What to see in Rome in seven days

Rome is not called the Eternal City for nothing! Its cultural and historical riches span several millennia, while remaining always relevant, interesting and inspiring. And you can study them endlessly! No matter how many times you come to Rome, no matter how many days you spend in it, it will never be enough. Traveling on your own and planning to spend a week in Rome? If you manage your time wisely and correctly plan routes for walks and independent excursions around Rome, in 7 days you can get a lot of vivid impressions, useful information and pleasure. The routes suggested below can also be used if you are traveling to Rome for 6, 5 days or less - just select the most interesting and important routes for you and shorten the program.

We have collected the most interesting sights of Rome, added our travel experience to them, and added a pinch of inspiration... And we got detailed routes for self-guided tours of Rome. We warn you: we are curious travelers, and therefore many routes are quite intense. If you prefer more relaxed walks, simply shorten them, leaving only those places that you definitely do not want to miss.

Guide to Rome for 7 days

The first day:

The Colosseum, Imperial Forums, Capitoline Hill, Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo dei Fiori and other places in the center of Rome

From the first day, we will plunge into the thick of things and immediately head to the main symbol of Rome -. Against the backdrop of the stone giant, a vibrant tourist life is always in full swing: tourists, disguised “gladiators”, “living” statues, street actors and musicians, merchants and other people fill the square around the Colosseum and the Fori Imperiali street branching off from it. In order not to get “stuck” in this commotion for a long time and not languish in line, we recommend booking a ticket to the Colosseum in advance. If you know English, it is very easy to do it yourself on official website. Once in the Colosseum, you will see entire stone labyrinths left over from the underground structures located under the Colosseum arena. But just looking at or photographing is quite boring - these stones must be “revitalized” with an interesting story. You will find it in the audio tour for iPhone "". An audio guide to the Colosseum will help you look into the distant past, vividly imagine the events that these ruins still remember, and learn many interesting and unusual facts about this truly iconic place.

After the Colosseum we will admire the majestic Arch of Constantine. By the way, it is the latest of the surviving triumphal arches of Rome and one of the symbols of the era of late antiquity. Behind the Arch of Constantine you can see the picturesque ruins of the Roman Forum, and nearby is the entrance to the archaeological complex of the Palatine. But these places are worth special attention. In order not to mix everything together, we will leave them for another day and devote a separate walk to them. In the meantime, let's continue to study imperial Rome.

So, from the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine we will head along Fori Imperiali street towards Capitol Hill. This street was built under Mussolini right on the ruins of the ancient imperial forums. Actually, its name means “Imperial Forums”. On one side of Via dei Fori Imperiali you can see the remains of the Roman Forum, on the other - the ruins of the imperial forums, most of which ended up under the street. If we follow from the Colosseum along the Fori Imperiali street towards the Capitol, then in front of us we will see successive forums bearing the names of the emperors who built them: the forums of Vespasian, Nerva, Augustus, Trajan. The ancient forums were majestic architectural complexes consisting of squares, public and commercial buildings, pagan temples, ceremonial monuments and other buildings designed to emphasize the wealth of the empire and the greatness of the emperor.

Remembering the splendor and grandeur of imperial Rome, we will reach Capitol Hill, which was the most important and most fortified part of the ancient city. At the foot of the Capitol it is interesting to look into Mamertine prison- the oldest prison in Rome, existing since the 4th century BC. Moreover, this place is also connected with Christian history: according to legend, the holy apostles Peter and Paul were kept in the Mamertine prison before their executions. It is no coincidence that a church was later erected over the stone bag in which the ancient criminals languished. Currently, the dungeon can only be accessed with an entrance ticket, which includes a multimedia tour.

At the top of the hill we will see a magnificent architectural ensemble Capitol Square, created by the great Michelangelo and impressive with harmony and sophistication. If you have the desire and strength, you can look into Capitoline Museums, located on the square. Or you can just admire the area and views.

Capitol Hill is double-headed. On the second, highest peak, stands a beautiful ancient church Santa Maria in Aracoeli. From the outside it impresses with its austere medieval appearance, and from the inside it amazes with the richness of its decoration and splendor. The temple houses the ancient miraculous icon of the Mother of God, as well as the relics of the holy Queen Helen (mother of Emperor Constantine, whose triumphal arch next to the Colosseum bears his name).

If you climbed the hill along the stairs from the Mamertine prison, then you can go down from it along one of the other two famous stairs. One of them is part of the ensemble of the Capitoline Square - this is a magnificent Cordonata with wide, gentle steps, designed by Michelangelo. And from the Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli a steep medieval staircase descends. By the way, it offers good panoramic views.

Not far from the Aracoeli staircase, note the remains antique insula– this is what multi-storey apartment buildings were called in ancient Rome. In the excursion “Imperial Rome” we will tell you a lot of interesting things not only about the majestic imperial buildings, but also about the daily life of ordinary Romans who lived in such high-rise buildings. By the way, the excursion route practically coincides with the one proposed above. You can find not only a description of the excursion, but also the operating hours of the visited sites, which will be useful to you when planning a walk around Rome.

Near Capitol Hill is Venice Square with a magnificent structure Vittoriano– a monument to the first king of united Italy, Vittorio Emmanuelle II. At the top of the structure there is an observation deck, which offers wonderful views of the center of Rome.

Another notable structure on the square is Palace of Venice- an example of a Renaissance palace, inside of which there is now a museum.

Several busy streets run from Piazza Venezia to different parts of Rome. One of the most interesting for tourists is Via Corso. We will continue along it. And along the way you can look into interesting basilicas, for example, Santa Maria in Via Lata or Church of the Twelve Apostles(to find it, you need to “dive” from Corso into one of the narrow alleys).

A free tour of Rome with a Travelry audio guide will help you pay attention to the most interesting places in and around Piazza Venice, and learn many interesting facts and stories.

Well, then we will head to the very heart of the Eternal City - to. It is there that you can feel the taste and unique atmosphere of the Italian capital. If you have the strength and inspiration, we recommend walking along the excursion route “” - from Piazza Barberini to Campo dei Fiori. Or shorten it a little (for example, starting not from Piazza Barberini, but immediately from the Trevi Fountain). This route covers the most interesting places in the historical center of Rome (and on the page with the description of the excursion you will also find the opening hours of the Roman basilicas and other places included in the walk route).

Piazza Barberini is interesting with two beautiful fountains. Well, one of the most luxurious fountains in Rome awaits us at the intersection of three small streets. Actually, this is where its name comes from: in Italian, “three streets” sounds like “tre vie”. A is a must-see in Rome, a place that simply cannot be missed! Please also pay attention to Church of Saints Vincenzo and Anastasio, overlooking Trevi Square.

Next, let’s direct our feet to Column Square. It got its name from the ancient column of Marcus Aurelius, which stands in the center of the square. Around the square are three beautiful palaces, some of which today house active government offices. That’s why in this square you can often meet journalists and people with protest slogans (Italians love to protest). And in the center stands an antique Doric column of the 2nd century made of white Carrara marble.

Not far from Piazza Colonna, another portion of admiration for Roman architecture and history awaits us - a grandiose Pantheon. The Roman Pantheon is a unique architectural and engineering monument of antiquity, a Christian shrine and one of the symbols of the Eternal City.

If, after visiting all the places listed above, your tourist enthusiasm has not yet dried up, take a look at Basilica of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva– she’s very close. Built back in the 13th century, this church is interesting because it is considered the only Gothic temple in Rome.

Next we will head towards Piazza Navona. And along the way we will meet many interesting and beautiful churches, almost each of which can “boast” of picturesque, sculptural or architectural masterpieces and a rich history. Among them are churches Sant'Eustachio, Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, San Luigi dei Francesi, Sant'Agostino. The last two temples house paintings by Caravaggio.

Not far from Piazza Navona is also located Altemps Palace, which houses part of the collection of the National Museum of Rome.

Piazza Navona- a real pearl of the Roman Baroque and a favorite place for tourists and the Romans themselves. The square is located on the site of the ancient stadium of Domitian, which explains its elongated oval shape. In the very center of the square there is the famous fountain "Four Rivers" works by Bernini. The square is also decorated with an elegant baroque building Basilica of St. Agnes (Sant Agnese in Agone) And Palazzo Pamphili.

Basilica of Saint Agnes in Piazza Navona

Not far from Piazza Navona is one of the “talking” statues of Rome - Pasquino sculpture. Having examined this one and checked whether the next lampoons are glued to its pedestal (this is the local tradition), you can delve into the streets of the center of Rome and walk, paying attention to Palace of the Chancellery (Palazzo della Cancelleria), to the square Campo dei Fiori (CampodeiFiori). The name of this cozy square translates as “field of flowers,” reminiscent of the times when there was a meadow overgrown with grass and flowers. Well, today life is in full swing here: in the mornings there is a food farmer's market on the square, and in the evenings the square turns into an entertainment center for Roman youth. At the same time, the stern figure of Giordano Bruno, who was burned on this very square in 1600, does not let us forget about the rich history of this place.

