The capital city of Italy, Rome carries a 3000-years old history and cultural heritage. This modern cosmopolitan city is so massive and full of irresistible attractions that travelers often get overwhelmed. This is the third most visited city in the European Union with many UNESCO heritage sites. The entire city is typically filled with historic icons of priceless antiquity invariably depicting implicit faith in Christianity. Preparing a bucket list for the notable things to see and do in Rome is the most challenging task. This charming city is filled with historical ruins from ancient ages.
You really don’t know which one to pick and prefer. In case you choose churches, there are over 900 churches! Other than churches there are precisely many unique historical ruins and landmarks like the Colosseum and the Pantheon. There are several guided tours available that take you through the history behind these ancient ruins. The modern city of Rome is lively with colorful people and food (gelato and pasta). Every year over 4 million tourists travel to Rome to explore the city’s life and getting blend into the culture. The great city of Rome, the birthplace of the great Roman Empire beholds many secrets. Let us take a step ahead and find out more about the eternal city of Rome.
Interesting facts about Rome
- The modern city of Rome has over 900 churches and around 280 beautiful fountains.
- Centuries ago the Romans developed their largest road network of 53,000 miles which remained an astonishing fact to the whole world!
- Cats are widely seen in Rome as the Law permits them to live without any disturbances.
- It might sound unbelievable that the Romans build the first shopping mall before 110 AD.
- The museum of pasta food is a place where amazing works of art are done from Pasta.
- St Peter’s Basilica is the largest church ever constructed in history.
Our Top 8 Things to do in Rome
1. Explore Vatican City and the Museum
Enriched with history about ancient Rome the Vatican City stands tall as the smallest independent state in the world. Here you can find the Vatican Museums that displays historical exhibits spread across the 7- K.M hall. The Vatican museum also holds the world’s most famous art collections. You can see the masterpiece of work at the Sistine Chapel done by Michelangelo at the chapel’s frescoed ceiling. Build during the early 16th century this pace is a center of attraction for tourists visiting Rome.
2. St Peter’s Basilica
Rome is full of churches, but the most spectacular one is St Peter’s Basilica. Build in the Renaissance style. St Peter’s Basilica is a gateway to architectural wonder. This is also the largest and richest church in Italy build during the 4th Century. Historians estimate that the construction of this church took more than 120 years. The interior of the church has some spectacular work of art. You can find few of Italy’s marvelous masterpiece works of art from Michelangelo and other here. Visitors come here all around the year keeping the place heavily crowded. During pick season over 3 to 4 hours of waiting is anticipated. If you book the Skip-the-line tickets, you can enter directly without wasting any time.
3. Visit Roman Forum
At the middle of the large cosmopolitan city which is today’s modern Rome stands the Roman Forum, the ancient Roman political and religious center. The exhibit highlights the ancient courts, markets, meeting and other public places. Here you can also find ruins of ancient temples like Temple of Antoninus Pius, Temple of Castor and Pollux, Temple of Saturn, Arch of Septimus Severus and the Temple of Vesta, etc.
4. Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill is the place where ancient Rome was born. This archaeological site opens a gateway of wonders to the tourists. Here, you can find the ruins of ancient temples and many public places date back in 753 BC. The beautiful atmosphere of this site full of ancient ruins is bound to give you an unforgettable experience.
5. Colosseum
The great Roman Empire contributed many unique things to modern society. What we think today, they did it 3,000 years ago. Our modern football and cricket stadiums, etc. are actually a replica of the Roman stadium build during the ancient time. The Romans constructed a grand stadium where over 50,000 people can sit together and watch their favorite gladiator fight. The height of this stadium can be compared with a modern-day 12 storied building. This large amphitheater is known as the Colosseum, a masterpiece of archaeological wonder and engineering brilliance.
The gladiator fight was an iconic game played during the ancient time. Gladiators were actually slaves or prisoners. They need to fight with deadly animals and if they win, they were set free. Gladiator flight was a symbol of bravery for ancient Romans. Roman legend records the name of many famous gladiators who fought voluntarily to show their bravery. This is an extremely overcrowded place, and you need a guide who takes you along all the ancient Roman history. It is always advisable to book tickets online in advance and save your time. Visit here and imagine how fearful the fight could be between a man and the beast.
6. Explore the Capitoline Museum
Your visit to Rome is incomplete in case you miss visiting the Capitoline Museum which is the oldest public museum in the world. Here you can find admiring statues, paintings, sculptures, inscriptions, jewellery, and coins all from the ancient Roman age. The museum was built in 1471 during the reign of Pope Sixtus IV. This museum stands as an unparalleled venue of ancient Roman exhibits and collection having historical importance.
7. Visit the Zoology Museum of Rome
Among all the ancient buildings and historical ruins, the Zoology Museum of Rome is a great contribution to the tourism industry. This amazing Zoology Museum holds a unique collection of preserved animal exhibits of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. This remains an exciting educational tour learning about animal biodiversity.
8. Go for Ruins of Pompeii Tour
To witness the most tragic incident in the history of ancient Rome, you have to visit the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. Pompeii was a beautiful town of Ancient Rome and destroyed by a sudden deadly volcanic eruption from Mt Vesuvius. This tragic incident happened in the year 79 AD and everyone living in the town was instantly killed. The volcanic mud buried the entire city and almost after 1700 years archaeologists re-discovered this ancient ruin. This beautiful city of Pompeii reveals some historic exhibits in the form of houses kitchen, etc. were 2000 years ago people used to live. This is the most popular day trip from Rome and advance booking is always preferred.
Final Verdict
Rome is full of fascinating history and amazing archaeological ruins. It is a home for many UNESCO world heritage sites. One visit to Rome is not enough to learn all about the ancient history and culture of this great city. Experience the best of Rome with guided tours and skip-the-line tickets, as the great city can offer experiences beyond expectations!
