Our Guide to Unique Buildings in Rome

By Megan Hills

From ancient works to modern standouts, here's the most unique buildings in Rome

Stroll around Rome for the day and you'll be faced with architectural marvel after architectural marvel, with gigantic churches, elaborate fountains and skyscrapers tied together in a harmonious (if not slightly chaotic) network of narrow streets and crowds of people. If you've only got a few days in the city and you're a bit of an architectural buff, it's worth listing down some of the most beautiful buildings in Rome to save on time - check them out below.

Colosseum

Were you even remotely surprised the Colosseum made the list? As one of the biggest architectural marvels in Rome, this gigantic Flavian stadium dates all the way back to 70-80AD and still looks like it's in pretty good nick. While gladiators and wild animals once played out gory scenes on its sands, it now serves as a popular tourist attraction for history buffs and large scale concerts and the occasional religious ceremony is held here nowadays.

Castel St Angelo

This stark fortress on the River Tiber is impossible to miss and has a colourful history with separate lives as a final resting place, battleground and papal residence. Commissioned by Emperor Hadrian to serve as his mausoleum, the cylindrical fortress became a crucial military and papal residence since it happens to be nearby the Vatican City. The iconic angel statue that sits atop it was only added in 590AD after Pope Gregory was visited by a vision of Archangel Michael while the city was entrenched with plague, which he believed hailed the end of the epidemic.

St Peter's Basilica

Arrive at St Peter's Basilica at the right time and you'll be able to catch a glimpse of Pope Francis in one of its upstairs windows, reciting prayers to an attentive crowd below. It's said to be built above the final resting place of Peter the Apostle, one of Jesus' most trusted disciples, and Christians from all over the world travel to pay their respects at one of the holiest sites on earth. For those who aren't so religiously inclined, the Basilica is an unforgettable site with the likes of Michelangelo working on its iconic dome and architects like Donato Bramante, Carlo Moderno and Gian Lorenzo Bernini bringing it to life.

MAXXI

Designed by architectural superstar Zaha Hadid, MAXXI houses some of the most seminal works of the 21st century and is itself a work of art. Its gorgeous slick and sloping lines weren't predetermined however as the Ministry of Cultural Heritage actually ran an architectural competition, after which the winners' design would be made a reality and Zaha Hadid secured the prestigious project. As a stark juxtaposition to the city's range of ancient Roman buildings, it's a vision of modern Rome that the emperors of old would hardly have been able to dream of.

Pantheon

Thousands of people flock to the Pantheon every year to see the glory of ancient Roman architecture, with its ivory facade, broad dome and tall imposing columns setting the bar. As a relic of Emperor Hadrian's era, it was commissioned by the ruler and later finished in 126AD to worship a number of Roman gods - though it later became a church, then the tourist attraction it is today.

Church of 2000

If you've just about had enough of traditional churches out in the Vatican City, American architect Richard Meier's modern take on the religious place of worship is a breath of fresh air. As the same man who designed the Ara Pacis museum, the Church of 2000 has the same graphic design sensibility with bisected shapes and walls of glass playing into the structure. Its three gigantic curving shells contrasted with the sharp blocks of the main church hall are a pleasing
Megan Hills
Rome Travel Expert

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Hop On Hop Off Rome: The Best Tours To Take

