Table of Contents:
NOT SO ANCIENT
ROME TODAY.
SHOULD-SEE IMPERIAL ROME.
OLD ROME.
VATICAN CITY.
OUTSIDE ROME.
The building of Rome took more than a day. And to honestly see it requires much more than a day.
If you visit the area via a cruise ship, they probably offer what I call “Rome in a Blur.” In other words, a chance to take pictures and say, “I think I saw the major sites.” It’s at a hectic pace. There’s the Colosseum; there’s the Vatican, there’s the Statue of Liberty. Then, race back to the ship in a location 90 minutes away (depending on traffic).
Some ships, for double the cost, offer you the chance to travel on a smaller bus. This smaller vehicle can get you within walking distance of the Trevi Fountain or Spanish Steps. So yes, if you only want photos, you can do the city in a day.
Ancient Rome
There is archaeological evidence of humans in the area of Rome from approximately 14,000 years ago. They have items including stone tools, pottery, and weapons from circa 10,000 years ago, but newer Rome obliterates much of this.
Most agree that Rome begins around the Palatine Hill and is a village with farms around the base.
As the population grows, additional villages pop up on the hills surrounding the Palentine. Remains on the Capitol Hill probably date to circa 14th century B.C.
As the villages grow, they incorporate into Palantine. They begin sharing the growing and making and the region elevates from a sustaining level to having more than they need.
By the mid-eighth century B.C., they are trading their excess with the other Greek colonies to the south. Ischia, near Naples and Cumae, are major partners.
Many consider this the birth of Rome.
Legend of the founding of Rome
Then there is the “legend” (stuff you make up that no one can prove,) about infant twins Romulus and Remus.
A she-wolf finds them and raises them.
They decide to build a city. After some sibling rivalry, Romulus kills his brother, builds the city, and names it after himself.
There are several other “stories” on its founding.
The Greeks (Phoenicians moving west) seem to have the only evidence of actual occupation.
The “founding” of Rome dates from circa 753 B.C.
Etruscans to Republic
Other groups settling in this area, specifically the Latin and Sabine people, set up a monarchical system. Seven different kings will rule for approximately 240 years.
The citizens of Rome continue to multiply and the city and its strength continue to grow. Circa 509 B.C., the Romans expel the king from their city and establish their own oligarchic republic.
The Roman Republic is not without problems.
There are internal struggles between the aristocrats and landowners (plebeians.)
Externally, they are at war with the other settlements in Central Italy, including the Etruscans, Latins, Volsci, and others.
Eventually, Rome conquers all of central Italy (Latium,) and set their sites on the rest of the Italian peninsula.
By circa 300 B.C., they control most of Southern Italy.
During the Punic Wars (264 and 146 B.C.) Rome battles Carthage in Northern Africa and its leader Hannibal.
This results in the new Roman colonies including Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Hispania, and northern Africa.
After conquering Carthage, Rome turns its sites on Macedonia (Greece) to the East. Through four wars (212–148 B.C.) Rome takes control of the Greek empire including western Asia Minor.
Fall of the Republic.
Circa the 2nd century B.C., the Romans begin turning on each other. The conservative optimates clash with the liberal populares, who have the support of the lower class. (Sound familiar?)
Large slave estates replace the small private farmers and create a large migration to the cities.
Rome has a professional army, which is more loyal to those who can pay them (the generals) rather than to the republic.
The populares, attempt social reform to regain power, which leads to the first of several civil wars.
The slaves rise up in a revolt lead by Spartacus.
Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus, powerful generals, form an informal alliance.
Not So Ancient
The beginning of the Roman empire is a period of political stability and prosperity. Italian history calls it the Pax Romana.
The rise of Caligula (37 AD.) is not good. The assassination of Caligula (41 AD.) is not awful. The ascension of Nero (54 AD.) another dark day. His death (68 AD.), gray skies are going to clear up.
The Colosseum is constructed (80 AD.). This arena is not such good news for lions and tigers and Christians (oh my), but it will also boost 21st-century tourism.
The Golden Age.
The empire grows and has incredible prosperity. By the time of Trajan (98 – 117 AD.), It lays claim to almost 2 million square miles. This period will be the largest the empire reaches.
