Coliseum and Roman Forum (from outside)
Start your tour at the colossal amphitheater, where fights between gladiators and beasts took place for the pleasure of bloodthirsty Roman Emperors.
Upwards of 50,000 spectators would gather beneath the cool awnings to witness the cruel battles unfold. Many kinds of events took place in this grand arena!
Now pass by the Rome Forum – the ancient marketplace where day-to-day life continued unabated for centuries with many a triumphal procession, public speech, gladiatorial march, and political campaign run in its surrounds. The rich archaeological history of the Colosseum now attracts upwards of 4.5 million sightseers a year.
Palatine (from outside)
According to ancient legend, Romulus founded Rome on Palatine hill in 753 B.C. Following his actions, the Emperors built their opulent homes for the rest of the civilization to enjoy.
Circo Massimo & Mouth of Truth
The Circo Massimo was the famed stage of the chariot race and the largest stadium of Ancient Rome, holding upwards of a quarter of Rome’s entire population. It is one of the sites to see in Rome!
The Mouth of Truth sits under the porch of Santa Maria in Cosmedin and, according to legend, should one tell a lie while their hand is in its mouth, the face will take a bite. Watch out!
Aventino Hill
This graceful residential area is an oasis of gardens and churches, with a beautiful view over the Tevere and a curious tiny keyhole that offers the strange experience of looking at a miniature version of St. Peter’s Dome.
Piazza del Popolo
Always include Piazza del Popolo among Rome attractions: an elegant space in the northern quarters of the ancient city with a striking Egyptian Obelisk at its center. There are few locations more emblematic of this magnificent city. Once a place of public execution, the last took place in 1826.
The massive Aurelian walls enshrine the square, designed in a neoclassical style by Giuseppe Valadier. The Northern Gate sits opposite the impressive Twin Churches.
Navona Square
Piazza Navona is one of the largest squares in the city and one of the must-see places in Rome. The space is trendy among tourists for one primary reason: Bernini’s “Fountain of the Four Rivers.” Built to represent The Nile, The Ganges, The Danube, and the Rio de la Plata. The structure now sits amidst the artists who arrive to peddle their wares daily.
Spanish Steps
Next, proceed to the Spanish Steps, one of the top sights in Rome. As you stand and admire the Church of Trinità dei Monti, which sits at the top of a famous stairwell with the Fontana Della Barcaccia at its foot, you will wonder how they were ever able to complete it.
Trevi Fountain
Hidden down the city’s narrow backstreets, Trevi Fountain is a secretive masterpiece and perhaps the most spectacular among Rome fountains. Trevi Fountain was built at the end of one famed aqueduct that supplied the Roman empire with water. The fountain is the iconic setting for numerous films. Unmissable! Include this site on your list when you plan to visit Rome and toss a coin into its waters to ensure a safe return to Rome in the future.
Castel Sant’Angelo & St. Peter’s Square
Next on the list is the marvelous Castel Sant’Angelo’Angelo, the first-century Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum. It now serves as a museum. Then, move onwards to the enchanting St. Peter’s Square. Set within Vatican City in front of the famed St. Peter’s Basilica, the photos of this towering monument are a must-do in Rome.
An ancient Egyptian Obelisk lies at the center of the piazza. The square didn’t take its ultimate form until almost 100 years later, thanks to the inspired design of Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It was he who introduced the Tuscan colonnades that now frame the surroundings.
Janiculum Hill
Finally, ascend the Gianicolo, the second-highest hill in all of Rome, with your Rome Chauffeur. Admire the splendor of a sparkling skyline from this lofty outpost! There are few better vantage points to relish this enchanting urban spectacle’s domed buildings and beautiful bell towers.
Sights at Janiculum Hill include the little church of San Pietro – rumored to be the location of St Peter’s crucifixion – as well as a small shrine known as Tempietto, otherwise understood to be the site of Peter’s death.
