Enjoy a Spectacular Vacation in Rome. Rome is the capital of Italy, as well as the Lazio region of the country. The city happens to be just over seventy-five square miles, and more than two million people live there. Rome is quite unique because there is a country inside the city, and it is the only area in the world that has that feature. Due to that extraordinary feature, Rome has often been said to be the capital of two different states.
People have been calling the city of Rome home for more than twenty centuries now, which makes it the oldest area in the world to have been continuously inhabited. Quite a bit of the history of those years can be found amongst the attractions that are scattered and preserved throughout the city.
The weather throughout Rome varies according to the seasons. The winters are cool yet humid, and the summers are warm and quite dry. Very little rain falls during the hottest summer months, and when the temperatures reach their coldest, a few snow flurries do appear. However, those flurries never stick around long and barely stick to the ground.
Those who visit Rome will find that this city has an abundance of history, culture, and long-standing traditions. At almost every turn, people will discover one historical attraction or another, yet nearby, there is some ornate structure adding a little pizazz to the streets. The medieval piazzas, historic churches, and fountains are all surrounded by fantastic works of art that were created by masterful artists.
The locals and tourists love to spend time out on the streets as they watch the world pass them by, but they are equally as happy to participate in the numerous cultural activities that take place throughout the year. Fun-filled days turn into even more exciting evenings, as long dinners turn into long walks to find the best gelato.
There is so much to see and do in Rome, which means that it can be challenging for anyone to know exactly where to start when they arrive.
Here are the 7 top destinations that should be on everyone’s must-see list for a visit to Rome:
- The Colosseum – One hundred games were played immediately when this structure opened back in 80 A.D. While no one can watch those games now, they can still see the fifty thousand seats where the spectators sat and the massive stage where the games took place.
- The Pantheon – This majestic temple was constructed between 118 and 128 A.D., and it is now where many Roman kings and other famous people are buried. One of the most notable tombs is the one where Raphael was placed.
- The Spanish Steps – These steps lead to the Trinitàdei Monti Church, and it is recommended that visitors climb them for the spectacular view of the piazza and the fountain below.
- Trastevere – Trastevere is the place to be in the evenings, as the bars and clubs are filled with people drinking and dancing the night away. Those who choose to visit earlier in the day will find plenty of boutiques filled with perfume, jewelry, and handicrafts.
- The Trevi Fountain – is the most popular fountain in all of Rome due to the legend that has been passed down through the generations. According to the legend, anyone who tosses a coin into the Trevi Fountain will return to Rome, while those who throw in more than one coin will fall in love with a Roman and marry them.
- The Roman Forum – These ruins are considered one of the most famous in the city. Multiple temples, squares, and arches were located in this area, and many of those structures are still standing today.
- Palatine Hill – This is one of the most ancient areas within Rome, and it is the perfect spot to visit and look out over the entire city and the Roman Forum.
One of the best places to visit within Rome is Vatican City, although everyone must be prepared to spend at least a day or two there in order to see everything on their list. The Vatican Museums is comprised of the museum, art galleries, the Sistine Chapel, and a few sections of the papal palace. There are more than fourteen hundred rooms in total, which means that people would need to explore for hours to see and appreciate it all!
Those who visit Vatican City usually are better off participating in one of the guided tours of the museums, as that is the only way that they are guaranteed to see everything that is important. There are four different itineraries, each one showing different things, but they all end up at the Sistine Chapel at the conclusion of the tour.
Everyone will love the frescoes that Michelangelo painted on the ceiling inside the Sistine Chapel, but the biblical scenes that were painted on the walls by other infamous artists are worth a glimpse as well.
After thoroughly exploring the museum complex, visitors will want to make their way to St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica. The basilica was constructed at the site of the church that covered St. Peter’s tomb, and it is one of the largest churches in the world. Inside the church, people can marvel at the art, including Michelangelo’s Pieta, and visit the tombs of the Popes that are buried there. The square is right outside the church, and many people love spending time out there, soaking in the ambiance of the area.
Rome is such a historical destination, and everyone must visit to learn that history firsthand. This city can be slightly overwhelming at the beginning, which is why everyone will need to have a plan in place before they arrive. That plan will prevent them from missing any of the essential attractions on their list!
