A Movie Lover's Guide to Rome

By Megan Hills

Have your own cinematic adventure with our movie lover's guide to Rome.

From adrenaline pumping chase sequences to delicate romance scenes, the Italian capital is a city that seems almost built for film with gorgeous architecture and charismatic streets on every corner. The likes of Audrey Hepburn, Julia Roberts and Tom Hanks have frequented its landmarks in memorable scenes, find out where some of them are and check them out for yourself with our movie lover's guide to Rome!

Castel Sant'Angelo

The Castel Sant'angelo with all its dramatic architecture and stunning religious iconography plays a backdrop to the heart pounding finale of Angels and Demons. Originally a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his descendants, it has since lived other lives as a castle, a fortress and is now a popular tourist attraction.

Villa Borghese

Elizabeth Gilbert's famous novel Eat, Pray, Love and its famous adaptation starring Julia Roberts is an autobiography about a woman who leaves everything she knows behind after a crippling divorce, setting off to see the best of the world. It's no surprise she stops at Rome and in a mellow scene, orders gelato and wanders the meticulous greenery of Villa Borghese.

Capitoline Museums/Roman Forum

After an incredibly tense and violent arc in the movie The Talented Mr. Ripley, a young Matt Damon takes in a hillside view of what remains of the Roman Forum from Capitoline Hills. He also ventures inside the Capitoline Museums, where the broken pieces of once great statues on display heightens the melancholy tone.

Wanting to be here right now. #spanishsteps

A photo posted by Ruben Torres Jr (@rubent334) on Feb 7, 2017 at 1:21pm PST

The Spanish Steps

It's hard to forget the sight of Audrey Hepburn, dressed in an iconic crisp white shirt and full skirt, wandering the Spanish Steps with a gelato in hand in Roman Holiday. It's no surprise these beautiful steps play the backdrop to an offbeat romance, with a reporter played by Gregory Peck chasing after Hepburn's Princess Ann to charm her into a news story that will make him rich.

Classic Rome (and photobomb by @styleconceptblog) #ThePantheon

A photo posted by David Brown (@davidbrown30) on Feb 4, 2017 at 8:49am PST

The Pantheon

The location scouts behind Ocean's Twelve went into overdrive finding the perfect places for the heist movie, with scenes filmed everywhere from Berlin to Illinois. With a number of scenes played out in Rome, a particularly early one includes a café in the Pantheon's Piazza della Rotonda where Brad Pitt makes a narrow escape while kickstarting a romance with Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Trevi Fountain

It's no surprise that the Trevi Fountain is a popular location choice for filmmakers, as it practically begs to be filmed with its Baroque details and flowing water. Starring in films such as the epic La Dolce Vita where Anita Ekberg seduces Marcello Mastroianni as well as lower brow movies such as The Lizzie McGuire Movie, where the titular character makes a wish in the fountain, it never fails to capture an audience's imagination.

Coliseum

It's only fitting that a place built for the purpose of spectacle plays a part in many films, including previously mentioned titles like Roman Holiday, Eat Pray Love and Marisa Tomei and Robert Downey Jr's romance Only You. It only takes a quick exterior shot of this massive structure in a film to symbolise Rome and its grand history.
Megan Hills

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St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City
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Things to do in Rome at Night Time