Also, it oversees an estimated 70 million people. In those days, that’s 1/5th of the world’s entire population.
Then, not learning from its history, the empire begins to slide the slippery slope to destruction. Abuses of power, civil wars, etc. etc. etc. lead to instability of the leaders and a split between the citizens.
A New Approach.
Here’s an idea. Let’s get a new Emperor to solve all the problems. So, on the death of his father, Constantine the Great becomes the senior western emperor in 306 AD.
And it works for a while. Constantine begins financial, social, administrative, and military reforms to overhaul the empire. He separates civil and military leadership and sets up a currency based on gold. Wonder why no one else ever thought of that…
Also, in 313 AD., he takes part in the signing of the Edict of Milan. This document gives Christianity a legal standing. It
does not make it the official religion of the empire. That will not happen for another 260+ years during the rule of Emperor Theodosius.
A Rise in the East, A Fall in the West.
Finally, in 324 AD. Constantine defeats the last of the rebelling factions in the east and becomes the sole ruler of all the empire.
To keep an eye on both the West and the east, in 330 AD., he establishes a second capital in Byzantium (Istanbul). It is famous for its strategic location. At the time, It did seem like a great idea.
Italian history now shows us; it was the beginning of the end of the western Roman empire in Italy.
476 AD. With resources spread between two capitals, the West’s realm can no longer defend itself and falls to Germanic forces.
From a population of around 800,000, by the time the takeover, Rome has just over half that number. Without the manpower or finances to support the Imperial city, it begins to decay.
After the Gothic siege, circa 537, the population probably drops to around 30,000.
Dark Ages in Rome’s History
During the 6th – 9th century, Italy consists of villages fighting against other villages.
In addition, you have pecking from the Frankish Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and the Muslims.
Rome is under the control of the Pope.
In 800 AD, the Pope crowns the Frankish king Charlemagne as Emperor of the newly established Holy Roman Empire. Claiming a significant portion of the (still existing) Roman Empire, it covers most of Central and parts of Western Europe.
This appointing will go down as one of “those days” in Rome (and Italy) history. Soon there is feuding between the Pope and the emperor.
Medieval Ages in Italian history
10th – 13th century. On the local scene, villages find strength in numbers and begin forming city-states. So, on the local scene, it was city-state against other city-states. Rome (the Pope) is beginning to lose power.
At the same time, the Papacy, Byzantine, and Frank empires are battling over control of the region.
As a global cooling period begins around 1340, some crops in the north start to fail or produce less. This lower production leads to food shortages.
As if shortages are not enough, the Black Plague sweeps into the Eastern Mediterranean ports and quickly spreads to the western edge of Europe.
Recording of deaths in those days was minimal, but it is possible that within four years from its start in 1347, it claims half of Europe’s people.
But there is some “good?” news. With half the population gone, there are no longer food shortages and more jobs to fill. Europe begins a period of prosperity.
Welcome to the Renaissance.
Late 14th – 16th Century. Europe is emerging from the medieval period and looking for something new. Goods and ideas from abroad are arriving at ports all along the Mediterranian. These become the gateways for the Renaissance.
Back in Rome, the Papal States, the Holy Roman, and Ottoman Empires continue to battle each other for land and power.
As this is not enough upheaval for Rome, let’s add separate religious war(s). The Pope’s Roman Catholics, against the Lutherans, and the Calvins, all just loving the heck out of their neighbors. These religious wars will last until 1648.
Power and Market shift.
17th Century – Pretty much continues where we left off. There are more power struggles, more religious wars, and an invasion by the Ottomans. Finally, in 1648, an agreeable solution is found with the signing of the Peace of Westphalia.
In actuality, it is the beginning of the decline of the Papacy’s influence in Europe.
1621, the Dutch begin importing goods from the new world (West Indies). The French and Danish are right behind them. The Italian ports quickly lose their monopoly on trade.
18th Century – Not learning from the 17th Century, Europe continues on the same political and financial paths.
By 1720, most of today’s Italy is in the hands of the Austrian House of Habsburg.
Rome remains under the Pope.
Napoleon I – Putting it together.
Starting in 1796, the Holy Roman Empire has a new threat. His name is Napoleon.
