This Italian city is not to miss when on a trip to Italy. This eternal city of love is on everyone’s bucket list.
Planning a trip to Rome? Of course, you will want to see the most popular landmarks and monuments, they are popular for a good reason! The long history of churches, monuments and restored ruins offer a glimpse of good roman architecture. There are so many beautiful things to do in Rome. Rome is not only the oldest but one of the most beautiful and unique cities in the world.
Sometimes, called ‘Roma Aeterna’ (Eternal city) and ‘Caput Mundi’ (Capital of the world), these two names mark to the era of ancient roman history. We have brought a list of the most amazing things that you should not miss on your Rome trip.
On a crisp autumn day, take a walk to Santo Stefano Rotando, the oldest circular Church of Rome. This church is one of the oldest and largest churches in existence in Rome. Upon stepping into this church, you will immediately fall in love with the spiralling columns. The church is dedicated to St. Stephen, the first martyr and dates back to 5th century A.D. Outer arcade walls and paintings depict the death of 34 martyrs.
The view of St. Peter’s is awesome. You will be fascinated and gobsmacked by the illusion that unfolds here. This street is perfectly aligned with St. Peter’s dome. From the far end of the long hilltop road, the dome appears large and imposing, but as you walk towards the dome you’ll begin to see the optical illusion. The nearer you get, dome begins to appear tiny. Wondering how the illusion works? You can also spot this illusion best when viewed from a moving vehicle.
We’ve heard of this saying, “All roads lead to Rome”. Well, this saying comes true in case of this longest and oldest road of Rome. The Appian Way or Via Appia, is one of the most ancient roads of Roman history. This gorgeous road is cobbled and surrounded by towering pine trees, grassy fields and dotted with ancient wonders. Some catacombs like San Callisto, San Sebastino and Santa Domtilla are the best to visit. The best time to visit is on a Sunday and public holidays when the whole area is closed to traffic.
They say the best museum in Rome is Rome itself. But situated in Villa Borghese is the Galleria Borghese. Its sculptures and architecture are dated back to the 17th century. Scipione Borghese was an early patron of Gian Lorenzo Bernini and an ardent collector of works by Caravaggio. Amongst the gallery’s gems are paintings by Caravaggio including Boy with a Basket of Fruit and St Jerome Writing and Sacred and Profane Love by Titian. As the gallery remains closed on Monday, admittance slots need to be booked in advance. Due to booking, you can ensure that even though in crowds you can wander selflessly spending quality time.
Trastevere is the best street to explore on foot. Located on the other side of Tibets River, it is originally the home of the working class of the neighbourhood. The rustic orange buildings draped in the vine and quite narrow cobbled streets will surely give you a vintage walk in Rome.
Quartiere Coppede gets its name from Gino Coppede, a Florentine architect who designed and built this beautiful monument. The place is unknown to many of the tourists as well as locals. You’ll see Tuscan Turrest, liberty sculptures, Moorish Arches, Gothic Gargoyles, frescoed facades and palm-fringed gardens. There are so many great paintings there on display that leave you awestruck when you minutely observe all the details in it. One of the most famous paintings here is Raphael’s ‘La Fornarina’ (The Baker’s Girl), a portrait of his mistress who worked in a bakery of Rome’s Travastere.
This one must have made its way on the list, but it’s worth mentioning. This is a must-add item to your list of things to do in Rome. The complex of brick walls, broken archways, and the remains of floor mosaics extends over 33 acres. The Baths of Caracalla have this capacity of staggering 1600 bathers at a time. The baths provide two basic functions, sanitation and an opportunity to socialize. Apart from baths, there are two libraries, two gyms and plenty of shops. You’ll be fascinated to learn how the temperature was controlled and for that take a guided tour. Also, if you’re visiting in summers, it’s a bonus for you. You can see live performances that dramatic backdrop along with opera.
Hence, do not miss these marvels and add them on your list of ‘Things to do in Rome’. Happy Travel!
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