5 Days in Rome, Italy

A living reminder of the mighty Roman Empire, a grand amphitheater where bloody gladiator battles took place in front of tens of thousands of viewers. If you have time to visit only one monument in Rome, then it should be the Colosseum.

View the magnificent Arch of Constantine, which was built in 315 CE. The ancient triumphal arch was dedicated to Emperor Constantine the Great for its victory over the Roman emperor Maxentius, in 312 CE.

The most important and central of Rome's seven hills, Palatine Hill used to host the houses of the nobles and the rich, and therefore, this is where the imperial palaces were built. Wander around this winsome hill, view monuments ruins, and visit the wonderful Palatine Museum that is full of archaeological treasures.

Located between the Palatine and Capitoline hills, the Roman Forum was the main public venue in ancient Rome. During the Republic days, the Roman Forum hosts important political events, religious occasions, gladiators' battles, and other public and commerce activities. During the Roman Empire times, many ceremonies took place at the Forum and the place is brimming with temples and other phenomenal historical landmarks.

Piazza Venezia is one of the most gorgeous squares in Rome and another must-see. The square is named after Palazzo Venezia, an extraordinary medieval complex that turned into a museum and used to serve Vatican officials and later as the Embassy of the Republic of Venice. At the Piazza, you will also find the remarkable national monument, Victor Emmanuel II Monument, which came to honor the Italian Unknown Soldier.

Located at the Victor Emmanuel II National Monument in Piazza Venezia, and next to Capitoline Hill. The Victor Emmanuel II National Monument is dedicated to united Italy's first king, Victor Emmanuel II. The Altar of the Fatherland, an imposing white marble landmark, came to honor and pay respect to the Italian Unknown Soldier.

An impressive complex of museums on the top of the Capitoline Hill, which was initially established with a donation of bronze statues by Pope Sixtus IV in 1471. The museums are dedicated to the history of Rome and ancient Rome in particular.

Bocca della Verità, Mouth of Truth, a marble face-shaped mask, that the legend says will bite any liar who enters his hand to the mask's mouth.

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Astonishing Baroque square, built on the ruins of the ancient Stadium of Domitian, which was erected in 86 AD. Originally, the Stadium of Domitian hosted sports competitions and horse races. While the competitions are no longer exist in the place, it is still the main gathering place for Rome's residents and a popular tourist attraction. At this exceptionally beautiful square, you can find marvelous churches such as Sant'Agnese in Agone and of course, bewitching fountains, and remarkable marble statues.

The Pantheon has extraordinary Classical architecture and stunning interior design. It was built by Agrippa from 25-27 BC as a temple and was originally dedicated to the 12 Roman Gods. The Pantheon underwent massive changes, so historians assumed, between 118 and 125 AD by Hadrian. However, the building itself is the only ancient Roman building that the wings of times did not harm. In 608 the temple becomes a church, Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres, by Pope Boniface IV. Among the people that the Pantheon is their last resting place you will find: the famous artist Raphael, the painter Annibale Carracci, the architect Baldassare Peruzzi, King Victor Emmanuel II, King Umberto I, and Queen Margherita of Savoy.

Take a short break before you continue your journey and stop at L'Antico Forno di Fontana di Trevi. L'Antico Forno serves appetizing light meals and drinks and has a perfect location, right near the magnificent Trevi Fountain.

Rome has more than 2,500 fountains but one fountain surpasses all, the Trevi Fountain. Right next to Palazzo Poli, you will reveal a remarkable marble fountain with stunning statues. The legend says, that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you will come back again to Rome. The Trevi Fountain also gained world fame due to the magnificent Federico Fellini's movie, La Dolce Vita, with Anita Ekberg and Marcello Mastroianni.

One of the loveliest and popular squares in Rome, where you will find the enchanting buildings, the captivating Bernini’s fountain (Fontana della Barcaccia), and the alluring Spanish Steps.

The Spanish Steps are 135 spellbinding steps, and one of Rome's most famous icons. The staircase was built from 1723 until 1726, to provide better access to Trinità dei Monti, the church at the top of the Steps.

A stately square and locals' favorite for gathering and celebration, Piazza del Popolo is, indeed, people's square. The square has an impressive 24 meters high Egyptian obelisk, the Flaminio obelisk, which was transferred to the city during Augustus's days and was the first obelisk to be taken into Rome. The square is famous not only for its entrancing architecture but also since this was one of the main squares where executions took place, until the 19th century.

An enticing promenade and terrace with a spectacular view of the city. The promenade, which is a public park, connects Piazza del Popolo to Villa Borghese. It provides magnificent walking and view, especially at sunset.

Wander at the alluring gardens of Villa Borghese, until you'll arrive at Borghese Gallery and Museum.

Villa Borghese was designed by Italian architect Flaminio Ponzio at the request of Cardinal Scipione Borghese, who was a patron and collector of arts and wish to have a place to keep his collection. The villa was completed by Giovanni Vasanzio in the early 17th century after Ponzio pass away. Today, the villa turned into an art gallery and museum, Galleria Borghese. Galleria Borghese exhibits marvelous artworks like paintings and sculptures from the Borghese Collection. The fantastic collection belonged to the Borghese family and many of the collection's artworks were collected by Scipione Borghese in the 17th century.

