Top 10 Museums and Art Galleries in Rome

By Go City Expert

A visit to Rome is more than just seeing the sights, visiting the Coliseum and having a slice of pizza. With a culture and heritage that far exceeds that of most countries, some argue, there is a wealth of knowledge and history to be learned in Rome from the countless museums and art galleries showcasing the hundreds of priceless marble statues, frescoes and mosaics that Rome is so famous for. We decided to put our heads together and come up with a top 10. As Rome has over five times that to pick, it was quite a feat whittling them down. Below is a good mix of the classical, the contemporary, the arty and the ancient. And what’s more, they’re either free or discounted with your Roma Pass – so now there really is no excuse.

  1. Castel Sant’Angelo
One of the most imposing landmarks along the iconic River Tiber is Castel Sant’Angelo which has been a mausoleum and fortress in Rome for over 2000 years. Although its now a fascinating museum, visitors can learn about Emperor Hadrian, for whom it was built, as well as the various roles it has played over time, including a Papal refuge. There’s even a secret tunnel that leads into St Peter’s Basilica!
  1. Capitoline Museums
The Capitoline Museums sit up on the Capitoline Hill behind the wedding cake, the Roman’s colloquial name for the Vittorio Emmanuele landmark. These museums are some of the most important in Rome and also in the world, founded by Pope Sixtus IV in the 1470s, who donated some of his own bronze statues. By making private collections open to the public, he inadvertently created the first museum! Here you’ll find some of the famous statues from Ancient Rome such as the She Wolf.
  1. Vatican Museums
It’s said that the estimated worth of the Vatican Museums are an eye-watering sum of €15 billion – not a number to be sniffed at! Among the miles and miles of art, sculptures, tapestries, busts and mosaics is the impressive Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo in the 16th century. The Last Judgement is regarded as one of the most influential and iconic frescoes in all of art history, and considering its in the Holy See of the Vatican City, how could it not be up there in a top 10?
  1. Villa Borghese
This grand villa in the stunning grounds of the Borghese Park was once the villa of the rich and influential Scipione Borghese. The collection within Villa Borghese started off as a private body of works and now contains both classic and contemporary art, with some pieces dating back 2000 years. To name drop some of the bigger artists on show, you can admire pieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, Boticelli and Rapahel. Villa Borghese is divided up into old and new and each room, or sala, offers something to be learnt from both past and present.
  1. Museum of Rome
The Museum of Rome actually has two addresses, so you get two museums for the price of one in this case! One is located near Palazzo Braschi and its aim is to celebrate and champion the ‘forgotten art’ of the middle ages. Inside this museum you will see the lesser known pieces, which make it all the more impressive. From costumes and fabrics, to ceramics and sculptures, you’ll discover a side of Rome you never knew.
  1. MACRO
From old into new, the MACRO celebrates everything modern and contemporary. An acronym for the Museum of Contemporary Art in Rome, the MACRO is housed in two buildings, aptly post-industrial; a former brewery of Peroni and a former slaughterhouse. These two big, open spaces make for a fitting and striking canvas in which to display the gallery’s impressive, and notable, collections of Italian art dating from the 1960s. A celebration of national modern art, a visit to this gallery will teach you about the Rome and the Italy of today and the modern influences of society.
  1. MAXXI
The MAXXI is the Museum of the National Arts from the 21st Century and is one of Rome’s newer spaces. Opened in 2010, here everything is championed from art to architecture, and the bolder the better. The building itself , designed by Zaha Hadid, won the Sterling Prize for architecture by the Royal Institute of British Architects so it’s worth a visit to see the premise alone. Within the gallery’s impressive walls lie all matter of exhibits in the art and architecture realm. There’s also a library, café and theatre for the performing arts, as well as an outdoor space, too.
  1. Planetarium and Astronomy Museum
Off kilter from the art and history, we delve even further back into the history of space and science. One of the lesser-appreciated museums in Rome is the Planetarium and Astronomy Museum which – for any adult or child interested in the subject – is well worth a visit with a spare few hours! Learn about our universe, how planets were formed and peer through the telescope at Technotown. It might not be art, but it’s a fun alternative!