You can spend the rest of the day pleasantly in this area. Near Campo dei Fiori and Piazza Navona you will find many picturesque alleys and small squares, interesting shops, trattorias, restaurants and other places where you can unwind, relax and refresh yourself.

Let's summarize the first day in Rome:

Starting with the monuments of the great Roman Empire (Colosseum, forums, Capitoline Hill), remembering ancient legends and looking into antiquity, we will continue our acquaintance with Rome in the monuments of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and then, walking along Corso, we will discover the luxurious architectural creations of the Baroque masters . From the observation deck of Vittoriano and from the top of the Capitoline Hill we will be able to look down on Rome, and in the ancient crypts of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Via Lata and the Twelve Apostles we will look into underground Rome. The proposed route for a walk around Rome will lead us to the lively and beautiful squares of the historical center, which will delight us with beautiful fountains, sculptural and architectural riches. The day is supposed to be eventful, interesting and full of bright impressions! And there is still almost a whole week ahead in Rome...

Here's what our itinerary for walking around Rome looks like on the first day (we've color-coded the routes of the three audio tours with the Travelry guide):

Second day:

Palatine, Roman Forum, Trastevere and Janiculum Hill

If you have a week in Rome, you will have time to look into a variety of eras. We suggest devoting one of the days to traveling around! Palatine and Roman Forum are united into a single archaeological complex - they have a common ticket, and it is logical to visit them together, plunging into ancient history and remembering ancient legends. And so that the ancient ruins “come to life” and can “tell” you about their great past, we created . On the excursion page you will also find the complex’s operating hours and tips for visiting it. The entrance to the Palatine is located at via di S. Gregorio 30, near the Colosseum.

After visiting the archaeological complex and its picturesque stone ruins, it will be nice to see a slightly more modern Rome and “refresh” your impressions. A good solution would be a relaxed walk around the beautiful area Trastevere.

And along the way, if you wish, you can look into such interesting places as Church of Il Gesu(beautiful baroque architecture and luxurious decoration), Largo di Tore Argentina(another small archaeological zone and part-time official cat shelter!), Theater of Marcellus (TeatroMarcello) – an ancient theater, later converted into a medieval castle. You can also stroll through the ancient Jewish ghetto(one of the oldest in the world), see Matei Square with a curious Fountain of Turtles.

The name of the area Trastevere means “across the Tiber” and tells us that you can get to Trastevere by crossing the river. We recommend doing this by Fabrizia Bridge, through Tiberina Island.

Trastevere will charm you with its cozy atmosphere and unique flavor. The area is worth visiting the ancient Church of St. Cecilia(patroness of music), San Crisogono(under the building you can see the remains of an early Christian church from the 4th century) and, of course, the “pearl” of Trastevere - the church Santa Maria in Trastevere. This is one of the oldest Roman churches. It preserves elements of medieval decoration, in particular, beautiful mosaics from the 12th century. After looking at the ancient churches, allow yourself to relax a little Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere– sit by the fountain, enjoy some ice cream….

Other notable places to see in Trastevere include the gate Porta Settimiana, formerly part of the ancient Aurelian Wall, Renaissance Villa Farnesina, Palazzo Corsini. You can also get to Janiculum Hill, from the top of which magnificent panoramic views open.

Trastevere is famous for its abundance of wonderful restaurants and taverns, and therefore you can have a tasty and cozy dinner here and have a wonderful evening on the second day.

An audio tour of Trastevere is not yet available in the app, but is in development and will be added in the future. In the meantime, you can simply walk around this area, exploring its most interesting sights - although without audio, they are all marked (with brief descriptions and photos) in ours.

So, we have already planned a trip to Rome for two days. Let's summarize the plans for the second day:

The first part of the day is devoted to “time travel” - a walk through the Palatine and the Roman Forum. We strongly recommend doing this with an audio guide, since without lively stories and timely comments it is very difficult to imagine what those magnificent architectural complexes of Ancient Rome were like, from which picturesque ruins remain, and how people lived here many centuries ago. We suggest spending the second part of the day on a quiet walk around Trastevere (and on the way to Trastevere you can also “capture” the Jewish ghetto, visit the island of Tiverene and see other interesting places). The perfect end to the day will be a delicious dinner in Trastevere, in one of the many cozy trattorias for which this colorful Roman area is famous.

Walking route around Rome on the second day (the “maximum” program is marked on the map, shorten it so that everything is within your capabilities and brings pleasure):

Day three:

Vatican, Castel Sant'Angelo

The Vatican is one of the "must" places to visit in Rome. However, the route will depend on what exactly you want to visit. If you plan to explore both the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica, then you should calculate your strength in advance and decide whether you are ready to cover both places in one day, or whether it is better to divide them into two days. This decision largely depends on your endurance, because both the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica are distinguished by their enormous size and abundance of masterpieces. Visiting both places at once will require a lot of time and will take almost the whole day, so many travelers explore the Museums in one day, and visit the Cathedral separately, with fresh energy. The decision is yours!

In any case, if you want to walk around the expanses of the Vatican Museums, we recommend starting in the morning, while you are full of energy. After all, you will see an incredible variety of masterpieces! And be sure to book your tickets in advance so as not to languish in a long line. The most convenient way to get to the Museums is from the Via Cipro/Musei Vaticano metro station.

Well, St. Peter’s Cathedral will best be “opened” to you with ours. In it we will tell you many interesting facts and stories about the Vatican, about the grandiose cathedral and about the majestic square in front of it.

Next, still impressed by the grandeur and splendor of St. Peter's Cathedral, we will head along the wide street Via della Conciliazione(“Street of Reconciliation”), built by Mussolini. From this street, moving a little away from the Vatican, we will again look at St. Peter's Basilica - it is from here that the famous dome of the cathedral, designed by Michelangelo, can be seen in all its glory. It cannot be seen directly from St. Peter's Square, since the dome is covered by a magnificent baroque façade.

The street will lead us straight to Castle Sant'Angelo. The history of this amazing structure dates back to ancient times - it was originally built as the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian. In the Middle Ages it became a fortress, later it managed to be the residence of pontiffs, and a dungeon, and, finally, a museum, which it is today.

One of the most beautiful and famous Roman bridges across the Tiber departs from the Castle - Bridge of the Holy Angel, named after the castle. On the bridge you can cross the Tiber and head into the cozy alleys leading to Campo dei Fiori and Piazza Navona, which are already familiar to us after the route of the first day. Tired but satisfied, you can end your day of sightseeing in this atmospheric historical area with dinner at one of the many trattorias in the center of Rome. And if you wish, you can also get to the already familiar Trastevere district, which is so pleasant to just walk around and which offers many opportunities for a delicious dinner.

So, we already have a plan for walking around Rome for three days!

We dedicate the third day of the trip to the Vatican. Fully or partially – it’s up to you! If you are resilient and feel that you can “tackle” both the museums and the cathedral in one day, then the Vatican will take almost the whole day. If you decide to feel sorry for yourself and perceive the beauty and cultural riches of the Vatican “with a fresh mind” (we are inclined to the second option), then you will still have a decent part of the day to spend on a pleasant walk around Trastevere (especially if you have not had time to “master » this area the previous day).

The walking route around Rome on the third day is not as intense as on the previous days, because you will spend quite a lot of time in the visited places - you should not visit them at a gallop.

Day four:

Piazza Popolo, Piazza di Spagna, Quirinal, Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore, churches of San Pietro in Vincoli and San Clemente, Laterano, Basilica of the Holy Cross

During the first three days in Rome, we will have time to get acquainted with the heritage of Ancient Rome, look into the Rome of the Middle Ages, admire the masterpieces of the Renaissance and Baroque, discover the Vatican... On the fourth day, we invite you to add to your collection of vivid impressions of the Eternal City and see many more magnificent architectural, sculptural, and pictorial creations, as well as beautiful squares and streets.

Let's start our walk from the Northern Gate of Rome - Porta del Popolo. This is the ancient Flaminian Gate, through which many travelers have arrived in Rome since the 3rd century. Here, at the foot of Pincho Hill, Piazza Popolo stretches out in front of us. Its harmonious architectural ensemble is decorated with an ancient Egyptian obelisk from the time of Ramses II, fountains and beautiful churches. On one side stands the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo, which houses many cultural treasures, including paintings by Caravaggio, works by Raphael, Bernini and other masters. On the southern side of the square, opposite the Porta del Popolo arch, the ensemble of the square is complemented by two twin churches: Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto.

By the way, from Popolo Square there is a small staircase leading up to the top of Pincho Hill. You can climb along it to the famous Villa Borghese. This is a huge landscape park on the Pincio hill, one of the largest and most beautiful in Rome. We suggest planning a visit to Villa Borghese for one of the days (we set it on the sixth day of the trip) and combining a walk in the park with a visit to the magnificent Borghese Galleries is a small but wonderful museum with a wonderful collection of works of art. Just keep in mind that you can’t visit it impromptu! Advance online reservation required.

