.
- The monument is accessible to wheelchairs via the Via del Teatro di Marcello entrance on the right side of the building.
How to Get There
The Vittoriano has three entrances: Piazza Venezia; Via di San Pietro in Carcere on the left side of the building; and Via del Teatro di Marcello on the right. All are easily accessible from Piazza Venezia, one of the main squares in the center of Rome and a transit hub for buses and trams from the Termini train station.
When to Get There
The museum complex at the Vittoriano is open daily into the evening hours, so consider visiting after the midday crowds have dispersed. Catch the elevator to the panoramic terrace either first thing in the morning or as the sun is setting for the best photographs.
The Vittoriano Controversy
Since its completion at the beginning of the 20th century, the Vittoriano has been one of Rome’s most controversial monuments, an object of derision for many Romans due to its massive size and elaborate architecture. Over the decades, it has earned a number of nicknames from locals, including “the typewriter”, “the wedding cake”, “the dentures”, and “the trifle.”
Address: Piazza Venezia, Rome, Italy
From $ 22
San Lorenzo in Lucina
Home to one of the oldest churches in the world, the colorful Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina looks at first to be simply high end shops and outdoor cafes. Yet hidden behind a simple facade is the Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Lucina, which has been standing since the fourth century. It is believed to have been built on an ancient well that was once tribute to the Roman goddess Juno. Once built, the church was dedicated to Saint Lawrence, a Roman martyr, and now functions as a Roman Catholic parish and minor basilica.
The church has been restored over and over throughout the centuries, so there are layers of history apparent in its detailed architecture. Everything from Roman columns to a Romanesque bell tower and a 12th-century portico can be seen from the outside. The interior is largely Baroque in style. Highlights include Guido Reni’s Crocifisso (Crucifixion) at the main altar and various busts by Bernini located in the chapels.
Practical Info
The Piazza di San Lorenzo in Lucina and its church are located just off the Via del Corso. The church is open daily from 8 am to 8 pm, with access to the ruins costing 2 euro.
Address: Via in Lucina, 16, 00186, Rome, Italy
Hours: Daily 8am-8pm
Admission: €2
From $ 58
Vittorio Emmanuele II Monument
One of the most famous (and, for many Romans, infamous) landmarks in Rome, the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument is home to the Complesso del Vittoriano museum complex, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Roma dal Cielo elevator that connects to the panoramic rooftop terrace overlooking The Eternal City.
The Basics
The Vittorio Emanuele II Monument (or Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II) overlooking Piazza Venezia in central Rome—also known as the Altare della Patria, or simply the Vittoriano—was inaugurated in 1911 to honor the first king of the newly united Italy. Today, the enormous and, some might argue, ostentatious building is home to Italy’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Museo Centrale del Risorgimento (Museum of Italian Unification), the Sacrario delle Bandiere gallery of Italian military flags, and an important art exhibition space in the eastern wing (Ala Brasini). The Roma dal Cielo elevator, which transports visitors up to the Terrazza delle Quadrighe scenic rooftop terrace, was added in 2007.
Located near the Palatine Hill, the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument is included in many hop-on-hop-off bus tours tours of Rome, as well as guided walking, bike, or Segway tours that also include skip-the-line-access to the nearby Colosseum and Roman Forum. The monument’s white-marble staircase and facade are particularly striking at night, so consider joining an evening tour to see the building at its most dramatic.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Ala Brasini exhibition space, which hosts temporary art exhibitions, is an interesting stop for art enthusiasts.
- The monument is accessible to wheelchair users through the Via del Teatro di Marcello entrance on the right side of the building.
- Bring your camera—you’ll want to capture the views from the monument’s rooftop terrace.
How to Get There
The Vittorio Emanuele II Monument’s three entrances—Piazza Venezia, Via di San Pietro in Carcere on the left side of the building, and Via del Teatro di Marcello on the right—are all easily accessible from Piazza Venezia, one of Rome’s main squares and a transit hub for buses and trams.
When to Get There
The museum complex at the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument is open daily into the evening hours, so visit at the end of a day after the midday crowds have thinned. For the best picture, catch the elevator to the rooftop terrace either first thing in the morning or in the late afternoon.
The Famous (or Infamous) Vittoriano
The Vittoriano has been one of Rome’s most controversial monuments since it was completed at the beginning of the 20th century, both because a historic quarter of the city was destroyed to make room for its construction and because of its pompous architecture. Over the decades, Romans have given the monument a number of unflattering nicknames, including “the typewriter”, “the wedding cake”, “the dentures”, and “the trifle”.
Address: Piazza Venezia, Roma, Province of Rome 00186, Italy
From $ 29
Stadium of Domitian
The Stadium of Domitian was built in 80 AD as a venue for sporting events and was the first of its kind. It was designed in an elongated U-shape using a Greek architectural style, and it could hold between 15,000 and 20,000 people. In the 15th century, the stadium was paved over to make Piazza Navona, which is a popular square in Rome today. The square is almost the exact same size and shape as the stadium was. Some pieces of the original stadium can still be seen above ground, but much of the remains are underground.
Today visitors can see parts of the archaeological site and get a glimpse of Rome's past. Graphs, photos, and videos explain the history of sport as well as the history of the stadium itself. Much of what lies underground is off limits and can only be accessed with special permission, but the parts that are visible are spectacular. The stadium is one of many examples of the many layers of history that exists in Rome.
Practical Info
Stadium of Domitian is located at Piazza Navona. Several buses stop at Piazza Navona, or it's a 15 minute walk from Trevi Fountain. Opening hours are 10am to 7pm Sunday to Friday, and 10am to 8pm on Saturdays. Admission is 8 euros.
Address: Piazza Navona, Rome, Lazio 00186, Italy
Hours: 10am to 7pm Sunday to Friday, and 10am to 8pm on Saturdays
Admission: 8 euros
From $ 9