  1. National Etruscan Museum
The Etruscan period, is a period named after a group of ancient Italians in the Lazio - Tuscan area, dating roughly from 700BC to 4BC. The National Etruscan Museum within Villa Giulia in Rome is dedicated solely to preserving and upholding the Etruscan heritage and history that is rife throughout Rome’s past and culture. In the museum, Etruscan artefacts such as the famous almost-life size terracotta ‘his and hers’ sarcophagus of a man and wife at dinner, which dates to the 6th century BC. Other artefacts include the Apollo of Veii and the Cista Ficoroni. If you want ancient, ancient Rome – this is where you’ll find it.
  1. Museum of Roman Civilization
Like it says on the tin, the Museum of Roman Civilization represents the history of Rome from an evolving civilization perspective. This museum focuses and reproduces the origins of the Eternal City to the 4th century through a model of archaic Rome, a full reconstruction of Trajan’s Column, and much more. Some of the thought provoking themes that are touched on and brought into light range from Caesar, to Christianity; schools and libraries; as well as commerce and agriculture. To gain a full understanding of Rome as a civilization there’s no museum like it. With the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass you can enjoy free entry to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, as well as free entry into a further two of your choosing, from the Capitoline Museums to the MACRO. Find out more, here.

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A Visitor's Guide to the Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums see over 5 million people per year; and with an estimated worth of over €15 billion it’s no wonder people flock to see it! At an impressive 9 miles in length the museum is bursting with art from floor to ceiling. It’s believed that if you spent just one minute admiring each painting it would take you four years to see the entire collection. And that’s not including the sculptures, tapestries, frescoes... The Vatican Museums are filled with some of the greatest masterpieces of all time; from Michelangelo to Botticelli, Bernini and Raphael. There are 54 rooms, or salas, in total ranging from miniature mosaics, Etruscan artefacts, classical antiquities and much more... But as part of the Holy See in the Vatican City (and the smallest country in the world), needless to say there are rules to be followed and customs to be respected. It’s hard to know where to begin, so we’ll give you some advice from what to see and to what to wear, with our visitor’s guide to the Vatican. Rules Because the Vatican City is a place of worship and the heart of the Roman Catholic Church, any visitor must abide to their rules and regulations - even if its outside of your beliefs. You may not wear short skirts, sleeveless blouses or shorts (cover all knees and shoulders) so make sure you come appropriately dressed in advance or you’ll be sold an overpriced scarf by a lurking tout to drape over yourself. As any important building or museum, you must be respectful of your surroundings. The Vatican Museums date back to the early 1500s so it’s almost an artefact in itself. Don’t try and touch any of the sculptures, or tapestries on display – even though there will be hoards of people inside - please leave enough room around the art pieces. Cameras may be used in the museum with no flash, but not in the Sistine Chapel. This is to protect the fresco from fading – and let’s be honest, it would be a travesty if Michelangelo’s Last Judgement were to peel and discolour. What to see An average visit to the Vatican Museums takes about four hours and from the moment you get in there are works of art, sculptures and architecture to be admired. From the spiral staircase built in 1832 right at the entrance, to the four imposing Raphael Rooms in the public part of the papal apartments, you can explore the great Vatican Museums from top to bottom. Discover the Ancient Egyptian Museum covering nine rooms, or learn about the different Popes in the portraits gallery. If you love statues, you can’t miss the hallway of marble masterpieces. Checkout the Sistine Chapel on your way out to end on a high. Literally. Remember no cameras are allowed, so take a mental picture of the famous 15th century ceiling and while you're in there, admire Botticelli’s long murals, too - something that often gets overlooked. Beat the crowds With the OMNIA and Vatican Card you can get free and fast track entry into the Vatican Museums, saving you hours of queuing in the summer months. Just flash your card and jump straight to the front. To make your experience even more enjoyable, our advice is visit around midday or 1pm when the early birds are leaving to get lunch which means there might be a lull in numbers. Saying that, it’s always pretty busy so make sure you’re good in crowds. There’s an outdoor area and little café in the grassy courtyard, too, if you need a break – and it’s always nice to sit outside and admire the architecture from a different perspective. If you want something a little different, why not try their Night Time Tours, which run in the summer (May-July and Sept-Oct) when the Vatican Museums are open until 11pm. It's the perfect time to go as you’re guaranteed fewer people and a calmer experience - even if it's at an extra cost. St Peter’s Basilica St Peter’s Basilica is part of the Vatican City however it’s not accessible through the Vatican Museums. For this, you’ll have to queue up under the right hand colonnades of St Peter’s Square and enter from the front of the basilica. Like the Vatican Museums, you must have shoulders and knees covered to be allowed entry. As this is a daily place of worship you must be respectful of those around you. With an OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card you can get a free audio guide and skip the lines to St Peter’s Basilica once you’ve visited the Vatican Museums, to complete your exploration of the Vatican City. Discover more of the Rome and the Holy See with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card - your indispensable sightseeing pass!
