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Rome
Italy
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Visit Rome
Rome, the capital city of Italy, is a sprawling, cosmopolitan city with nearly 3,000 years of globally influential art, architecture, and culture on display. Ancient ruins such as the Forum and the Colosseum evoke the power of the former Roman Empire. Vatican City, headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, boasts St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes.
As you wander through the streets of Rome, every corner offers a glimpse into the past, from the majestic Pantheon, which has stood since AD 126, to the romantic ruins of the Palatine Hill that tell tales of the city’s legendary origins. Rome is also a city that masterfully blends the old with the new. Contemporary art installations and modern restaurants are tucked away in historic buildings, and stylish boutiques line the ancient cobblestoned streets. The city's vibrant piazzas, such as Piazza Navona and Piazza di Spagna, are hubs of daily life, filled with people, traditional Italian cafés, and the ever-present street performers.
Beyond its historical and visual appeal, Rome is a paradise for food lovers. The city offers a dazzling array of culinary experiences, from fine dining to casual trattorias where you can enjoy classic Roman fare like carbonara and amatriciana. The markets, such as those in Campo de' Fiori or Testaccio, offer a taste of local life and fresh produce. As the day winds down, join the locals in the traditional passeggiata—an evening stroll—followed by a gelato or a sip of espresso at a streetside café, soaking in the atmosphere of this timeless city.
Visiting Rome is more than a trip; it’s an immersive journey through layers of history, culture, and vibrant modern life. Each visit promises new discoveries, hidden gems, and a deeper appreciation of what makes this city truly eternal. Whether you're exploring its ancient relics, enjoying its rich culinary traditions, or simply watching the world go by in one of its scenic squares, Rome offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting to come back for more.
Rome Monthly Weather Conditions
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DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
37°F
55°F
7
February
41°F
55°F
7
March
45°F
61°F
7
April
50°F
64°F
9
May
57°F
73°F
7
June
64°F
82°F
7
July
68°F
88°F
7
August
66°F
88°F
7
September
59°F
77°F
7
October
55°F
72°F
7
November
48°F
63°F
9
December
41°F
55°F
7
Need to Know Before You Go To Rome
Nickname:
The Eternal City
Primary Language:
Italian
Time Zone:
Europe/Rome
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type C, Type F, Type L
Annual Visitors:
Approximately 10 million
Primary Export:
Fashion and luxury goods.
Busiest Travel Months:
May, October, April
Quietest Travel Months:
January, August, February
Find your Next Adventure in Rome
Explore Rome
Iconic Landmarks
Colosseum
Perhaps the most iconic symbol of Rome, the Colosseum is an ancient amphitheater that dates back to 80 AD. It was the site of gladiatorial contests and public spectacles. Today, it stands as a monument to Roman engineering and architecture.
St. Peter's Basilica
Located in Vatican City, this is one of the largest and most important churches in Christianity. The basilica, with its immense dome designed by Michelangelo, is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.
The Pantheon
Originally built as a temple to all the gods of ancient Rome, the Pantheon is renowned for its large dome and oculus, which is the central opening at the top of the dome. It is one of the best-preserved of all Ancient Roman buildings.
Trevi Fountain
This baroque fountain, designed by Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762, is one of the most famous and beautiful fountains in the world. Tradition holds that if visitors throw a coin into the fountain, they are ensured a return to Rome.
Roman Forum
Located in the small valley between the Palatine and Capitoline Hills, the Roman Forum was the center of day-to-day life in Rome for centuries, hosting triumphal processions, elections, and public speeches. The ruins include several important government buildings and temples.
Spanish Steps
A monumental stairway of 135 steps, the Spanish Steps connect the Piazza di Spagna at the base with Piazza Trinità dei Monti, dominated by the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. It's a popular gathering place and offers a splendid view of the city center.
Cultural Experiences
Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the Vatican Museums. Home to an immense collection of art and historical artifacts, the museums culminate in the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling and The Last Judgment. It's a profound experience that encapsulates the depth of religious and artistic history.
Colosseum and Roman Forum
Explore the grandeur of ancient Rome by visiting the iconic Colosseum, where gladiators once battled. Nearby, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill offer a glimpse into the daily lives of ancient Romans, with ruins that speak to the city’s former political, religious, and social hub.
St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square
As one of the largest churches in the world and a principal site of pilgrimage, St. Peter’s Basilica is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Climbing to the dome offers a stunning view of Rome and the square below, designed by Bernini.
Trastevere Neighborhood
For a taste of local life, stroll through the charming streets of Trastevere. This neighborhood is known for its bohemian atmosphere, beautiful medieval churches like Santa Maria in Trastevere, and vibrant nightlife with many cafes and traditional restaurants.
Galleria Borghese
This gallery, housed in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana, features an extensive collection of sculptures and paintings by masters such as Bernini, Caravaggio, Titian, and Raphael. The surrounding Borghese gardens provide a peaceful escape from the city's hustle.
Opera at Teatro dell'Opera di Roma
Experience the high culture of Italian opera in one of Rome’s most prestigious venues. The Teatro dell'Opera offers a range of performances including classic operas and ballets in a magnificent setting.
Outdoor Adventures
Exploring the Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)
The Appian Way is one of the oldest roads in Rome, dating back to 312 BC. Today, it serves as a scenic park ideal for walking, biking, and soaking in the ancient Roman atmosphere. You can rent a bike and explore the ancient ruins, catacombs, and lush landscapes along this historic route.
