Ah Rome...so much to do, so much to see, so much to eat. As the old adage says, Rome wasn't built in a day, so it's difficult to see it all in a day, too. If your sight-seeing time is limited, it's best to hit some of the best examples of Roman culture; here are some tips for must-see sites on your next visit.
No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to one of its greatest architectural treasures, the Colosseum. Dating back to 80 A.D., the Colosseum once entertained crowds of 50,000 with fierce gladiator combat against exotic beasts, mock naval battles and the like. Today its ruins remain an eternal reminder of Rome's glory days of long ago.
The longest and widest staircase in Europe, the Spanish Steps, unite the Piazza di Spagna and the Piazza Trinita dei Monti. This exquisite 138-step staircase offers the perfect opportunity to enjoy a taste of local life, as Romans often can be found conversing or lunching there. At the bottom of the Spanish Steps, be sure to visit the former home of poet John Keats, now a museum.
Another place to mingle with locals within Rome's city limits is the world-renowned Trevi Fountain. Fed by the Acqua Vergine aqueduct, this spectacular tribute to the baroque style is shiny-new by Roman standards--it was unveiled in 1762, but well worth a visit. Be sure to toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain and make a wish. If you're lucky, Neptune, whose imposing stature is eternalized there, may grant it.
Tucked away within Rome's city limits is another country altogether--Vatican City. Home of the Pope, Vatican City also plays home to the extraordinary Vatican museums and gardens, St. Peter's Square and Basilica, and Michelangelo's aerial masterpiece at the Sistine Chapel, just to name a few. It's best to leave ample time to explore the wonders of this tiny country within a city.
Off Rome's famed Appian Way lie miles of ancient tunnels, or catacombs, where persecuted Christians once buried their dead and held secret church services. It's an eerie, but awesome sight; visitors can wander via guided tour through dark, narrow tunnels to see thousands of burial "shelves" and early Christian art they won't soon forget.
A wonderful vantage point from which to see a hint of ancient Rome's glory days can be found at The Roman Forum. This was the epicenter around which ancient Rome flourished, and where administrative and commercial interests were rooted. What are left today are a plethora of statues, monuments, temples, structures and ruins that strike awe in even the most seasoned historian.
Yet another excellent demonstration of the Rome of yesteryear is The Pantheon. Easily identified by its dome-shaped roof and unique circular structure, The Pantheon is the best-preserved building of ancient Rome. Originally built as a temple, today it is used as a Christian church. The masterpiece borders the Piazza della Rotonda, which is populated by numerous cafes and a fountain.
