Main Monuments of Rome I

July 30, 2024 5 min read.

Rome is a city where the places of interest become countless. Walking through its streets is an attraction in itself. So here we detail some places of historical and archaeological interest or the most beautiful views of the Eternal City.

St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican

Admission to the basilica is free, and there are usually queues to enter, as you have to go through the metal detectors. The points of interest to see in the basilica, among others, are the porphyry disk where Charlemagne knelt (year 800) when he was crowned emperor, the equestrian statue of Constantine (Bernini), the bronze doors (Filarete, s. XV); La Pieta, an absolute masterpiece, made by Michelangelo when he was 23-25 years old; the chapel containing the tomb of John Paul II; the tomb of Saint Peter and his bronze statue.

Colosseum

Symbol of eternal Rome, the Colosseum or Flavian Amphitheater, as it was known in classical times, will transport you like few other monuments to the splendor of Imperial Rome. To visit it you must allow about 15' to see the outside, going around the amphitheater completely, and 1 hour to see the inside. It is open (all year round, including Sundays, except January 1 and December 25) from 8:30 a.m. to one hour before sunset (4:30 p.m. in January, 7:15 p.m. in summer, etc.). And entry is allowed up to one hour before.

Roman and Palatine Forum

The Roman Forum can be reached from the Capitol. The Roman Forum was the place designated, in ancient Rome, for the meetings of its inhabitants. The Forum was practically the most important political and social center of the City. Among other invaluable historical monuments, the Via Sacra, the Arch of Septimius Severus, the temples of Venus, Rome, and Julius Caesar, the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Augustus, and the Colosseum stand out. For its part, the Palatine is one of the seven hills of Rome; It included three hills, two of which formed the square Roma, that is, the first nucleus of the city. The Palatine is the most central of the seven hills of Rome, and the one with the lowest elevation: it rises 50 m above the Roman Forum, lying between it and the Circus Maximus. It is one of the oldest areas of the city of Rome, with archaeological sites dating back to around 1000 BC. C. Traditionally, it is the place where Romulus founded Rome, and where he took up residence. Traditionally the Roman Forum had been a free entry area and the Palatine had a paid entrance, but since 2008 the Roman Forum and the Palatine have formed a unit and you enter with the same ticket, which also works for the Colosseum.

Bridge and Castel Sant'Angelo

This castle has always been related to the history of Rome, for having been a usual place of confinement for great figures, or Popes and governors having taken refuge there. Points of interest: the mausoleum, the fortress, the palace, the museum, and the view: From the upper terrace you get one of the best views of the city, as well as a different perspective of the monument itself. You can see very well, for example, the cassette, the corridor that connects to the Vatican, the escape route for the Popes when things got bad, and the four defensive bastions at the corners. It also offers beautiful views of the Tiber and St. Peter's from the Vatican, especially at sunset. Open every day from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (the ticket office closes at 6:30 p.m.). Closed: January 1, May 1, and December 25.

Piazza del Popolo and its Church, Santa Maria del Popolo

The Piazza del Popolo is located at the northern end of the city and has been, since Antiquity, the gateway to Rome par excellence. One of the main reasons that attracts travelers to this square is to be able to contemplate the two magnificent Caravaggios of Santa María del Popolo. Other points of interest are its obelisk, the gate of the wall, the two twin churches, and the Pincio Hill. There, on that hill, a path ascends through ramps and garden terraces, with porticos, fountains, and statues, until reaching the large upper terrace, with beautiful views over the city. The gardens connect with the Villa Borghese Park, where the Galleria Borghese is located, one of the most interesting museums in the city.

Trastevere

The Trastévere neighborhood is one of the most popular in the city, where tourists can find the most genuinely Roman atmosphere. There is the church of Santa Maria in Trastevere, the most important monument of this popular neighborhood. Open every day from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. And the opening, in August, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Tour Rome

As you can see, Rome is full of wonders to discover at every step. In Greca you can find travel packages to Rome at the best price! Dare to discover Rome!