A sightseeing Shangri-La during the day, Rome is arguably even more exciting after dark, when lights illuminate its spectacular ancient ruins, swoonsome fountains, imposing statues and vast Roman amphitheaters. It’s also a lot less hectic in and around the main attractions as the majority of tourists have already retired, footsore, to their hotels and apartments. Read on for our guide to all the best things to do in Rome at night time, including: Colosseum night tours People-watching on the piazzas Trevi Fountain The Catacombs of Rome The best rooftop bar views A night at the opera Gelato! Up on the Roof Let’s start our tour of night time Rome as we mean to go on: with a Campari cocktail at sunset in one (or two) of the Eternal City’s excellent rooftop bars. The sixth-floor terrace at Eitch Borromini Hotel is just about as good as it gets, with panoramic 360-degree views across the rooftops of Piazza Navona and beyond, and a list of cocktails as long as your arm. Watch the sun set over the Pantheon’s iconic dome from atop Hotel Raphael, see the illuminated Roman Forum from (where else?) Hotel Forum, and hit up the art-deco Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo for some of the finest rooftop views in Rome. Do be aware that you’ll be paying for the view as well as the drink so expect significantly higher prices than at most street-level Rome bars. The Colosseum by Night Fewer tourists, shorter queues, cooler temperatures, better views… there’s literally no downside to making your pilgrimage to the Colosseum at night, when light floods the world’s largest (and best-preserved) ancient amphitheater and you can almost hear the roar of the crowd baying for gladiator blood. Night tours need to be pre-booked and usually kick off around 9PM, so plenty of time to scarf down a pizza before you get there. Night tours are also a great way to get into the guts of the Colosseum and unleash your inner Russell Crowe as you step out onto the arena floor, activities that are traditionally waaay oversubscribed during the daytime. People-Watch on the Piazzas The evening atmosphere on Rome’s piazzas is second-to-none. This is the magic hour, when the sun sets, bars bustle, and street entertainers come out in force. Hit up Piazza Navona – home of the beautifully illuminated Bernini fountain – grab yourself a gelato and find somewhere to perch as you admire the fairytale churches and palazzos and, well, just watch the world go by. Piazza di Spagna is no less enchanting and has the added bonus of lying at the foot of the Spanish Steps, while the lesser-spotted Piazza Trilussa over in Trastevere is an unsung hero beloved of locals who meet and mingle by the fountain here, overlooking Ponte Sisto and the Tiber, nightly. A Night at the Opera For the quintessential night time Rome experience, book a performance of one of the greats at the historic Teatro dell’Opera. We’re talking nothing less than the likes of Turandot, La Traviata, Madame Butterfly and La Bohème, right here in Italy, the birthplace of opera. Between its grand opera-house setting and extraordinary open-air summer home at the Baths of Caracalla, the Teatro dell’Opera has hosted performances by Maria Callas, The Three Tenors and Joan Sutherland, as well as the world premier of Puccini’s Tosca way back in 1900. Quite the pedigree, then. The Catacombs of Rome Night time activities in Rome don’t come much spookier than a tour of the Catacombs. Brace yourself for thrills, spills and chills as you descend deep beneath the city streets for a blood-freezing meet-and-greet with the city’s oldest permanent residents. For down here in the Catacombs lie the mortal remains of thousands of ancient Romans, often arranged in bizarre and macabre displays. These creepy underground ossuaries are spread across the city, but most tours will include a stop at the famous Capuchin Crypts, where the bones of countless friars are displayed in weird, wonderful and frankly shiver-inducing ways. Chapels down here include the Crypt of the Pelvises, Crypt of the Leg Bones and Thigh Bones, and Crypt of the Three Skeletons, and are very much not for the faint of heart. Trevi Fountain Photo Shoot Nothing says romance like an evening stroll to the Trevi Fountain. I mean, can you even say you’ve been to Rome if you haven’t flipped a coin into its waters at some point during your visit? No, dear reader, you cannot. And there’s really no better time to make your Trevi pilgrimage than at night after the crowds have dissipated, and when your chances of nabbing that essential ‘alone in Rome’ selfie for your Insta feed are at their highest. Pizza and Beer in Trendy Trastevere Bohemian Trastevere is one of Rome’s coolest neighborhoods, a medieval labyrinth of cobbled lanes and colorful piazzas chock-full of artisan stores, independent trattorias and hip brewpubs. The district really comes alive at night as locals gather for aperitifs on Piazza Trilussa before heading on for dinner and drinks at some of the best bars and pizza joints in town. Hit up local fave Pizzeria ai Marmi for a slice of the good stuff: wafer-thin, wood-fired and ultra-crispy with a kaleidoscopic range of toppings to choose from, then make for the likes of Ma Che Siete Venuti a Fà or Bir & Fud for craft brews that go above and beyond the ubiquitous Peronis and Birra Morettis favored by less adventurous travelers than you, dear reader. Gelato! It doesn’t matter a jot whether you’re visiting Rome during summer or in the depths of winter: Italian gelato should be considered an utterly essential part of your experience. Still in Trastevere? Hit up Otaleg for some of the city’s more unusual flavors (artichoke sorbet, anyone?). Or head back over the Tiber, where the chestnut flavor at Ciampini near Piazza Navona, and tiramisu from Il Gelato di Claudio Torcè may prove life-changing. Gelato parlors stay open well into the evening for all your night-time frozen snack needs. And Finally… McDonalds Bear with us here. In the event you get an attack of the late-night munchies that only a Big Mac can satisfy, make for the branch at Termini station, where your burger and fries come with a large side order of Roman history. For inside this otherwise identikit restaurant you can view a section of the Servian Wall that defended the city against invading Carthaginians and Gauls in the 4th Century BC. We're lovin' it. Save on attractions in Rome Save on admission to Rome attractions with the Vatican and Rome Omnia Pass. Check out @omniavaticanrome on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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Top 5 art galleries in Rome with the Roma Pass

