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    Rome

    Italy

    Rome

    CityCulture

    Rome was traditionally founded in 753 BC, and every era has left its mark: the Colosseum and Roman Forum from antiquity, churches and palaces from the Renaissance, fountains and squares from the Baroque.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
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    3. Italy
    4. Latium
    5. Rome
    Rome was traditionally founded in 753 BC, and every era has left its mark: the Colosseum and Roman Forum from antiquity, churches and palaces from the Renaissance, fountains and squares from the Baroque. In the heart of the city lies the Vatican with St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.

    Sights in Rome

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Roman Forum and Palatine
    Museum

    1Roman Forum and Palatine

    The Forum in the valley between Palatin and Kapitol was for centuries the center of public life in ancient Rome: Here, elections, speeches, trials, trade, and triumphal processions took place. Between the Saturntempel, Septimius-Severus-Bogen and the Via Sacra, its plan is clear. On the adjacent Palatin, later reserved for emperors, are Domitianpalast's remains. The site is included in the Kolosseum's standard ticket. There's little shade, bring water!
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    Colosseum
    Historic Landmark

    2Colosseum

    The Flavian Amphitheatre was inaugurated in 80 AD under Emperor Titus and, according to current estimates, held around 50,000 spectators who witnessed gladiatorial contests and wild beast hunts here. The standard ticket is valid for 24 hours for one entry each to the Colosseum (first and second tiers) and the grounds of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. For the Colosseum, you must reserve a time slot when purchasing, with sales starting 30 days in advance. The Arena, underground passages, and upper tiers are only accessible with Full-Experience tickets.
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    Trevi Fountain
    Historic Landmark

    3Trevi Fountain

    Rome's largest Baroque fountain was designed by Nicola Salvi and completed in 1762; it is fed by the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct. According to legend, whoever throws a coin over their shoulder into the basin will return. Since February 2026, access to the restricted area at the basin's edge costs 2 Euros; the view from the square remains free. Early mornings it is much quieter.
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    The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
    Museum

    4The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

    The papal collections comprise some 70,000 works and are among the world's most visited art museums: ancient sculptures like the Laocoon Group, Raphael's Rooms, and as the tour's final highlight, the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes and the Last Judgment on the altar wall. You should book timed-entry tickets online. Open Monday to Saturday; Sundays only on the last Sunday of the month, when admission is free but not reservable online.
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    St. Peter's
    Church

    5St. Peter's

    The Vatican's principal church, built between 1506 and 1626, was shaped by Bramante, Michelangelo, and Carlo Maderno, while Bernini designed the bronze baldachin and St. Peter's Square. Michelangelo's Pietà stands in the very first chapel on the right. Entry to the Basilica is free, but you pay extra for the dome. It's 320 steps to the inside of the dome, which you can shorten with the elevator, and a total of 551 steps to the very top. Please dress appropriately.
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    Piazza Navona
    Historic Landmark

    6Piazza Navona

    The elongated square is located on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian and follows its layout. In the centre stands Bernini's Fountain of Four Rivers (1651); behind it, the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, in whose design Borromini played a significant role. From early December to early January, a Christmas market is held here.
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    City walks in Rome

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    The Heart of Rome: A Walk Through Ancient Splendour and Baroque Elegance

    Experience the timeless beauty of Rome on this two-hour walk. From majestic squares to ancient wonders and opulent fountains, immerse yourself in the rich history and lively atmosphere of the Eternal City. Ideal for discovering the most famous landmarks in the heart of Rome.

    ~2 Std.
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    Stops (6)

    Dining & Drinks

    1

    Trattoria Vecchia Roma

    Small trattoria and pizzeria in the Esquilino district, a few minutes' walk east of Termini Station. The dining room, with frescoes on dark red walls and brick arches, feels cozy; the menu features Roman pasta classics and pizza.
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    2

    Roscioli Salumeria con Cucina

    A delicatessen and restaurant in one, between Campo de' Fiori and the Jewish Quarter. Among cheese and ham counters and wine racks, you eat Carbonara, Burrata, and cold cuts from small producers; the wine list is extensive. Without a reservation, getting a table in the evening is difficult.
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    3

    Trattoria Da Enzo al 29

    The small family trattoria in Trastevere is known for Roman classics like Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, and fried artichokes. It accepts only limited reservations; in the evenings, a queue often forms – it's best to come at opening.
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    4

    Armando at the Pantheon

    Family-run trattoria since 1961, just steps from the Pantheon. The wood-paneled room is small; the kitchen sticks to Roman classics like Amatriciana, Cacio e Pepe, and Saltimbocca. Reserve ahead; you'll rarely get a table spontaneously.
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    5

    Felice at Testaccio

    Traditional trattoria in Testaccio's working-class district, known for its Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, served tableside. The ambiance is unpretentious, and the menu reflects the Roman weekly rhythm with changing daily specials. Reservations are recommended.
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    Food & Drink in Rome

    Roman cuisine is down-to-earth and relies on few ingredients – Pecorino Romano, Guanciale, and black pepper feature repeatedly.

    Cacio e Pepe

    Tonnarelli or Spaghetti, stirred just with Pecorino Romano, black pepper, and a little pasta water into a creamy sauce.