Hiking in the Castelli Romani
Located just southeast of Rome, the Castelli Romani area is known for its beautiful lakes, charming villages, and volcanic hills. It's a perfect spot for hiking and enjoying nature. The area also offers fantastic views and a cooler climate, ideal for escaping the city's hustle.
Canoeing or Kayaking on the Tiber River
Experience Rome from a different perspective by paddling along the Tiber River. This adventure offers a unique view of the city’s iconic landmarks from the water and provides a peaceful escape from the busy streets.
Visiting the Gardens of Villa Doria Pamphili
Villa Doria Pamphili is the largest landscaped public park in Rome. It features expansive gardens, picturesque lakes, and walking paths. It's an ideal spot for jogging, picnicking, or simply enjoying a day outdoors.
Day Trip to Ostia Antica
Just a short train ride from Rome, Ostia Antica offers a peek into the life of ancient Rome’s harbor city. The archaeological park is vast and less crowded than more central sites, providing a more relaxed environment to explore well-preserved ruins, ancient streets, and mosaics.
Parco degli Acquedotti
Part of the Appian Way Regional Park, this park is named for the impressive aqueducts that once supplied water to ancient Rome. It's a fantastic place for walking, cycling, and photography, offering a mix of historical intrigue and natural beauty.
Off the Beaten Path
Quartiere Coppedè
Dive into the architectural fantasy world of Quartiere Coppedè, located in the Trieste neighborhood. This lesser-known area is characterized by its unique blend of Art Nouveau, medieval, Baroque, and ancient Greek influences. The whimsical designs and intricate details of the buildings make this district feel like stepping into a fairy tale.
Via Appia Antica (Appian Way)
For a historical journey, take a walk, bike, or a guided tour along the ancient Appian Way, one of Rome’s oldest roads. The road is lined with catacombs, crumbling ruins, and lush greenery, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city center. It's a great way to see a different side of Roman history.
The Protestant Cemetery (Cimitero Acattolico)
Visit the serene and beautiful Protestant Cemetery, final resting place of poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley, among other notable figures. The cemetery is a quiet spot often missed by tourists, offering a contemplative break from the city’s chaos, with beautiful sculptures and a view of the Pyramid of Cestius.
Testaccio Market
Experience local life at the Testaccio Market, a hub of everyday Italian culture and cuisine. Unlike the more famous markets, Testaccio provides a genuine local experience, with stalls selling fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other Italian goods. Don’t miss trying some authentic street food or grabbing a quick espresso at one of the market’s cafes.
Crypt of the Capuchin Friars (Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini)
For those with a taste for the macabre, the Crypt of the Capuchin Friars, located beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini, displays the bones of over 4,000 Capuchin monks arranged in intricate patterns and designs. It's a unique and eerie sight that provides insight into the Capuchin order’s views on life and death.
Centrale Montemartini
Explore a fascinating blend of industrial and classical at the Centrale Montemartini, where ancient Roman statues are displayed against the backdrop of a former power plant’s machinery. This museum offers a striking contrast and a less crowded alternative to more traditional museums, highlighting both Rome’s ancient and more recent history.
Rome Fun Facts
Rome, known as the Eternal City, is rich in history and culture. Here are ten fun facts about this fascinating city:
- City of Seven Hills
Rome was famously built on seven hills, which are Palatine, Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Quirinal, and Viminal hills. This geographical feature played a significant role in the early development of the city.
- Ancient Population
At its peak, ancient Rome was the largest city in the world and the first to reach a population of over 1 million people by 50 BC. Today, it's a bustling metropolis with millions of residents and tourists.
- Vatican City
Rome is unique in that it contains an entire separate country within its borders—Vatican City. It is the smallest country in the world, both by area and population, and is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.
- The Roman Forum
Once the center of public life in Rome, the Forum was the site of processions, elections, public speeches, and criminal trials. It is now a sprawling ruin of architectural fragments and intermittent archaeological excavations.
- First Shopping Mall
The Trajan’s Market, built around 100-110 AD by Emperor Trajan in the city of Rome, is considered to be the world’s oldest shopping mall. The complex included multiple levels and over 150 shops and offices.
- Invention of Concrete
The Romans were among the first to use concrete extensively in their architecture. This innovation allowed them to build structures like the Pantheon, with its still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.
- Cats of Rome
Rome is home to hundreds of free-roaming cats. By law, cats living at a place where they were born are allowed to stay there for life. Many of them reside in ancient sites like the Colosseum and the Forum.
- The Mouth of Truth
The Bocca della Verità (Mouth of Truth) is an ancient marble mask that, according to legend, will bite off the hand of a liar who places it inside the mouth. It's located in the portico of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.
- Capuchin Crypt
The Capuchin Crypt beneath the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini contains the skeletal remains of 3,700 bodies believed to be Capuchin friars buried by their order. The underground crypt is decorated with the bones, creating eerie art in the chapels.
- Spaghetti alla Carbonara
This world-famous dish originated in Rome during World War II. The creamy pasta made with eggs, pecorino cheese, cured pork, and black pepper is a staple of Roman cuisine and reflects the city’s rich culinary traditions.
Featured Picture Gallery
Visit The Church of St. Ignatius of Loyola
Throw a Coin Over Your Shoulder at the Trevi Fountain
An Aerial Shot Above the Colosseum
Eat Fresh Pizza at Local Cafes
Experience the Monumental Fora at the Fori Imperiali
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