Italy is in and of itself a sightseeing delight. Particularly the center of Rome, it is a walking city lined with traditional and iconic buildings representing a rich history.
Lines are long during tourist season and you should buy tickets in advance online. Other locations are free or offer bundle packs. Signs and menus are usually in multiple, dominant languages. Museums tend to offer only the Italian language, so consider renting an audio guide.
Several popular sights are located inside of Vatican City. Despite the name, it is the world's smallest country. Just two miles in length and a population of 800 within Rome, it boasts a masterful collection of art and is easily accessible. For those seeking a trip full of tourist attractions, check out these locations!
1. Trevi Fountain
Rome has 2,000 fountains. None stand on the level that Trevi Fountain has. It has an impressive movie catalog, notably a star of its own in "La Dolce Vita" and "Three Coins in the Fountain."
What mystified the Trevi is a legend: if you throw three coins with your right hand over your left shoulder into the fountain, each will give you a gift. The first: you will return to Rome; second: you will find true love; third: you will become married.
Not only is this fun, it is beneficial to the Roman community. Everyday coins are collected from the fountain. The millions of tourists led to a $1.5 million donation to a Catholic charity, which will create a supermarket to feed Rome's impoverished.
85 feet high and around 160 feet wide, the Baroque-style 18th century structure has seats in front of it to allow for viewing. Up close, you can see the symbolism in the design. Allegorical figures, including Oceanus, are spread throughout the arch. There are intricate carvings of the rushing horses, reliefs, and inscriptions.
2. Roman Forum
Center of Roman life and a marketplace, the Roman Forum was a hub for political, economic and social life. The spacious area shows the ruins of what was once one of the world’s most powerful civilizations. It is a special experience to walk through the courtyard filled with grandiose, larger than life structures. There is a compacted, abundance of history you can come close to. You can see the smallest wear and tear of the structures, from the roughened stone to the cracks in columns. Even after centuries, the fact that there is anything left is impressive and displays the longevity the Romans had.
3. Sistine Chapel
A dress code exists. Women cannot bear their shoulders or knees. There is air conditioning present, so hot summer weather will not be a concern. Outside vendors cater to this unknown fact, but it is best to bring your own attire. If you looking for a selfie, unfortunately, photos are not allowed in the room. This is because of the artwork's sensitivity to light.
An entire room filled with famed frescoes and High Renaissance paintings, including The Last Judgement and The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo, adorning the ceiling. Other artists include Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio, and Pietro Perugino. The Sistine Chapel bears notable significance: it is where the new pope is selected.
4. Colosseum
No trip to Rome can miss this. Synonymous with the city and on every postcard you will find, there is a reason 3.9 million people see it every year.
Three stories tall and with 80 openings, 50,000 spectators would be cramped into the area for a show of triumph and thrill. In that era, power and force were key traits to citizens. Overlooking the lowest level, you can see outlines of the lion pits and the area where mostly male gladiators battled to the death.
Two-thirds of the building is dilapidated, but initially, the Colosseum was being outsourced as material for new buildings until the 18th century. Popes saw the Colosseum as an important religious site deserving of preservation.
5. Saint Peter’s Basilica
You can climb to the top, but be prepared. It's 551 steps. But there lays a reward. You will reach an interior balcony and get 360 degree views of the dome designed by Michelangelo. The Pope throughout the year visits the Basilica and the square situated directly outside. Within the building are memorials and burials to saints and popes.
6. Pantheon
The Ancient Roman former temple is a must-see for architecture fans. Considered the best-preserved building from Ancient Rome, it is used as a church but has opening hours for visitors. The dome has an apex to allow an airy slit of light to reach the floor to create a naturalistic sense. Throughout the day, the light moves around in a reserve sundial motion. There are different color schemes, textures, and materials as you move throughout the building; from smooth floor tiles to concrete square defining the upper walls.
7. Spanish Steps
This is an ideal place to hang out with friends. Along with a slope and surrounded by trees, at night the streetlights create a scenic view. At the top, you can enjoy a skyline view that reaches the mountains. Eating food is not allowed on any of the 135 steps. At any time of the day, the area is alive with aspiring musicians and vendors. Numerous restaurants and famous branded shopping venues line the surrounding streets.