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» Travel » TOP 10 THINGS: ROMETOP 10 THINGS: ROME
When it comes to compiling a Top Ten list for a city like Rome, there are bound to be varied opinions and minor disagreements. After all when you’re talking about a city that is referred to as the ‘Eternal City’ how possible is it to really select just ten items?
However, we’ll attempt to do just that, and we welcome any other suggestions from frequent Rome travelers for future Rome visitors.
Colosseum
The Colosseum is probably the most impressive building of the Roman empire. Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, it was the largest building of the era and is considered one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and Roman engineering. Capable of seating 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles and was digitally reconstructed in the movie Gladiator which showed what the Colosseum looked like in its heyday. Nowadays it remains partially ruined because of damage caused by devastating earthquakes and stone-robbers yet is still one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome and is still used on an annual basis when the Pope leads a torch-lit “Way of the Cross” procession that starts in the area around the Colosseum, every Good Friday
Pantheon
An incredible historic church that has been in almost continuous use for the last two thousand years, the Pantheon is the final resting place of the renowned artist Raphael and Vittorio Emanuele II. The Pantheon which means “of all the gods” in Greek was constructed between and 27 and 25 AD as a temple to the Olympian gods. The original temple was destroyed by fire in 80 AD and was rebuilt with the columns and interior hall that can be seen today. Its dome remains the largest reinforced concrete dome in the world – even after 2000 years. The building was converted into a Christian church in 609 and is still occasionally used for services today.
Vatican City & Gardens
Dedicate a day out of your trip to Rome to visit the Vatican City and its surrounding gardens. Equip yourself with a dedicated guide book that will escort you through all the museums and works of art on display with an explanation of what it is that you’re looking at. The Vatican City is the location of the Pope’s residence, referred to as the Apostolic Palace, and has a population of just over 800. The Vatican Gardens comprise most of the area and are decorated with fountains and beautiful lawn.
Trevi Fountain
Making your way to the front of the Trevi Fountain can be somewhat daunting since this is one of the most densely tourist populated places in Rome; however, it is worth a bit of pushing and squeezing to get to the front and admire the largest baroque fountain of the city with its beautiful sculptures. Trevi Fountain was completed in 1762 as a collaborative effort between many artists including Salvi, Bracci, and Pannini. Once you’ve made the effort to get a front seat, don’t forget to toss a coin into the fountain – over your shoulder – subscribing to the legend that whoever does that is assured a return visit to the city.
Villa Borghese
Surrounded by a beautiful, public park, Villa Borghese was built in the 17th century for Cardinal Scipione Caffarelli Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V and is now home to the wondrous collections of Italian aesthetics. Appreciate beautiful antiquities from the Renaissance and the beginnings of baroque art including the impressive sculptures by world renowned artists such as Bernini, Caravaggio, and Canova. Note that visits to Villa Borghese are by reservation so be sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is probably the most outstanding square of the Baroque period in Rome, with its elliptical shape taking people back in history to a time when this piazza served as a 1st century ancient Roman Circus (a competition arena in an oval shape). It famously features Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, unveiled in 1651, which sits at the centre of the piazza facing Borromini’s church, Sant’ Agnese in Agone, and which was a major famously used in the movie Angels and Demons. The four gods on the four corners of the fountain represent the world’s four major rivers. Two other fountains sit at the North and South ends of the piazza.
Roman Forum
The ruins date from the 7th century BC and despite its current heavily ruined state knowing that the Roman Forum was the epicentre of ancient Roman civilization with Caesar at the helm is enough to get anyone’s historic nodes buzzing. This was the place where the central government of the Roman Empire was seated and was the central hub for economic and commercial activities. Amongst the ruins are countless temples and sanctuaries, rows of shops, columns and arches commemorating people and battle victories, Senate buildings, and much more.
Campo dei Fiori Market
There are plenty of outdoor markets in Rome however the market at Campo dei Fiori is definitely the one that is worth a visit. Open every morning (except Sundays) this food market has been around since the mid-1800s selling flowers, fruit, veggies, household goods and bread. Despite its popularity with visitors this is a fully-functioning retail outlet where locals come to stock their kitchens. Not far from Piazza Navona, the market is a hustle and bustle in the mornings turning into a great evening venue for dinner and people watching.
San Clement Basilica
San Clemente Basilica is not just any other church in Rome, but is unique with its magnificent frescoes and its 12th century mosaic Triumph of the Cross domed area, as well as its structural history. San Clement Basilica was built in 1100 on the ruins of a 4th century Christian church which was built on the ruins of a 1st century pagan temple, thus creating a three-tiered complex of buildings which is open for public tours. The church is still in use as Mass is celebrated every day.
Piazza di Spagna & the Spanish Steps
One of the timeless, classic sites in Rome are the 138 steps that rise the steep slope from the Piazza di Spagna to the church of Trinità dei Monti at the top of the hill, based in Piazza Trinità dei Monti. The Spanish Steps are the perfect place for people watching, and there will be plenty of people to look at as it’s one of the busiest areas of the city. Walking through Piazza di Spagna one finds a beautiful early baroque fountain by Pietro Bernini while upon approaching the steps is the house where English poet John Keats lived and died in 1821; it is now a museum dedicated to his memory, full of memorabilia of the English Romantic generation.
For first time visitors, or those who don’t have much time on their hands, the Hop On/Hop Off Rome Tour Bus is the ideal mode of transport that will take you around the famous landmarks of the city allowing you to alight at those that you would like to explore.
I’d also recommend getting your hands on a guide book that will give you the ins and outs of all that Rome offers and which will help you plan your ideal Roman holiday.
In between all the sight-seeing and checklist ticking, don’t forget to actually savour the atmosphere of the city by exploring the backstreets in a bid to discover a local bakery of gastronomic delights, a secret garden in bloom, or even to simply see the locals going about their daily lives accustomed to having thousands of years of history just outside their doorstep.
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Posted by Sunday Circle on August 29, 2011. Filed under Travel.
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