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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The Best Pasta Restaurants in Rome

What else were you going to eat in Italy? Here's the best pasta restaurants in Rome Nothing compares to a steaming dish of home-cooked Italian pasta and luckily, there's a number of fantastic places to order some in Rome. The city's full of options (and recipes), for every creamy carbonara at a family trattoria, there's a sea urchin pasta across the way at a modern bistro. Check out some of the best pasta restaurants in Rome below. Uma legítima pasta a carbonara italiana, al dente e queijo pecorino. A post shared by Oslec (@borgescelso10) on Jan 31, 2017 at 2:14pm PST Da Danilo Nothing beats homemade food and the adage follows in Italy. Da Danilo, a trattoria owned by a mother-son duo, whip up some of the best pasta in the capital and as such are always in high demand. Specialising in carbonara, Rome's signature dish, as well as other simple comforts like cacio e pepe, Da Danilo's a perfect place for authentic classics. Via Petrarca, 13, 00185 Roma, Italy http://www.trattoriadadanilo.com When in Roma.... My home away from home @fabianaf1979 A post shared by Anthony D'Anna (@anthdanna) on Mar 31, 2017 at 2:07pm PDT Armando al Pantheon After roaming the iconic Pantheon, head over to the nearby Armando al Pantheon for a meal that will really hit the spot. Despite being surrounded by subpar tourist trap restaurants, the food is next level with favourites including the spicy and garlicky Spaghetti Aglio, Olio e Peproncino as well Spaghetti alla Gricia, a hearty dish comprising of Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale and black pepper. Salita dei Crescenzi, 31, 00186 Roma, Italy http://armandoalpantheon.it Do as the Italian's do, Pasta! . . . #traveldiaries #italy #wheninrome #pasta #carbsfordays #cheeseforlife #mixology #classiccocktails #cleaneating #personalchef #mixologist #todiefor #chefglass #restauranteur #wanderlust #nomad #bourbon #ginlover #scotch #wineconnoisseur #anytime #vinovinovino #travel #coffee #fuelforhours #cigaraficionado #lahéfa A post shared by 🔸Alka Chain🔸 (@eljefeatvintage) on May 6, 2017 at 6:35pm PDT Roscioli Whether you're tucking into peppery Cacio e Pepe or buttery Rigatoni Burro e Parmigiano, Roscioli is a pasta restaurant that always delights. These chefs know and prioritise quality ingredients, as in a previous life Roscioli was once a fine foods boutique, and elevate their dishes beyond the norm. They've also got a killer wine list if you're looking for something to wash it all down with. Via dei Giubbonari, 21/22, 00186 Roma, Italy http://www.salumeriaroscioli.com/restaurant Grandissimo spaghetto con le vongole del lago di Caprolace. #lagodicaprolace #solouva #arcariedanesi #roma #ilsanlorenzo A post shared by Giovanni Arcari (@giovanniarcari) on Mar 22, 2017 at 7:04am PDT Il Sanlorenzo There's a time and place for cheesy pasta and a meal at Il Sanlorenzo isn't it. Specialising in seafood pastas, Il Sanlorenzo is a welcome change from the carbonaras of the city. The menu tends to change depending on the season and what seafood is freshest, but you can expect to see razor clams, octopi, prawns and sea urchin topping their pastas. Via dei Chiavari, 4/5, 00186 Roma, Italy http://www.ilsanlorenzo.it Lasagne A post shared by Jason Lander (@jwlander) on Aug 1, 2016 at 1:43pm PDT La Tavernaccia da Bruno This family-run trattoria is located on the outskirts of the effortlessly hipster Trastevere neighbourhood and serves up quality Roman pasta classics, as well as a handful from Umbria where the owner hails from. The standout dish here is the lasagna, made with layers and layers of freshly made pasta and bechamel sauce baked in their wood-fired oven. Via Giovanni da Castel Bolognese, 63, 00153 Roma, Italy http://www.latavernacciaroma.com Tradizioni Romane🍴🍝 Cacio e Pepe way of life! #Italy🇮🇹 . . . . . . . . #lunch #eat #tasty #good #picoftheday #bestoftheday #igersoftheday #igaddict #like4like #followme #photo #photooftheday #beautiful #amazing #tagsforlike #food #foodporn #tradition #italy #rome #cook #togheter #happy #girl #love #life #pasta A post shared by Martina Evangelista (@martinavng) on May 8, 2017 at 5:56am PDT Osteria Bonelli While it's not the fanciest joint on the list, Osteria Bonelli's hearty pasta recipes give any restaurant a run for their money and they're also luckily a fraction of the price. With seasonal dishes as well as the classics, the osteria's recipes attract a diverse crowd of locals and tourists. If you're feeling up to it, they also have a few quinto quarto - or offal - dishes worth the culinary adventure. Viale dell'Acquedotto Alessandrino, 172/174, 00176 Roma, Italy https://www.facebook.com/Osteria-Bonelli-427233444051834
