Italy's capital city, Rome is known for its history. It has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, making it a treasure trove of ancient artefacts and architectural marvels. From the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Pantheon to the Vatican Museums, St. Peter's Basilica, and Sistine Chapel, Rome offers visitors a glimpse of its rich cultural heritage. But Rome isn't just a city of the past. Its vibrant street life, bustling piazzas, and delectable cuisine make it a modern hub of activity. Italian cuisine is famous across the world; from traditional pasta dishes to mouth-watering pizzas, delicious coffee and gelato, Rome has something to offer every palate.
Places to visit in Rome
Rome is a city of wonder, filled with ancient remnants, beautiful architecture, and an unparalleled art scene. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or just a curious traveller, booking flights to Rome for yourself or your loved ones is always a great idea. Rome is home to world-class museums, galleries, and cultural centres, including the Capitoline Museums and the Galleria Borghese. With so much to see and do, Rome is a city that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
- Trevi Fountain of Rome: The Trevi Fountain is a breathtaking masterpiece of Baroque architecture and one of Rome's most visited landmarks. This stunning fountain, built in the 18th century, is a true work of art adorned with sculptures of Neptune, his seahorses, and Tritons. According to legend, tossing a coin over your left shoulder in the fountain ensures your return to Rome. The fountain is a popular spot, especially at night when it is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
- Pantheon: The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman monuments in the world. It was originally built as a temple in 27 B.C. and later converted into a Christian church. The dome, which is the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world, remains a marvel of engineering to this day. The interior is equally impressive, featuring marble floors, towering columns, and stunning artwork.
- Piazza Navona: Piazza Navona is a stunning Baroque square that dates back to the 15th century. It is surrounded by palaces, churches, and fountains, including the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers, designed by Bernini. The square is elongated and built on the site of the former Stadium of Domitian. Piazza Navona is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops in the surrounding area. Street performers and artists add to the lively atmosphere.
- Via Appia Antica: Via Appia Antica, also known as the Appian Way, is one of ancient Rome's oldest and most important roads. Built in 312 B.C., it was a crucial artery for military transport and trade. Visitors can still walk along the ancient road, taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and numerous ruins that line the path. The road passes through the Appia Antica Regional Park, which houses ancient tombs, catacombs, and other archaeological sites.
- Piazza del Popolo: Piazza del Popolo is a large square located at the northern end of Rome's historic centre. Several impressive monuments, including the Egyptian obelisk, the twin churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto, and the Porta del Popolo, surround it. The square is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, with plenty of cafes, shops, and restaurants in the surrounding area. The square also marks the gateway to the Villa Borghese gardens.
- Domus Aurea: Domus Aurea, also known as Nero's Golden Palace, is an ancient Roman villa that Emperor Nero built in the 1st century A.D. The palace was famous for its opulence and grandeur. It features numerous rooms decorated with frescoes and precious materials. Today, visitors can tour the remnants of the palace, which were rediscovered in the late 15th century. The site is currently undergoing extensive restoration, but visitors can still explore the underground chambers and admire the stunning frescoes.
Tips to remember while travelling to Rome
- Explore the city on foot to appreciate its beauty fully.
- Indulge in the local cuisine such as pizza al taglio and gelato.
- Learn some basic Italian phrases to interact with locals.
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Take a day trip to nearby attractions like Pompeii or Tivoli.
Rome visa requirements
If you're travelling from India to Rome, it's important to have the necessary visa and immigration documents to ensure a smooth trip. Indian citizens need a Schengen visa to visit Rome, and the visa is valid for a maximum of 90 days within a six-month period. The visa allows for travel to other Schengen countries as well. Here are the required documents to get a Rome visa:
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages
- Two recent passport-size photographs
- Travel insurance
- Confirmed return flight tickets
- Proof of accommodation and sufficient funds to cover the stay
- Bank statements for the last six months
- Income tax returns for the last three years
- A cover letter explaining the purpose of the trip
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport, also known as Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), is located in the town of Fiumicino, about 35 km southwest of Rome's city centre. The airport has four terminals, with Terminal 1 serving international flights, Terminal 2 serving charter flights, and Terminals 3 and 5 serving both domestic and international flights. The distance from the airport to Rome's city centre can be covered by various means of transportation, including train, taxi, and bus. One of the easiest and most convenient ways to reach the airport is by the Leonardo Express train, which connects the airport with Rome's Termini Station. The train runs every 15 minutes and takes approximately 30 minutes to reach the airport. Taxis and buses are also readily available at the airport.
The facilities you can avail at the airport include numerous shops, restaurants, currency exchange offices, luggage storage facilities, and lounges.