He sets up two states between the Alps in the north and the Bay of Naples in the south. In 1802 he changes this to the Italian Republic. By 1805 he changes the name to the Kingdom of Italy and appointed himself king.
The Last Roman Empire.
1806, the Holy Roman Empire comes to an end after a defeat to Napoleon.
With each new conquest by Napoleon, the Kingdom of Italy benefits. The Pope, not so much.
Italy acquires more land until 1814 when Napoleon abdicates.
And two steps back.
The Congress of Vienna in 1815 leaves the Kingdom of Italy looking like a puzzle a few pieces short. (We will see this in Italian history more than once).
Austria receives a large part of the peninsula.
The Kingdom of Sardinia gets Piedmont and Genoa.
The middle section around Rome goes to the Papal States.
The Kingdom of the Two Sicily’s occupies the southern half of the peninsula and the island of Sicily.
Tuscany, Parma, and Modena, which are dutchies, keep their own rule.
By 1848, the locals are pretty much over their ruling by other countries. Civil disobedience and non-violent revolts lead to temporary constitutions to appease them. But these band-aids will not last for long.
Italian First War of Independence.
The First War of Italian Independence breaks out in March 1848. Unfortunately, the Patriots do not ban together with others, and their defeat is quick. Also, in the beginning, the Pope is lending his support. That quickly disappears when he sees which way the tide is turning. By the summer of 1949, the war is over.
The Patriots reorganize and realize they need an ally (with an army) to kick Austria out.
Also, it is obvious the Pope (Rome) is not their friend and could not lead the new country.
They also realize that Republicanism is not going to work. If they want to succeed, they need to band together as a kingdom.
They partner with King Victor Emmanuel II and his Kingdom of Sardinia.
Napoleon III – Putting Italy (back) together.
In 1853, the Crimean war broke out between Russia and the alliance of Britain, France, and the Ottoman Empire.
Sardinia joins on the side of France. For helping France in this battle, Sardinia finds the ally it is seeking. He is Napoleon III.
Italian Second War of Independence.
Sardinia, now with backing, provokes Austria. April 1859, and we are into the Second Italian War of Independence.
The French and the Sardinian Army together go against the Austrian army being lead by Emperor Franz Joseph I.
It is over less than three months later. The winning side gets what they want. France, a defeat over Austria, and Sardinia will receive Lombardy.
1860 Italy.
By 1860, only five states are remaining in the area that will become modern-day Italy.
- The Kingdom of Sardinia.
- Austria still has the area of Venetia.
- In the middle, there is the Papal States.
- Hidden in the east is the small area of San Marino.
- In the Southern part of the peninsula, you have the Kingdom of the Two Sicily’s. The Kingdom of Naples on the mainland, and the Kingdom of Sicily island.
Giuseppe Garibaldi representing the Kingdom of Sardinia sets out in May of 1860 to reduce those numbers. With a group of volunteers, he lands on Sicily. They do not encounter too much opposition, and by July, he proclaims himself the dictator of Sicily, as a representative of King Victor Emmanuel II.
He next sails to the mainland and, in quick order, has the Kingdom of Naples in the bag.
Then there were Four…
How to Assemble a Country.
1861 – Turns out to be a big year in Italian history. Starting in February, Victor Emmanuel II assembles the first Italian Parliament in Turin.
Second, Parliament proclaims Victor Emmanuel II, King of Italy. Italy is born.
They also declare Rome the Capital of Italy, even though it is still part of the Papal States.
1866 – War breaks out between Austria and Prussia. The Kingdom of Italy sides with Prussia.
Otto von Bismarck, the president of Prussia, gets what he wants, power over Austria. Within seven weeks, they sign an armistice. The Kingdom of Italy’s part has been small and not too successful. However, Bismark gives it Venetia.
1870 – The Franco-Prussian war breaks out in August. Napoleon III is losing and needs more troops. He pulls the last garrison from Rome, who is guarding the Papal State.
A month later, Napoleon III becomes a prisoner during the battle of Sedan.
With Napoleon out of commission, Emmanuel no longer feels he has to respect the borders of the Papal States.
Italians take control.
Overnight, the Italian army marches on Rome. Pope Pius IX is not going down without a fight.
