When lovers of art, artists, institutions, or families list down the locations they would like to visit, Rome often comes up. Family, group, and individual trips thrive in Rome as it is the epitome of world-famous artwork of Renaissance, archeology, ancient cities, architecture, 11th-century cathedrals, and monuments… The main challenge is to select the top Rome attractions in the neverending list of possibilities.
I hope this post can facilitate your search: I’m an Italian native, and I was so lucky to live in Rome for several years. In this post you can find my list of favorite attractions in Rome.
Now, let’s start with some general but useful information. The art, culture, and other Rome attractions are peculiarly located in the city center. And whether it is site seeing or a deep dive into the breathtaking artwork, a visit to Rome will give you an understanding of the city’s rich heritage.
As the home city to the Pope, Rome is of huge significance to religious, cultural, and historical heritage. Besides, its artsy events and cultural activities will offer an insight into the city’s ancient traditions and history that dates back to 300 BC. From historical monuments and massive cathedrals to the numerous cultural attractions that give glimpses of the past, here are top must-see attractions and awe-inspiring masterpieces of fine art to include in your itinerary on your next vacation to Rome.
Rome attractions: churches and religious sites
The Saint Peters Basilica
St Peters Basilica is one of the most iconic and Rome attractions, as it is a religious jewel to the Vatican. Its historic religious importance is so immense.
This 16th-century landmark took over 100 years for its construction to be completed, spanning from 1506 to 1626. Standing in the Vatican territory, this Basilica is a representation of Christianity’s dexterity. Additionally, the cathedral is considered one of the holiest and most important churches not only in the Vatican but also worldwide. A visit to the St Peters Basilica comes with a strict dress code that requires visitors to avoid shorts, miniskirts, among others.
San Paolo Basilica
Constructed in the time frame beginning 1859, this church (referred to as the Grace Church), has an outstanding value in its art collection, much to the effect that the government of Italy declared it a National Monument. The 19th-century construction was founded by Constantine I, a Roman Emperor who commissioned its construction on the burial site of Saint Paul.
Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica
This is one of the most significant basilicas to religious pilgrims from around the world. Constructed around 432 A.D, this basilica is one of the four patriarchal cathedrals of Rome. The mystery to it is that it somehow fell from the hilltop of Esquiline Hill to its present rock around 358 A.D, and it is also where the world-famous architect Bernini’s remains were laid.
The cathedral has had several refurbishments that include the 5th-century mosaics, 18th-century interior baroque façade, along with the 13th-century Roman belfry that stands tall to delight visitors. Along with its ancient tales of the Old Testament depicted by the 5th-century mosaics, the construction has spiral staircases that magnificent floors that enhance the basilicas aura.
Archbasilica Di San Giovanni in Laterano
The Basilica of San Giovanni, located in the city of Rome, is designated to the Vatican and therefore enjoys double territoriality. The basilica was commissioned by the Roman Emperor Constantine in 324 AD. Its religious significance is such that it was used by the Pope as the primary place of worship until the 14th century.
It has undergone multiple refurbishments and houses the statues of the 12 Apostles, John the Baptist, the statue of Christ, and that of John the Evangelist, which makes it worth the visit. Besides, the basilica features the Roman baroque façade, mosaic floors, bronze entrances, and amazing artwork. Its aesthetic features have it today as the official cathedral of Rome, which doubles as the seat of Rome’s Bishop, who is the Pope.
The Pantheon
Commissioned by Marcus Agrippa, this ancient Rome attraction was put up as a dedication to Rome’s traditional gods and goddesses from ancient mythology. The structure is quite recognizable as the dome of the Pantheon is considered the largest dome (not reinforced with concrete) globally. The refurbishing work done on the Patheon has maintained its pristine state, and anyone visiting this landmark will be taken retro to the old Roman days.
As a symbol of both ancient and today’s domination of Christianity in Rome, the Patheon (referred to locally as Santa Maria Della Rotonda) is dedicated to Saint Mary and the Martyrs. The unreinforced concrete dome is particularly an architectural wonder, virtually visible from anywhere in the city. It has over the decades garnered a lot of admirers. Moreover, this Rome attraction is free. Therefore, next time you travel to Rome, visit the Patheon and experience the wonder firsthand.
