The best things to do in Rome

Rome wasn’t built in a day, so it would be impossible to list all of the wonderful places you should see. Here are a few of my favorite attractions in Rome!

Terme di Caracalla with Augmented Reality

For an amazing and one-of-a-kind experience in the most beautiful ancient Roman baths, a trip to Terme di Caracalla is a must. But it’s not just the ruins of these baths that do the trick. It’s the fact that they’re paired with augmented reality. How many times have you visited ancient monuments, trying to imagine how they actually looked like? Well, you don’t have to just imagine anymore. Augmented reality does it for you. Walk through the ancient thermal baths, admire the ruins of the gyms, the locker rooms and the pools and put your googles on to be taken back in time. The reconstruction is amazing. There are only 100 augmented reality goggles, so always make a reservation in advance!

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Mussolini’s Bunker at Villa Torlonia

A journey into the darkest of Fascism. On July 2018, after years of being closed, the anti-aircraft shelters and the Mussolini bunker, hidden in the subsoil of Villa Torlonia, have finally returned to the public. After autumn 1942, Italy’s northern cities were heavily bombarded and there was a big threat that Rome would be under attack too. That’s when Mussolini, who was aware that the two anti-raid shelters were not enough to shelter him and his family from the powerful weapons of the Allied forces, decided to create a real bunker: a modern and avant-garde structure. Through a guided tour (which has to be reserved online), you will be able to visit the two anti-raid shelters and the bunker. New to the tour are the special effects and sensory experiences that recreate that climate of terror experienced by the shelter’s inhabitants during bombings. A must-visit.

The Galleria Borghese

The Galleria Borghese is situated in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana house, which was built to host the art collection of Scipione Borghese. His art collection was one of the biggest, if not the biggest, of his time, and makes up most of the Galleria Borghese’s collection. As you step inside this 17th century villa, you will be wowed by the sculptures and paintings of Bernini, Raffaello, Tiziano, Caravaggio and many many more. Not to mention the masterpieces by Antonello da Messina, Giovanni Bellini and Canova.

The Colosseum

Also known as the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built and it is considered to be one of the greatest works of architecture and engineering ever to exist. The Colosseum could hold approximately 50,000 and 80,000 spectators and was used for gladiator contests and public shows such as mythology, mock sea battles, executions and dramas. In early mideval era the Colosseum was no longer used for entertainment. This astonishing work of architecture is considered as one of the 7 wonders of the world.

The Vatican Museums

Founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, the Vatican Museums display some of the most astonishing artworks you will ever see in your lifetime. The Vatican Museums display works belonging to the Popes’ personal art collections throughout the centuries, including some of the most prominent classical sculptures and masterpieces of the Renaissance. The Vatican Museums are a must to visit, there’s a reason to why 8 million people cannot resist visiting them each year!

The Pantheon

Dedicated to the worship of every god (Pan-every Theon-divinity), the Pantheon was built by Emperor Hadrian between 118 and 125 A.D. over the ruins of another temple dating back to 27 A.D. Statesman and General Marcus Agrippa was responsible for the construction of the original church, to whom a dedicatory inscription is clearly visible over today’s magnificent portico.

Saint Peter’s Basilica

Saint Peter’s Basilica is one of the most visited places in the world. The spectacular chapel was designed by Michelangelo and it is an architectural masterpiece. But beauty does not just lie within the chapel. If you walk all the stairs to the top of the dome, you will be amazed by the sensational view of Rome. From the chapel’s terrace you will be able to see Piazza San Pietro and all of the wonders of the Eternal City.

The Keyhole of the Knights of Malta

Situated on top of the Aventine Hill, just a short walk away from Il Giardino degli Aranci, are the famous Headquarters of the Knights of Malta. This location is one of the most interesting and curious places in Rome, as you get to peek into one of the most beautiful places in Rome (and the world)! You will see a line of people waiting to peek into the keyhole of the door of the Knights of Malta. And trust me, get yourself in line and wait to be dazzled! If you look through the keyhole of the Knights of Malta, you will see an amazing sight: the spectacular Saint Peter’s Basilica, which will only seem like it’s an arm’s reach away!

Altare della Patria

This spectacular monument, also called “Il Vittoriano”, was built in honor of Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of Italy who was also known as the “Father of the Nation”. The monument was designed by Antonio Zanelli from Brescia and the marble used was Botticino. Apart from the beauty of the monument, it is a must to take the elevator all the way to the panoramic terrace. Once you arrive to Terrazza delle Quadrighe, you will be amazed by the view of Rome, the Colosseum, the Roman Forums and the Roman rooftops. It’s maybe the best place to view the Eternal City!

The Roman Forum

A rectangular forum surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings situated in the historic center. Citizens of ancient Rome referred to this space as the Forum Magnum, or simply the Forum. It is the heart of ancient Rome, it is where emperors, scientists, nobles and plebe walked on. Don’t miss out on the beautiful night walk along the Imperial Forum illuminated by lights.

Mercati di Traiano

Visit the beautiful Musei dei Fori Imperiali inside the Mercati di Traiano. You will find wonderful reconstructions of what used to be the first concept of a market ever to exist, along with wonderful ruins, artefacts, and most importantly, a stunning view of Rome from the top floor! It’s a must-visit!

Piazza di Spagna

Piazza di Spagna, at the bottom of the Spanish Steps, is one of the most famous squares in Rome. It owes its name to the Palazzo di Spagna, seat of the Embassy of Spain among the Holy See

Piazza Navona

Built on the site of the Stadium Domitian dating back to the 1st century AD, Piazza Navona follows the form of the open space of the stadium. The ancient Romans went here to watch the agones (“games”), and hence it was known as “Circus Agonalis” (“competition arena”). It is believed that over time the name of the Piazza changed to in avone to navone and eventually to navona.

Villa D’Este (Tivoli)

Situated in the hillside town of Tivoli, just a 50-minute drive from Rome, is Villa d’Este: one of the most impressive Renaissance villas and gardens you will ever visit. Villa d’Este, with its palace and garden, is one of the most remarkable and comprehensive illustrations of Renaissance culture at its most refined. Its innovative design along with the architectural components in the garden (fountains, ornamental basins, etc.) make this a unique example of an Italian 16th-century garden.