Rome is a city with many monuments. For example, the capital has more than 950 churches! This number of churches is due in particular to Pope John Paul II, who had no less than 50 churches built during his pontificate.
You can well imagine that such a large number of monuments can not be visited in one stay. Here is the selection of the must-see monuments to visit in Rome whether you are here for a long weekend or longer.
The Navonne square:
This sublime baroque square is built on the remains of an ancient stadium from where it takes its particular form. There are three Bernin fountains on this square. The central fountain is called The 4 rivers because each statue of this fountain represents one river that symbolizes a continent: Danube for Europe, Ganges for Asia, Nile for Africa and Rio de la Plata for America.
This square is lined with terraces and coffee : it is very pleasant, but very touristy. It is better to avoid eating on this square and favor the small streets around like Via del Governo Vecchio.
The Pantheon :
Pagan temple built by Magrippa in the 1st century AD for the emperor Augustus. In the 5th century the Church bought it and turned it into a religious temple.
The cupola of the Pantheon was certainly designed by the emperor himself. The hole in the dome is not covered by a window. Legend says that when it rains on Rome, it does not rain in the Pantheon which is protected by its 12 deities. It is true that when a small rain falls on the city and the door of the Pantheon is open, a call of air is created and propels drops of water on the walls of the dome. So it does not rain in the Pantheon. But, if the rain is stronger it will rain well in the building.
The Pantheon is also a funerary monument: inside are the tombs of Vittorio Emanuele II, first king of Rome, Umberto I, his successor and the painter Raphael.
Address: Piazza della Rotonda
Opening hours: every day from 9 am to 7.30 pm, 6pm on Sunday
Capitoline Museums:
The Capitoline Museums are on Capitol Square, designed by Michelangelo. These museums are the first museums of the world wanted by Pope Sixtus IV in 1471. The collection includes famous works such as the wolf or the bust of Constantine.
Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, 1
Opening hours: every day from 9.30am to 7.30pm
The Colosseum + the Roman Forum:
The Colosseum, symbol of the city, is located in the heart of the city. It is the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire and could accommodate up to 50,000 spectators.
Its construction began in 71 AD under the emperor Vespasian and ended in 80 under Titus.
The Colosseum was used for animal fights, gladiators, reconstructions of famous battles ... It remained in service more than 500 years.
Address: Piazza del Colosseo
Opening hours: 8.30am until sunset
Vatican + Sistine Chapel :
The state of the Vatican is located northwest of Rome. The smallest state in the world - 44 hectare - welcomes you for free in the square and in St. Peter's Basilica, for a fee, you can also visit the 17 museums, gardens and the Sistine Chapel. A single visit does not allow you to see everything and it is better to take a guide to know to fully enjoy your in this beautiful place. Be that as it may, do not miss Raphael's rooms, the map gallery and of course the Sistine Chapel.
Every Sunday at noon, the pope blesses the crowd from his apartments.
Basilica: Piazza San Pietro, open every day from 7am to 6.30pm
Museums: Viale Vaticano, open from Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm
The Spanish Steps:
The famous stairs of the Spanish Steps were wanted by Louis XIV to climb to the French church of Trinité-des-Monts. Today it is the privileged meeting place of the Romans. The obelisk on this square is a Roman copy of an Egyptian obelisk. Indeed, many Roman obelisks are copies because romans envied Egypt.
Trevi Fountain :
The Trevi Fountain bears many statues. In the center, the Ocean God dominates his sea horses. The women who surround the god represent healthiness.
A first tradition is that one takes a picture with his lover in front of the fountain of lovers which is below the Trevi fountain. The second is to throw a coin over his shoulder and make a wish. In summer, the money is recovered every day for 6000 €. In winter, the money is recovered once a week and is donated to a charity.
Address: Piazza di Trevi
Villa Borghese :
The largest park in Rome, the former summer estate of Borghese princes, is today one of the most pleasant places to go for a walk or a picnic. Villa Borghese has 3 museums: the Etruscan National Museum, the Borghese Gallery and the National Gallery of Modern Art. Villa Borghese also includes a museum and art gallery - piazzale del museo Borghese, 5 - open Tuesday to Sunday from 9am to 7pm.
Address: piazzale Napoleone, 1
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