    Carciofi alla giudia

    Whole fried artichokes from the tradition of Rome's Jewish community, served by restaurants in the old Ghetto in spring.

    Supplì

    Fried rice croquettes with tomato sauce and a mozzarella core that stretches when bitten into. A typical snack from pizzerias and friggitorie.

    Pizza al taglio

    Rectangular tray pizza, originating in Rome and sold by weight, ideal for a quick lunch between sightseeing visits.

    Maritozzo

    Sweet brioche bun, generously filled with whipped cream, a classic of Roman cuisine.

    History and Culture

    From Foundation to World EmpireAccording to tradition, Rome was founded in 753 BC. From a city-state on the Tiber, it evolved over centuries into the capital of a Republic and, from 27 BC, with Augustus as the first emperor, an Empire that dominated the entire Mediterranean region. The Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, and the remains of the imperial palaces on the Palatine date from this period.City of PopesLater, Rome became the capital of the Papal States. During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the Popes had the city reshaped: Bramante and Michelangelo left their mark on St. Peter's Basilica, while Bernini and Borromini shaped the churches, squares, and fountains of the city center. Since 1871, Rome has been the capital of Italy, and the Vatican has been an independent state within the city since the Lateran Treaties of 1929. The historic center has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1980.FestivitiesOn April 21st, Rome celebrates its founding day, the Natale di Roma, with a parade in historical costumes.

    Nightlife

    1

    The Gin Corner

    Bar in Via d'Ascanio.
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    2

    The Apartment Lounge Bar Roma

    Italienische Mittagsbuffets, Aperitifs und Cocktails in einer belebten Bar im Industriestil mit begrünter Terrasse.
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    3

    Arciliuto Jazz Club & Restaurant

    Bar in Piazza di Montevecchio.
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    4

    Charity Café Jazz & Blues Club

    Gemütlicher Club mit Livemusik, Aperitifs und einfachen Snacks. Die Sandwiches sind nach Jazzlegenden benannt.
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    5

    L'Antica Birreria Peroni

    Traditionsreiche Brauereigaststätte mit Holztäfelung und Fresken sowie klassischen Gerichten und lokalem Bier.
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    6

    Ice Club Roma

    Coole Cocktails und Bargerichte in einem gedämpft beleuchteten Lokal mit frostigem Ambiente und Einrichtung aus Eis.
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    7

    Gregory’s Jazz Club

    Gemütlicher Jazzclub und Whiskybar mit Sushi-Fusionsküche, dunklem Holz und Sichtmauerwerk.
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    8

    Ristorante Trinità de' Monti

    Bar in Piazza della Trinità dei Monti.
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    9

    The Flann O'Brien

    Bar in Via Nazionale.
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    Local Explorations

    On FootMost city center sights are close, and many alleys are best explored on foot.Metro, Bus and TramFor longer distances, there are three metro lines (A, B, C) and a dense network of buses and trams. The metro runs from approx. 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM, extended on Fridays and Saturdays.TicketsThe single ticket (BIT) is valid for 100 minutes from validation for any number of bus and tram journeys and one metro journey. On the metro and buses, you can also pay contactless with a card or phone; the daily fare is capped. Use the same card all day. For multiple journeys, 24, 48, and 72-hour tickets are available. The Roma Pass combines public transport with museum entries.Taxi, Bike and ScooterOfficial taxis are white and have a taximeter; you can find them at taxi stands or via an app. Rental bikes and e-scooters are available in many neighborhoods, but traffic is dense and the cobblestones are bumpy.

    Accommodations in Rome

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    Nearby

    Latium

    Latium

    Latium stretches from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Apennines, with Rome as its capital. Around the capital, you'll find the villas of Tivoli, volcanic lakes like Bolsena, Vico, and Bracciano, Etruscan necropolises, and towns like Civita di Bagnoregio perched on a tufa rock.
    Castelli Romani

    Castelli Romani

    The Castelli Romani are a cluster of towns at the foot of the Alban Hills southeast of Rome. This fertile volcanic landscape, with its two crater lakes of Albano and Nemi, was popular in ancient times with aristocratic Romans due to its cooler summer climate, and later with popes and cardinals, who built villas here and established their summer residence in Castel Gandolfo.
    Ostia Antica

    Ostia Antica

    The ruins of Rome's ancient port city lie at the former Tiber mouth, on the Via Ostiense that led here from Rome. Preserved are entire street blocks with residential buildings, baths, warehouses, shops, and mosaics, which reveal much about daily life in a Roman city.
    Viterbo

    Viterbo

    Viterbo was the seat of the Popes for around two decades in the 13th century, and its old town is one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Central Italy. Stone houses, medieval fountains, and the Papal Palace define its appearance; thermal springs, used by Etruscans and Romans, lie to the west of the city.
    Spoleto

    Spoleto

    Spoleto is located in Umbria on a hillside below the Rocca Albornoziana. The city was a Roman colony and, under the Lombards, the capital of a duchy. Among its most famous buildings are the Cathedral with frescoes by Filippo Lippi, the Ponte delle Torri, and the Roman Theatre. Every summer, it hosts the Festival dei Due Mondi.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI