Basilica, Square, Museum

Just a few minutes’ walk from Rome’s historic centre lies the world’s smallest state – the Vatican. Within an area of less than half a square kilometre, you’ll find some of the most significant sites in the Christian world, including St Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. [btn "View the nearest hotels to the Vatican" https://www.booking.com/district/it/rome/vaticano-prati.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-rim-vatikan] But…

Archaeological site, Museum

The Roman Forum is not just another archaeological site. This was the very heart of ancient Rome – the venue for political speeches, triumphal processions, trials and everyday public life. Today, it is a vast complex between the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia, full of ruins, temples and ancient roads. And that is precisely why a first visit can be a little chaotic. It is not a single specific monument, but an entire ‘city within a city’. Read…

Park, Gallery

Villa Borghese is a large relaxation area north of the centre of Rome, one of the most popular places for Romans to spend hot days under the shade of mature trees and by the many lakes. In addition, there are several attractions in the park. [btn "Hotels in Rome near Villa Borghese" https://www.booking.com/landmark/it/villa-borghese.cs.html?aid=2380460;label=p-rim-villa-borghese] Borghese Park Rome's third largest park, Borghese Park covers…

Theatre, Archaeological site

When you say Largo di Torre Argentina, most people think of cats, ancient excavations or the site associated with the assassination of Julius Caesar. But just a few steps away is one of the most important theatre buildings in Rome. The Teatro Argentina has been operating since 1732 and is one of the oldest theatres in the city. If you're into history, opera or classic European theatre buildings, it's worth a quick stop. [btn "Book a hotel in…

Archaeological site, Museum

It is no exaggeration to say that Trajan's Market was the first truly modern shopping centre of its kind. In the 2nd century AD, Emperor Trajan built a massive arcaded structure with more than 150 shops in one enclosed space, something that was completely revolutionary at the time and considered one of the wonders of the world. Even today, the market hall has been preserved almost in its original form, only without the shops, so as not to…

Monument, Lookout, Museum

The Monument to Victor Emmanuel II is one of the most striking buildings in Rome. It's also a place where it may not be clear for a long time what you're actually seeing. On maps, in guidebooks and on the internet, several names are used for it: Monument to Victor Emmanuel II. Altare della Patria Vittoriano Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II. In practice, it is the same monumental complex in Piazza Venezia, but the names refer…

Cemetery, Museum

Rome has another world beneath it. Literally. Beneath the streets, parks and churches are hundreds of kilometres of underground passages, used mainly as burial grounds by early Christians. They began to emerge around the 2nd century AD and are now one of the most interesting places for anyone who enjoys a bit of history beyond the classic "Colosseum - Pantheon - Trevi Fountain". It's just good to know one thing in advance. Don't expect a…

Museum, Square, Lookout, Statue

If I had to pick a place in Rome that people often underestimate, the Capitol would be very high. Most tourists come here for the view of the Roman Forum. They'll take a photo. They leave. But this is where ancient Rome was built. The Capitol ( Campidoglio in Italian) is the most important of Rome's famous seven hills. In ancient times, it was the political and religious centre of the city. Today, you'll find one of the most beautiful squares…

Gallery, Garden, Lookout

Galleria Colonna is exactly the kind of place that looks suspiciously good on Instagram. In fact, I came here because of an Instagram video that was recommended by an algorithm. I expected the reality to be weaker. It was exactly the opposite - in reality it looks even more "wow" than in the videos. [btn "The best hotels in central Rome" https://www.booking.com/city/it/rome.en.html?aid=2380460;label=p-rim-colonna] The current Palazzo Colonna…