Megan Hills
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A Roman run-up to Christmas

When we think of Christmas evening activities carol singing, mulled wine and German Markets spring to mind. However, you wouldn’t usually associate any of those with Italian culture. So what do the Romans do for a winter’s evening in the run-up to Christmas? Rome is a magical place during the festive period; the strong Catholic beliefs as well as a westernised celebration of the season means the city is engulfed in the lights of church candles, smells of roasting chestnuts and the chatter of bustling shoppers. The Eternal City offers some unique experiences come the colder months, and especially at Christmas time, that are nothing short of bucket-list-worthy. So if you’ve already done your shopping and fancy something a little different, follow our evening itinerary for an insider’s alternative to celebrating in the capital. 1. Admire the views from Pincio Stand at the Pincio in Villa Borghese, the viewpoint at the top of the main steps into the city’s central park, and take in the views of the city at nightfall. As the sun goes down, you can watch the terracotta rooftops of the capital fade away under a warm glow of Christmas lights. To your left you can look all the way up the main shopping street Via del Corso, to the grand Piazza Venezia where the impressive Vittorio Emmanuele II monument stands, and to the west you can see Piazza del Popolo and the Egyptian obelisk of Ramesses. You can even see the great dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica away in the distance. 2. Ice Skating at Castel Sant’angelo Take a walk across the ancient engraved bridges over the river Tiber and hire some skates under Castel Sant’angelo for a spot of atmospheric ice skating. The large round castle was built by the Emperor Hadrian initially as a mausoleum for him and his family but in later years it was used as a fortress and even a prison and today it stands as a museum. Lit up at night, the castle is a spectacular sight – and if you’re lucky, you can catch a show or a figure skating performance on the ice as well. 3. Christmas in Saint Peter’s Stroll along the Lungotevere, the northern bank of the river, under the arch of trees and up to Piazza San Pietro (Saint Peter’s Square) to see the tall, illuminated Christmas tree outside the church. Pope John Paul II brought over the northern European tradition from his native homeland when he was pontificated in 1982. If you’re in Rome on Christmas Eve, you can even catch the unveiling of the nativity scene in the square, too. As well as being a picture-perfect opportunity, it gives you another reason to visit the iconic monument in all its glory. 4. Be a local in Trastevere Explore your way through the cobbled streets of Trastevere (which literally translated means across the Tiber) for a warming glass of wine and a slice of oven baked pizza. The area has numerous star-rated options so you won’t be left disappointed – and you’re guaranteed to be served with a smile! If you need to walk off your dinner, brave the winding Via Garibaldi to get to Gianicolo (Janiculum Hill) for breathtaking views across the city. On your way up, look through the gate on the right of the church for a Renaissance masterpiece, The Tempietto, designed by Bramante. 5. Celestial chanting at Sant’Anselmo all’Aventino For something a little different, walk up the Aventine hill to hear some celestial Gregorian chants at the 7.15pm Sunday service at Sant’Anselmo church. This church serves as a monastery and college and is seat to the Abbot Primate of the Order of Saint Benedict (Black Monks). It’s not your usual yuletide carol singing, but a must-do to finish off your trip in spiritual style.
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