In the meantime, let's continue our walk from Popolo Square and go along the small street Babuino, and then turn onto Margutta street. For what? To see not only monumental palaces and squares, but also cozy Roman alleys, full of charm and color. This combination will be vividly revealed to us in the audio tour “” with the Travelry audio guide. By the way, the excursion route almost completely corresponds to the plan for our walk around Rome for the first part of the day. Via Margutta is also interesting because representatives of Italian bohemia once lived here, including Federico Fellini and his wife Giulietta Masina. In addition, this is where Mr. Bradley's house from the legendary film "Roman Holiday" was located!

We move further towards Plaza de España. And on the way, don’t forget to look at one of the “talking” statues of Rome - baboon statue, located on the street of the same name. Next we will go to the famous Plaza de España, with its legendary and beloved by tourists Spanish steps() and charming fountain "Boat". It rises a little further Column of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary.

Our route passes through a beautiful Basilica of Sant'Andrea dell'Frate(Sant’Andrea delle Fratte), on which the famous architect Borromini worked. And inside there are two marble angels that were created by Bernini for the Ponte Sant'Angelo, but copies of them ended up on the bridge, and the beautiful originals were not dared to be displayed in the open sky.

If you walk along this route with an audio guide, then, passing by the building Nazareth College (Collegio Nazareno), find out what was interesting about the world’s first public free school located here. And then, walking past an inconspicuous door under an arched vault, behind which are hidden the remains of one of the 11 ancient aqueducts of Rome, you will learn about the history and features of ancient Roman aqueducts...

Let's head to Barberini Palace (Palazzo Barberini). It is interesting and beautiful in itself, because many outstanding architects worked on the construction. In addition, today the National Gallery of Ancient Art is located inside (art fans can additionally plan a visit to it).

The Barberini Palace's façade overlooks Street of Four Fountains. The name of the street tells us what there is to see and where to get water!;) The intersection of the Four Fountains is special in that on its four corners there are four sculptural compositions that allegorically depict the Tiber River (as a symbol of Rome), the Arno River (as a symbol of Florence), as well as the ancient goddesses Diana and Juno.

At the corner of the intersection, notice the amazing Church of San Carlo At the Four Fountains, or San Carlino, as the Romans affectionately call it due to its small size. This is one of the main masterpieces of the architect Borromini. And not far from him is the creation of his main rival and competitor, the architect Bernini. It's elegant Church of Sant'Andrea.

You can relax for a while in the nearby Villa Carlo Alberto. This is a small beautiful park in front of the Quirinal Palace. But visit it yourself Quirinal Palace, located on top of the Quirinal hill, on Quirinale Square, possible only by prior reservation. After all, it houses the current residence of the President of the Italian Republic.

Still not tired of the abundance of masterpieces and works of art? Then let's continue! If you have enough strength left, you can walk from the Quirinal to Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria, which houses the famous Baroque masterpiece - the sculptural composition by Bernini “The Ecstasy of Saint Teresa”. Also notable in the interior of the church is the Cornaro Chapel - its design is distinguished by the deliberate theatricality characteristic of the Baroque style.

Next, after admiring fountainAcquaFelice, let's head to Republic Square, located near Termini station and the Baths of Diocletian. In the center of the square there is a sensual composition Naiad fountain, or nymphs. Also on the square is Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri, built on the ruins of the ancient baths of Diocletian in the middle of the 16th century. The design of the temple was probably prepared by Michelangelo. Not far from the square castlePalazzoMassimoalleTerme, which houses the National Roman Museum. It will be of interest to connoisseurs of ancient culture, as it houses one of the largest collections of classical art in the world.

Our next destination will be the grand and beautiful Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore(that is, the “Great” or “Main” Basilica of the Virgin Mary), built in the 4th century, is one of the oldest Christian churches in Rome.

By the way, we smoothly moved on to the route of another audio tour of Rome - “”. In it we propose to visit the most interesting ancient basilicas and churches of Rome. While in the Esquilino area, be sure to check out Church of Saint Praxeda(Santa Prassede), built in the 9th century and decorated with magnificent Byzantine mosaics. Don't ignore the nearby Church of Saint Pudenziana- one of the oldest in Rome.

Then we’ll walk along Panisperna Street and find ourselves in a cozy and bohemian Monti area. By the way, you can have a tasty and pleasant lunch there to gain strength for the rest of the walk.

Next let's head to Church of San Pietro in Vincoli(St. Peter “In Chains”). Christian pilgrims are attracted to it by the relic of the temple - the chains (chains) of the Apostle Peter. And art lovers flock here to see the sculpture of Moses by Michelangelo himself.

Another interesting church that we recommend visiting on this walk around Rome is located very close to the Colosseum. This Church of San Clemente, one of the oldest and most interesting in Rome. It is distinguished not only by the beauty of its interior, but also by its unique historical layering. Going down to the underground levels, you can examine the remains of a church of the 4th century, and even lower - a piece of the ancient city and the ancient temple of Mithra, preserved from the 1st century!

While in Rome for a week, you cannot ignore the grandiose Cathedral of San Giovanni in Laterano. Moreover, it is the main cathedral of the Catholic Church and is called the “archbasilica”. And next to the cathedral, dating back to the 4th century, the oldest Lateran baptistery(place of baptism).

Next we will walk along the boulevard, which runs along Carlo Felice Street on one side and along the ancient city wall on the other. And we'll get to Church of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem(Santa Croce in Gerusalemme). It contains relics related to the suffering of Jesus Christ, brought by the holy Queen Helena from Jerusalem.

This is where you can finish the route of the fourth day. If you wish, you can find budget trattorias or pizzerias in the Laterano or Porta Maggiore area. From here it is also quite easy to reach other central areas.

So, we already have a plan for conquering Rome for four days. We summarize our expectations from the fourth day of our trip to Rome:

On this day we continue to discover the most different facets of Rome. Starting from the “northern gate” of the Eternal City – Porta del Popolo and the square of the same name – we move to the famous Piazza di Spagna, not forgetting along the way to look into interesting places and alleys where interesting sights of Rome are hidden. Next we head towards the Quirinal Hill, admiring the beautiful palaces, fountains and ancient churches. After the Quirinal, you can see the interesting sights of Rome in the area of ​​the Republic Square, and then head to the Esquiline Hill. We devoted the second part of the day to ancient Roman churches and cathedrals, which cannot leave connoisseurs of beauty indifferent! We recommend refreshing your strength in the Monti area - there you can find wonderful restaurants and trattorias. We will finish our walk in the Laterano area.

Day five:

Neighborhoods of Rome (optional): Tivoli / Ostia Antica / Appian Way and Roman Catacombs

One of the days of your trip to Rome can be made “out” and devoted to interesting places in the vicinity of Rome. We offer several options for your choice.

Tivoli (Tivoli)

The Tivoli area is 25 km away. from the Italian capital. It is located on the Sabine Hills, on the site of the ancient city of Tibur, in the vicinity of which country mansions began to be built in ancient times. Once upon a time here were the possessions of Maecenas, Horace, Propertius, as well as Emperor Hadrian. Three beautiful villas are noteworthy in Tivoli: a grandiose architectural complex Villa Adriana, where you can admire ancient art, elegant Villa d'Este with a wonderful garden, built in the middle of the 16th century by Cardinal d’Este, and Villa Gregoriana– a large picturesque park with grottoes and fountains. These are magnificent palace and park ensembles that will decorate your trip and allow you to spend a pleasant, relaxed day.

Ancient Ostia (Ostia Antica)

An ancient Roman city, which today is an archaeological reserve. On the territory of Ostia Antica, the remains of many ancient buildings have been preserved, allowing you to imagine the life of the ancient city: a theater, pagan temples, warehouses and living quarters decorated with mosaics, baths and other buildings.

Appian Way (ViaAppiaAntica) and Roman catacombs

The Appian Way is one of the oldest Roman roads. Once it connected Rome with the southeastern part of the empire. The road is named after Appius Claudius, the Roman censor under whom in 312 BC. its construction began. Along the road (on which the antique pavement is partially preserved) there are many monuments of the ancient and early Christian era: ancient tombs and mausoleums (the most famous is the tomb of Cecilia Metela), as well as catacombs that served for the burial of the first Christians and are decorated with wonderful paintings and mosaics. Along much of the ancient road there is a park area, so a walk or bike ride will be a great addition to your trip to Rome.

We have already mentioned Ville Borghese and located on its territory Galleria Borghese. You can start your sixth day by visiting these beautiful places and have a nice time in the park. Don't miss the observation deck, which offers excellent views of the Eternal City!

If you are interested in art or history, then Rome will delight you with a huge number of museums for every taste. Part of the sixth day can be devoted to art or history by visiting a museum (or even several) that interests you. Among the most famous are the National Museum of Rome, the Capitoline Museums, the Vatican Museums (if you have not visited them on the third day), the already mentioned Borghese Gallery, the Doria Pamphili Gallery. You can find the most interesting museums in our application, on this or on the map with the 6 day route (see below).