Go City Expert
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Our historical and cultural guide to Churches in Rome

Discover the history and cultural beauty of some of the most iconic churches in Rome with our guide! Whether you’re visiting the Eternal City as a tourist or as a pilgrim, exploring the beautiful churches in Rome is a must-do. And with over 900 dotted around the city, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Discovering a small baroque masterpiece on a leisurely amble through the streets is a particular delight, but here is a bit more about the churches we think you wouldn’t want to miss. Brought to you by the team at the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass. Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano Known in English as the Basilica of St. John Lateran, this is the official seat of the Bishop of Rome (ie. the Pope). Built during the reign of Constantine I, the first Christian emperor of Rome, it’s also amongst the oldest churches in the world. It has however been through several reconstructions and renovations. The impressive baroque façade was completed in 1735 and includes a portico from which the Pope gives his benediction on Maundy Thursday. Take a good look at the central bronze doors, which are Roman originals, recovered from the Imperial Forum. And once inside, look out for the cosmatesque pavement in the nave (a type of inlaid stonework from the 14th century), and statues of apostles from the 18th century. The basilica also houses several important relics. Don’t forget to visit the adjacent cloisters, which are all that remain of a 13th century Benedictine monastery. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore Located on the top of Esquiline Hill, the Basilica of St Mary Major is one of the best examples of early Christian churches in Rome. Check out the magnificent 5th-century mosaics and triumphal arch, as well as the crypt of the nativity, home to another prized relic, the crib (or manger) of Jesus Christ. The site for the church was chosen after a legendary summer snowfall in AD 359 - clearly a miracle in the blistering heat of a Roman summer. The event is commemorated every year on 5 August, when a shower of white rose petals is released from the dome. Basilica di San Paolo fuori le Mura St Paul Outside-the-Walls is the newest of Rome’s four major papal basilicas, relatively speaking. Although it was originally completed in the 5th century, repeated earthquakes and a catastrophic fire meant it had to be completely rebuilt in 1823. It’s still magnificent and marks the burial place of St Paul, who was executed by decapitation in the 4th century. Particular highlights include the Romanesque Easter candle statues and the Gothic baldacchin (a marble canopy at the high altar). The inside of the church is large and imposing, and is joined to a cloister, which was untouched by the fire and dates back to the 13th century. The Pantheon The Pantheon is of course best known as an ancient temple to honour all gods (this is the original Greek meaning of the name), but was turned into a church in 609 AD. This has contributed to its longevity and it remains the best preserved ancient monument in the Italian capital. Made from material quite similar to modern-day concrete, the dome is still the largest unsupported dome in the world. Check out the oculus in the centre, 7.8m in diameter, which is the only source of light in the building. There are of course many more notable churches, including Santa Maria sopra Minerva, build on the site of a pagan temple, and Basilica of Santa Maria del Popolo, which contains works by Renaissance artists such as Raphael, Caravaggio and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Please don’t forget: when visiting churches, bear in mind that these are places of worship. Shorts and skirts should be longer than the knees and shoulders must be covered – some sites may otherwise refuse entry. You may have been surprised not to find St Peter’s Basilica on this list of churches in Rome, but it’s been covered so extensively elsewhere that we thought you would be unlikely to miss it. And technically speaking, it’s actually in the Vatican. What will make your list of favourites?