The following day the army breaches the city walls and enters Rome. Hence, the city and the surrounding area become part of the Kingdom of Italy.
The Pope retains the Vatican City.
By 1871, Emmanuel moves the capital of Italy to Rome.
The World Wars.
Due to it being a ground war, Rome sees little fighting during WWI which takes place predominantly along Italy’s northern border.
Unfortunately, in late 1922 Rome is the destination of a march lead by Benito Mussolini and his Italian Fascism.
1922 – King Victor Emmanuel III appoints Mussolini as prime minister in an attempt to keep the peace.
Mussolini does away with democracy by 1926 and declares a new Fascist Italian Empire.
He demolishes large parts of the city center to build wide avenues and squares to celebrate the fascist regime.
World War II
With the rumbling of another World War, Mussolini allys with Nazi Germany in 1938.
1939 – Nazi Germany invades Poland. War II begins.
The following year, Mussolini declares war on France and England. He is hoping to scoop up their lands in Africa for Italy’s expansion. With the Germans already in France, he expects a quick end to the war and significant rewards of land.
1943 – July, Emmanuel puts Mussolini in jail. They quickly sign a truce with the Allied forces, but Germany’s occupation of Italy is too complete.
Next, Italy tries declaring war on Germany in the fall of 1943. Germany will not surrender Italy until May of 1945.
Due to the presence of the Vatican, the Allies avoid Rome as a target for the most part.
But, in July 1943 the Anglo-American forces bomb the San Lorenzo district which is a major train yard on the German supply routes.
By June of 1944, Allied troops liberate Rome.
Due to their inability to fully support the Allies, Italy loses all its overseas possessions.
More than 50% of Italians cast votes for the removal of the monarchy. The royal family must live outside Italian borders.
For this reason, picking a Constituent Assembly to create an Italian constitution becomes necessary.
Post War Italian History.
1948 – The constitution is written and goes into effect.
Next, Parliamentary elections take place. And they all live happily ever after.
During the 1950s, Rome is a major part of the Italian Economic Miracle. With stimulus from the Marshall Plan, Italy rises from a rural economy to a thriving industrial one.
The 1960s are the La dolce vita (the sweet life), period. In addition to numerous sights to see, Rome becomes a fashion center.
The Italian government pushes video postcards in the form of classic movies such as Roman Holiday and Fellini’s La Dolce Vita.
All of Rome is Divided.
Rome is not just one must-see area. With a history stretching back more than 2500 It is o TRULY see Rome, you need to chop it up into four areas.
- Imperial Area. – These are the sites dating to Rome’s golden era. 50 BC to 250 AD., give or take. The centerpiece is the Colosseum and the nearby Palatine Hill, the “center” of Rome.
- Old Rome Area. – You will find some of the Imperial structures in this area. However, the majority of the must-see sites are from after 250 AD.
- Vatican City Area. – This site is a different country. It’s a city-state measuring about 110 acres and 1000 citizens. It is the smallest state in the world, both by size and population.
- Everything else. – Sites outside of the Imperial, Old Rome, and Vatican area triangle. These include locations in the city. Also, there are must-see sites to the south and also to the east of town.
What is in Rome for Me?
See & Hear.
For history buffs, you have kings, emperors, and dictators. You have empires and republics. You have an embarrassment of ruins in both the Imperial and Old sections of Rome.
Theologians have the center of the Catholic Church, the Vatican. Buried here may be all or part of the apostles Peter, Simon, and Jude Thaddeus. The same holds of other apostles in various churches around Rome.
- Phillip at the Church of the Holy Apostles.
- Bartholomew at the Basilica of St. Bartholomew on the Island.
- James at the Church of the Holy Apostles.
- Paul at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. Actually, just “relics” of Saint Paul.
Another option is to sit in a piazza. Listen to a bubbling fountain and watching life happening all around you.
Taste & Smell.
Experience Italian food with the Romana twist. Rome has been perfecting its cuisine for thousands of years. And with the best ingredients from the four corners of the Roman empire.
Spices arrive from Asia and Africa, and influences from the different ethnic groups that are moving into Rome.
Fresh seafood comes from the sea, less than one hour from the city.
Equally important are the local wines, the exploding artesian beer market, and Italian spirits.
