Can't-Miss Cultural Attractions in Rome

By Megan Hills

Bask in the glory of Roman creativity with the best cultural attractions in Rome below.

With thousands of years of history, including being the centre of the Roman Empire, it's no surprise that Rome is full of incredible architectural structures, each with their own story to tell. We've scoured the city to find some of the capital's best landmarks you won't want to miss, from mausoleums and historical museums to ancient Roman sites and more,

National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo has had many lives as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, a papal fortress, prison, and now finally as a historical museum open to the Roman public. This stark structure owes its name to a vision that Pope Gregory the Great had, in which the Archangel Michael appeared to him on top of Hadrian's tomb, sheathing his sword to signal the end of a plague. A sculpture of the Archangel now sits atop the museum. With an impressive permanent collection of medieval relics, paintings and sculptures, it's a great way to experience and learn about Rome's long tradition of culture and military excellence.

Capitoline Museums

Seen in films such as The Talented Mr. Ripley, these archeological museums are testament to the enduring power of ancient Roman art. Spread across three buildings and a piazza designed by Michelangelo, it has persisted as a significant site of Roman creativity since 1471. It features many beautiful works such as a symbolic bronze statue of The She-Wolf, who plays an important role in Rome's origin myth in which she raised the city's founders Romulus and Remus.

The Coliseum

This gigantic circular structure has captured the imaginations of people worldwide, with complex theatrical performances alongside violent gladiator battles taking place on its stage. At 2000 years old, the landmark continues to stand and remains a must-visit for visitors to Rome who can learn about its history and dive into its network of underground tunnels for more exhibits.

MAXXI

While Rome might be best known for its historical architecture and Renaissance works, the contemporary art museum MAXXI shines a light on the best in Italian contemporary art. Designed by famed architect Zaha Hadid, its exhibits showcase the best in modern art and architecture and is a refreshing break from centuries-old works.

Sistine Chapel

Venture into the Vatican City and make your way to one of Michelangelo's greatest artistic accomplishments - the Sistine Chapel. With breathtaking hand-painted ceiling frescoes depicting The Last Judgment and works by Botticelli lining its walls, it's not only a significant religious site but a cultural one worth seeing.

Roman Forum

See the legacy of ancient architecture at the Roman Forum, which was formerly a collection of buildings including a marketplace, the House of Augustus (home to Julius Caesar's heir) and the Temple of Romulus. While it's mainly in ruins, the remains of its frescoes, pillars and architecture still remains incredible to witness.

Borghese Gallery

See the works of artistic virtuosos Caravaggio, Botticelli and Raphael at the Borghese Gallery, a converted villa which now serves as one of Rome's most beautiful museums. Comprised mainly of the Borghese family's personal collection which includes hundreds of sculptures and paintings, it's an oasis of calm away from the hustle of Rome and its grounds boast stunning gardens.

Vatican Museums

Located just a stone's throw from the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums are a site of great importance for the Catholic tradition as well as the art world. With exhibits dedicated to the history of the Vatican City as well as a 9 mile long collection of artwork dating all the way back to ancient Egypt, its most noted for its sublime Raphael rooms by the entrance with frescoes by Raphael and Michelangelo.

Museum of Rome

Discover the artistic history of Italy's capital at the Museum of Rome, located in the halls of the Palazzo Braschi. Not only is the structure a stunning example of Roman Baroque architecture, its exhibits chart the course of Rome's continually evolving creative scene from the Middle Ages to 20th Century.

Keats-Shelley House

Take a break from art history and dive into the world of literature. Rome was beloved by the famous Romantic poets Percy Bysshe Shelley and John Keats, the latter of whom made Rome his final resting place at the age of 25. Keats' modest dwellings have since been transformed into a museum with the most extensive collection of works, letters, paintings and memorabilia relating to the two literary greats in the world.

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Discover Things to Do in Rome in 2017

