About Rome

 

Rome sights and attractions

You can buy tickets online for attractions, museums, and tours at this Rome tickets website. Reserve your place and skip the waiting line.

A river cruise is also a great option to see the city easily and differently.

 

  • Great Squares (Piazze)

Rome's squares are one of the main attractions of the Italian Capital, perhaps 'the core' of the city itself. At the Piazze you can meet each other, enjoy yourselves, and chat with friends for special events or for the daily 'happy hour'. Piazza del Campidoglio (on the Capitol Hill) houses the city council; Piazza Venezia represents the 'heart of the city'; Piazza Navona displays the spectacular Baroque triumphant architecture; Piazza di Spagna is a masterpiece of the XVIII century with its famous Spanish Steps and, last but not least, St Peter's Square which is the majestic access to St Peter's Basilica, the centre of Christianity. Read more...

 

  • Roman basilicas and churches

Within Rome there are about 19 basilicas to be found, out of which 3 are patriarchal: St Peter's Basilica - the world's largest basilica of Christianity; St John in Lateran (San Giovanni Laterano) - former seat of the bishop’s residence and the most ancient church in the world, Santa Maria Maggiore. Read more...

 

  • Ancient Rome sights

Colosseum
The hugest structure of its type in Ancient Rome, the elliptical-shaped Colosseum took about ten years to build. The centre of Ancient Rome entertainment, where the gladiatorial and animal combats were held, but, contrary to popular belief, it was not the place where Christians were put to death. The Colosseum is surely the top tourist attraction in Rome.

Roman Forum
The central area around which Ancient Rome developed. Administrative and corporate heart of Rome.

Pantheon
One of the most impressive buildings of Imperial Rome. It was originally a temple dedicated to "all the gods", hence the name. A remarkable architectural feat, it remains the world’s largest unreinforced dome.

Appian Way 
The Appian Way is an archeological park where you can soak in the sunshine while strolling past Ancient Roman tombs of patrician families. You can also visit the catacombs of St. Sebastian and Callixtus.

More ancient sights:

 

  • Vatican Sights

The Vatican State encloses St. Peter’s Church and the Vatican Museums; the awe-inspiring late Rennaissance masterpiece was completed in over 150 years and built over a pre-existing Early Christian basilica.

Highlights include Michelangelo’s Pietà, the Vatican Gardens, climbing the winding staircase to the top of the cupola for a magnificent view, the Sistine Chapel, and Raffaello’s Rooms, both part of the Vatican Museum, the immense wind-swept square encircled by the colonnade.

More Vatican sights:

 

  • Rome fountains

The splendid Fontana di Trevi, a towering marble facade of statues and horses which seem to stampede out of it, the Fountain of the Four Rivers on Piazza Navona, and the Tritone Fountain are unmissable and might just cool a hot day; make sure you don’t overlook their less spectacular counterparts, such as the Fontana delle Tartarughe, an exquisite smaller fountain built in 1500 with a romantic tale tied to its origins.

Trevi Fountain
Fontana di Trevi, one of the top Rome attractions that is never to be missed.

Fountain of Four Rivers
A true masterpiece designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The Fountain of the Four Rivers is an outstanding monument of one of the most remarkable Rome squares, Piazza Navona.

 

  • Other Sights

The Palatine Hill is one of the oldest inhabited parts of the city and residence to aristocratic families and emperors.

The Trajan Market is one of the most well-preserved monuments from the past. It has multiple floors of administrative offices and shops dating from ca. 100 A.D., including the famous Via Biberatica.

 

Source: www.rome.info

Public transportation

  • Subway

The subway has an X shape, with both lines meeting at the Central Railway Station, Termini.

Line A links Anagnina, in the south, with Battistini.

Line B goes from Laurentina to Rebibbia.

Line B1 goes from Laurentina to Jonio

Line C work is in progress

The metro operates from 05:30 to 23:30 (00:30 on Saturdays) every 3-4 minutes during rush hours, every 5-6 minutes during the day, and every 8-10 minutes in the early morning and late evening.
 

  • Taxi

Licensed taxis are white, have an identification number, and are equipped with a taxi-meter.

A taxi can be called at the following telephone numbers: 063570, 064994, 065551.
 

  • Buses

There are two companies providing a bus service in Rome: ATAC and COTRAL.

Lines and timetables may be consulted on the following websites: 
www.atac.roma.it
www.cotralspa.it
 

Currency

The official currency is the Euro.
 

Bank and exchange

Banks are open from Monday to Friday, from 08:30 to 13:30 and some of them are open again in the afternoon from 14:45 to 15:45 (afternoon opening may vary depending on the bank). Banks are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
 

Weather

At the beginning of September, the average temperature starts at 23°C and slowly drops until it reaches 19°C in the final few days of the month.
 

Electricity

Voltage in Italy is mostly 220 volts - 50 Hz. Foreign appliances could require an adapter.
 

Tipping

Service is usually included in the bill in bars and restaurants, but tips are welcome.
 

Useful links