Feel.
To sip an Italian coffee in the afternoon, after walking through the Roman forum. Sitting and contemplating that you were standing on steps where Marc Anthony and Caesar once trod. You try to remember the Shakespearean lines about friends, Romans, and Country music.
The sun glitters off the babbling fountain, where couples look adoringly into each other’s eyes.
There may be better ways to catch your breath after an afternoon of exploring, but this one doesn’t suck.
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Should-See Imperial Sites.
Several of the following must-sees have websites in Italian only. I include them because the photos are universal.
- Colosseum. – A UNESCO World Heritage Site built during the Flavian Dynasty, it is known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. It is an oval arena in the center of the Imperial area of Rome. Also, it is the largest amphitheater from ancient days.
- Imperial Forums. – A UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 54 B.C., Julius Caesar found the location for the current forum. Other emperors build their town centers upon it. As a result, it is an excellent collection of architecture from multiple periods in one location.
- Imperial Forums.
- Palatine Hill. – UNESCO World Heritage Site. A hill overlooking the Imperial Forums on one side, and the Circus Maximus on the other. It was home to the Flavian Palace. In mythology, it is the home of Romulus and Remus.
- The Circus Maximus. (Website in Italian Only). – UNESCO World Heritage Site is an ancient Roman chariot racing stadium just below Palatine Hill.
- Capitoline Hill. – UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the lowest of Rome’s seven hills but is one of the most important. Outside of Palestine, it is the center of Rome’s political and religious life since ancient times. Also, it is home to a piazza whose design is by Michelangelo and houses the Capitoline Museum. A must-see for fans who like sculpture and carving.
North of the Forum.
- Trajan’s Column. – UNESCO World Heritage Site. This triumphal column tells the story of the Roman emperor Trajan’s victories in the Dacian Wars. Also in this area is Mussolini’s balcony.
- Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II. (Website in Italian Only).– The Altare della Patria (“Altar of the Fatherland”) is a monument in honor of Victor Emmanuel. He is the king who is responsible for unifying Italy. Keep in mind, if you have a bright day, the rooftop offers excellent views of the city,
- Colonna Palace. – dating from the 14th century, this is one of the largest and oldest private palaces of Rome. The family still lives here and the palace is only open on Saturday mornings. Reservations are a must.
South of the Colosseum.
- Baths of Caracalla. – It is the second-largest bath in the city. It is a place for bathing, sport, and health (gym). Also, it is a place for relaxing, study, and meeting for conversation.
- Case Romane del Celio. – Rooms of frescos from the 3rd century A.D. remain in good shape due to having been underground for many years.
- Trajan’s Baths. (Website in Italian Only).– Using the former palace of Nero (Domus Aurea) as a base, Trajan builds incredible baths. As a result, they become the model for similar complexes throughout the empire.
St Clement Basilica. – Less than 10-minutes walk southeast of the Colosseum is this minor basilica from circa 1100 A.D. It sits on top of a 4th-century basilica that began as the home of a Roman nobleman. It sits on top of the ruins of a Roman Republic villa destroyed when Rome burns circa 64 A.D. You can visit the excavations. I recommend pre-booking.
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You may be noticing that just about everything I list is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That is because when UNESCO took a look at Rome, they found an unending list of sites they could add. SO, they include just about all of them.
The Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that city, comprises just about every monument, church, fountain, Piazza, architecture, or artwork within the Historic Area of Rome. Also, it includes just about everything in Vatican City and its properties in Rome. Another reason you are not going to experience Rome n a day.
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Old Rome Area.
East of Via Del Corso.
- Spanish Steps. (Website in Italian Only). – A staircase of 135 steps linking the Spanish Embassy and the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. Its claim to fame is an appearance in the 1953 movie, Roman Holiday. In other words, it is not historically famous. Similarly, at the bottom of the steps is the Piazza di Spagna also renowned from movies. You can see a boat fountain by Pietro Bernini, father of the more famous Italian sculptor and architect. Also, nearby is the house where English poet John Keats was living until his death in 1821. It is now a museum to him.
- Trevi Fountain. (Website in Italian Only) – It is the largest Baroque fountain in the city. Likewise, it is the most famous fountain due to appearances in films. You can see it in “La Dolce Vita” and “Three Coins in the Fountain.” A myth says tossing a coin with your right hand, over your left shoulder into the fountain, guarantees your return.