We offer you an approximate walking route around Rome, which will allow you to cover a maximum of interesting locations:

1. Start your trip with a visit to the Colosseum (located near Colosseo, Via dei Fori Imperiali metro stations). Then follow Fori Imperiali to the Capitoline Hill (Campidoglio) and take a couple of photos in Piazza Venezia at the foot of the Capitol. This is one of the main squares of the city - the Vittoriano monument is located here.

2. Vittoriano is the next point on the itinerary for a walk around Rome. We recommend going up to the observation deck - it offers a beautiful view of the city. Once down, head towards Capitol Hill.

3. Climb the Cordonat stairs up the hill - in front of you will be a statue of Marcus Aurelius. After passing through the square, make a stop and be sure to find a column with a monument to the Capitoline she-wolf - the same one that suckled Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of the city.

4. Once down the hill, follow Via d’Aracoeli to Piazza del Gesù. After passing the Gesù Church (Chiesa del Sacro Nome di Gesù), continue along Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. In 3-4 minutes, on your route through Rome you will find Torre Argentina, where the ruins of ancient Roman temples are located.

On the same street you will pass the fountain with dragons, Fontana del Maderno. After passing it, turn onto Corso del Rinascimento, go to Palazzo Madama and go to Piazza Navona. Here, on the square, there is a beautiful fountain of four rivers, Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (it was in it that the heroes of “Dolce Vita” swam at night).

5. Return along the same street you came to the fountain. Passing the Italian Senate along Via del Salvatore, you will find yourself on Via Giustiniani - it will lead you to the Pantheon, to Piazza della Rotonda. Do you see the obelisk in front of him? This is a monument from the time of Pharaoh Ramses II (scientists still do not know how it got there).

After visiting the Pantheon, walk along Via del Seminario and stroll to Via del Corso - this is the oldest street in Rome, founded during the Empire. It is she who will bring you to the final destination of the walk.

What to do if you only have 1 day in Rome? We decided to put together 3 routes for you in case you only have a few hours to explore the beauty of the Eternal City. I would like to note that most of Rome’s attractions are within minutes of each other, and therefore you can explore most of them during an exciting walk.

3 routes The tours we offer differ from each other in pace, as well as in the number of attractions that you can visit. You can choose the most optimal option for yourself and navigate in the indicated direction. We will also take into account an approximate estimate of the time you will need to visit certain attractions. Perhaps you have only 6 - 8 hours left, since you are traveling on a cruise ship, then the first or second option will suit you, depending on your pace. If you prefer leisurely romantic walks, then option number 3 is more suitable for you.

Route No. 1 “Gallop across Europe”

(Targeted for travelers eager to visit as many attractions as possible in Rome)

1 “Colosseum”

Of course, the first stop on our route we chose the main symbol of Rome - the Colosseum. If you only have 1 day to explore the Italian capital, we do not advise you to visit the Colosseum from the inside. This can take a lot of time, because there are huge queues for tickets to the Colosseum, and besides, the inside is not as beautiful as the outside.

But, if you decide to visit it, then you need to read, which will help make it easier to purchase the coveted tickets.

2 “Roman Forum”

The Roman Forum is a truly grandiose attraction, once considered the main social, economic and political center of Rome.

Its visit is also included in the price of a ticket to the main amphitheater in Rome.

Walking past the Roman Forum and turning into the street Via di San Pietro in Carcere You will be taken to the next station on our journey.

3 “Capitolian Hill and Campidoglio Square”

Piazza Campidoglio is a trapezoidal space on which are located the Palace of Senators, the New Palace and the Palace of the Conservatives, as well as the statue of Marcus Aurelius, located in the very center. The ornamental design depicted in Piazza Campidoglio was designed by Maestro Michelangelo and was even minted on 50-cent coins in 2002.

4 “Vittoriano”

Going down the stairs, you have probably already seen the snow-white giant, popularly called Palazzo Vittoriano. Palazzo Vittoriano is one of the main symbols of the Eternal City and is a memorial dedicated to the first king of a united Italy (Victor Emmanuel II).

5 “Fountain di Trevi”

Hidden in the labyrinth of narrow Roman streets, the Trevi Fountain is perhaps one of the most romantic attractions of the Eternal City. Don't forget to throw a coin into the waters of the fountain and make a wish to come back here again!

6 “Piazza di Spagna”

Plaza de España got its name from the Spanish Embassy, ​​located on the perimeter of the square. But the main characters of the square are rightfully considered to be the “Spanish Steps” and “Barcaccia”. “Barcaccia” is a fountain in the shape of a boat, designed by the genius Bernini himself.

7 “Via Condotti”

It’s hard to call it a stop as such, because Via Condotti is a legendary street where the most luxurious luxury boutiques are located, paving the way for our next attraction.

8 “Pantheon”

Perhaps the best and most impressive description of the Pantheon is the Temple of all Gods. A truly stunning large-scale structure, almost completely preserved in its original appearance and surviving to this day. There is a Roman proverb: “ Whoever was in Rome and did not visit the Pantheon left a fool" Plus, getting into the Pantheon doesn’t require a lot of effort.

Opening hours: Monday - Saturday - from 8:30 to 19:30 (last entry at 19:15),

Sunday from 9:00 to 18:00 (last entry at 17:45), holidays from 9:00 to 13:00 (last entry at 12:45)

9 “Piazza Navona”

Our next point of visit will be Piazza Navona - a favorite place for film directors and creative people. On it you can see 3 fountains (previously there were 4), the dominant one being the Fountain of the Four Rivers (it is located in the very heart of the piazza). Based on the name, you might have guessed that the fountain statues symbolize the Ganges, Nile, Danube and La Plata rivers. Another important detail is the fact that the fountain is the creation of the great sculptor Bernini.

Having enjoyed the local beauty and romantic atmosphere, we head through Via del Governo Vecchio towards our next station.

10 “Castle Sant'Angelo”

The large-scale building in the form of the Castle of the Holy Angel is especially charming in the evening light, when the walls of the Castle are filled with golden hues.

And in a 5-minute walk we can see...

...11 “Vatican”

The Vatican doesn't need much introduction, and neither does the Colosseum. If you decide to visit the Vatican Museums, you should first familiarize yourself with how you can purchase tickets. Keep in mind that visiting the Vatican on your own will take you from 2 to 4-5 hours.

In custody

In general, I would like to note that this tour without visiting the sights from the inside will take you on average from 3 to 6 hours.

Don't forget to use various map apps to save time and get to each attraction in the shortest possible way.

Route No. 2 “Non-standard”

Perfect for those who like unconventional paths, but we do not rule out visiting the most important symbols of Rome.

Some of the attractions are repeated in different routes, so if you cannot find a brief description of a particular place, look for them in the first route.

1 “Colosseum” (see description above)

2 “Roman Forum” (see description above)

3 “Vittoriano” (see description above)

4 “Capitol Hill” (see description above)

5 “Marcello Theater”

One of the most amazing buildings, externally reminiscent of the well-known Colosseum. However, many tourists do not even suspect that such a treasure exists and is located just a couple of meters from Palazzo Vittoriano and the Capitoline Hill, which is why there are so few visitors here and you can enjoy the beauty of the Marcello Theater to your heart's content.

6 “Temple of Hercules the Victorious”

One of the oldest buildings in the Eternal City. According to legend, here Hercules defeated Cacus, a monster who terrorized the local residents.

7 “Mouth of Truth”

Not far from the Temple of Hercules, across the road, you will most likely see a huge line of tourists eager to see the monument with the interesting name “Mouth of Truth”. There are many legends associated with this place, however, in order to admire the “mouth” you do not need to go inside, you just need to cling to the bars and you will be able to see the treasured monument.

8 “Jewish Quarter”

Returning to one of the above points, or rather to the Marcello Theater, you can go to the Jewish Quarter. By the way, it is in Rome that the largest Jewish quarter is located, as well as the largest synagogue in all of Europe.

9 “Campo de Fiori”

Quite ordinary at first glance, the square conceals in its heart the figure of a mysterious hero. His name is Giordano Bruno. You may have already heard this name and know its history. For those who are not familiar with it: Giordano Bruno was a pantheistic philosopher who was condemned by the Catholic Church for heresy and burned at Campo de Fiori.

10 “Pantheon” (see description above)

11 “Piazza Navona” (see description above)
12 “Cathedral of the Holy Angel” (see description above)
13 “Vatican” (see description above)

This route also requires a time estimate of 3 to 6 hours (not taking into account visiting attractions from the inside) and is not entirely standard, because the list contains places that are not spoiled by the attention of tourists, like the Colosseum or Piazza Navona.

Route No. 3 “Romantic”

(This route is perfect for romantic people who are not in a hurry to follow the frantic pace of life, but prefer to enjoy every moment, walking and absorbing the surrounding Italian atmosphere)

1 “Villa Borghese”

Villa Borghese is one of the largest park complexes in Rome: here you can find a variety of entertainment, from a small lake to a zoo and a hippodrome. Here is also one of the richest treasuries in Rome - the Borghese Gallery. Getting into the gallery is not easy, so first study the article "and calculate whether you can get into the treasure trove of masterpieces of world art. In general, a walk through such a magical park will give you a lot of pleasure.

