The Best of Rome Sightseeing

Rome, the capital City of Italy, provides a renowned farmers’ markets, world class shopping, magnificent historic sites, authentic cuisines, ancient and modern collection of world famous art works as well as significant religious icons. The smooth blend of sophisticated style and ancient history that the Eternal City offers can provide both tourists and locals alike with a great number of sightseeing opportunities. Rome sightseeing has become one of the most sought after activities that tourists look after when visiting to Rome.

Vatican City

The Vatican City is a landlocked state in Rome. It is known as the state within a state and is considered the smallest state in the world. It is the center of the Roman Catholic and the center of the religion’s history as well. The Vatican is considered as the official home of the highest persona in the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope. Some interesting sightseeing spots to visit in the Vatican are its collection of various museums that feature many of the famous art works in the world and the elaborate architecture. It is also in the Vatican City where St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel are located. The St. Peter’s Basilica is known for its immeasurably magnificent dome and for being the capital basilica for the Roman Catholic Church. The Sistine Chapel is very popular for the splendid wonder of the masterpiece of Michelangelo.

Fountains

Rome is a huge hub of great fountains, some of which are among the most famous in the world. Rome houses a number of watery oases which are all scattered around the Eternal City. Among the most popularly known include the Trevi Fountain, the Fountain of the Four Rivers, the Barcaccia Fountain and the Fountains of Piazza del Popolo.

The Trevi fountain is famous for its great structure and splendid beauty. It is believed that if you happen to visit Rome, you should not miss visiting the Trevi Fountain and you should not miss tossing a coin over its water in order for you to get a good luck and to ensure a comeback trip to Rome.

The Fountain of the Four Rivers which is also known as la Fontana Dei Quattro Fiumi is located in Piazza Navona and is being supported by the Aqua Virgo aqueduct. It is believed that taking a few snap of shots at the fountain can help you get the prosperity you want. Tourists also never miss to spare some Euros to make a wish on the fountain.

The Barcaccia Fountain’s is more stunning if you are at the top of the Spanish Steps, Piazza di Espagna. The Barcaccia Fountain was also made and designed by Pietro Bernini and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Pietro’s son. This fountain features a picture of a sinking ship. Local believes that it is a fishing boat that was carried away by River Tiber during ancient times.

Monuments

Rome is rich in ancient monuments and structures that date back more than 2,000 years ago. Most of which are located nearby each other at the historic center of the Eternal City. The most famous monumental structure is Rome’s ultimate landmark, the Colosseum. It is a very huge amphitheater that was built in 72 AD by Emperor Vespasian. It used to hold some of the significant historical events in Rome including the striking gladiator fights, political assemblies, execution and entertainment shows.

Another significant Rome sightseeing spot is the Roman Forum, also known as the Forum Romanum or Foro Romano. It is a rectangular residual architecture that holds a great number of significant archeological finds. It used to be the center of ancient Roman life where most of the daily activities in the Eternal City took place including legal, religious, entertainment, commercial, social and political dealings.

Some other remarkable structures that you may enjoy in Rome are the Baths of Caracalla, the second largest baths in the Eternal City; the Pantheon of Emperor Hadrian; the Circus Maximus which is the largest horse race courses in Rome; the Spanish Steps which is considered as the most portrayed images of Rome; the Markets of Trajan which is known as the first shopping mall in the world; the Altar of Agustan Peace or Augustae Ara Pacis an altar that is known to symbolize peace and was built during the time of Emperor Augustus; the Mausoleum of Augustus which was originally built to serve as a mausoleum for Emperor Augustus and his immediate family; and a lot more.