Rome attractions: art galleries and art masterpieces
Galleria Borghese
Galleria Borghese is a stunning gallery set in the famous Villa Borghese. The gallery houses a collection of mosaics, sculptures, paintings, and reliefs that dates back to between the 15th and 18th centuries. The artwork in this gallery is an attribute to the 17th-century Roman cardinal known as Scipione Borghese.
The Galleria Borghese exhibits some of the most exhilarating pieces of art from famous artists such as Caravaggio, Giovani Bellini, Antonella da Messina, and sculptures of Canova. This art gallery museum is one of the most prized Rome attractions.
Bernini’s Apollo and Daphne
The Apollo and Daphne is a life-sized statue based in the Galleria Borghese museum. It portrays two characters; Apollo and Daphne. The latter is portrayed as grasping the former as she attempts to escape. The magnificent statue is indicative of Bernini’s artistic talent as she started work on this piece when she was 24 years old. His mentor was Cardinal Scipione Borghese, who commissioned Bernini to make a statue for his collection.
Michelangelo’s Moses
This is one of my favorite masterpieces of Michelangelo. Michelangelo’s most famous statue probably is The Pity which resides in the Vatican. However, his amazing statue of Moses is housed in the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli. The statue was commissioned in the 16th century by Pope Julius II. Furthermore, the statue is famed for the massive horns on Moses’s head, which represent ‘rays of light’ as was the ancient Hebrew interpretation.
Santa Maria mosaics, Trastevere
Housed in the Basilica of Santa Maria, the mosaic is a 12th-century work of Pietro Cavallini, who sought to depict the life of the Virgin Mary. These Byzantine mosaics depict the Virgin Mary, her coronation, and also features the 12th century Pope Innocent II, holding a church model in his hands, for which he is known to rebuild in 1130.
The Ecstasy of Saint Theresa
The Ecstasy of Saint Theresa is another artistic masterpiece that shows Bernini’s talent. This statute, based in the Santa Maria Vittorio church, depicts Theresa of Avila and is one of the key highlights of the High Roman Baroque. Theresa of Avila, a Spanish mystic nun, is depicted in her encounter with an angel. And revered for his sculptural and architectural work, Bernini combined the two with paintwork that brings out the sensuality of Avila’s angelic encounter
Rome attractions: squares and fountains
Fontana Dei Quattro Fiumi
This breathtaking fountain is located in the Piazza Navona in Rome. Dating back to the 17th century, this piece of architecture was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini as a dedication to Pope Innocent X. It features four river gods standing on Travertine rocks. The four river gods represent the Danube of Europe, Rio de la Plata of the Americas, the Ganges of Asia, and the Nile of Africa. The fountain also features an Egyptian Obelisk that visits this fountain an unforgettable experience.
Piazza Navona
Rich in artistic and architectural marvels, the Piazza Navona is among the most popular town squares in the city of Rome. It has had its good share of media attention too. In the past few years, the town square has been featured in films and movies, with the most recent one being Dan Brown’s adaptation of his global bestseller, Angels and Demons.
The square features Rome’s baroque-style sculptures that were created by famous architects such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The most famous attraction in the Piazza Navona town square though is the Fontana Dei Quattro Fiumi that has become popular as a tourist attraction.
Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain is perhaps the most iconic baroque-style fountain in Italy. It features works of art from multiple architects, sculptors, all from different times, and measures 90 feet high and 60 feet wide, rendering it the largest fountain in Rome, and probably in Italy.
This monument has a deep cultural attachment for both tourists and the neighborhood. Culturally, people believe that tossing a coin into the fountain will see you come back to Rome once more. And besides the dramatic flow of the fountain, the surrounding baroque architecture has made Trevi Fountain a favorite tourist destination in Rome.
