by Heather Bellingham

Created on: July 19, 2010

There are so many things to see and do in Rome that it would be impossible to experience it without staying there for a few weeks. It is one of the oldest and most important cities in the world, and therefore has numerous ruins to go see. That being said, there are highlights that are an absolute must-see during your stay in Rome. Here are a few suggestions.

The Coliseum is the first thing that people think of when picturing Rome. This amphitheater was built in 72 AD and continued to be in use until 523 AD. Here, epic battles took place between gladiators (who were usually slaves or prisoners) and various exotic beasts. The Coliseum is made up of eighty archways for the spectators to arrive in. The façade has been removed over time, but the magnificent structure remains.  

The Roman Forum was the center of ancient Rome, where all of the political, religious and commercial activities took place. There are numerous monuments here, all in ruins: the Imperial Fora, the Temple of Vesta, the Basilica Emilia (built in 179 BC), the Lapis Niger (Black Stone), the House of the Vestals, the Via Sacra, the Column of Phocas (built in 607 AD), the Temple of the Dioscuri, the Basilica Giulia (built by Caesar), the Rosta (where all political decisions were broadcast by an orator), the Maxentius Basilica, the Curia (where the Senate was held), the Plutei of Trajan (sculptures in the Curia) and numerous other temples and other buildings. The Trajan Column is here as well – its tells of the Roman victory of the Dacian Wars through friezes by reading it bottom to top, left to right.

Although it is its own sovereignty, the Vatican is located in Rome. At the center of the Catholic church, this city within a city has St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Apostolic Palace, home of the Pope. The Vatican Museums house numerous works of art. Be advised to either sign up for a city tour that includes a tour of the Vatican or to arrive one or two hours before it opens to the public – the lines to get in here can be very long.

There are numerous other famous squares and monuments to see. The Capitol was once a prison, and its square was designed by Michelangelo. There are dozens of fountains in Rome, the most famous being the Trevi Fountain. Have three coins handy, because there are wishes to be made here. The first coin is to ensure that you will return to Rome, the second is a wish of your own choosing and the third will either ensure a happy marriage or a divorce! The Church of Trinità dei Monti with its staircase of one hundred and thirty-eight steps is a sight (not to mention a climb) to see.  The Piazza Navona is a beautiful square with many fantastic places to eat (perhaps a gelato?).

There are a few arches to see, the most famous being the Arch of Constantine at the Coliseum, which was built in 315 AD. The thirteen Obelisks around the city are indeed Egyptian, they have been transported to Rome. There are far too many churches and museums to list in one article, needless to say there is something for everyone.

Under Rome are the Catacombs, which were dug in the second and third centuries by Christians to bury their dead. They are expansive and an interesting visit.  

Shopping addicts with money to burn may wish to try out Via Veneto, with its many designer shops. 

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