Rome is considered one of the most beautiful and ancient cities in the world, but also one of the most important and visited cities in the world, with numerous tourist attractions, and interesting places to visit.
Among the main ones things to see in Rome, we find: works of art, palaces, museums, parks, churches, gardens, basilicas, temples, villas, squares, theaters and many other places of interest. Rome is the city with the largest number of monuments in the world.
In 2018 the city received 19,5 million visitors, an increase of 22,1% compared to 2010. I 5 most visited places in Rome I'm the Coliseum (4 million tourists a year), the Pantheon (3,75 million tourists a year), the Trevi Fountain (3,5 million tourists a year), the Sistine Chapel (3 million tourists a year) and the Roman Forum (2,5 million tourists a year).
What to see in Rome
Here is the list of 40 main attractions of Rome, places full of charm and culture, absolutely not to be missed during a trip or a holiday in the Italian capital.
Saint Peter Basilica
This world famous basilica is located in the small ecclesiastical state of Vatican City, near the Pope's residence. It is one of the most important centers of Christian and religious pilgrimage around the world
It is commonly considered the "home of the Roman Catholic Church", since it is the place where St. Peter established the first Christian Church.
St. Peter's Basilica is filled with priceless masterpieces and stunning Baroque ornaments. Book online and enter without queuing.
Coliseum
The Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in the world and one of the most remarkable Roman architectural and engineering works.
It is probably one of the most famous and representative monuments of Rome and one of the most visited attractions in the city.
The Colosseum is considered one of the wonders of the ancient world, still existing. Book your ticket and skip the line.
Rome mosque
Finished in 1995, the Rome mosque is the largest in Europe, even surpassing the Great Mosque of Paris. Today it is an important meeting point for the growing Muslim community of Rome.
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is at the same time a historical and religious place, and is certainly one of the most famous in Europe.
It is located in the Vatican City and is one of the greatest pride of Italian art. It is the main and most visited chapel in Rome.
It contains many masterpieces dating from the Italian Renaissance, the most famous of which are, of course, Michelangelo's frescoes, such as the Last Judgment and the Creation of Adam.
Roman Forum
It represented the Forum of Ancient Rome, that is, the center of city politics and businesses of the time.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is the best preserved monument of Roman antiquity. Despite its 2.000 years of age, this impressive monument is remarkably intact.
Rebuilt after the damage caused by fire in 80 AD and the consequent masonry, it shows the extraordinary technical mastery of the Roman builders.
Its 43-meter dome is the supreme achievement of Roman architecture. It is suspended without visible supports and the nine-meter central opening is the building's only light source.
The harmonious effect of the interior is the result of its proportions: the height is equal to the diameter. Discover the Pantheon with the audio guide
Basilica of St. John Lateran
The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano is the official ecclesiastical seat of the bishop of Rome (the Pope).
It is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city, as well as the main cathedral of Rome. Find out more…
Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is the main villa of the city, once owned by the noble Borghese family and later by Bonaparte (Paolina Bonaparte).
It is currently one of the main art galleries in Rome. Inside there is also an important green park, with numerous lakes and fountains, and the famous Rome Bioparco.
Capitoline Museums and the Piazza del Campidoglio
Piazza del Campidoglio and the Capitoline Museums were designed by Michelangelo in 1471. Today they house ancient sculptures and works of art by Romans and Greeks.
The Piazza del Campidoglio is renowned for its symmetrical Renaissance architecture, and also home to the city hall of Rome. Book your ticket
Monument of Vittorio Emanuele II or Altar of the Fatherland
Built in the early 20th century, the Monument of Vittorio Emanuele II, also called Altare della Patria, is one of the most important monuments of Rome.
Built in a neoclassical style, with a grand staircase and colonnade, it is a controversial monument due to its grandeur and pomp.
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is another important Roman Catholic church in the city. It is also one of the four basilicas of the city, as well as being a Marian church and a papal church.
Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls
The Basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura is one of the four great basilicas of Rome, as well as being an important, and quite visited, religious building. Find out more…
Basilica of San Lorenzo outside the Walls
The Basilica of San Lorenzo fuori le Mura is a small and ancient basilica from the Paleo-Christian era.
Sant'Andrea della Valle Basilica
Located in the Sant'Eustachio district of Rome, it is known for its Baroque-style ornamentation, Renaissance facade, and rich interior.
Basilica Santa Maria in Trastevere
One of the oldest churches in the city. Open in the middle of the 4th century AD, it represents a minor basilica.
Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva
The Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva is an example of Roman Gothic architecture. It has a 19th century facade, a Gothic interior and an ancient nave.
San Pietro in Montorio
One of the several churches in the city, San Pietro in Montorio is well known for its “Tempietto”, a small circular martyrium designed to resemble a classical temple by Donato Bramante, which is located in the courtyard of the church.
Basilica of Saints John and Paul
Another of the ancient churches of the city, it was founded in 498 AD It is known for its sumptuous interiors, especially for its chandeliers. The current ones are believed to date back to the 18th century.