West of Via Del Corso.
- Pantheon. (Website in Italian Only). – The building took place (maybe) between 118 and 125 AD. under Hadrian, over a previous temple. It is one of the most prominent buildings of ancient Rome because it retains much of its original state. The building was for a temple to the pagan gods. In 609, it became a church. As a result, it did not disappear from recycling for other buildings. As a church, it became the final resting place for kings such as Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I. Also, artists, such as Raphael and Carracci, and other famous Romans rest here.
- Piazza Navona. (Website in Italian Only). – Around 80AD., the Circus Agonalis (Stadium of Domitian) begins for foot races and other athletic events. It has approximately 15,000 – 20,000 seats. For this reason, it is more personal than the Circus Maximus. The population of Rome grows; space becomes a premium. As a result, the poor start living in the arcades and using the arena as a meeting place. Many of the current buildings surrounding the Piazza contain remnants of the stadium in their construction. Moreover, moviegoers may recognize it from “Angels and Demons,” “Catch-22,” and “Three Coins in the Fountain.”
North end of Via del Corso
- Piazza del Popolo. (Website in Italian Only). – The name comes from a grove of Poplar trees that were in this area. It is a public square just inside the city walls dating from around 275 AD. Equally important, it is where the road to present-day Rimini began. The current gate, Porta del Popolo, dating from 1475 AD., separates the old town from the Borghese Gardens. However, today, its most popular name is Peoples Square.
Vatican City Area.
- Ponte Sant’Angelo. – The building of the Pons Aelius in 134 AD was by Hadrian to reach his new mausoleum. As a result of the growth of Christianity, it became a bridge for pilgrims to approach St Peters. Around 590 AD., the Pope renames it Sant’Angelo after seeing the Archangel Michael. In 1535, the Pope started a toll for crossing the bridge. Moreover, he puts up statues of the apostle’s Saint Peter and Saint Paul to keep pilgrims in line. For this reason, additional figures of evangelists and the patriarchs follow soon after. In 1669, on a design by Bernini, Angel statues replaced the crumbling statues.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site – Castel Sant’Angelo at the end of the Ponte Sant’Angelo.
- Castel Sant’Angelo. (Website in Italian Only). – The building of this round structure is for Hadrian’s mausoleum (approx 134 AD). In later years the building is a fortress and castle for the Pope. Today, it is a museum.
- Passetto di Borgo (Passetto). Running from the Castel Sant’Angelo to the Vatican City, this elevated walkway dates from 1277. Pope Nicholas III orders the building of this almost 1/2 mile escape route from the Vatican. In the summer, on weekends, it is sometimes open to the public.
Vatican City.
Outside
- St. Peter’s Square. (Much of Website in Italian Only). – In other words, the front door to Vatican City. The current Piazza is the design of Gian Bernini, with construction lasting from 1656 to 1667. His instructions are that it holds a substantial number of people for the Pope’s blessing. In other words, Colossal.
Inside
- St. Peter’s Basilica. (Website in Italian Only). – The largest church in the world. It is a common belief that Emperor Nero put to death the Apostle Paul by crucifixion in October 64 A.D. It was during the “dies imperii” festivities. Nero was attempting to blame Christians for the fire he began three weeks prior. Peter’s burial was outside of Rome in a small cemetery on Vatican Hill. Around 320 AD, Constantine the Great builds a magnificent Basilica placing the altar over the burial spot of Peter. In 1506, the construction of the current basilica began. It features architectural designs by Bramante, Michelangelo, Maderno, and Bernini. It takes 120 years to complete. For this reason, most of its architects never see the finished church.
- The Vatican Museums. – The museums consist of 54 galleries (or sale) and two archaeological areas. At any one time, 20,000 of the more than 70,000 pieces of art are on display. In 2006, the museums were celebrating their 500th year.
- Sistine Chapel. – Access to the chapel is via the Vatican Museums. It is the last and most famous of the salas. The ceiling by Michelangelo (1508-1512) took four years. In reality, he was painting over the original panels that had considerable damage. It tells of the Book of Genesis, the salvation of the people of Israel, and more. The Last Judgment covers the wall behind the altar. Michelangelo was painting this from 1536 to 1541.