The Italian capital has a busy events calendar, here are some of the best things to do in Rome in 2017! From sporting events and annual cultural festivals to street performances and more, Rome is a fun-filled capital that never seems to stop buzzing! Check out some of the best things to do in Rome this year, with our comprehensive guide to the city's favourite events! If you happen to be in town during these events, be sure to mark your calendar because you won't want to miss them! Rome Marathon As one of the biggest sporting events of the year, the Rome Marathon attracts runners and spectators from all over the world. With a 42 kilometer run for serious runners and a 5km Roma Fun Run for casual joggers, there's also a number of fun activities happening at the Marathon Villages. Runners will race past iconic landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and St Peter's Basilica and be able to squeeze in some sightseeing while achieving their personal best times. Dates: 2 April Natalie di Roma Happy birthday to Rome! This vibrant celebration honours the founding of Rome in 753 BC, which is said to have been the work of the twins Romulus and Remus for which the capital is named. All day, re-enactments of their story, fireworks and parades brighten up the streets (especially around Campidoglio) and fills the city with a festive atmosphere. Dates: 21 April Festa de'Noantri Held in the Trastevere neighbourhood, this holiday celebrates the discovery of a Madonna statue during a storm by fishermen. The cedarwood statue was then donated to the church St Agata and during the Festa de'Noantri, it is taken and carried to the larger St Tiber church in a beautiful religious procession. After eight days, it is returned to St Agata by boat. As with any great Roman festival, music, dancing and theatrical performances characterise the neighbourhood's joyful transformation. Dates: 18 July Papa Audiences at St Peter's Basilica See the Pope at some of the Vatican City's public masses and audiences, held famously at St Peter's Basilica where the papal throne is housed. The Pope regularly conducts the Angelus prayer from his window in the basilica and anybody can watch him speak from the square, however it is worth arriving early to save a good spot. For traditional masses, visitors will have to secure tickets to enter the basilica which are all free of charge. When you've finished, spend some time exploring the basilica and its historical tombs - it's one of the best things to do in the Vatican City. Dates: See the full 2017 papal calendar here. Settimanta Santa and Pasqua at the Vatican City and Colosseum Easter is a hallowed time for the Vatican, with numerous services and celebrations held all week long. One of the most important Catholic traditions is Good Friday's Via Crucis - the Stations of the Cross - which is a procession that re-enacts Jesus Christ's struggle to carry his crucifix to his place of death. The procession begins early in the morning at the Colosseum where a prayer is recited, then winds through Vatican city to thirteen additional stations such as St Peter's Basilica before finishing with a public mass at the Colosseum. Make sure to return to the Colosseum on a quieter day to wander its crumbling tiers and learn about its gladiatorial past through its fascinating exhibition. Dates: March/April Festival della Letterature The Roman Forum is a must-visit for any Rome traveller with stunning relics dating back to ancient times held within its halls. Aside from celebrating Rome's ancient culture, it also honours the best that Rome's modern literary scene has to offer at the Festival della Literature. This popular cultural festival is held annually at the atmospheric Basilica of Maxentius over a number of days, featuring readings by internationally renowned writers such as Zadie Smith, William Finnegan and more. It works a little differently than other literature events - a theme for the festival is announced and then writers create something that pertains to that theme, which are then read aloud. Dates: To be announced, usually May/June Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums While this isn't an event per se, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums' stunning artistic collection are the pinnacle of Roman culture and not to be missed. Open all year round, the Sistine Chapel is most notably famed for Michelangelo's The Last Judgment which arcs across its ceiling and the Vatican Museums for Botticelli's frescoes. Visitors are required to book tickets in advance. Dates: Open year round Gay Village A ten-week open-air bonanza that makes summer the pinkest season of the year: bars, restaurants, live acts, discos, cinema – a great place for boys and girls alike. Venue and contact details change from year to year, but the website reveals all as the date approaches. Where: venue changes from year to year Dates: late June-early Sept 7pm-3am daily Festa de Noant ri Though few traces of Trastevere's working-class roots remain today, the area's residents celebrate its humble origins with gusto during the Festa de' Noantri. Festivities kick off with a procession held in honour of the Madonna del Carmine, to whom the whole shebang is theoretically dedicated. Two weeks of arts events and street performances follow, and fireworks round off the closing night. Where: Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere/piazza Mastai Dates mid-end July
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A Solo-Traveller's Guide to Rome

