| Sightseeing
in Rome, Italy is an experience that you will find
nowhere else. Of course, you may just not have enough time to see everything
that you want to see. There are so many sights that will give you a feel
for ancient Italy. Seeing the Vatican alone can take a whole
day or longer. The best way to optimize your sightseeing while in Rome,
is to make a list of the places that you feel are “must” sights, and if
you have extra time, then visit some others. As they say “Rome wasn’t
built in a day” and it certainly can not be seen in a day.
The Vatican
City, of course is probably at the top of everyone’s must see list. There
are many museums to visit while touring the Vatican. Besides the obviously
historic Vatican itself, there is also a history museum and an art museum
where you can see centuries of ancient Italian culture.
The Colosseum
is a landmark of great magnitude. Visiting this amphitheater will give
you a glimpse of ancient Rome and the gladiator period. The
architecture alone will dazzle and amaze you. Plan to spend a day just
touring this one landmark, and take along a camera. You won’t want to miss
taking pictures of the famous Roman Colosseum. You can hire a tour guide
to help you with your sightseeing, but keep in mind some charge a very
expensive fee. Compare pricing before you choose your guide.
The Pantheon
was dedicated by Rome to the seven planetary divinities. Features
of this beautiful landmark include an exquisite marble interior. The Pantheon
is known as one of the most impressive sights in all of Rome.
The
most popular fountain in Rome is the Trevi Fountain. There is an
ancient legend that states that anyone who tosses a coin into the pond
will someday return to Rome. It is a beautiful stop to include in
your sightseeing tour.
The
Piazza Navona is Rome’s most outstanding square from the Baroque
period. Features of this site include Bernini’s Fountain of Rivers. The
Piazza Navona also faces Borromini’s Church, the Sant` Agnese.
Another
very popular stop and one of the most significant monuments in Roman history
is the Castel Sant` Angelo. This structure was built in 135 AD as a mausoleum
for Hadrian, the emperor at that time. It was later transformed into a
fortress and served as a refuge for Popes during the citizens battles.
It is a wonderful view of ancient culture and history.
The Basilica
di San Clemente was built between 1110 and 1130. It is a combination of
three churches, one built over the other, and the current ruins date back
to the earliest recorded Christian ages.
Another
monumental and beautiful church to tour is the Basilica di Santa maria
Maggiore. This is one of only seven pilgrimage basilicas in the entire
world. The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore was founded in 432 AD and is
the burial place of Bernini, the famous Italian architect.
Janiculum
Hill is most popular for its breathtaking views of Rome. From atop
the lovely and scenic hill, you can see views of the city that you can’t
find anywhere else.
The
Piazza del Campidoglio was designed by Michelangelo Buonarroti and features
a beautiful, elliptical courtyard.
Another beautiful
sightseeing spot is the ancient ruins of Isola Tiberina.
These
are, of course, only a few of the most popular sightseeing spots
in Rome. There are many others. You can find touring companies,
again some may be expensive, to give you a guided tour of Italy’s
capital city, or you can simply plan your own sightseeing
tour. Either way, you will want to allow yourself more than one day to
take in the many beautiful and breathtaking sights.
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