Rome: 4 Best Things to Do When Vacationing in Rome
Italy is full of places to explore for adventure and understanding culture, with Rome being a prime example. Here are the best things you can do when vacationing in Rome.
Are you interested in ancient history and want to learn more about other cultures? Then a trip to Italy’s capital city Rome is the perfect destination for you.
Keep reading to learn more about all the great things to see and do while vacationing in Rome.
1. The Colosseum
The Colosseum is at the top of Rome’s list of the greatest things to do and has been for quite some time. It first opened in 80 A.D. and could hold up to 80,000 spectators who came to watch the gladiator fights, epic sea battles, and reenactments of famous battles.
These days visitors to this site can come and experience the awe-inspiring architectural feat of its day by taking a tour or wandering the ruins by themselves. If you plan on visiting during the summer, it is recommended to head there early in the morning to avoid the heat and the crowds.
2. St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica is at the center of Vatican City and is the epicenter of the Roman Catholic faith. The city is free to visitors and many people enjoy heading to the top of the dome to have a panoramic view of Rome’s landscape.
If you are hoping to catch a glimpse of the pope, check the Vatican’s website to see if he is in residence. On Sundays at noon, the pope will be in St. Peter’s Square where he spends time addressing the crowd. Keep in mind that this is a religious site and a strict dress code is enforced, no shorts, tank tops or hats are allowed.
3. The Pantheon
The former Roman temple, The Pantheon, was built in 120 A.D. and is known for its perfect proportions which were an amazing architectural achievement for its time. These days the temple is now a church and visitors can see the graves of Raphael, and former Roman kings Umberto I and Victor Emmanuel II who are buried on the site.
The Pantheon is one of the most popular sites in Rome and you really shouldn’t miss it during your visit. There is no fee or ticket required for entry, however, it’s recommended to take a tour so you can fully understand the history of the site. You may also want to consider visiting in the morning to beat the large crowds.
4. Spanish Steps
Located in the Piazza di Spagna, the Spanish Steps are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rome. These romantic steps get their name from the Embassy of Spain that is located nearby.
These steps are a great place to people-watch while sipping on some coffee or eating some delicious gelato. When the azaleas are in full bloom these steps are also a great place to do some photography. There are also lots of great shopping sites located in the area and some beautiful Roman homes as well.
Learn More Today About Vacationing in Rome!
These are just some of the many great things you can see when vacationing in Rome. There are so many amazing ancient Roman buildings and ruins as well as the wonderful local culture you should really take your time and enjoy every minute of it.
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