Landmarks and Ruins in Rome

By Go City Expert

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.

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Buon Natale! Christmas celebrations in Rome

With less than two weeks to go until 25th December, we’re all getting very excited. Whether you’ll be in Rome for the actual day or whether you’re just visiting in the run up, you can still enjoy the wide range of festive events and activities going on during the season. Christmas Market at Piazza Navona Although Rome’s not nationally or internationally famed for its Christmas markets, the most popular one can be found dominating the whole of Piazza Navona (accessible on a Rome Bus Tour) from late November through to early January. Filled with fairground-style stalls and novelty gifts, it’s every Roman’s answer to a commercialised Christmas. And so what, it’s fun! With plenty to purchase from candy floss to delicious Italian treats like panettone, it’s worth a visit just to get you in the Christmas spirit at least. Make sure to take loose change though as cash points in the area are hard to come by. Christmas Tree at St Peter’s Square St Peter’s Basilica needs no introduction, and nor do you need reminding of its importance and spiritual and historic symbolism. At Christmas thought it’s famous for another reason (other than the obvious) as a huge Christmas tree (usually around the 25m mark) is erected in the middle of the square. The tradition of the Christmas tree has been around since 1982 when the Polish Pope John Paul II introduced this much loved Northern European festive symbol. Now, every year the tree is donated by a different country and this year it's back to Italy and the Southern region of Calabria. NB: If you’re in Rome for Christmas Eve, their annual Nativity Play is also unveiled to celebrate the birth of Christ – definitely worth a visit! Christmas Music at Natale all'Auditorium Parco della Musica Each country and culture has their own Christmas traditions and music plays as much a part in it as anything. Where the Westernised Christian traditions usually sing carols, in Rome you can enjoy Christmas at the Auditorium Parco della Musica with the Rome Gospel Festival. But it’s not all about the music, although Parco della Musica hosts a wide range of concerts and operas from early December through to early January, there’s also an ice rink and a Christmas market, too. A great place to take the kids for a mix of culture and Christmas cheer! Christmas Shopping Arti & Mestieri Expo Rome has lots of good artisanal shops and independent sellers to get inspired for your Christmas shopping, if you’re looking for something really unique then head to the Arti & Mestieri Expo (Arts & Crafts Expo), from 11th December to 14th December. With stalls exhibiting all sorts of crafts, food, wine, beauty and lifestyle products – there’s something for everyone! Perfect for stocking fillers or substantial presents you can find silver jewellery and leather goods, to handmade cards and knick knacks. Ice Skating at Castel Sant’angelo To top off the Christmas extravaganza in Rome, end your festive holiday with a bit of ice skating. At one of the most picturesque spots, right in front of Castel Sant’angelo, you can skate against a historic backdrop and drink in just being in Rome at Christmas! Just a short walk away is the bustling area of Trastevere, too, a great place to go and warm up with a drink and some pizza afterwards.
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What's on at St Peter's Basilica

St Peter’s Basilica is the power house of the Catholic Church set in Rome’s Vatican City, on the northern side of the River Tiber. The impressive basilica overlooks a huge colonnade-lined square and was designed and decorated by Italy’s most esteemed and prestigious designers such as Bernini, Michelangelo and Bramante. Capture the picture perfect moment for yourself and visit one of Rome’s most iconic silhouettes, St Peter’s Basilica. Boasting the world’s highest dome, the structure as a whole is truly breath-taking and one of the most impressive examples of religious architecture in the world. As it’s a place of pilgrimage and prayer, it’s no surprise that there are various events held there every month. Thousands gather to hear the weekly sermons – some even travel across the globe just to participate. If you fancy a bit of the action and are in Rome this month, pay a visit to this stunning landmark and epicentre of the Catholic Church to take part in some of the public Papal proceedings in June. 6th June, Friday Saint Peter's Square, at 12:15 - Meeting with the Carabinieri Corps on the 200th anniversary of its foundation 7th June, Saturday Saint Peter's Square, at 16:30 - Meeting with the Sports Associations 8th June, Pentecost Sunday Vatican Basilica, at 10:00 - PAPAL MASS, Holy Mass Saint Peter's Square, at 12:00 – Angelus 11th June, Wednesday Saint Peter's Square, at 10:30 - General Audience 12th June, Thursday Consistory Hall, at 10:00 - Consistory for several Causes of Canonization 15th June, Sunday Saint Peter's Square, at 12:00 - Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity, Angelus 18th June, Wednesday Saint Peter's Square, at 10:30 - General Audience 22nd June, Sunday Saint Peter's Square, at 12:00 – Angelus 25th June, Wednesday Saint Peter's Square, at 10:30 - General Audience 29th June, Sunday Vatican Basilica, at 9:30 - Solemnity of Sts Peter and Paul, PAPAL MASS - Holy Mass and imposition of the Pallium on new Metropolitan Archbishops Discover more with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card. Enjoy a free audio guide at St Peter’s Basilica for FREE and skip the queues saving you time in the busy months. Why not visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel after, and walk right up to the front with no queuing and no extra payment. Want to learn more? Click here to find out how it works...
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Top Five Places to Picnic in Rome

Now that it’s hotting up, Rome is one of the most picture-perfect places to have a picnic and to indulge in the food the country’s famous for. From stone-baked pizzas, fresh buffalo mozzarella, to deep red tomatoes and arancini rice balls, Rome is the best place for finger food! To make the most of the weather and to see some of the best cityscapes Rome has to offer, we put our heads together to come up with our five favorite picnic spots from the lush and verdant parks, to the banks of the River Tiber. 1. Isola Tiberina 2. Villa Borghese 3. Monte Gianicolo 4. Gardens around the Catacombs of San Callisto Slightly outside Rome are the ancient Catacombs of San Callisto, which are worth a visit regardless with your Roma Pass. These Ancient Roman are the largest in Rome with over 20km of tunnels underground and are a fascinating insight into Rome’s important archaeology. But above ground is the Appia Antica which now considered is a large heritage park along Rome’s oldest roads – so there are plenty of ruins to marvel at. Take shelter and unroll your picnic mat under the natural Cyprus and palm trees – you'll completely forget that you’re in Rome! 5. Campo di Fiori As one of the original food and flower markets in Rome, Campo di Fiori is a chaotic and sometimes overwhelming experience, but worth it to see local vendors in action, true Roman dialect and of course to sample fresh produce. For anyone who wants supplies for an all-authentic Roman picnic, start at Campo di Fiori and you won’t regret it. With a range of stalls selling olives, cheeses, and fruit and vegetables stock up while you can and stop off at one of the local wine shops for something to wash it down with. Buon appetito! Consider picking up an Omnia Rome and Vatican Pass, and make the most of your very own Roman Holiday with all the best sights of the in one package. It even includes a travelcard so you can move around Rome with ease.
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