All roads lead to Rome and, once you’re there, a hop on hop off Rome bus tour is a great way to explore the city. Whether you want to get your bearings or plan to visit attractions that are further apart, it gives you the freedom to make your own way without being tied to a particular itinerary - as well as not having to spend the whole day on your feet. Brought to you by the OMNIA Vatican & Rome team, here is a handy guide to the best tours and how to get the most out them. Pulling out the stops Most of Rome’s hop on hop off bus tours follow a similar route through the city, with departure points at the Vatican and Termini station. This is partly because Rome’s authorities control the number of stops in the ancient city centre, to keep pollution and congestion in check. The main routes operate three or four buses an hour, providing similar open top buses with audio commentary in a number of common languages, including English. Completing the circuit A complete bus tour should take between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on traffic. It’s a good idea to complete the whole circuit on your first day as you’ll get an excellent understanding of the layout of the city. Some of the central attractions are within easy walking distance of each other and once you have a rough idea of where they are, you’ll find it much easier to plan your visit. The main attractions The Pantheon, the ancient pagan temple built in 120 AD and later converted into a church, and Piazza Navona, a public square on the site of an ancient arena with beautiful examples of Baroque architecture, are close together. They can be conveniently visited by ‘hopping off’ at the stop for either attraction. Similarly, the Colosseum, the world’s largest amphitheatre ever, is located close by the Circo Massimo (or Circus Maximus), the ruins of an ancient Roman chariot racing stadium, so you can conveniently visit both without hopping on the bus in between. If you want to visit the Forum (Foro Romano), you will need to get off at either Piazza Venezia to the north or the Colosseum to the south and continue on foot, as it doesn’t have its own stop. The Forum was for many centuries the centre of Roman public life: originally a marketplace, it went on to become the site of processions, elections, speeches and trials. The site attracts over 4.5 million visitors and is one of the highlights of a visit to Rome. The must-see attractions at the Vatican are served by all hop on hop off Rome buses. They include St Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the art of Michelangelo, Raphael and many others. You could easily spend a whole day here! Most bus tours also include stops along the river Tiber, including Tiber island (Isola Tiberina). However, if you wish to visit the Basilica of St John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano) in the west of the city, you should book with Roma Cristiana, as it is the only operator with a stop here. Ticket to ride A Bus tour is included in the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass as one of our free attractions, but a bus tour ticket can also be purchased via company agents near the main stops or at hotels. It’s much better to book online, to avoid getting rushed into a purchase. There are also often online discounts. Make sure you know where tickets can be ‘activated’, so that you can include this in your travel plans for the day, and also look at the operating hours for your line. The tours mainly operate during the day, so if you are going out in the evening, you will not be able to hop on for a ride to your hotel. Routes may vary at the weekends. If you are travelling with children, it is worth shopping around, as there are significant differences in pricing for under-15s. Combo tickets Many of the bus tours partner with attractions and other organisations to offer combination tickets. This can save you money compared to paying for each entrance ticket separately and provide other benefits, such as fast track entry or public transport passes. It’s definitely worth looking into. While hop on hop off Rome tours remain a popular attraction in themselves, it is definitely worth spending some time exploring the city on foot. Although the main sites can get very busy, every Roman holiday should include a taste of the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. With picturesque fountains, traditional trattorias and tiny piazzas around every corner, the city is also a photo album waiting to happen.
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Five Facts: The Coliseum

From its original name inspired by a dynasty of Flavius emperors to why one of the building materials mysteriously went missing, the Coliseum is full of weird and wonderful facts. Here are our five favorites.
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Celebrate New Year's Eve in Rome

Celebrate New Year’s Eve, Capodanno, in Rome and wave goodbye to 2014 as you welcome what 2015 will bring. If you’re going to be in Rome for this special time, read on; we’ve got a list of things to do in Rome to help you celebrate the 31st December into the 1st January. In true Roman style, there are historic traditions and both contemporary culture to appreciate – so take your pick, and buon anno to you! Coliseum Celebrate in one of the oldest parts of Rome, at one of the oldest attractions, the Coliseum. Dating back over 2,000 years it’s one of the most iconic backdrops to spending New Year’s Eve and you’re guaranteed a great photo moment. At midnight, you’ll be able to enjoy views over the city’s fireworks display and can continue the street party at your leisure. Imperial Forum Slightly down the way from the Coliseum, the Imperial Forum is featuring its very own Vintage Party this year to celebrate 2014/2015. Expect everything themed from the '30s to '60s – from music to decorations. You’re invited to dress up, too! Hosted by Swing Circus, there will be an orchestra, DJ, dancers and Linda Hop the swing performer. Not least, a marching band and a clown for the kids. Definitely worth a visit! Circus Maximus This year Rome is pulling out all of the stops and visitors and locals alike can enjoy plenty of historic backdrops for their New Year’s celebrations. Another venue to head to is Circus Maximus to enjoy a real knees-up. With a full blown concert, starting with the Italian one-to-watch Mannarino, followed by local rappers and artists, it’s after midnight that it all kicks off. With a break for the impressive annual fireworks, the early hours of 1st January 2015 will see a DJ set by Daddy G and Grant from Massive Attack. Names not to be sniffed at. St Peter’s Basilica If you are looking for something slightly more quiet and reflective, why not head over to St Peter’s Basilica. Starting earlier than the evening revellers, the Pope will be hosting the Feast of Mary, Mother of God, at St Peter’s Basilica at 5pm. Here, the Pope will celebrate the First Vespers of the Solemnity of the Mother of God, followed by the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the traditional singing of the “Te Deum”, and the Eucharistic Benediction. You will need to pre-book tickets as it’s a highly sought after event. Alternatively, the following day (1st January 2015) you can attend a Mass at 10am (tickets are also required). Gianicolo As Rome is such a romantic place, spending New Year’s with your loved one in this historic city can be a special moment. We suggest you head up to the Gianicolo, a hill that starts in Trastevere. Climb this winding summit and you’ll reach one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the city. Overlooking the city, you can see the iconic domes from St Peter’s Basilica to Piazza Victorio Emmanuele II not to mention you'll get a great panorama of all the firework displays around the city, illuminating the sky line. Don’t forget your camera as you’re guaranteed a breath-taking New Year’s Eve. Don't forget you can make great savings if you explore Rome with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card. Granting you free entry into the Vatican City and sights, as well as free entry into the Coliseum and many other historic attractions with the Roma Pass. Click here to find out how you can save.
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