Rome Essentials
Courtesy of La dolce vita movie
Exploring a city as steeped in history as Rome can be a bit overwhelming due to the multitude of options. To simplify your experience, we've curated a succinct list of must-see historical sites, ensuring you make the most of your visit without feeling inundated by choices.
Villa Borghese: Villa Borghese 41°54′51′′N 12°29′32′′E is a 197.7-acre landscape garden in the city of Rome, containing many buildings, statues, groves, and walking paths, a water clock, and even museums such as Galleria Borghese. In the 19th century, Camillo and Francesco Borghese expanded the park's surface, and in 1903, the Villa was purchased by the Italian state and used as a public park.
Baths of Caracalla: The baths were commissioned by Emperor Septimus Severus. They are capable of accommodating up to 1,600 people. The address is: Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Aventino.
Campo De’ Fiori: Flowers and fresh produce are still sold here, which owes its name to that. The square is located south of Piazza Navona, between the borders of Rome's riones, rione Parione, and rione Regola. It takes its name from being a meadow in the Middle Ages.
Trevi Fountain: You can remember the fountain from the Fellini movie ‘La Dolce Vita’. It was built from 1732-62 by the architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini. Visitors usually throw a coin over their shoulder into the water for good luck. Address: Piazza di Trevi, Centro Storico-Trevi.
Palazzo Della Civilta Italiana: It was designed in 1938 by three Italian architects: Giovanni Guerrini, Ernesto La Padula, and Mario Romano. Quadrato is now leased to the luxury brand Fendi, with extensive areas open to the public. Address: Quadrato della Concordia, EUR.
Pantheon: The Pantheon has represented the greatest expression of the glory of Rome for more than two thousand years. It was built in 27 BC by Agrippa and rebuilt by Hadrian, completed in AD 125. Address: Piazza della Rotonda, Centro Storico-Pantheon.
Colosseum: The Colosseum or Flavian Amphitheatre is an oval amphitheater located in Rome, the capital of Italy. Its construction started in 72 AD by Vespasian, a master commander, and was completed in 80 AD during the reign of Titus. Later changes were made during the reign of Domitian. Address: Piazza del Colosseo, Colosseo.
St. Peter's Basilica: It is the largest church of Christianity. The basilica is above all Bernini’s masterpiece. The cupola was designed by Michelangelo. It is the most visited monument in Rome. Address: Piazza San Pietro, Citta del Vaticano.
Janiculum Hill Terrace: Climbing the Palatine Hill, overlooking the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus, you grasp the grandeur of imperial palaces and imagine the emperors who once walked these hallowed grounds. It offers one of the most amazing views of Rome. Becoming the setting for the battle in which Garibaldi repelled an attack from French troops, its paths are full of sculptures of heroes, including Giuseppe Garibaldi. Address: Piazzale Garibaldi.
Accademia Nazionale Di Santa Cecilia: The National Academy of Santa Cecilia is one of the oldest musical institutions in the world. The historic headquarters, still the registered office, is in via Vittoria in Rome, while the entire artistic, administrative, and museum structure has been located in the Auditorium Parco della Musica since 2003. Founded in 1585 with the papal bull Ratione congruent of Pope Sixtus V, it invoked two important saints in the history of Western music: Saint Gregory the Great, who gave his name to Gregorian chant, and Saint Cecilia, patron saint of music.
Photographed by Arthur Elgort, Vogue, December 1994
As we say goodbye to these historical marvels, Rome transforms into a voyage through time, an exploration of the past that leaves an ineffable impact. The resonance of history lingers in each cobblestone and ancient structure, serving as a perpetual reminder that Rome, with its timeless charm, will eternally enchant those who yearn to uncover its rich narrative.
