Rome - 2,772 Birthday this year ;)

1 - Visit the Colosseum/Flavian Amphitheatre - A combined ticket for the Roman Forum, Colosseum,
and Palatine Hill grants access to all three sites and lets you skip the line at the Colosseum.

Trip 1 - South-East

2 - Walk in The Steps of Gladiators Under the Colosseum Arena Floor - Below the arena floor you’ll
see the subterranean backstage that was completely filled in during the 5th century AD, as a result, it
has preserved the area considerably. On the tour, you’ll see where slaves worked, where wild animals
such as lions, tigers, hyenas, and bears were kept and see where gladiators rested, ate, and prayed.Also
included on the tour is special access to the third tier. Sitting at thirty-three metres high, this area
offers unique views unseen from anywhere else in the Colosseum. Enjoy an uninterrupted view of
both of the immense interior of the Colosseum as well as out across Rome.
3 - Arch of Constantine - Dedicated to the great Emperor Constantine to celebrate his victory at the
Battle of Milvian Bridge, the Arch of Constantine is the largest of its kind in Rome and stands next to
the Colosseum. Built in 315 AD it is among the oldest structures in the city and still retains a great
amount of its original detail and artwork. The artwork and sculptures present on the arch are an
amalgamation of many different themes and combine together to form a wonderful display of ancient
history.

4 - Ancient Ruins at the Roman Forum - Trajan’s Column, the Arch of Titus, the Circus Maximus,
Bocca della Veritŕ,Various temples, squares and arches stood here including the temples of Saturn,
Titus and Vesta and the Arch of Severus.
5 - Palatine Hill - In Roman mythology, this is the location where the legendary Romulus and Remus
were supposedly found who then went on to build the city of Rome.Several structures still stand on
this site today including the Flavian Palace and the Temple of Cybele. Admission to the Roman Forum
includes access to Palatine Hill so ensure you make the climb and visit this fantastic viewpoint.

6 - Santo Stefano Rotondo - the First Circular Church in Rome, Built on top of a 2nd-century Mithraic
temple, this church dates back to the 5th century A.D. and is dedicated to St. Stephen, the first martyr.
The altar in the centre of the church was ordered by Pope Gregory XIII (1572-85), along with the
frescoes on outer arcade walls, painted by Antonio Tempesta and Niccolo Circignani, which portray
the grisly deaths of 34 martyrs.
7 - Instead of the Roman Forum, try the Baths of Caracalla - Emperor Caracalla’s immense bathhouse
was constructed between 212-217 AD and, although now deprived of the marble and decorations, the
brick remains give an idea of the huge scale and size of the buildings.

Trip 2 - West

8 - Altar of the Fatherland - Altar of the Fatherland is dedicated to King Victor Emmanuel who was
the first king of unified Italy.
9 - Instead of the Colosseum, try the Theatre of Marcellus - Despite the two buildings bearing more
than a passing resemblance to one another, the Theatre of Marcellus actually pre-dates the Colosseum
by almost a century and certainly provided an inspiration for Vespasian’s amphitheatre. Begun by
Julius Caesar and inaugurated by Augustus in 12 BC, it is dedicated to the nephew and heir of the
latter who died before it was completed. Although the site can only be viewed from the exterior, in the
summer classical music concerts are held regularly at the theatre, allowing participants a peak inside.

10 - Torre Argentina - On any given afternoon a small crowd gathers here to watch the cats sunbathe
on ancient pillars and steps. At first it may be hard to spot the cats, but once you start to see them, they
are everywhere. Visitors can admire the cats and their ruins from street level, or head down the steps
to the underground office to volunteer, peruse the gift shop, donate, and even adopt cats.
11 - The Pantheon - Constructed in 118 AD by emperor Hadrian, the building that stands today was
actually built on the site where an earlier temple stood that was commissioned by Agrippa. A feat of
architectural ingenuity, it was the world’s largest dome until the modern era, has been called the
world’s only architecturally perfect building, and is the best-preserved monument of Imperial Rome.

12 - San Luigi dei Francesi - Most visitors ignore the gaudily lavish interior, and make a beeline for
Caravaggio’s spectacular scenes from the life of St Matthew in the last chapel on the left, the funerary
chapel of Matheiu Cointrel. Don’t let Caravaggio’s brooding brilliance and dramatic effects of light
and shade blind you to the lovely frescoes of scenes from the life of St Cecilia by Domenichino, which
are in the second chapel on the right. Take a few coins for instant meter-operated illumination.
13 - Baroque Rome at Piazza Navona - Built upon the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, Piazza
Navona is an enormous open-space piazza that follows the form of a stadium. It is an important
example of Baroque architecture and contains three large fountains, including Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s
incredible Fountain of the Four Rivers in the center. The piazza is dominated by the 17th century
Sant’Agnese in Agone church.

