7 MUST SEE SIGHTS IN ROME The capital of Italy is so rich in culture that there is no end to what you can learn and see just by walking in the streets of Rome. A holiday in the Italian capital is going to be a culture filled one can only be made better by pleasant accommodations. If you are looking for boutique hotels in Rome it will have lots of them. While you’re out and about however, these are the must sees for your trip.
ST. PETER’S BASILICA In a city filled to the brim with awe-inspiring churches, nothing can hold a candle to St. Peter’s Basilica. Called Basilica de San Pietro in Italian it is Italy’s largest and most spectacular basilica. After 120 years of construction the church was finally finished in 1626. Inside is a huge collection of timeless and priceless art but chief among them and most renowned are Michelangelo’s Pieta and his soaring dome.
COLOSSEUM The Colosseum of today is only but a skeleton of its former grandeur but that doesn’t make it any less remarkable. Originally known as the Flavian amphitheater the place could seat 50,000 people. Tiered seating encircled the arena where gladiators fought wild animals, slaves and each other. Beneath the arena is another maze like structure called the hypogeum, where all the animals were kept.
VATICAN MUSEUMS The Vatican Museums boasts one of the world’s greatest art collections and a wealth of important artifacts. It was founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century but was later enlarged and developed by successive pontiffs. There is much to see, what with almost 7 kilometers worth of halls and corridors there is no end to what you the Vatican Museums have to show you.
ROMAN FORUM This impressive sprawl of ruins was where the business and political district of the Roman Empire once stood. The site is originally an Etruscan burial ground that was first developed during the 7th century. Over time, probably because of its strategic location, the area grew to be the political, cultural and commercial hub of the Roman Empire. Today, the most important landmarks within the ruins include the Curia, the Casa delle Vestalia and Arco di Settimio Severo.
PANTHEON The striking 2000 year old temple turned church was first built as an ode to the Greek gods. In AD 608 it was then consecrated as a catholic church and is now officially the Basilica Santa Maria and Martyres. Despite its age, and despite it showing it, the Pantheon remains to be one of the oldest and most well-preserved of Rome’s ancient monuments.
PIAZZA NAVONA The Piazza Navona has ornate fountains, baroque style mansions, street artists, hawkers and tourists. It’s like a party every day in this place. This comes as no surprise because Piazza Navona is one of Rome’s most elegant showcase squares. The piazza’s central masterpiece is Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Flumi.
CAPITOLINE MUSEUMS The Capitoline Museums is one of the world’s oldest public museums. Their collection of classical sculptures is unrivaled the world over. Tickets prices can go up or down depending on whether there is a temporary exhibit going on so it is best to call ahead to be sure. To make your stay in Rome a more enjoyable one be sure to book a stay in the many boutique hotels Rome has to offer.