2 “Piazza del Popolo”

“People's Square” is the real star of the Eternal City. According to local beliefs, Nero himself was once buried here!

3 “Via Margutta”

There is a small street located between Piazza del Popolo and Piazza di Spagna. It is located just a couple of meters from the bustling street with countless boutiques, Via del Corso. The wonderful and talented director Federico Fellini once lived on Via Margutta. Many poets, artists and creators of our time also find inspiration here.

4 “Piazza di Spagna” (see description above)

5 “Fountain di Trevi” (see description above)

6 “Pantheon” (see description above)

7 “Piazza Navona” (see description above)

8 “Castle Sant’Angelo” (see description above)

9 “Vatican” (see description above)

10 “District Trastevere”

An absolute must-visit area of ​​Trastevere. It was he who absorbed all the most romantic ideas about Italy. There are restaurants with mind-blowing gastronomic masterpieces, cobbled streets covered with ivy, and a huge number of churches, each of which strives to enter it.

11 “Vittoriano” (see description above)

12 “Roman Forum” (see description above)

13 “Colosseum” (see description above)

It is difficult to determine the approximate time you will spend on this path, because it is designed for a more relaxed type of walk. Despite the very slow pace, all of the above places can be covered in the whole day.

We would like to remind you to take water with you, or at least a plastic bottle (this can be filled with clean water at fountains located throughout the city) to avoid dehydration.

In conclusion, I would like to say: it is impossible to bypass the beauty of Rome, even if you live in the Eternal City all your life. But we tried to highlight the main and unique places so that you can get to know the city a little closer. We hope this article was useful for you and you will have an unforgettableRoman holiday.

What to see in Rome in three days, what a tourist needs to know, safety tips, where is the best place to stay, how to get to the Vatican and Rome museums without waiting in line. In this guide we will share with you our “trodden” and proven walking routes around Rome. The capital of Italy for us is one of the most romantic cities in Europe. This is a real open-air museum - the “eternal city”. The ancients said: “all roads lead to Rome.” The capital of Italy is a “must have” for every traveler.

Rome is a city on seven hills: Capitol, Palatine, Aventine, Esquiline, Caelius, Quirinal, Viminal. The city is divided into two parts by the Tiber River. The left bank part is the site of the ancient city, the right bank is called Trastevere, here in ancient times visiting guests settled. On the right bank of the Tiber there is also the Vatican, the smallest state in the world, the capital of the Catholic world.

Rome won our hearts with an amazing combination of antiquity, Renaissance art, the sophistication of different architectural styles, classical music sounding in the subway, from the windows of cars and buses (we didn’t hear chanson or pop music)), romance, delicious Italian national cuisine, emotional and pleasant people .Rome has its own special atmosphere and unique energy. It has many faces and every traveler will perceive the capital of Italy in his own way.

How to get to Rome

The most convenient and fastest way is by plane. We flew a direct flight Kiev-Rome. 2.5 hours and you are in the capital of Italy! The view from above is amazing. Italian mountains!

Sea and coast of Italy!

An excellent service that we, our relatives and friends use is Skyskanner.com.ua - search for cheap air tickets. It quickly compares offers from hundreds of airlines and selects the best deals. In this case, you book air tickets directly on the airline’s website, receiving all the required bonuses. It’s easy to find a flight ticket to Rome on the website. Enter your data into the search and choose the best flight for you.

You can also get to Rome by bus from other European cities. Tickets can be purchased on the following services:

Pros: The price of a taxi is fixed when ordering, they greet you with a name plate, adjust to your flight, and help with your luggage. Calculate the cost of a taxi, fill out the form below:

Car rent.

Do I need to rent a car? Just to visit Rome you don't need to rent a car. It is more economical and convenient to combine public transport with walking in the city. Renting a car is suitable if you are planning trips outside of Rome. You can rent a car profitably and inexpensively on the website Rentalcars. This service compares car rental prices from well-known companies and helps you choose the best option.

Public transport in Rome.

In the capital of Italy it is convenient to travel by public transport: buses, metro, trams, commuter trains. At the tram or bus stop there is a board with transport numbers and route points. It's hard to get lost))) From Fiumicino Airport to the center of Rome you can easily get by train or bus. Travel time is about 35-40 minutes.

The metro in Rome has 3 lines: A, B and B1, C. Outside of Rome, for example, there is a surface metro line to the beaches of Lido di Ostia. We cannot say that the metro in Rome is beautiful. It is decorated simply, without design frills, and is perceived as an ordinary means of transportation.

Metrebus (or BIT) tickets for public transport in Rome are valid for all modes of transport. Metro, bus, tram, as well as suburban trains Roma-Lido, Termini-Giardinetti and Roma-Civitacastellana-Viterbo, form a single system of the transport company ATAC. Company website http://www.atac.roma.it - ​​here you can find current prices and transport routes. A ticket for 100 minutes costs 1.5 euros, you can use it once in the metro, including transitions from line to line, and change to different bus and tram routes many times during this limited time.

Ticket price with unlimited number of trips: for 1 day – 7 euros, for 48 hours – 12.5 euros, for 72 hours – 18 euros and for a week – 24 euros. The ticket must be validated, and from that moment the countdown of its validity begins.

Helpful advice: It is profitable to purchase tickets for an unlimited number of trips for any type of public transport in Rome. We bought tickets for 72 hours at the metro ticket office and traveled for 3 days around Rome by metro, buses and commuter train to the town of Lido di Ostia to swim in the sea. In our case, when the hotel was on the outskirts of the city, this was an economical option.

But, if your hotel is located close to the center, then there is no need to buy a pass with an unlimited number of trips. After all, Rome is a compact city, convenient for tourists. You arrive at one “point”, look around everything on foot and drive back. An example is our routes around Rome below in the article. The calculation is very simple: a ticket for 1 day costs 7 euros, to pay for it you need to make at least 5 trips per day. But in compact Rome it will be difficult to do this in one day))).

Tourist buses also operate around Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Bus (tickets from 24 euros for 24 hours). There is also such an offer - Bus tour Hop-On Hop-Off “Museum Express”– a blue bus that goes to the most popular museums in Rome. The price depends on the route and duration (24, 48 or 72 hours). As for me, it makes sense to take such a bus if you plan to visit Rome for only a few hours or one day and want to quickly see the main attractions of the city. Getting around on foot and by public transport is also a great opportunity to see Rome. After all, it is always interesting to find out how real Rome lives, and not the ostentatious tourist one.

Where to stay. Hotels and apartments in Rome.

You can book accommodation in the center of Rome using these links:

Advantageous promotions of hotels in Rome and special offers with discounts can be found here:

Maps of Rome, guides, phrase books.

Maps of Rome, as well as a schedule of upcoming events in the city, can be obtained free of charge at any tourist office.

Helpful advice: We have noticed that in any country they are very welcoming to tourists who speak or at least try to say a few words in the local language.

Before our trip to Rome, we stocked up on an Italian phrasebook. He helped us on this trip, although in the city center you can easily ask for directions in English)))

We also purchased a guide to Rome with a map. He helped us in planning routes around Rome. In it we added the necessary places or coordinates with a pen.

Food and water in Rome.

Bravo! Benissimo! Fantastico!Va bene! – and I would like to say many more such words in honor of Italian cuisine. This is my favorite cuisine: pizza, lasagna, ravioli, pasta, risotto, minestrone and for dessert tiramisu, panna cotta, gelato, Italian coffee, fine wines and liqueurs, different types of cheeses.

Where to eat in Rome. There are no problems with this in the capital of Italy. There are many restaurants, cafes, osterias, trattorias, pizzerias, and gelaterias. It’s better to go not to a tourist place, but to an establishment with the most local residents. Usually they are a little further from the center. The prices are cheaper and the food is delicious and authentic. Restaurants in Italy are expensive and prestigious places, cafes are usually self-service, trattorias, pizzerias and osterias are establishments with affordable prices and Italian cuisine. (although you need to be careful, sometimes expensive restaurants may be called Trattoria or Osteria). Usually, at the entrance to a cafe or trattoria, a menu with prices is posted.

Helpful advice: In Italy there is an unspoken rule: If you drink coffee at the bar, then the price is the same. But as soon as you sit down at the table and the waiter serves you, the bill for the order increases almost 3 times. After all, this bill includes fees for serving and serving. For example, a cup of coffee-latte (emphasis on A)) in Castel Sant'Angelo at the bar cost 1.5 euros, and at a table in a romantic setting with views of Rome - 3.5 euros.

Rome. At the Castel Sant'Angelo

A separate story about ice cream. We once met some friends who also went to Rome. Let's exchange impressions. And then the phrase sounds: “We ate such delicious ice cream in Rome... Ice cream!!! called. We bought it near the Colosseum.” We ask: “Have you tried gelato?” - "And what is it?" Curtain... In Italy you must try gelato!

Gelato is an amazing Italian ice cream. It is sold in gelaterias. There are many of them in Rome. We found one of these at the San Paolo metro station. While we were waiting for the bus, we bought ourselves gelato each time. We tried different flavors, the choice is very large. The system is like this - you choose a waffle cone for 1.5, 2, 3 or more euros. (the more, the more expensive). And the seller fills this cone with the gelato flavors that you like. It turns out to be such an impressive pyramid of ice cream scoops of different types. The deliciousness is incredible!