Megan Hills
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Explore the Ancient Ruins of Rome

Rome is not shy of a few ancient ruins; in fact there are a number of buildings and areas that still stand and remain to be explored. As Rome dates back to 27 BC, when it was founded by the two brothers Romulus and Remus, there’s certainly plenty of history behind the city. Surprising at first, as a tourist when you stop to marvel the rubble and ruins every corner, it’s not long before you become accustomed to the juxtapositions of the ancient and the new wherever you look. However, because there are so many ruins and so much to see we thought we’d whittle it down for you, and pick our Top 10 must-see ancient Roman ruins in and around Rome. After all, you can’t leave Rome without a bit of culture. Coliseum One of the most iconic buildings in Rome, the Coliseum dates back to 72 AD and was commissioned by the Emperor Flavius. Did you know the name of the building was originally called Amphitheatrum Flavium after its patron? You can still see the name engraved in its wall today. Used largely for entertainment and events, the Coliseum is famous for its gladiator fights and wild animal battles. Pantheon Re-built in 126 AD by Emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon is one of the best preserved buildings from Ancient Rome. It stood as a temple for all the Roman gods, yet has been used as a Roman Catholic Church since the 7th century. Its impressive structure makes it one of the most iconic temples in the world with a huge oculus and dome, granite portico and rotunda. Pyramid of Cestius The Pyramid of Cestius is an ancient Roman tomb (and reminiscent in design of the ancient Egyptian pyramids of Nubia), built for Gaius Cestius around 18 - 12 BC. Its white marble façade measures nearly 30m2 at the base and is 37m high. At the fork of two ancient roads, Via Ostiensis and the ancient Via della Marmorata, it’s also one of the best preserved buildings of ancient Rome. Although visitors are not permitted entrance into the tomb, the burial chamber is decorated with orate frescoes by Bartoli, too. Arch of Constantine Standing tall between the Coliseum and the Palatine Hill, the Arch of Constantine is an epic monument to Rome’s past. Built in 315 AD to commemorate Emperor Constantine’s victory over Maxentius. Spanning over the ancient Via Triumphalis – the street emperors took to enter the city in triumph – it measures 21m high and 26m wide and marks a departure from the stylistic trends of the previous century. Terme di Caracalla These Roman baths of Caraccalla are the second largest public baths in Rome, built between 212 and 216 AD. Built as a form of political propaganda, they were used to unite Romans from every social class – blurring lines of caste and class. The baths were still in use until the 6th century and nowadays their impressive ruins act as a backdrop to host famous opera and ballet performances in the summer months. Roman Forum For centuries, the Roman Forum was the centre of Ancient Roman life. As a bustling market place, traders would exchange commerce, it would host gladiator fights at the neighbouring Coliseum, even political trials and public speeches. In the valley of the two hills; the Palatine and the Constantine, the Forum includes many famous landmarks such as the Arch of Septimus Severus, the Shrine of Vulcan and the Temple of Romulus. Castel Sant’angelo Having passed through the centuries, built over 2,000 years ago by the Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant’angelo (or Mausoleum of Hadrian) is a testament to ancient Roman construction. Housing the tomb of Emperor Hadrian, it is now a museum but was once a fortress, prison and refuge for the Popes. Did you know there’s a secret underground tunnel that runs to the Vatican? Ostia Antica Forum Just outside of the city centre, Ostia Antica forum is one of Rome’s most famous archaeological sites and namely so as Ostia was the old harbour city of Ancient Rome. You can walk around this sprawling rural forum dating from 7- 3 BC and admire the ruins of the military camp, the Castrum, and the temple of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva in the Capitolium – to name a few. Palatine Hill Just higher than the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill is one of the most ancient parts of Rome and backs onto the Circus Maximus, beside the Coliseum, too. According to Roman mythology, the Palatine Hill was where the she-wolf found the two founders of Rome, as babies hidden in a cave. There is evidence to trace the Palatine Hill back 1000 years BC, and you can see the ruins of the Flavian Palace and the Statium of Domitian. 10. Aurelian Walls Built to enclose the Seven Hills of Rome and the Trastevere district as a military defence, the walls ran 19kms in total and were 3.5m thick. Built between 271 and 275 AD they have undergone some extension over the years, however, they remain surprisingly well preserved considering their part played in the protection of the city up to the 19th century. Head to Muro Torto in Villa Borghese for one of the most intact areas.
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