14 - Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi - Created for Pope Innocent X in 1651, the fountain resides outside the
Pamphili Palace which served as a family residence for the Pope.The fountain depicts the four river
gods and in the centre stands a large Egyptian Obelisk.Each of the four statues pays tribute to one of
the major rivers in the world – The Nile, The Danube, The Ganges and the Rio de la Plata.
15 - Ara Pacis - The Ara Pacis is a 2,000 year old “Altar of Peace” dedicated to the Roman goddess of
peace, “Pax”. It was built during the reign of Emperor Augustus in 9BC to mark the Roman emperor’s
return to the city after spending three years in Hispania and Gaul. Today the monument is housed
within the Ara Pacis Museum, a contemporary glass construction designed by American architect
Richard Meier.

Trip 3 - Nord-West - Vatican

16 - Ponte Sant Angelo - Opening up directly from the front of the castle, this bridge has great
symmetry and it is considered one of the most beautiful and decorative bridges in Rome. A main
feature of the bridge is the 10 angel statues that sit at intervals on the top of the ramparts; these angels
have fantastic detail and each is carrying a different object of significance.
17 - Castle Saint Angelo - Also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, the Castle Saint Angelo is a
circular fort and castle complex that was once the tallest building in Rome.Created in 129 AD, the
castle is truly ancient and was originally intended to serve as a Mausoleum for the Emperor. As time
progressed, the castle became part of the Vatican state and was connected to St.Peter’s Basilica via a
huge corridor named the Passetto di Borgo.

18 - St. Peter’s Basilica/Square - Inside you’ll find Bernini’s masterful altarpiece—the great bronze
baldacchino—and Michelangelo’s Pietŕ.
19 - Vatican and Its Museums - A dual ticket can be purchased to see both the Sistine Chapel and the
museums and it is advised to devote enough time to see both properly.Split into several different
section, the museums include the Museo Pio-Clementino, the Museum Chiaramonti, the Museo
Gregoriano Etrusco and the Museo Gregoriano Egiziano each of which contains different artworks and
themes.

20 - Sistine Chapel - Situated in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican City, the Sistine Chapel was
extensively restored in the 1400’s and the place where the papal enclave takes place – It is here that a
new pope is selecte. The Sistine Chapel is particularly famous for its extensive and detailed
decorations including the Last Judgement fresco by Michelangelo and the ceiling artwork.
Trip 4 - North-East

Ara Pacis ->

21 - Climb the Spanish Steps - Climb the famous steps, the 135 Spanish Steps were constructed in
1725 to span the gap and slope between these two popular squares. Leading to the Trinitŕ dei Monti
church to admire the piazza and Bernini’s ship-shaped fountain from above. If you’re feeling
ambitious, climb to the Villa Medici for stunning views of the Centro Storico. Off to the side of the
steps, you’ll find the Keats-Shelley Memorial House, one of Rome’s best under-the-radar museums.

22 - Zuccari Palace - In Rome there are thousands of churches, old buildings, villas, and each one has
an incredibly ornate, decorative design, be it churches with images of Jesus Christ and the saints or
famous paintings of the Renaissance. But perhaps the most unusual, hilarious, and quirky building is
Zuccari Palace, AKA The Monster House.
23 - Santa Maria della Concezione Crypts - Some 4,000 Capuchin friars who died between 1528 and
1870 are still lying, hanging, and generally adorning the Santa Maria della Concezione crypt in Rome.

24 - Villa Borghese Gardens - As the third largest park in Rome, the gardens cover just under 200
acres of land and contain the Borghese Gallery and the Gallery of National Modern Art.The garden
contains various sections including the Casino Borghese that contains sculptures by Bernini, the Villa
Giulia that contains the Etruscan Museum and the remnants of other villas too.
25 - Galleria Borghese - The impressive building has a beautiful and ornate front facade that has many
stone statues and decoration.Spread across twenty different rooms, the extensive Borghese collection
includes works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Rubens and Titan.Allow ample time to view the masterpieces
on display here and also the magnificent Borghese Villa gardens.

26 - Quartiere Copped Rome - a Hidden Fairy-Tale Neighbourhood, Unknown to most tourists and
even the locals, Quartiere Coppedč gets its name from Gino Coppedč, a Florentine architect who
designed and built the quarter between 1913 and 1926. Upon entering this tiny neighbourhood from
Via Tagliamento and Via Dora, you’ll see Tuscan turrets, Liberty sculptures, Moorish arches, Gothic
gargoyles, frescoed façades, and palm-fringed gardens.
27 - Piazza del Popolo - Located at the top of the Tridente neighborhood, Piazza del Popolo is a large
neoclassical square characterized by two twin churches and an enormous Egyptian obelisk that was
brought to Rome in 10BC. It has a number of ornate fountains within it and three of the city’s main
roads branch off from the piazza, including the busy Via del Corso. Look up and you’ll see the Pincio
terrace in Villa Borghese overlooking the square.