Santa Cecilia in Trastevere
Another ancient church of the city dedicated to Santa Cecilia. It has a Baroque facade built by Ferdinando Fuga in 1725.
All Saints Anglican Church
Founded in 1880 as a church to serve the Anglican community and Church of England, it has an English neo-Gothic look, however it is carved from Italian marble.
Synagogue of Rome
The largest and main synagogue in Rome. It has been a place of worship for the city's Jewish community since the early 20th century.
Trevi Fountain
One of the most recognizable and representative monuments of the city. The Trevi Fountain was designed and completed in the 18th century.
Tourists come not only to admire it, but also to throw a coin, which according to a local legend, is a good omen to return to the city.
The fountain is also famous for being the location of a great Fellini film, La Dolce Vita.
Spanish Steps
One of the main attractions of the city. Surmounted by the church of Trinità dei Monti, with 138 steps it is the largest staircase in Europe.
Piazza di Spagna is also one of the main shopping destinations in the city. It hosts several boutiques of important designers, such as Missoni.
Via dei Condotti
The main shopping street of Rome. It hosts a wide and varied offer of high fashion shops, boutiques and salons, such as Valentino, Bulgari, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Zara, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Giorgio Armani, Prada and Dior.
There are also ateliers or large offices of the major brands, as well as some of the best restaurants, cafes, antique shops and bars in the city.
Via del Corso
One of the busiest, largest and most important streets in Rome. It is one of the very few streets in the city that is completely straight.
On this street there are numerous monuments, palaces, hotels, restaurants, shops and other forms of commerce in general.
Piazza del Popolo
A perfect example of Roman neoclassical architecture. Its real name derives from the poplars that were used to line the square.
The square houses an obelisk and the church of Santa Maria del Popolo.
Galleria alberto sordi
Built in Art Nouveau style in 1914, the Galleria Alberto Sordi is an arcaded commercial gallery, similar in style to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan. It houses numerous shops, cafes, bookstores and boutiques.
Via del Babuino e fontana del Babuino
Via del Babuino is another of the main shopping streets of Rome, It also hosts some important fashion shops, including Gente, Etro, Emporio Armani and Prada, but also antique shops and jewelers.
In the street there is also the Babuino fountain and the All Saints Church of England, dedicated to the Anglican community of Rome.
Via Veneto
One of the most expensive, famous and luxurious streets of the city, represented in the 50s and 60s by Federico Fellini's Dolce Vita.
Today, in this famous street, there are several exclusive apartments, large hotels, elegant shops, bars and meeting places.
Piazza Colonna
Originally an ancient Roman square, today it houses Renaissance palaces and is centered by theancient Roman column of Marcus Aurelius.
At the edges of the square there are several important government structures, such as Palazzo Chigi, seat of the Government of Italy and originally the official embassy of Austria and Hungary.
Navona Square
One of the best known squares in the city, known for its impressive Renaissance and Baroque architecture, with several prestigious buildings, monuments and churches, and numerous outdoor bars, pizzerias, restaurants, bars, stalls and various artists.
Palace of Justice ("Palazzaccio")
Begun in 1889 and completed in 1910, the Palazzo di Giustizia currently houses the main Italian courts.
Piazza della Repubblica and the Eclectic Fountain of the Naiads
Piazza della Repubblica, with a semi-circular formation, is one of the most beautiful neoclassical squares in the city.
Today the buildings surrounding the square are reception offices, companies, restaurants, banks and insurance and travel agencies. The center of the square contains the Fountain of the Naiads, built in 1911.
Greek Coffee Decor
A historic and ancient café, founded in 1760 in Via dei Condotti, with furnishings and interiors from the 18th and 19th centuries. It has hosted numerous intellectuals and important foreigners, such as Lord Byron, Goethe, Liszt and Keats.
Field of flowers
It was once a lawn and an important market in Rome. Today the square is home to several medieval and Renaissance palaces and churches.
Universal Exhibition Rome (EUR)
The EUR district was built to house the Universal Exposition of Rome, which ultimately did not take place. It was built by Benito Mussolini between 1930 and 1940, and was called E42.
Often considered one of the best examples of Fascist architectural planning, it is one of the most peaceful and livable neighborhoods in the city.
Quirinale Palace
The official residence of the President of the Italian Republic. The Quirinal Palace is built in a Renaissance Baroque architectural style, and boasts elegant Renaissance gardens and sumptuous interiors.
Villa Giulia and the National Etruscan Museum
Built for Pope Julius II in 1550, Villa Giulia is a Renaissance villa, which houses the National Etruscan Museum, full of numerous Etruscan and classical treasures.
Galleria doria pamphilj
One of the largest and most significant private art collections in Rome. It was and is currently owned by the Doria Pamphilj family.
Sant'Angelo castel
It was once the "Mausoleum of Hadrian", later it became a papal residence and currently houses an important museum.
Palazzo Corsini and the Academy of Arcadia
Built by the Corsini family between 1730 and 1740, it houses an art academy and a gallery.
