With an artistic heritage dating back to Etruscan times, Rome is one of the world’s great art cities. Throughout history, it has played a starring role in the major upheavals of Western art and the results are there for all to see – amazing classical statues, stunning Renaissance frescoes, breathtaking baroque churches. Walk around the centre and even without trying you’ll come across masterpieces by the greats of the artistic pantheon – sculptures by Michelangelo, paintings by Caravaggio, frescoes by Raphael, fountains by Bernini. In Rome, art is not locked away from view, it’s quite literally all around you.
But there’s more to Rome than history, fine art and great
food. Rome is Italy’s capital and largest city, and while history reverberates
all around, modern life is lived to the full. Rome is Italy’s political and
religious heartbeat and the twin presence of government and Church dominates
the city. Many city-centre palazzi house government offices while over in the
Vatican the dome of St Peter’s Basilica serves to remind everyone of the pope’s
presence. Political intrigue is thick in the air and as tourists tuck into
their pasta politicians hunker down to hatch plots over spaghetti and wine.
Top
10 Places to Visit in Rome
1. Ostia
Antica
Let’s be honest, when you were thinking of what to see in
Rome, Ostia Antica probably wasn’t the first site you came across. Yet this
underrated gem is one of Rome’s best tourist attractions. Ostia contains the
amazingly well preserved remains of Rome’s ancient port – it’s quiet,
fascinating and just brilliant to explore.
2. The
Colosseum
Now the Colosseum, that crops up on every list of sites to
see in Rome there ever was. And with good reason. Once the largest amphitheatre
of the Empire, where gladiators, criminals and lions alike fought for their
lives, the Colosseum is an absolute must for any tour of Rome, despite crowds
and cheap costumes.
3. Villa
dei Quintili
Of all the places to visit in Rome, Villa dei Quintili is one
of the most forgotten. Yet this ancient villa, once home to Emperor Commodus
(the baddie in Gladiator), is captivating. It remains in good nick all-in-all,
and you can even see Commodus’ private gladiatorial training arena (not that it
did him much good in the film.)
4. San
Clemente
Ever heard of Mithras? If things had gone differently you
might be worshipping the guy. A popular Roman deity, there were Mithraeum
across the Empire. One example is under the beautiful San Clemente. There’s
loads to see in the depths of this church – so when considering what to see in
Rome, definitely check this out.
5. Palatine
Hill
Let’s face it, the Palatine Hill was the Primrose Hill of its
day – where all those who wanted to see and be seen had a pad. Today it’s among
the most visited of Rome’s tourist attractions and houses some of the city’s
most impressive ancient sites. Don’t miss the small museum and the houses of
Augustus and Livia.
6. Roman
Forum
One of the most famous places to visit in Rome, the Forum was
the centre of Roman life. Today it lacks its former grandeur and needs a bit of
imagination to really get the idea – until the oft-touted Roman theme park is
built of course – but it does have loads to see. There are free tours you can
join and these are worthwhile.
7. Vatican
Museums
You can’t come to Rome without visiting the Vatican Museums
which are rightfully placed among the top sights in Rome. From frescoes by
Raphael and the sarcophagus of the Junius Bassus to the famed Sistine Chapel,
they house a comprehensive collection of artwork and historical pieces from
throughout history.
8.
Catacombs of San Callisto
Eerie, creepy yet fascinating at the same time, Rome plays
host to a number of tucked-away Christian catacombs. The largest crypt belongs
to that of San Callisto, which holds half a million bodies and offers tourist a
glimpse of the macabre. When considering what to see in Rome,
this is certainly
one for your left-field list.
9. Via
Appia Antica
If all roads lead to Rome then this was the ancient world’s
biggest superhighway and is a key entry on any list of what to see in Rome. Not
only was it Rome’s most prominent artery, it was also the burial place of choice
for many of Rome’s citizens and today you can see a host of tombs and public
buildings.
10.
Hadrian’s Villa
The private residence of one of Rome’s most famous Emperors,
it turns out he liked building villas as well as walls. Nowadays the remains of
Hadrian’s Villa are a bit of a trek and may not often feature among the top
places to visit in Rome. But if you put in the effort, you won’t be
disappointed.
About PRABISH BISHUNGKHE
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