Rome attractions: ancient ruins and historical sites
Ruins of the Palatine Hill
Known to be one of the oldest sections of the city, the ruins of the Palatine Hill sit at a height of 40 meters above the Circus Maximus and faces the Forum Romanum on the opposite side. This ancient ruin is a popular tourist attraction as it comprises the ruins of Domus Augustana, which is the modern nomenclature given to the ancient and vast Roman palace located on Palatine Hill. This name is believed to have applied to the whole place, which is also quite popular for its mythology.
The most popular story associated with the Domus Augustana is that it once inhabited Rome’s founder brothers. Furthermore, legend has it that the Lupercal cave located on this Hill is where Remus and Romulus were taken care of by the she-wolf. Others say the hill is the location where the battle between Hercules and Cacus (the monster) took place. The crater visible on the hilltop is believed to have been one of Hercules’s blows that struck the ground open.
Roman Forum
Located in the heart of the city, this is one of the most popular Roman attractions you wouldn’t want to miss. It represents the cultural foundation of the entire city, including the famous Colosseum. This construction features a huge rectangular plaza, whose design and location – including the surrounding landmarks – says it all about Rome and its heritage. The numerous landmarks that surround the plaza almost appear to bow to it. Some of the most iconic structures that surround the Roman Forum include;
- The Temple of Castor and Pollux
- The Forum’s main square
- Basilica Aemilia
- The Temple of Caesar, among others
- …and, of course, the Colosseum
Rome attractions: museums
From ancient times to the present day, few can argue that Italy’s capital city is a breathtaking religious, cultural and historical experience. From taking a trip to the Colosseum tourist destination at the heart of the city to having a tour of the Pope’s residence, Rome has numerous streets and corridors that are centuries-old. Part of what makes Rome a unique cultural center globally is its ancient and present artistic talent displayed in the museums scattered around the city. That said, we have enlisted some of Rome’s world-class museums to add to your itinerary.
The National Roman Museum
The National Roman Museum is a group of four different museums located in different places across the city. The museums were commissioned in 1889, a year after Italy’s unification. They were aimed at preserving Italy’s antique works from the period spanning from the 5th century BC to the 3rd century AD. The quadruple includes:
- Crypta Balbi
- Palazzo Altemps
- Thermal Baths of Diocleziano
- Palazzo Massimo
If you are an art fanatic or simply want to dive deep into Rome’s history and its cultural heritage as much as possible, then the National Roman Museum is your ideal destination. The diversity of its ancient collections is outstanding, which explains why the different artworks are preserved and exhibited in various parts of the city. The Palazzo Massimo museum is known for Rome’s jewelry and ancient artifacts while the Palazzo Altemps is the ideal location to take a closer look into the historic Roman baths.
Capitoline Museums
The Capitoline Museum was established in 1471 and is considered to be one of the oldest museums globally. The museum features two massive buildings adjacent to and facing each other in the Piazza neighborhood. The collection comprises impressive sculptures on the first floor and artwork on the second floor.
Located in the Colosseo District, the Capitoline museum is home to ancient Greek and Rome artifacts. It is home to artwork from famous architects such as Dying Gaul and houses the life-sized statue of Emperor Marcus on a bronze horse. Moreover, artworks from Titian and Caravaggio are also exhibited in the Capitoline museum.
The Museum of Roman Civilization
The present Rome is known for a variety of sceneries and attractions that keep tourists coming, but if you are looking to grasp the true sense of the city, then it is ideal to take a look back in time. The Museum of Roman Civilization is home to a huge model that depicts what Rome looked like in ancient times.
Moreover, artifacts from ancient Rome are exhibited to let you take a closer look into the lifestyle during the times of Imperial Rome. Not far from the heart of the city, this museum is surrounded by buildings and plazas constructed with the recent architecture of the 1930s.
The MAXXI Museum
Roman history suggests that humans inhabited the present Rome as early as over 14,000 years ago. And while numerous museums have been dedicated to preserving ancient artifacts, the MAXXI museum is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of cultural elements from the last century to the present.