Helpful advice: In Rome you can drink water from fountains. It is absolutely safe and very convenient. The only thing is that the water is very cold. You can always freshen up, fill a bottle with water and wander further, getting to know this unique city.

Interestingly, a real aqueduct was built in ancient Rome. Fountain means “source”. Once upon a time, fountains served only to supply the Romans with water and did not shoot upward. Water was carried from the hillsides through long aqueducts to Rome. At the same time, it underwent triple filtration: it was purified with coal, sand, and then herbs. Therefore, the Romans did not suffer from stomach diseases due to poor quality water. In the 4th century, there were more than 800 fountains in the city, and a hundred baths were in operation.

Shopping in Rome.

Italy is one of the trendsetter countries. Rome is a city where exploring unique historical, cultural and architectural attractions is perfectly combined with shopping. Boutiques of famous designers can be visited while walking along the streets of Rome. In addition, the capital of Italy has large shopping centers and outlets outside the city.

Store opening hours in Rome are from 9-00 to 19-00 or 20-00. In many, except outlets and shopping centers, there is a break from 13-00 to 15-00 (siesta)) and a day off (or a short day) on Sunday.

Inscription "Skonti" means “discounts” in Italian. The season of big discounts for the most economical purchases occurs in the winter in January-February, and in the summer in July-August. During sales periods, prices drop by 50-70%. In stores with the inscription Tax Free foreign buyers have the right to receive a VAT refund on purchases of 155 euros and above. A special coupon is issued for this. At customs, in a special window for Tax Free payments, it is provided along with a receipt and unpacked purchases. (it’s better to arrive at the airport earlier, because there may be a long line of people waiting). Sometimes the owner or seller immediately gives a discount right in the stores, that’s what happened to us)))

Expensive and respectable boutiques located next to Piazza di Spagna (Spagna metro station) on Condotti, Gregoriana, Babuino, Borgognona, Frattina streets. Brands such as Gucci, Valentino, Armani, Tods, Trussardi, Dolce&Gabbana and many other famous fashion houses are represented here.

Stores in the middle price range with more affordable prices you can find Via Nazionale (on this street there are many shops with a good selection of leather goods and fur coats), Via del Corso, Via Barberinini, Via Vittoria, near the Vatican and the Ottaviano metro station - Via Cola di Rienzo.

Also popular for shopping in Rome large shopping centers Oviesse, Coin, Euroma, Upim, La Rinascente, Galleria Alberto Sordi. They work on Sundays, and there is no siesta break in these shopping centers. Same as in outlets.

Outlets in Rome These are entire towns outside the city. You can come here for almost half a day)))

Outlet "Castel Romano" located 25 km from Rome. It presents last year's collections of luxury and mass-market brands with discounts: Dolce&Gabbana, Gucci, Fendi, Armani and other famous brands. There is a regular bus service from Termini train station and Piazza Risorgimento to Castel Romano.

Outlet "Valmontone" popular among the local population, located 40 km from Rome. It has products in the mid-price range, but at the same time of excellent Italian quality. The following brands of clothing and shoes are represented: Baldinini, Twin Set, From By Vestebene, Kocca, Feyem, Manila Grace. The bus to the Valmontone outlet also leaves from Termini railway station.

Techer Outlet Convenient location in the center of Rome. It is close to Plaza España and Via del Corso. This outlet actually carries the same brands as Castel Romano. At Techer you will find discounts on clothes, shoes and accessories from famous brands such as Armani, D&G, RoccoBarocc, Gigli, Fendi, Versace.

Safety in Rome

On hot days, walking around the Italian capital simply requires water, a hat, sunscreen and comfortable shoes. Heels and the stone-paved streets of Rome are simply incompatible))) But that's not all...

Before the trip, our relatives warned us about theft in Italy right on the street. Unfortunately, they had a bitter experience. Although they knew about this problem, they seemed to be holding their bags at the ready, but they stared at the Roman beauty and took the bag off their shoulders. And the thief on a motorcycle (he didn’t admire the beauty of Rome, but only tourists) grabbed his purse and drove off.

Helpful advice: Do not carry all your money, cards and documents with you. Leave it in the hotel safe. Always make photocopies of your passports and visas at home. Travel with photocopies of documents in your backpack. Wear the bag not just on your shoulder, but “at the ready” - over your neck and shoulder, so that it is impossible for passing or running “sneaks” to take your bag off on the go.

How tourists are scammed out of money is a separate topic. For example, gladiators near the Colosseum. Before our trip to Rome, we read about this on many websites and decided not to deal with such “photo gladiators” at all. Before you have time to look back, you already owe a good amount of money for photos with arrogant “legionary faces”. How does this happen? You agree on the price of one photo. During the filming process, the “gladiator”, while you are in “tourist nirvana”, quickly changes poses, hands you a sword, shield and... bills you for several photos, instead of one. The second type of “gladiator” scam is when several more “legionnaires” run up to you during the photo session. Now everyone will have to pay extra for the photo separately.

And they themselves observed such a “swindle” of money near the Colosseum. We went to the fountain at the Roman Forum to drink water. Here we see a man filling half-liter bottles with water. There were about 10-15 containers. We think he’s probably trying for his entire tourist group. Well done))) BUT... when we approached the Colosseum, we saw how this “caring” man was busy selling water from the freezer in the same bottles. The heat is unbearable, tourists happily buy bottles of ice. This is business!!!

We read a lot about how Roman taxi drivers cheat and demand much more money for travel than they initially agreed on. We have not encountered such a phenomenon. On the contrary, taxi drivers not only didn’t take tips, they even gave us a discount, and along the way they also told us about the city)))

And one more thing - do not buy tickets to the Colosseum (with the promise of skipping the queue) from the hands of illegal guides on the Colosseum Square. I wrote about this below in the route of the first day.

What to see in Rome in three days. Walking routes. Sights of Rome.

The capital of Italy pleasantly surprised with its compactness. Attractions are located at every step and close to each other. This is very convenient for a traveler, because to see the most interesting things you don’t need to travel from one end of the city to the other. We happily wandered on foot through the colorful Roman streets and beautiful squares with fountains, enjoying the atmosphere of the “eternal city”.

I love such colorful streets. By the way, “area pedonale” is a pedestrian zone. Just for curious hikers))

And when the brain has already refused to perceive the architectural masterpieces and ancient sights of Rome, it’s time to treat yourself to delicious Italian dishes, pizza, lasagna, pasta, wines or gelato ice cream.

We built our acquaintance with the capital of Italy according to the following principle: we arrive by metro to one point in Rome and examine everything that is nearby. For three days these were the routes.

Walking route around Rome. The first day.

Colosseum Square - Palatine Hill - Roman Forums - Colosseum Amphitheater - Imperial Forums - Venice Square - Capitol Hill

The route takes a whole day. Starts from Colosseo metro station and Colosseo square and ends at Capitol Hill. It is dedicated to Ancient Rome.

The famous Colosseum amphitheater impresses with its scale, grandeur and... a huge winding line of tourists to the ticket office. Immediately, in addition to the “gladiators,” illegal guides may approach you with an offer to visit the Colosseum without queuing for a small fee (in addition to the ticket price). Another deception of gullible tourists.

Helpful advice:How to skip the line to the Colosseum

The secret is simple. Single tickets are sold for the Palatine Hill, the Roman Forums and the Colosseum. Cost 12 euros. The ticket is valid for 2 days, but it can only be used to visit these attractions once. The line at the Colosseum ticket office is the longest. A single ticket can also be purchased at the Palatine ticket office, the Roman Forum ticket office, and can also be booked online on the Colosseum website. (but on the website the extra charge for booking is 2 euros).

We bought single tickets at the Palatine ticket office and began our walk through the antiquities of Rome from this hill. The Palatine ticket office is easy to find: go behind the Arch of Constantine in Colosseum Square and follow the signs for Monte Palatino along Via di San Gregorio. Before us at the Pilatino box office there were only 5!!! Human. (at a time when the line to the Colosseum numbered about a hundred tourists). The ticket office of the Roman Forums is located on the street. Via Sacra and on st. Largo Romolo e Remo.

Read more in this article:

The route is very interesting. A lot of impressions for lovers of antiquities and history. It has one drawback - it is “overload” at the end of the day)))) I will write more about the Colosseum-Capitol route in a separate article. In the meantime, some photos of the first day in Rome))

Coliseum. Photo at the exit from the Colosseum metro station

Arch of Constantine

Hill Palatine. It’s nice to wander around the ancient ruins while listening to the loud singing of cicadas. Italian pine trees create a special color.

Roman forums. View from Palatine Hill. The Forum was the center of cultural and political life in Ancient Rome.

Coliseum. It is very interesting to see this building from the inside.