Heading out on your own? Here's a solo-traveller's guide to Rome to help you along. Rome is a city that rewards travellers taking on its incredible sights and culture on their own, with so much to see and do. It always helps to be prepared before heading anywhere new however and we've put together a little solo-traveller's guide to Rome for anyone aspiring to their own Eat, Pray, Love adventure below. Getting Around Rome has a pretty advanced public transport system, though walking is the best way to see the city and really get a feel for the infectious atmosphere of the place. With public buses running 24 hours across the best tourist attractions, tourists can buy tickets that cover rides on the buses and metro (which isn't that extensive, with only a few lines). Taxis are also a popular way to get around, however mind that some drivers are known to scam unsuspecting tourists so keep an eye on the metre as you zoom through the streets. If you want to see the sights without the stress of navigating the city, there's a great Hop On Hop Off bus tour that departs from Termini Station and St. Peter's Basillica. Spanning places like the Coliseum, Circus Maximus and Piazza Navona, it's an easy way to explore the city and the ride also provides audio commentary on the key landmarks you'll pass. Staying Safe While Rome is generally safe, tourists are routinely subject to scams and pickpocketing so it helps to be vigilant when travelling. Make sure you know where your valuables are at all time, especially around big tourist sites and in busy crowds. As mentioned earlier, sometimes taxi drivers will try for a little more money than they should by adjusting metres or using other scams so it's worth keeping an eye out for that. Cultural Stops Rome overflows with culture and history, with stunning works of architecture and rich museums adding splashes of colour to the diverse city. Religion and art are closely intertwined in the capital and it's no secret that the Vatican City frequently tops every tourist's list, with Michelangelo's stunning frescoes at the Sistine Chapel and the towering structure of St Peter's Basilica set to amaze. Diving even further back into the city's past, travellers can trace the legacy of ancient Rome at places like the Coliseum and the Capitoline Museums providing a glimpse of its glorious past. Culinary Experiences If you're travelling to Italy, foregoing that no-carb diet is a given. Cheesy pastas are a must when coming to Rome (which happens to be the birthplace of carbonara) and particular dishes include bucatini al'amatriciana, a kind of pasta which is hollow all the way through and cooked with tomatoes, peppers and pancetta, as well as the simple comforts of a plate of cacio e pepe, a Pecorino Romano cheese and pepper dish. Other unexpected treats include deep fried artichokes, popularised by the city's Jewish community, and the city's predilection towards offal - a delight for adventurous eaters. Wine connoisseurs will be absolutely at home in the capital, with numerous high quality bottles stocked at every restaurant and wine tastings available for those looking to hone their knowledge. Looking for some culinary inspiration for your trip? Check out our Top 10 Rome Foods you must try!
Megan Hills
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Day trips from Rome

Rome is located just so that it is great for short day trips out of the city in less than two hours travel time. Rome has a whole historic area to be discovered in Ostia and the Appian way as well as other great destinations for the summer, like the Ostia Lido with long sandy beaches and seaside bars. If you’re staying in the city for a bit longer, it’s well worth planning some day trips from Rome to explore more of the area.   Appian Way The Appian Way is one of the most impressive historic ruins in Rome and is one of the earliest stretches of straight roads in Rome, dating back to 312 BC. The road was originally used as a military road which is why it needed to be as straight and strategic as possible, later aiding in the victory of the Second Samnite War. Visitors can still see the ruins and old road still intact – and set in a public park it makes for a great day out and a beautiful spot for a picnic. Address: Via Appia Antica, Roma How to get there: 118 bus from Circo Massimo Metro Station   Ancient Ostia Ostia Antica, or Ancient Ostia, is Rome’s ancient harbor city – before the river moved over the years to where it lies now. Ostia means ‘mouth’ in Latin and was the mouth of the River Tiber. The oldest settlements, most believe, date back to between 396 and 267 BC and it was mainly a military center until the early Imperial period where there is evidence of a theatre and the growth of the Forum, where commerce and trade took place. For anyone interested in history, it’s a fascinating Address: Ostia Antica, 00119, Rome How to get there: Roma-Lido station (by Piramide) and get off at Ostia Antica   Ostia Lido Ostia is the Romans’ go-to summer destination. Just 30kms away from the city center by train, this seaside resort brings both Italian tourists and locals alike to its sandy shores. The town itself is relatively small, with typical Art Deco buildings along the coast and more Fascist-style buildings towards the fringes. During the summer months, it’s a great place to spend the day, bring your towel and enjoy the many seaside restaurants and bars to take you through the day and into the night. If you’re staying for longer there are many B&Bs and hotels to choose from for a short stay. Address: Ostia Lido, Rome How to get there: Roma-Lido station (by Piramide) and get off at Ostia Lido Centro   Castelli Romani The Castelli Romani are a cluster of wine-producing towns southeast of Rome, set in the volcanic area of Colli Albani. It’s a pleasant escape from the hot summer months, with its natural lakes and beautiful mountains with a national park. One of the most popular towns in the area is Frascati – known mostly for its wine! It’s a beautiful hillside town where you can sit out at pavement restaurants, drink wine and indulge in fine food. Address: Frascati, Rome How to get there: Train to Frascati from Termini   Hadrian's Villa Villa Adriana, or Hadrian’s Villa, is one of the most beautiful complexes of Roman ruins you can visit. Situated in Tivoli, you can wander through the classical buildings still standing and exemplary of the times in which they were built. Having been built in 2AD, it is the perfect ancient city with architectural styles from Egypt, Greece, and Rome and its statues and monuments give it the status as a World Heritage Site – and rightly so. Spend the day discovering the beauty of this ancient villa from its thermae, to its theatre, temples, and staterooms. Address: Largo Marguerite Yourcenar, 1, 00010 Tivoli RM How to get there: COTRAL buses to Tivoli from Ponte Mammolo station
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