You can’t help but be awed by the famous landmarks and historical places you can see all over Rome.
Thanks to its ancient Empire, the city has a wealth of history and culture to explore. You'll learn about everything from the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon to the Roman Forum. It's not surprising, then, that the city is one of the most well known for landmarks and monuments.
Get your fix of history and heritage at these famous Rome monuments and ruins and make the most of your time in the city with the Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass.
Colosseum
Packed with ancient history, the Colosseum is one of the most recognized landmarks and ruins in Rome. Dating back over 2,000 years it was once the ground for legendary gladiator contests that would entertain the masses.
These brave gladiators would fight in the arena in front of thousands, often against wild animals and those with weapons far greater than theirs! Don't miss the opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of this ancient landmark during your stay in Rome.
Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 00184 Rome
Metro: Colosseo (Metro B)
Roman Forum
Did you know the word 'palace' comes from Palatine Hill after Emperor Augustus established the tradition of building palaces on the hill?
The Roman Forum was the political epicenter of the evolution of ancient Rome and it played a crucial role in the growing trade and commerce of the city, including the historic ruins, arches, churches, and pillars still standing to give you a real feel of what the city was like 2,000 years ago.
Address: Via di San Gregorio, 30 – 00184 Rome
Metro: Colosseo (Metro B)
St Peter's Basilica
St Peter’s Basilica is one of the most famous churches in the world and is the site of many pilgrimages every year – so you know it’s a landmark worth visiting.
The beautiful architecture is one of its most impressive features; with Bramante, Bernini, Michelangelo and Maderno all having left their mark on the building, both inside and out.
See the huge dome, intricate décor, baroque Baldacchino and huge obelisk in the square.
Address: Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City
Metro: Ottaviano-S.Pietro-Musei Vaticano (Metro A line)
Castel Sant'Angelo
This famous Rome landmark and important historical site sits on the northern bank of the River Tiber overlooking the city as it has for the last 2,000 years as its role as a fortress.
Protecting the city, Castel Sant’Angelo, or Hadrian’s Mausoleum as it’s also called, is the tomb of the former Emperor and has a rich history and a wealth of priceless historic artifacts within its museum.
A visit to this historic landmark will uncover the Papal Apartments, Courtyard of the Angel and even the secret passageway into the Vatican…
Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50 - 00186 Rome
Metro: Lepanto (Metro A) or Ottaviano (Metro A)
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is a must on everyone’s bucket list who visits Rome. Set within the winding cobbled streets of central Rome, this huge baroque fountain is considered one of the best in the world and has embellished the streets of Rome since 1726.
The Trevi Fountain’s intricate sculpture and marble draw in over 3.5 million tourists a year thanks to the efforts of Bernini and Salvi who are credited with creating this baroque masterpiece.
Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma
Metro: Barberini (Metro line A)
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is one of the most famous squares in Rome and has been a space of commerce and trade since the 15th century when the local market was moved there from Campidoglio.
During this time the square underwent considerable improvements and a stunning baroque facelift, to what we still see today. In the square, you can see the baroque fountain by Bernini, the Obelisk of Domitian and many other churches surrounding it, as well as Pamphili Palace around the corner.
Address: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma
Metro: Spagna (Metro line A)
Altare Della Patria
Just down from the Roman Forum and across from the Imperial Forum is the eclectic Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, aka Altare Della Patria, aka the 'wedding cake' as the locals like to call it.
Not to everyone’s taste, this grand building at the center of Piazza Venezia is an imposing landmark you can’t miss. The monument in Rome's very center is home to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with the eternal flame burning, as well as a stunning viewpoint right at the top of the landmark.
Address: Piazza Venezia, 00186 Roma
Bus: Piazza Venezia
Pantheon
Ever wondered what happens to the rain that falls through the large oculus in the roof of the Pantheon? Learn more about the history of the ancient – and one of the best-preserved – landmarks in Rome.
The Pantheon dates back to 118 AD and is believed the building was completed by Emperor Hadrian. Now, it’s still a working church so whether you’re visiting for prayer or for pleasure, you most certainly won’t be disappointed by this impressive Rome landmark.
Address: Piazza Della Rotonda, 00186 Roma
Bus/Tram: Largo Argentina
Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are some of the most romantic steps in the world and are a site of many selfies and picture-perfect moments. Whether you sit and watch the world go by, or bring a picnic, these steps are a great location to rest and recover during a busy day of sightseeing.
The 135 steps date back to 1725 and were designed by Francesco de Sanctis and have been an iconic landmark of Rome ever since.
Address: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma
Metro: Spagna (Metro line A)
St John in the Lateran
St John in the Lateran is the official seat of the Pope and is home to the Scala Sancta, a site of pilgrimage throughout the year. The church is also one of the oldest churches in Western Europe, dating back to 324 AD, and has been decorated in a Cosmatesque style with a 14th-century Gothic Baldacchino. Don’t miss the stunning cloister, deemed one of the most beautiful in Rome, embellished with delicate mosaics and friezes.
Address: Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, 00184 Rome
Metro: San Giovanni (Metro line A)
Make sure to explore these treasures on your very own Roman holiday, and so much more, with an Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass.
