Recognised as Eternal City, Rome is one of the most iconic cities in Europe. The Italian city is full of history, culture and art. It has a museum solely dedicated to Pasta! If this is still not enough, sharing seven reasons why you should visit Rome, Italy.
1. Colosseum
Built by the Vespasian Emperor, Colosseum took nearly a decade to build. Colosseum is the largest amphitheatre ever built. It was inaugurated in 80 AD for gladiator fights, executions and animal hunts. In 2007, Colosseum was named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.
Also in the year 2018, it became world’s most visited tourist attraction, welcoming 7.4 million people.
2. St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is a renaissance style church built in the Vatican City and is considered to be holiest Catholic shrines. Sitting right in-front of the basilica is St. Peter’s Square which is one of the world’s largest and most beautiful squares. Both basilica and the square are named after one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, Saint Peter.
Climb 551 steps and experience a breathtaking view of the city from the top of basilica dome.
3. Trevi Fountain
The baroque themed fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world. It is made of the same material as Colosseum – the travertine stone. There is a tradition related to throwing coins in the fountain; it is said if you throw one coin, it ensures return to Rome, two coins if you are seeking love and three coins for wedding bells. All the coins in the fountain are collected and goes to charity called Caritas.
Trevi fountain is seen in many movies, but it gained popularity after the movie – La Dolce Vita.
4. Pantheon
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It is considered to be marvel of ancient Rome and best – preserved ancient roman building in Rome. Pantheon as we see today, isn’t the original building but is actually third version of the building. Formerly, it was a roman temple commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus, now it is a Catholic Church.
5. Spanish steps
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Spanish Steps are monumental stairway of 135 steps linking ‘Piazza di Spagna’ at the base to ‘Trinità dei Monti’ church at the top. Though the stairway is called Spanish Steps but it is actually built by French Diplomat Étienne Gueffier’s. Opposite the Spanish steps is Via Condotti street which is famous for its luxury designer boutiques and restaurants, giving yet another reason to visit this place.
6. Piazza Navona
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Piazza Navona is adorned with Baroque buildings, three majestic fountains and a magnificent church. It is considered to be one of Rome’s most liveliest squares, full of musicians, restaurants, artists and vendors. In ancient Rome, piazza was used for sporting events and was known as ‘Circus Agonalis’ (Competition Arena).
7. Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
A total no. of 54 museums with famed Sistine Chapel, visit the smallest country in the world – Vatican City. It is headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and residence of Pope. Inside the Sistine Chapel, witness ‘The Last Judgement’ a celebrated work of Michelangelo.
Important
- Buy Roma Pass for public transport.
- Though entry to St. Peters basilica is free, entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is paid.
- Wear appropriate clothes when visiting the Vatican City.
- Pick-pocketing is quite common, always be alert.
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