Rome, frequently called the Eternal City by the millions of people who visit it each year, has had a profound influence on the development of the Western world. From the all-conquering Roman Empire of antiquity to its role as the seat of the Catholic Church and its awe-inspiring architecture, culture and art, none can contest Rome’s place as one of the greatest cities in the world. With such a long history and so much to see, it’s no surprise that most visitors to Rome don’t manage to fit everything in to the one trip. For those short on time but eager to see the best of Rome there are a few sights that you absolutely should not miss.
Perhaps Rome’s most famous landmark is the iconic Colosseum, where gladiator’s fought wild animals and each other in a display of bloodsports that seemed to delight the Ancient Roman world. Although parts of the outer wall have long since collapsed, the stones hauled away to build houses and palaces, the Colosseum remains remarkably well preserved. Its majestic scale gives a hint of what it must have been like to walk out on to the arena floor. Today the greatest danger is the dozens of Romans decked out in plastic gladiator attire ready to pose for tourist photographs.
The maze of side streets to the west of Via Del Corso, which runs the length of Rome’s modern centre from the Piazza del Popolo in the north to the Vittoriano monument in the south, is home to some of Rome’s greatest treasures. Piazza Navona is an idyllic square replete with fountains and renaissance buildings and is the perfect place to sit and people watch over a coffee, although beware the prices in some of the surrounding cafes if you do. The Pantheon, a temple to the Ancient Roman gods, is another must see and the imposing 2000-year old structure with its spectacular roof remains one of the crowning glories of architectural achievement.
Rome is the seat of the Pope and lies at the heart of the Roman Catholic Church and its influence can be felt all over the city, from the numerous religious buildings and the nuns and priests who walk the street. The Vatican City, an independent country in its own right, is home to a magnificent palace, museums holding some of the most precious artworks ever created and the majestic Saint Peter’s Basilica. It’s easy to lose several days in the Vatican so if time is limited, make sure to prioritise what you want to see most.
Although it’s virtually impossible to see everything Rome has to offer in one trip, it’s just all the more incentive to come back for a second visit. With Rome flights departing regularly from cities all over Europe, it has never been easier to get to the Eternal City and lose yourself in its splendour.
Disclaimer: The information contained within this article is the opinion of the author and is intended purely for information and interest purposes only. It should not be used to make any decisions or take any actions. Any links are included for information purposes only.
May 4, 2011
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