This museum receives visitors who are interested in exploring Rome’s artwork coming from the 21st century to the present. Among others, the museum features exemplary architecture, sculptures, cafes, and paintings. Designed by the famous Zaha Hadid, this museum is particularly ideal for lovers of contemporary art
Vatican Museums
If you have been to the Vatican before, you will perhaps agree that the key highlights were the Saint Peters Basilica and the Swiss Guard. The Basilica is more so an exemplary citing.
However, the Vatican has several museums that house amazing collections of religious artworks. The Vatican Museum comprises the Sistine Chapel that is popular for its breathtaking frescoes painted on the ceiling. A guided tour to the Vatican Museums is preferred to ensure you don’t miss anything.
Educational Tours to Rome Attractions
There are thousands of possible educational tours in Rome, and I’ll not mention here any specific agency. I prefer to suggest you some key focus area to invest your time (and, in some cases, your money)
Papal Audience in The Vatican City
It’s not a tour, but I’d mention to you this is a lifetime opportunity to meet and enjoy the audience of the Pope. This is one of the oldest traditions of the Vatican where you can become part of a select group to meet the Pope.
Tour to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and the Roman Forum
This is a great opportunity to visit the world’s largest amphitheater (the Colosseum), and thereafter get a guided tour to the ancient Roman Palace on the ruin of Palatine Hill.
Guided tour to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
Gaining entry to the Vatican is an honor in itself. But on this tour, you will comfortably make your way into the Vatican Museums, enjoy the religious art, and climb the spiral marble staircase in the Chapel.
Tour to Saint Peter’s Basilica
Enjoy a lifetime opportunity walking into the gates of the Eternal City. Located in the Vatican, this Basilica has spiral staircases where you climb to the top and observe every view of the eternal city.
Archeological Attractions
The Ara Pacis Archeological Site
This is a monument in the city of Rome dedicated to Pax Augusta, which represents the peaceful reign of the ancient Roman Emperor Augustus, who became the first true Roman emperor when Italy the territory became a Republic (13 BC to 10 BC). The Ara Pacis monument would, later on, be commissioned by the senate in honor of Emperor Augustus. It features an alter set with two openings; an entrance and an exit.
Domus Aurea Archeological Site
The Domus Aurea is located at the heart of the city and features an amazing palace surrounded by pristine gardens, the statue of the emperor at the center, plus and an artificial lake. The Domus Aurea was commissioned by emperor Nerone as his new residence after the proclaimed great fire in 64 AD. But soon after he died, the palace was brought down and the lake drained. The later emperor Vespasian rebuilt it into an amphitheater (called the Colosseum) and gave out a portion of the reclaimed land back to the people.
The Bottom Line
Regardless of whether you are an artist, art fanatic, or an adventure-loving family, it would probably take a lifetime to grasp all the cultural, archeological, and historic heritage that Rome attractions have to offer. The expansive city, littered with ancient ruins, museums, cathedrals, and palazzos, all from different times and of varying significance to the people, both local and foreign, is worth the visit.
The towering Basilicas, cultural performances, and other attractions peculiarly located in the city can make a city break trip to Rome a memorable one. The city offers once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to get an audience with the Pope, get a chance to see where he calls home, and as well dive deep into the breathtaking artwork to get an understanding of the city’s rich cultural heritage.
And as the home city to the Pope, Rome is of huge significance to religious, cultural, and historical heritages. And besides its artsy events and cultural activities, the city will offer you an insight into its ancient traditions and history that dates back to as early as 300 BC. From the historical monuments and massive cathedrals to the numerous cultural attractions that give glimpses of the past, Rome has fascinating and must-see attractions and masterpieces of fine art any visitor would long to include in their itinerary.
If you want to add your personal piece of Italian Renaissance to your home, look for breathtaking Fine Art Photographs at Paolo Modena Photography
Paolo Modena
My name is Paolo. I am a photographer. I consider myself fortunate to have grown up in Italy, surrounded by the art that is the envy of the world. I enjoy photography because it has caused me to fall in love with light, shade, and color. I see the world around me with fresh eyes every single day. And sometimes, when the mood is right, I just sit back and enjoy the moment without taking a photo.