Rome is full of incredible surprises! From jaw-dropping ancient architecture to mouthwatering food, this place has it all. Did you know that Rome truly wasn't built in a day? Romans took around two decades to create the grand Colosseum, where people would watch the gladiators fight. The famous Roman Forum is almost an outdoor museum, with ancient ruins that tell stories from thousands of years ago. The Vatican City, an independent enclave within Rome, is home to St. Peter's Basilica, a stunning Renaissance-era cathedral, and the Vatican Museums, housing the Sistine Chapel and countless artistic masterpieces. Trevi Fountain, Rome's iconic Baroque masterpiece, is a grand and ornate fountain where visitors toss a coin for luck and wishes.
Besides, Roman delicacies are one of the most loved cuisines in the world. From pasta classics like Cacio e Pepe and Carbonara to thin-crust Roman pizza and gelato, the city offers various delectables. Local markets, like Campo de' Fiori, are perfect for sampling fresh produce and street food. Rome also has some fantastic shopping options. Via del Corso is a bustling street with fashion boutiques and department stores. The Spanish Steps area features luxury brands and designer shops, whereas, for antiques and art, you can explore Via dei Coronari.
Rome is an enchanting collage of history, art, culture, and culinary delights, where every cobblestone street and ancient monument tells is a site worth visiting.
Places to visit in Rome
Within Rome’s streets lie some of the most magnificent ancient places that have withstood the test of time. Let’s discover some exceptional Rome places and the history accompanying them.
- Piazza del Popolo: Piazza del Popolo, which means "People's Square" in English, is a prominent public square in Rome. It is situated at the northern entrance of the historic city. The square is known for its grandeur, featuring an Egyptian obelisk at its centre and impressive twin churches, Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto, flanking its sides. Piazza del Popolo offers a picturesque gateway to the city, connecting with the Via del Corso, one of Rome's main thoroughfares. The square's elegance, historical significance, and strategic location make it a popular place for locals and tourists.
- Capitoline Hill: The Capitoline Hill, or Capitolium, is one of the “Seven Hills of Rome”. Historically significant, it's the smallest but most sacred, with a history dating back to ancient Rome. It is home to the Capitoline Museums, housing a vast collection of art and artefacts, including the iconic Capitoline Wolf sculpture. Designed by Michelangelo, the Piazza del Campidoglio is an architecturally stunning square. It is Rome's city hall and offers captivating sights of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
- Ponte Sant'Angelo: Ponte Sant'Angelo, also known as the "Bridge of Angels," is a historic bridge in Rome, spanning the Tiber River. Constructed around the early 2nd century by Emperor Hadrian, it was originally named the "Pons Aelius". The bridge is adorned with ten beautiful angel sculptures created by various Baroque artists, including Gian Lorenzo Bernini and his students. These angels hold various symbolic objects and add a stunning artistic dimension to the bridge's architecture. Ponte Sant'Angelo leads to the Castel Sant'Angelo, a mausoleum turned fortress, providing a captivating visual link between the city and the historic structure.\
- Piazza Mattei: Piazza Mattei, also known as the Turtle Fountain Square, is a captivating and historic square renowned for the Turtle Fountain, an exquisite Renaissance-era fountain designed by the Italian sculptor Giacomo della Porta. The fountain features sculptures of young men assisting turtles to climb into a basin. Elegant townhouses and palaces surround it and offer a glimpse into the city's rich architectural heritage.
- Caelian Hill: Caelian Hill is a park that provides a calming backdrop for long and quiet walks. Amidst this natural marvel stands the Basilica of Santo Stefano Rotondo, a circular church with intricate paintings portraying history. This contrast of calm and the intensity of historical art creates an exciting experience.
- Quirinal Hill: Quirinal Hill, crowned by the grandeur of the Quirinal Palace, represents Rome’s history. It is the residence of Italy's President and has an air of authority and significance. The hill's summit rewards visitors with a chance to witness the guards' ceremonial changing, adding a touch of regal charm to the experience.
Rome Airport (FCO)
Leonardo da Vinci International Airport, commonly known as Fiumicino Airport (FCO), is Rome's major international airport, about 32 km southwest of the city centre. As Italy's busiest airport and one of Europe's top hubs, Fiumicino offers a range of modern facilities, including duty-free shopping, dining options, and car rental services. The airport has multiple terminals, each serving different types of flights. Terminal 1 is primarily used by domestic and Schengen-area flights, along with some long-haul carriers. Terminal 2 serves charter and low-cost carriers, handling domestic and international flights. Terminal 3 is the main international terminal at Fiumicino Airport and serves short-haul and long-haul flights. It is the largest and most modern terminal at the airport, offering extensive amenities and facilities. Terminal 5, also known as the "Satellite Terminal," is connected to T3 and handles long-haul and international flights.
The airport's efficient transportation links include the Leonardo Express train, which connects Fiumicino directly to Rome's central Termini station, making it a convenient gateway for tourists and a vital transportation hub for both domestic and international travel.
