Best Monuments in Rome
The Colosseum rome is, without a doubt, the most famous site in the Eternal City of Rome. This grand monument was built around 2000 years ago and is renowned for being the world's largest ancient amphitheatre, having a capacity to hold over 50,000 people. Initially, this famous edifice was used for gladiatorial combat and animal fights.
After surviving countless natural calamities, including devastating earthquakes and fires, the Colosseum now stands as a spectacular reminder of ancient Rome's grandeur and architectural talent. It is one of the most visited monuments in Rome, attracting over six million visitors each year. At the Colosseum, tourists can explore not only the main stage and tiers but also the Colosseum underground tour where various wild animals and gladiators lived and prepared for the fight.
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The Roman Pantheon, also known as the 'Sphinx of Campus Martius,' is a magnificent architectural marvel. It was given this name because of the many mysteries and historical narratives related to the monument and its location.
The Pantheon, which was opened in 125 AD, was an important temple in ancient Rome. It is now one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the city and one of the most popular historical places in Rome, attracting over seven million visitors each year. On a tour of the Pantheon, visitors can access its iconic dome and the aesthetic porch and witness the magnificent interiors embellished with stunning Renaissance-style art.
Also Take a Look At: Pantheon Guided Tour
The St. Peter’s Basilica in the sacred Vatican City is the largest church in the world and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Christianity. This majestic Basilica is historically significant since it is the final resting place of St. Peter, the first bishop of Rome and one of Christ's 12 apostles, and all successive Popes. Besides its historical and religious significance, St. Peter’s Basilica is renowned for its architecture. It boasts the world's tallest dome and allows tourists to climb it and enjoy breathtaking views of Rome and the Vatican City. It also houses exquisite works by famous artists such as Carlo Maderno, Michelangelo, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Also Checkout: St Peters Basilica Guided Tour
Sistine Chapel is among the most beautiful historical places in Rome. This chapel adorns the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope, and is famous for its frescoes. Though the exterior of the Sistine Chapel is essentially unadorned, its interior is covered with the most stunning frescoes that would undoubtedly appeal to any art enthusiast.
Several notable Renaissance artists contributed to the creation of the frescoes depicting various Biblical topics such as the Life of Christ and the Life of Moses. Former Popes are also shown in certain artworks. While all of these paintings are magnificent works of art, the most well-known is the Sistine Chapel ceiling and the Last Judgement, both of which were created by the legendary painter Michelangelo.
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The Trevi Fountain, which dates from the 18th century, is Rome's largest and most beautiful fountain. This renowned site was designed by Italian Renaissance architects Nicola Salvi and Giuseppe Pannini under the guidance of Pope Nicholas V.
While the construction of this fountain is stunning, the underlying reason for its fame stems from mythology that originated in the film 'Three Coins in a Fountain.' According to folklore, persons who throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain with their right-hand return to Rome and find their soulmate. The Trevi Fountain accumulates over a million euros worth of coins each year thanks to this narrative, which is used for charitable purposes.
Also Checkout: Trevi Fountain & Underground Guided Tour
The Spanish Steps refer to a set of 135 steps located in the heart of Rome. These steps are among the most popular historical places in Rome and were designed in the 18th century by Italian designers Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi. The reason why these steps have been named ‘Spanish’ is due to the location of a Spanish Embassy on top of the steps. While locals are often found relaxing, sketching, and chilling at these steps, tourists are welcomed to climb to the top of the stairs and enjoy a spectacular, panoramic view of the Piazza below.
The Basilica Ulpia is an ancient Roman building that adorns the Forum of Trajan. This basilica was the most important Basilica during ancient times and was named after the Roman King Marcus Ulpius Trainaus, better known as Trajan. Unlike most modern basilicas, Basilica Ulpia was primarily an administrative building used for justice, trade, and business. This Basilica was once the largest in Rome and served as an inspiration for the construction of subsequent Basilicas, including the Basilica of Maxentius.
The Mausoleum of Helena is one of the most intriguing historical places in Rome that was built between 326 and 330 by Emperor Constantine. He had commissioned the mausoleum for himself at first but eventually dedicated it to his mother Helena. Helena's tomb was kept at the site until the 18th century when it was moved to the Vatican Museum. The entire mausoleum is circular in shape, with two cylinders stacked on top of one other. Though the mausoleum is no longer in its original state, one can easily envision what it must have looked like in the past. Interestingly, the sarcophagus of Helena features Egyptian porphyry which was mostly used by Byzantine empires.
Santa Maria Maggiore is the largest of the 80 churches dedicated to Mary in Rome. Built in 432 AD by Pope Sixtus III, this church is an important holy site as it is constructed on the location where the Virgin Mary appeared in the dream of Pope Liberius. Another odd occurrence occurred here on August 5, when a layer of snow covered the hill in the middle of summer. Due to these rare occurrences and its splendid architecture, Santa Maria Maggiore is counted among the must-visit monuments in Rome.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Rome?
The best time to visit Rome is between October and April when most of the tourists have left and accommodation costs are lower. You may also visit Rome in May or September for warmer weather to escape the crowds and the oppressive humidity.
What are the best monuments in Rome to see with family?
The Eternal City of Rome has a plethora of monuments that leave everybody awestruck. The most famous historical places in Rome are the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, and the Pantheon.
What are the top monuments in Rome?
Among all the monuments in Rome, the most popular ones are the ancient amphitheatre Colosseum, the magnificent Trevi Fountain, and the world’s largest church St. Peter’s Basilica.
Why visit the Colosseum Rome?
The Colosseum is perhaps the most iconic landmark of Rome that allows tourists to relive the glorious cultural history of the city. On a tour of the Colosseum, you can visit the main arena, the audience sitting area, and the underground chambers that once housed gladiators and animals.
Why is the Colosseum famous?
The Colosseum is renowned for being the largest amphitheatre in the world that allowed more than 50,000 people to witness epic gladiator battles. The monument is also famous for its unique architecture which is still used to design modern football stadiums.
Why is the Pantheon so important?
During ancient times, the Pantheon served as an important temple and had the largest dome in the world. Today, it is the best-preserved ancient Roman building and is admired for its Greek and Roman-style architecture. The Pantheon’s design is so remarkable that it has been reproduced several times in various other European cities.
What was the Pantheon in Rome used for?
The Pantheon was a holy temple dedicated to all Roman gods.
What is St. Peter's Basilica famous for?
St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world and an important pilgrimage site for Christians. It also has the world’s tallest dome and is noted for its stunning architecture and artworks.
Also Checkout - Vatican City Facts
What is special about the Trevi Fountain?
The Trevi Fountain is a magnificent architectural structure well famous for the tradition of tossing coins into the fountain to ensure a return to Rome and find love. As a result of this practice, it collects over a million euros in coins each year, which are then used for philanthropic purposes.
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Why do they call it Spanish Steps?
The Spanish Steps are a prominent tourist attraction in Rome that got its name from the location of a Spanish embassy at the top of the steps.