Geographic maps with the history of the Roman Empire . Placed on the wall of the Basilica of Maxentius. This is on the other side of the forums. You can find them by moving along Via dei Fori Imperiali from Piazza Colosseum to Piazza Venezia.

Imperial forums. Trajan's Market and the Tower of the Militia.

Trajan's Column and the Church of Santa Maria di Loreto. Do you know what connects this ancient column of Emperor Trajan and the city of Kamenets-Podolsky? The answer is in our article:

Venice Square and Altar of the Fatherland. Italians often call this monumental building a “typewriter” or a “wedding cake.”

Capitol Square. Palazzo Senatori. Here is the City Hall of Rome.

Capitol Museum.

Walking route around Rome. Second day.

Vatican (St. Peter's Basilica and museums) – Castel Sant'Angelo – Ponte Sant'Angelo – Piazza Navona - Pantheon

An experience-filled walk around Rome for the whole day.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to climb the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica or visit the Vatican Museums or the Sistine Chapel. The reason for this was the huge queues and the desire to see other famous attractions in Rome. But now tourists have the opportunity to avoid queues at the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel and even St. Peter's Basilica. How to do it?

Helpful advice: How to skip the line at the Vatican Museums.

The answer is simple! Online ticket booking on the official website of the Vatican Museums, on this page, will help with this. Buy your ticket in advance. This can be done 60 days before visiting the museums. Enter all the people who plan to go to museums with you, select the date and time of the visit. Price 16 euros + 4 euros for booking, i.e. only 20 euros. You pay with a credit card and immediately after that you receive a voucher with a QR code by email. Entrance to museums using vouchers received by email. In an hour!! Before the scheduled time, go to the right of the main queue and the main entrance, present a printed voucher (you can also show your QR code on a tablet or phone, the main thing is that the code is clearly readable) and an ID card. After scanning the code, you will be given a standard ticket to the Vatican Museums. Come in without queuing.

How to skip the line at St. Peter's Basilica.

Entry to St. Peter's Basilica is free. (Paid - museum inside the Cathedral and climbing to the dome). But at the same time, to get into St. Peter's Basilica, you need to stand in a long line at any time of the year. It “winds” around St. Peter's Square. It moves quickly, but with such a large number of people, you will have to stand for at least two hours. But even here there is an opportunity to skip the line. There is a paid service - “Skip-the-line visits to St. Peter’s Cathedral.” The cost of saving your time is from 15 euros. The price includes an audio guide. You can purchase this service online on that website.

Read how to buy tickets to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel here:

I will make a detailed description of this Vatican-Pantheon route in a separate article. But I’ll be happy to post some photos from this bright walk on the second day here))

Vatican – the smallest state in the world. Saint Paul's Cathedral.

St. Peter's Square.

In St. Peter's Basilica. Greatness, beauty, spirituality.

Vatican Post. Be sure to send a postcard home from the unique Vatican Post Office.

Castle of Sant'Angelo. named after the Archangel Michael, who, with his miraculous appearance at the top of the castle, notified the Romans of the end of the plague.

Statue of Archangel Michael on top of Castel Sant'Angelo.

Castel Sant'Angelo offers stunning views of Rome.

And in the distance is the Altar of the Fatherland in Piazza Venezia (wedding cake, as the Italians say)

Bridge of the Holy Angel. There are 10 statues of angels on it.

Piazza Navona. There is an amazing atmosphere here. Even though there are a lot of people around, you just want to sit on a bench by the fountain or at a cafe table and enjoy the surrounding beauty, without rushing anywhere. Three beautiful fountains decorate Piazza Navona: the Fountain of the Rivers, the Fountain of the Moor and the Fountain of Neptune.

Fountain of the Rivers in Piazza Navona.

Fountain of the Moor in Piazza Navona.

Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva and the Elephant statue. The trial of the heretic Galileo took place in this Gothic church, unique to Rome. Here the scientist said his famous phrase: “And yet it spins!” Bernini's elephant holds on its back an obelisk column, which was erected in the 6th century BC. Julius Caesar brought it as a trophy from Egypt.

Pantheon- ancient Roman temple of all gods. Now it is a national mausoleum in which worthy citizens of the Fatherland are buried.

The dome of the Pantheon is colossal. Its diameter is greater than the diameter of the dome of St. Peter's Cathedral (43.5 meters. “Eye of the Pantheon” - the hole in the dome has a diameter of 9 meters, through which sunlight penetrates into the temple.

Walking route around Rome. Day three.

Trip to the sea in Lido di Ostia – Pyramid – shopping on Via Nazionale – Piazza di Spagna – Trevi Fountain

This full-day itinerary is very diverse: the sea, shops, architecture, the romance of evening Rome and the unique flavor of the city.

We traveled to the Tyrrhenian Sea to the town of Lido di Ostia by metro train from the Basilica San Paolo station. The drive is about 35-40 minutes. The ticket price is the same as for any public transport in Rome. We were traveling on a ticket for unlimited travel, which we bought for 72 hours. Lido di Ostia is a typical Italian resort town. By the way, it is very similar to the resort town of Rimini, on the east coast of Italy. Read about this town here:

The same small family hotels, beaches across the road, boutique shops and a lot of vacationers. The sea is wonderful. There are large rocks at the bottom; it’s convenient to swim away from the shore and relax while standing on them. The sand on the beach is dark and hot. After a busy two days in Rome, a holiday at sea is an excellent solution. We spent half the day just swimming and sunbathing.

In Lido di Ostia there are free beaches and paid ones - for 3 euros per person. They differ in that the free ones do not have sun loungers and umbrellas and there are significantly more people. Showers, toilets, bars with water, beer, and sandwiches are available on all beaches.

The first time I came across such a “walking clothing store” was on the beaches of Rimini. In Lido di Ostia, as on all beaches in Italy, there are sellers of various clothes, bags, and scarves. “Walkers” do not sell corn, seeds or other food here. Only the Chinese sell chopped coconuts.

Pyramid in Rome - an unusual structure for Italy. Located next to the Pyramid metro station. Built by praetor Gaius Cestius in the 12th century BC. made of marble. He thus sought to surpass the greatness of the Egyptian pharaohs. The height of the pyramid is 35 m, but part of it has already sunk into the ground.

Plaza de España and famous Spanish steps . There are a lot of people here, but it is very comfortable and romantic. It's nice that we met here with friends and colleagues.

There are a lot of people in the Plaza de España – that’s about it)))

Trevi Fountain – one of the most romantic places in Rome. Especially in the evening! To return to Rome, you need to throw a coin into the fountain. While standing with your back, throw with your right hand over your left shoulder. But there are so many people that it’s hard to get to the fountain)))

Excursions around Rome.

We talked about routes for independent walks around the capital of Italy. You can also book a private tour of Rome and its surroundings with a local guide.

In the following articles I will describe each of our routes in more detail. I’ll also tell you about how we traveled from Rome to Naples and Pompeii. Therefore, stay with us - join our groups on social media. networks (column on the right of the site) or subscribe to our blog updates at the bottom of this article and you will definitely not miss new stories and useful tips about traveling to Rome.)))

Rome is an amazing city. He makes you fall in love instantly and for a long time))) Of course, you can’t see everything in three days. There is still so much we haven’t had time to see: Villa Borghese Park, the Appian Way and the Roman Catacombs, Baths of Caracalla, Mouth of Truth, the Turtle Fountain, Piazza del Popolo with the twin churches - you can’t list everything)))

I think that you can’t get acquainted with Rome in a hurry, running around all the sights according to a drawn-up plan and checking the “visited” box in the guidebook. Rome should be enjoyed slowly, absorbing the unique and incredibly romantic atmosphere of the “eternal city”.

Self-guided walking tours in Rome– this is the best way to get to know the Eternal City.

Walk a lot and never get on the bus or go down the subway. This is the only way you can penetrate the soul of Rome, discover its secluded sides, little-known streets, parks, private gardens and non-tourist restaurants and bars.

“The breeze carries the scent of the Tiber. You don’t look at Rome, but dive into it, and it accepts you like warm water. History is everywhere, like a layer of healing mud on a river bottom.” Graham Joyce

For your convenience, I have tried to prepare the best, In my opinion, walking tours of Rome, which you can easily organize on one's own.

Route No. 1.