Start your Vatican tour at the extraordinary Vatican Museums, one of the most popular art museums in the world. A collection of 26 museums with tens of thousands of artworks and an incredible amount of masterpiece artworks, belonged to the Catholic Church and the Pope.

Named after Pope Sixtus IV, the Sistine Chapel is a masterpiece artwork from the 15th century. The amazing decoration of the Chapel's walls tells the stories of the false drapes, Moses, the Christ, and the popes' portraits. The worked carryout by brilliant artists as Pietro Perugino, Cosimo Rosselli, Domenico Ghirlandaio and Sandro Botticelli. At the beginning of the 16th century, Michelangelo added his touch and magic to the decoration and his ceiling painting is nothing but stunning. Do not miss the Sistine Chapel, one of the world's most wondrous artworks.

St. Peter's Basilica or Basilica Papale di San Pietro is an imposing and exquisite Renaissance church in the Vatican. The church that was designed by Michelangelo, hosts wonderful artworks and is the largest church in the world. St. Peter's Basilica is also one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome.

A grand and glorious Baroque square in the heart of the Vatican, designed by the famous Italian sculpture and architect, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. St. Peter's Square (Piazza San Pietro) is often used for religious events and ceremonies and overlooks St. Peter's Basilica. The square which has splendid fountains and an impressive Egyptian obelisk can host hundreds of thousands of visitors who came specially to see the Pope address to his followers.

Take some time off to eat and drink, at Scialla The Original Street Food. The cozy restaurant with the welcoming staff offers delicious light Italian meals and fantastic pizza at reasonable prices.

Castel Sant'Angelo is an engaging cylindrical shape tower on the right bank of the Tiber. It was originally built between 135–139 AD to serve as a mausoleum for Hadrian, the Roman emperor, and his family. It was the last resting place for other Roman emperors but turned into a fortress and palace for the Popes during the 5th century and today is a fascinating Museum.

Ponte Sant’Angelo is a marvelous ancient arch Roman bridge that connects the Tiber river's banks. Built in 135 CE, by the request of Emperor Hadrian who wish for better access from the city to Castel Sant'Angelo, which was originally supposed to serve as a mausoleum for him and his family. The charming 18-meters bridge is decorated with angles statues, and stay intact since the roman days. Walking on Ponte Sant’Angelo, especially during the evening or night, also provides a breathtaking view of Rome.

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Trajan's Market or Markets of Trajan used to be a center of commerce and administration. The Market was a complex, which contains at least 150 shops and offices and located near the monumental Trajan Forum and not very far from the Colosseum. Designed by Apollodorus of Damascus and built at the beginning of the 2nd century, in the days of emperor Trajan and therefore named after him. While the market and forum were damaged during the centuries, it is still possible to view the ruins and be impressed by the great architecture and engineering achievements in the days of the Roman Empire.

Built by the request of the Roman Emperor Trajan, Trajan's Column is an imposing 38 meters high marble column that came to mark the victory of Trajan in the Dacian Wars. The victory column was built from 106 until 113 CE and has a cell at the bottom, which was used as Trajan's tomb and held his ashes.

During the 2nd and 4th centuries, four temples were built on the site and their ruins are still visible even today. It is believed that in Curia of Pompey, which is situated in Largo di Torre Argentina, is the place where Julius Caesar was assassinated on March 15, the Ides of March, in the year 44 BC.

Take some time to stroll in one of the trendiest and winsome neighborhoods in Rome. Trastevere is full of medieval cobblestone narrow streets, a warm-welcoming Italian atmosphere, and many opportunities to eat, drink and feel like a local. In the middle of it all, you will find the lovely Piazzi di Santa Maria in Trastevere, which is the center of this delightful neighborhood.

Basilica of Our Lady in Trastevere or Santa Maria in Trastevere is a magnificent ancient church. Located in Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere, the church has wonderful mosaics and is one of the main attractions in the neighborhood.

Great pub with fantastic beers and tables outside. A great way to meet and hang out with the locals.

Ruins of what used to be an ancient Roman complex of public baths. Built at the beginning of the 3rd century AD by emperor Septimius Severus but completed by emperor Caracalla, Severus's son, and named after him.

The Archbasilica of St John Lateran in Rome was built in the early of the 4th century, in the days of the Roman Emperor, Constantine the Great. Although the church was damaged and re-built in a baroque style, it is considered the oldest church structure in Rome. The church's importance is also due to the fact it was the Popes' residence and since it is one of the four Papal churches in Rome together with St. Peter’s Basilica, San Paolo Fuori, and Santa Maria Maggiore. Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is also one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome.

A lovely restaurant with toothsome and high-quality local food and friendly staff.

The notorious Roman emperor Nero wishes to build a lavish and extravagant palace after a devastating fire in 64 AD which ruins a large part of ancient Rome. Domus Aurea, the "Golden House" was the grand and glorious complex palace that was built for him. Since Nero committed suicide in 68, he did not see the results of his ambitions. And since Nero's legacy was so shameful, other emperors destroyed and re-built on it. Domus Aurea is an exceptional archaeological site that provides another glimpse of the Roman Empire and the history of the city of Rome.

An impressive Catholic church, which since 1545 contains the monumental masterpieces statue of Moses, by the brilliant Renaissance artist, Michelangelo.

One of the four Papal churches in Rome together with St. Peter’s Basilica, San Paolo Fuori, and Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano. Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore is also one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome.

Nearby places to eat