When in Rome, do as the Roman’s do. Or at least appreciate how the Romans have done it. Rome is bursting with cultural outlets documenting its history over time. From the Coliseum to the Capitoline Museums, there is plenty of art to be admired – some might say too much, if you’re pushed for time. To make it easy, let’s look at the top 5 art galleries in Rome to get your cultural fix. From the contemporary to the classic, there’s so much to be seen – and with the Roma Pass you can see it all for free. Even better! Capitoline Museums One of the most important art galleries in Rome, the Capitoline Museums were founded in 1471 with the donation of some bronze statues by Pope Sixtus IV. Recognised as a museum of the people, it was created as a testament to Roman history and contains the iconic She-Wolf statue – one of the original donations. The museum now contains ancient Roman statues, medieval and Renaissance art works as well as a collection of jewels and coins. Don’t miss the chapel dedicated to the Patron Saints of Rome decorated with stunning frescoes. Museum of Rome The Museum of Rome can be found in the Palazzo Braschi, nestled in the heart of the city. A fine example of Baroque history, this museum celebrates Renaissance art in particular and displays art from the Middle Ages through to the mid-20th century. Visitors can admire work of art from a wide range of Roman artists in two separate collections, as well as a 2,000 piece ceramic collection and 160 frescoes. You can even see pieces of the old mosaics from the façade of St Peter’s Basilica, dating back to 1230. MAXXI The Museum of 21st century art in Rome focuses on contemporary art through various mediums and how it’s changed over time. With a wide range of exhibitions exploring the breaking down of barriers and challenging conformism, to an iconographical dictionary and collage of images and videos the gallery promises – and succeeds – to inspire and impress. Don’t miss the architecture and photography collections, too which look into both 20th and 21st century concepts. Borghese Gallery For something more classical, you can’t beat the Borghese Gallery for a truly Roman art experience. Housed in the Villa Borghese, this gallery contains masterpieces of some of the great Italian artists including Caravaggio, Botticelli and Raphael. The Sala de Sileno is considered one of the gallery’s most impressive rooms, containing David with the head of Goliath and Young sick Bacchus. Visitors can also admire some of Bernini’s sculptures, including the iconic Apollo and Daphne. Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums You can’t leave Rome without having experienced the grandeur of the Vatican Museums and having witnessed the spectacular Sistine Chapel ceiling. This notable museum contains over 9 miles of art and sculptures, from ancient Egypt to the 20th century. Look out for the portrait of the Popes and the corridor of statues before heading into the Sistine Chapel for Michelangelo’s The Last Judgement. Although you can’t take photos, take a mental picture of this incredible feat of art. Don’t forget to admire the murals, too, which were painting by Botticelli and often overlooked. With the Roma Pass you can get free entry into 2 of the above art galleries, and the rest at a discounted price. A bargain for any culture vulture! To find out more about the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card, click here.
Go City Expert
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Discover Rome's famous film locations

Rome has played host to numerous Hollywood blockbusters and cult films for decades. With its streets drenched in history and its inescapably intimate (yet chaotic) setting, it’s the perfect location for any movie – be it romantic, moody or thrilling. It all started with the cinematic movement, Neorealism, which addressed the changing political situations of the middle of the 20th century. With power struggles and money struggles, the city made for an appropriate setting – plus, scattered with beautiful actors and cobbled streets, it couldn't help but work towards the creation of a picture-perfect film. Follow our itinerary to create your own Hollywood backdrop whilst visiting Rome: Trevi Fountain Rome’s best loved fountain, the Trevi Fountain, has been the backdrop to many cult films both old and new. Considered a Baroque masterpiece and the largest fountain in Rome, it’s a honey pot for locals and visitors alike who go to throw a coin into its basin, to make a wish to return to the city in the future. Superstitions aside, it’s an impressive landmark in central Rome - who doesn't remember that iconic scene in Fellini’s La Dolce Vita when Anita Eckberg take an impromptu dip. Yes, that one! Spanish Steps Just around the corner from the Trevi Fountain are the Spanish Steps which have featured in many celebrated films. The one that propelled Hepburn into Hollywood stardom was the classic Roman Holiday - one of the best visual guides to the city there is. With a wide range of backdrops, you can’t forget the scene in which she sits on the Spanish Steps to eat her ice cream. Did you know, a few streets behind the Spanish Steps is the address where her on-screen love Gregory Peck lived in the film too. In real life, Federico Fellini only lived a few doors up! Coliseum The Coliseum is one of Rome’s most loved landmarks and an icon of the Ancient Empire. Still standing over 2000 years on, the Coliseum has featured in many popular films over the years, but none as much as Gladiator. Ok, the film set was a man-made construction, but through the film you can really learn about how the Coliseum looked in all its glory and the role it played in Roman society at the time. Today you can still explore the ancient ruins and Roman Forum yourself with free entry with the Roma Pass. Castel Sant’angelo From old classics to modern masterpieces, Castel Sant’angelo is Rome’s impressive fortress overlooking the River Tiber. Its sheer scale and size makes it the perfect backdrop for some impressive footage and you’ll find it’s been used in a number of films, but more recently Darran Brown’s spiritual thriller, Angels and Demons, where its neighbouring Piazza del Popolo also featured as one of Tom Hanks’ first clues. Trastevere This much loved neighbourhood across the river is one of Rome’s most quaint and intimate areas. A maze of cobbled streets and piazzas it’s truly Roman in its terracotta hues and local ambiance. In Woody Allan’s To Rome with Love, it’s home to one of his main characters and you’ll also recognise it as a local haunt of Julia Robert’s character, Elizabeth Gilbert in the adaptation of the bestselling Eat, Pray, Love. Create your own movie this holiday and set your own backdrops with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card .
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