Start of the route– Colosseum (metro line B – Colosseo)

End of the route– Navona Square (piazza Navona)

« The Colosseum, Rome's largest and sweetest candy, half eaten by time, still bears the marks of history's teeth." Graham Joyce

• The real name is the Flavian Amphitheater in honor of the imperial family.
• In Ancient Rome, a third of the life of the local population took place in the Colosseum, where battles, competitions and holidays took place for up to 100 days a year. Admission was free, and the spectators were given food - panies et circenses - bread and circuses, as the poet Juvenal spoke about this custom in 100 AD.
• The architectural and logistical solution used in the Colosseum and called vomitoria (from the Latin vomere “to spew out”) is still used in the construction of stadiums: many entrances are located evenly along the entire perimeter of the building. Thanks to this layout of the Colosseum, the public could fill the Colosseum in 15 minutes and leave in 5 (the Colosseum had 80 entrances).
• According to various sources, the Colosseum accommodated from 55 to 77 thousand spectators.
• On its roof, during performances, sailors of the imperial fleet were stationed, sent to stretch a huge awning over the amphitheater to protect spectators from the scorching rays of the sun or from bad weather.
• Fights between animals in the Colosseum sometimes took on a very interesting form: a crocodile was released against a lion, a python against a bear.
• More than 9,000 animals died during the opening of the arena and another 11,000 were killed during the 100-day festival hosted by Emperor Trajan. According to conservative estimates, over the course of its existence, more than 500,000 people and more than 1 million animals died in the Colosseum arena.
• After the fall of the Roman Empire and more than 450 years of gladiatorial combat, executions, and animal persecution, the Colosseum was filled with shacks and stables, and its stones were used to build other structures.
• Paul McCartney became the first rock musician to perform at the Colosseum in 2003. Only 400 spectators attended the concert. Tickets for the concert could be purchased at a special auction; the starting price started at $600.

You can learn more interesting facts about the Colosseum by watching the film:

Interesting facts about the Roman Forum:

• The Roman Forum is the center of the social and political life of Ancient Rome.
• The speeches of Roman orators, politicians, and military leaders were heard from its stands. It was the main arena for public meetings and celebrations. All the most important city events took place at the Forum.
• In Ancient Rome, the population reached 1.5 million people. Such a huge city could exist normally only if there was a high-quality water supply and sewerage system. Otherwise, Rome would have been doomed to extinction from epidemics.
• The ancient Romans built water pipelines, aqueducts, fountains, baths, and between the Palatine and Capitoline hills, under the Roman Forum, the Great Cloaca (Cloaca Maxima) is still located. This is one of the largest ancient sewer systems. It is interesting that this canal, created in the 5th-6th centuries BC, is still functioning.
• With the fall of the empire, the Roman Forum lost its social significance and was almost overgrown with weeds, until Christians began to build their temples on it. In the 19th and 20th centuries, archaeological excavations began here, as a result of which the forum acquired modern cultural significance.

Other interesting facts:

• The average age of life of the ancient Romans did not exceed 41 years.
• The month of August was named after the Roman Emperor Augustus.
• The tradition of the wedding kiss came to us from the Roman Empire.

I don't recommend visiting Roman Forum itself. An unprepared traveler will not be interested here, and in hot weather the walk will become simply unbearably difficult: a chaos of columns, porticos, arches... it is very difficult to figure out what is what without a historical education. Many of the ruins here look so ruinous that even imagination cannot help you imagine what the forum looked like in ancient Rome.

Don’t spoil your impression and don’t waste your money senselessly - it’s better to book at the Roman Forum or watch films about Ancient Rome and the history of the Roman Forum in advance.

Restored Roman Forum - 3D reconstruction

Ancient Rome: History of appearance

1. Capitol Square and the Church of Santa Maria Aracheli.

Interesting facts about the Capitol:

• In ancient times, this was the highest part of the city (acropolis - upper city). Temples have been built here since time immemorial, and in the Middle Ages it was the political center of Rome. By the way, today the city hall is located here.
• Michelangelo himself designed this elegant piazza and completely rebuilt it. He changed the orientation towards St. Peter's Basilica, which at that time became the new political center of the city.
• Thanks to Michelangelo's reverse perspective effect, the area appears much larger than it actually is.
• Star paving, enhancing this effect, was added in 1940.
• In the center is a copy of a bronze equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (originally located in the Roman Forum). The original survived and was not destroyed along with other pagan idols due to the fact that it was long mistaken for a statue of Emperor Constantine.
• Where the Temple of Juno Moneta (the mint of imperial Rome) was located, the Franciscan Church of St. Mary of Araceli was built. The first written mentions of the basilica date back to the 8th century.
• The basilica houses the relics of Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine, as well as a copy of the wooden sculpture of the Holy Child (Santo Bambino). The original was made in the 15th century from an olive tree grown in the Garden of Gethsemane. The baby was believed to have miraculous powers. In 1994, the original sculpture was stolen and has not yet been found.
• The Cordonata staircase, consisting of 124 steps, leads to the basilica. It was also designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century, commissioned by Pope Paul III.
• In the 18th century, with the spread of lotteries in Rome, it was believed that if you climb the steps on your knees and say a prayer, the winning numbers will definitely appear.
• At the bottom of the stairs there are two granite Egyptian lions. An interesting fact is that during the holidays dedicated to the election of popes Innocent X (1644-1655) and later Clement X, white and red wine flowed from the mouths of these lions.
• At the top of the stairs are statues of the Dioscuri, the legendary twins Castor and Pollux, born of the earthly woman Leda from Zeus. Geminis were always depicted with horses, as they were believed to be the patrons of these animals. The statues were found in 1583 during excavations of the Theater of Pompey.

1. TimeElevator – 5D

I suggest making the next stop on Via dei SS. Apostoli, 20 – 00187 Roma (RM).

Here is a 5D cinema: in a fun and interactive way you can learn the most important historical facts of Rome, and special effects help to enhance the experience.

The cinema's audio system allows you to watch a film in 5 languages, incl. and in Russian.

Ticket price: children – 9 euros, adults – 12 euros.

1. Shopping on the streetviadelCorso and ice cream break at one of the oldest gelaterias in Rome -Giolitty

• This place still belongs to the descendants of its founders.
• Since 1890, there have been no fundamental changes in the interior, and the recipes, as expected, are shrouded in a dense veil of secrecy.
• This place is visited by many famous Italians: Silvio Berlusconi, Monica Bellucci, Romano Prodi, Giorgio Napolitano and of course high-ranking (and not so high-ranking) tourists - Barack Obama, John Travolta, Justin Timberlake and others).

6. The next stop on our self-guided walking tour in Rome is the Pantheon.

• Pantheon – “temple of all gods”. In its modern form, it was built in 126 under Emperor Hadrian.
• Being a pagan temple, the building has survived to this day thanks to the fact that on November 1, 609, under Pope Boniface IV, it was consecrated as the Christian Church of St. Mary and the Martyrs.
• Until the 19th century, the dome of the Pantheon was considered the largest in the world. Its construction was made possible thanks to the invention of concrete by the Romans. Since this fact was kept secret for a long time, there was a legend that the dome was built on top of a hill of earth mixed with gold coins, which were poured inside the structure by order of Hadrian. Upon completion of construction, it was announced that anyone could take the coins for themselves. For several days, the townspeople searched for gold and cleared out the Pantheon in the process. The height of the building is 42.7 meters, the diameter of the dome is 43.3 meters (equal to the diameter of the rotunda).
• The artist Raphael, King Vittorio Emanuele II of Italy, his son King Umberto I, Queen Margaret of Savoy and the architect Baldassare Peruzzi are buried in the Pantheon.

More interesting facts about the Pantheon You can find out by watching this documentary:

1. Next we head to the most beautiful square in Rome - Piazza Navona.

Interesting facts about Piazza Navona:

• On the site of Piazza Navona from the 1st to the 5th centuries AD. There was the Domitian Stadium, where running competitions were held. The second name of the stadium is Agonov Arena (from the ancient Greek “ἀγών” - “competition”). Closer to the Middle Ages, this term was transformed into “n’agone”. The name was eventually simplified to "navona".
• Piazza Navona is the most outstanding example of Baroque in Rome.
• In the 16th-17th centuries, residential buildings began to be built on the site of the stands, and the arena itself turned into a square.
• Churches began to be built here, the first of which appeared on the site of a former brothel. This temple was dedicated to the Holy Martyr Agnes, very revered by Catholics.
• Saint Agnes lived during the reign of Emperor Diocletian (3rd – early 4th centuries). At the age of 12, she decided to devote herself to serving God, so she rejected the advances of the son of the Roman prefect Sempronius. The prefect, having learned about this, accused the girl of witchcraft and gave her a choice: either make a sacrifice to the pagan goddess Vesta, or go to a brothel. Agnes refused and was taken to a brothel in Piazza Navona. When the Christian woman's clothes were torn off, her hair instantly grew back and covered her nakedness, then an Angel appeared and illuminated the girl with light. They tried to burn her at the stake as a witch, but the fire went out, then one of the soldiers pulled out a sword and cut off the unfortunate woman’s head. Agnes's body is buried in the Roman catacombs, which bear her name Sant'Agnese fuori le Mura, and her head is kept in the crypt of the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone. For millions of believers, Saint Agnes is a symbol of holiness, purity and purity.
• The Church of Sant`Agnese in Agone was built on Piazza Navona by one of the geniuses of architecture, Francesco Borromini. Borromini visually expanded and extended small spaces, replacing straight architectural lines and planes with curved and rounded ones, showing his genius in this.
• Opposite the church is a fountain created by Borromini's main rival, Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini - the Fountain of Four Rivers. The Fountain of the Four Rivers is considered one of the most precious fountains in Rome. Four marble statues of the river gods - the Nile, the Danube, the Tigris and La Plata - recline in limestone grottoes.
• In the center of the fountain is a Roman copy of an Egyptian obelisk.