Top Rated Attractions in Rome

The magnanimous proportions of the Colosseum have long been a source of wonder. Originally envisioned in 70 CE, the construction of this grand structure was completed in 80 CE. At that time, it is believed that this vast amphitheater could seat upwards of 50,000 spectators at once. The Colosseum also features on the Italian version of the five-cent Euro. Deemed as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Colosseum was designed to be a horse racing circuit and arena for animal fighting and gladiatorial battles, although it has also hosted significant religious ceremonies in its early days. It is a symmetrical wonder set in the historic landscape of Rome's heart. The enormous ruin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered by many to be an iconic symbol of Italy.

Designed by some of Italy's most famous master artists, St. Peter's Basilica is not only the world's largest church but also one of its most spectacular. Originally built at the site of St. Peter's grave around 349 CE by Emperor Constantine, the basilica, as it stands today, was consecrated in 1626 at the culmination of over 120 years of construction. The original designs were laid out by Bramante in 1506; however, over the following years, the ambitious designs were altered by several renowned architects, including Michelangelo, Giacomo Della Porta and Carlo Maderno, each adding their own personal touch to the magnificent design. St. Peter's Basilica now enshrines some of the world's most famed artworks, including Michelangelo's Pieta and Bernini's Baldachin. An intricately adorned dome that is revered as Michelangelo’s most grand architectural legacy crowns the splendid facade and riches that lie within. The Pope delivers the Urbi et Orbi blessing each year on the occasion of Christmas and Easter from the basilica's central balcony, attracting millions of devout pilgrims to the threshold of St. Peter's each year. He remains the only one who can serve at the high altar of St. Peter's Basilica.

Established in 1506, Vatican Museums is a collection of museums that house masterpieces from the bygone era. The museums were founded by Pope Julius II. Highlights include the Sistine Chapel, adorned with Michelangelo's iconic frescoes depicting scenes from Genesis and the Last Judgment, the Raphael Rooms, featuring stunning frescoes by Raphael and his workshop, and the Gallery of Maps, adorned with intricate maps of Italy commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII. Visitors are offered guided tours to the museum to see works by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Perugino, Ghirlandaio, and Botticelli, among others. With its unparalleled collection and cultural significance, a visit to the Vatican Museums offers a unique and enriching experience for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike.

The splendid fortress of Castel Sant'Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian in 139 AD. In the 10th Century, it was transformed into a castle, then, 500 years later, into the elegant residence of Pope Alexander VI Borgia. Michelangelo designed the marvelous main court for Pope Leo X and many of the rooms inside are decorated with frescoes of great beauty. It is also been used to house prisoners, including the sculptor Benvenuto Cellini. The terrace offers a fine view of the River Tiber and opera lovers will know that this was where the final act of Giacomo Puccini's opera Tosca took place. The building is now a museum with a fine collection of suits of armor.

A timeless and elegant art gallery with remarkable collections, the Galleria Borghese sits housed in a building constructed in 1613 for Cardinal Scipione Borghese, one of Bernini's greatest patrons. This great sculptor has exhibited some of his most famous sculptures here, amongst them are the renowned Apollo and Daphne. When one thinks of the Museo Borghese, the sculpture that immediately springs to mind is Canova's Pauline Bonaparte, in which she poses as Venus, wearing just a drape around her midriff. Several exceptional pieces by Caravaggio are displayed in the Galleria, including The Boy with a Basket of Fruit and the Madonna Della Serpe. Titian is also represented with Sacred and Profane Love, Raphael with The Deposition, and Correggio through Danaë.

Built at the behest of Emperor Diocletian between 298 CE and 306 CE, the Baths of Diocletian formed the largest public bath complex of the Roman Empire, with a capacity of 3000. The sprawling complex encompassed a gymnasium, library and public baths, with tepid, hot and cold water options. Decorated with sculptures and elaborate stucco work, the baths were once an awe-inspiring sight in both scale and grandeur. The siege of Rome in 537 CE brought with it the end of the Baths of Diocletian when the aqueducts were cut off by King Vitiges. In 1561, much of the now ruinous bath complex was lost when Pope Pius IV commissioned Michelangelo to construct the Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli at the site. Today, the National Museum of Rome, displaying a once-treasured piece of the ancient city of Rome, has revived the ruins of Hall 10 of the Baths of Diocletian. Tombs, sarcophagi, mosaics and other relics from the baths have been preserved alongside a reconstitution of the hall and its ruins. The site is surrounded by a 16th-century garden lavishly embellished with historic artwork adding to the allure of this historic site.