- Vatican Gardens. – For a unique view of the Vatican city, book a tour of the gardens. Space is very limited so book early.
Everything else.
In the city.
- The Villa Borghese.
- Galleria Borghese. – The building of the main house began in 1607 for the Borghese family. Also, they keep adding buildings and tracts of land over the next few decades. Today, the Villa Borghese Gardens make up the third largest park in Rome. In like manner, the villa, home to the incredible art collection of the family, is open to the public.
- Quartiere Coppede. – Do you ever wonder what Antonio Gaudi would create if he was Italian? His Italian brother by another mother (and father) answers that question. This whimsical neighborhood 15 minutes from the Borghese is a must for fans of architecture. Is the style Baroque, old Roman, medieval, Moroccan, or early Assyrian. The answer is yes, you can find all of these and more. Don’t miss the Fontana delle Rane, Palazzo del Ragno, and Villano delle fate(the fairy house.)
- The Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Together with the Basilicas of St. John in the Lateran, St. Peter’s, and St. Mary Major, it is one of Rome’s four ancient, Papal Basilicas. Building for the original basilica begins around 310 AD over the grave of St Paul. The current building dates to 1840. Not only is the church impressive, but it is a pilgrimage spot for many Christians.
- Palazzo Barberini. This 17th-century palace just off the Piazza Barberini houses the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica. This is the main national collection of older paintings in Rome. The grand palace was the residence of the Sforza family from Milan.
The helicoidal staircase alone is worth the price of admission. The collection includes works by Raphael, Caravaggio, even a Holbein portrait of Henry VIII.
Outside of Rome
East of the City.
- Villa d’Este. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a 16th-century villa in the town of Tivoli. Its notoriety comes from the beautiful Italian gardens terracing down the hillside. Not only the gardens but the magical fountains running between them are must-sees. The owner, cardinal Ippolito d’Este, is the son of Duke Alfonso I d’Este and Lucrezia Borgia. Surprisingly, after building the house, he goes plundering at Hadrian’s Villa nearby to decorate his home.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site – Villa d’Este – Tivoli.
- Hadrian’s Villa. A UNESCO World Heritage Site. Building began around 120 AD. for this retreat for Emperor Hadrian. He later runs the empire from here. As a result, the staff and workers number close to 1000. At its peak, it covers 250 acres with buildings and pools, baths, fountains, and classical Greek architecture. It also includes farmlands to feed the complex.
South of the City.
- The Appian Way. – This road is an early and strategically important highway dating from 312 BC. Its primary purpose is for moving troops and supplies south to essential ports on the Adriatic. The building consists of three steps. Step one, leveling the dirt. Then laying small rocks and mortar on it, and then putting flat interlocking stones on top. For this reason, Rome was able to move and supply her troops faster than her enemies. As a result, she became unbeatable.
- Park of the Aqueducts. – The Parco degli Acquedotti is near the Appian Way. Three different aqueducts, built for supplying Rome with water criss-cross in this area. Of course, this is a must-see for engineers, but their construction is fascinating to all.
- Catacombs. – In the 2nd century A.D., cremation goes out of favor, and Christians begin burying their dead. As a result of no space in the city, they start digging massive underground vaults outside the city center. Exploration leads to discovering at least 40 different catacombs, some several levels deep and covering acres. Catacombs begin declining in popularity around 400 AD when church graveyards become the location of choice. Many of these catacombs are open for touring.
- Ostia Antica. (Website in Italian Only). – With buildings dating back to the 4th century BC., this was a trading port for ancient Rome. Goods from around the world arrive and transfer to canal boats for the trip to Rome. Its importance to Rome keeps growing, and it has 100,000 inhabitants by the 3rd century A.D. With the fall of the Roman Empire, Ostia begins fading. Many people compare today’s remains with those at Pompeii.
Rome Summary.
And this is just scratching the surface of Rome. As a result of its thousands of years, there are numerous museums, ancient sites, and points of interest to see.
Also, we did not even mention food and wine. See below for more on the culinary do’s.
For additional ideas, see the Official Rome Tourist Office.