Trip 5 - South-West

28 - Cimitero Acattolico - This heavenly oasis of calm in the midst of a ruckus of traffic has been
Rome’s final resting place for non-Catholic foreigners since 1784. Unofficially known as the
Protestant Cemetery, this charmingly old-world corner of the city also hosts Buddhists, Russian
Orthodox Christians and atheists: a sign points to the grave of Antonio Gramsci, founder of the Italian
Communist Party. The larger, newer section is much more crowded, and slopes up to the crenellations
of the Aurelian Wall.
29 - Pyramid of Cestius - The Pyramid of Cestius was most likely built between 18 and 12 BC. The 36
meter (about 120 feet) high pyramid was built as a tomb for a wealthy Roman under the sway of all
things Egyptian. Little is known about the man who may have once been buried here, since the tomb
was long ago ransacked and the land around it has changed dramatically over the centuries. Now at the
edge of a busy traffic intersection near a major train stop, originally the pyramid was well outside of
the center of the city, surrounded by stately columns and two bronze figures

30 - Monte Testaccio - For more than 250 years the ancient Romans methodically piled up broken
terracotta amphorae, or oil jars, creating Monte Testaccio. Also known as Monte dei Cocci (literally
meaning “Mount of Shards”), the mountain of jars is located right next to the ancient Tiber River port,
and the Horrea Galbae warehouses, which would have been used to store imported goods like olive
oil.
31 - Bonus !!! - Find the Secret Keyhole in the Aventino - If you want to impress your fellow
travelers, find the nondescript door to the Priory of the Knights of Malta up on the Aventine Hill, just
past the orange grove. Peep through the keyhole and you’ll spy a perfect view of Saint Peter’s Basilica
across the city. No one knows if it was designed that way or if it was just a lucky coincidence, but the
centuries-old building is truly majestic. Before entering the hands of the Knights of Malta, it was a
fortified palace belonging to Alberico II, who ruled Rome from 932-954, a Benedictine monastery,
and home to the Knights of Templar.

Side Trips, if you want to...:

32 - Trevi Fountain - Constructed in 1762 by Nicola Salvi, the fountain pays tribute to the Roman
God Oceanus who can be seen riding his chariot pulled by Tritons and taming several Hippocamps..
Legend has it that anyone who throws a coin in the fountain will return to Rome.
33 - Galleria Sciarra - Located just a few steps away from the iconic Trevi Fountain and the
fashionable Via del Corso is a largely unknown courtyard that transports visitors back to the height of
the Art Nouveau movement. Its gorgeous frescoes and brilliant colors are a feast for the eyes and a
welcome change from the pale, faded ancient Roman ruins scattered throughout the city.

34 - Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore - Listed as a Basilica Major, it is one of the largest churches in
Rome and is located in the Piazza of the same name.Whilst the outside is stunning in its own right,
interior is simply breathtaking and features a huge amount of gold decoration, frescos and detailed
paintings both on the walls and ceilings.
35 - Explore Trastevere - The vibe is hip and bohemian, and you’ll find plenty of boutiques selling
jewelry, perfumes, and handicrafts in a neighborhood where you can stroll aimlessly through the
cobblestoned streets flanked by ochre buildings and stumble upon amazing discoveries.

36 - Ascend Gianicolo for Panoramic Views

37 - Instead of the Trevi Fountain, try the Fontanone - For an equally impressive fountain with the
added bonus of a breathtaking view, take a trip to the Gianicolo hill where the Fontana dell’ Acqua
Paola sits proudly in an enviable position overlooking the Eternal City. Built in 1585-1588 by Pope
Sixtus V it provided inspiration for the Trevi Fountain, built almost 200 years later.

38 - Villa Farnesina - Located in the historical Trastevere district of Rome, the Villa Farnesina is a
fantastic example of a Renaissance villa complex and is considered a fine example of architecture and
design.Aside from the amazing architecture, the villa also features some beautiful and detailed frescos
created by the renowned Renaissance artists Raphael.
Other

Experience the Nightlife in Testaccio - After dark, the city becomes a playground for bacchanalia. In
Fellini’s day, Via Veneto was the place to go, but nowadays the epicenter of nightlife is farther south
in Testaccio, is now filled from end to end with a profusion of bars and nightclubs, and the party
doesn’t stop until dawn. A word to the wise: Be careful in your choice of footwear. The cobblestone
streets are a dire enemy of stilettos.

Maps:

http://www.orangesmile.com/common/img_city_maps/rome-map-0.jpg

https://www.voyagetips.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/carte-touristique-rome.jpg

Have Fun and Sorry for the Long Post :P !!