Planning a trip to Rome, Italy? Then, you shouldn’t miss the historical sites at all. After all, Rome is all about its ancient heritage. The Roman land is so rich in history that it is often tough for tourists to shortlist a few spots.
If you are also visiting Rome for a short span, and still want to explore most of the rich history, we are here to help and serve you as a guide.
From the colossal Colosseum to the legendary Pyramid of Cestics, we have curated a small yet impressive list of must-visit historical sites in Rome, Italy. You can check them out and make your own itinerary. In case you have plenty of time in hand, don’t restrain yourself to these 6 places, Rome is brimming with alluring historic sites, so feel free to explore the legacy of 2,000 years in this eternal city.
6 Historical Places In Rome That Are Worth Visiting
The Colosseum
The Colosseum is the world-famous historical site of Italy. It is often considered to be the main attraction towards Rome. And there’s no doubt in the fact there is nothing that surpassed The Colosseum in representing the magnificence of the great Roman Empire. This stunning ancient architecture legit shows the sheer power this empire once had.
The Colosseum is also known as “Colosseo” in Italian. Today, it stands as a historical site, however, once it was the largest amphitheatre in the Roman Empire. As per historians, it was built by Emperor Vespasian in the 1st century AD. The then Romans used it as a place to enjoy. Originally this huge and stunning piece of architecture was named the Flavian Amphitheatre.
Since its inception, the Colosseum remained an amphitheatre of Rome until the end of the great Roman Empire.
Temples of the Forum Boarium
The Temples of the Forum Boarium are the two enthralling Roman temples that have survived from the Republican era. Together these temples marked a crucial religious and commercial spot nurtured by the Palatine, Capitoline and River Tiber. They date back to the 2nd century BC.
At the beginning of the late 1990s, this historical site of Rome saw some conservation efforts and new landscaping, which resulted in the sight we can see today. The scenic beauty of these temples is enhanced by the endless Roman blue skies and tall trees that stand behind the complex. With the right conservation approach, history has been saved, and the Temples of the Forum Boarium are in fantastic condition even today.
The Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill is also known as Palatino, it is considered to be the birthplace of Rome. Legend has it that the she-wolf who raised the twins Romulus and Remus took them to Palatino. Thereafter they both founded a village which eventually became Rome. Sadly, their discovery took a grim turn. They got into a dispute over the leadership of their new settlement, and eventually, Romulus killed his own brother at the Palatino itself.
Experts have affirmed that the earliest huts of Rome were found at Palatine Hill which are supposedly built under the remit of Romulus.
One of the most important out of Rome’s 7 hills, the Palatino is deeply linked with Rome’s history and even today it houses some of the most ancient and historical sites of Italy.
Pyramid of Cestius
The Pyramid of Cestius is the tomb of magistrate Caius Cestius. It was built in the 1st century BC in Rome, Italy. The enticing tomb is made up of brick and white marble, and it is 35 meters high. This ostentatious tomb was built in this unique way because of the popularity of Egyptian things. The Roman Empire witnessed a wave of fascination for all things Egyptian when Egypt was incorporated into the empire.
This historical site in Rome is ring-fenced by a guard railing, it withstood various aspects of history and still holds awe-inspiring features, and reflects the ancient Rome.
Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is also known as Forum Romanum, this historical site was the very centre of ancient Rome. During the long life span of Roman civilization, this Roman Forum served as the epicentre of civic, religious, and political life. That’s why it holds an unforgettable part in the history of not only Rome but Italy as well.
The changing nature of the Roman Forum reflected the consistent shifting in the fortunes of politics, religious affairs, and military of the then-Roman world over millennia. This piece of architecture has witnessed elections, public speeches, social gatherings, religious ceremonies and criminal trials as well.
Even though the historical site is not in its best state, its charm is lost with time, it still stands tall as the spectacular reflection of ancient Roman life. Hence, this should be on your itinerary.
Capitolian Museums
The Capitoline Museums, also known as Musei Capitolini, are always on the must-visit list in a guide’s bucket. You cannot miss these museums standing on Capitoline Hill which is the centre of ancient and modern Rome. These museums hold a huge wealth of artefacts that date back to ancient, medievals as well as Renaissance periods of history.
The Musei Capitolini has three main buildings: Palazzo dei Conservatori, Palazzo Nuovo, and Palazzo Senatorio. The best part is that you can cover this spot along with visiting the Roman Forum and the Colosseum as they all are in close vicinity.
Best Time To Visit Rome, Italy
While planning a trip to the historical sites of Rome, it is quite imperative to choose the right season. Because, Italy witness some of the most gruelling summers, during July and August, temperatures can soar to the 90s. Even though you may find costly hotel rooms with major discounts, the scorching heat isn’t travel-friendly at all during peak summer in Rome.
Spring and fall seasons are better than summer, however, winter is the best season to explore the historical sites in Rome. You will see the street life in swing, and restaurants set up heaters to provide warm tables even outdoors. Also, the nativity scenes allure churches throughout winter, especially in January.
Things To Consider Before Exploring The Rich History of Rome, Italy
Being your guide, it is our responsibility to prepare you properly for your upcoming Rome trip. While you might be all excited to explore mesmerizing historical sites, here are a few things you should never ignore:
Buy Tickets in Advance
If you don’t want to wait behind a guide who is busy buying tickets for a big group of 30-40 people or don’t want to stand in a queue of hundreds of people, then buy your tickets in advance. Mostly, people don’t buy tickets in advance online and they end up spending a huge chunk of their day waiting in queues. Before visiting any historical site, don’t forget to check the respective website for advance ticket sales.
Know the Eating Norms Beforehand
Every culture has something unique and different, while tourists are not supposed to understand and follow the norms and cultures exactly, it is still better to get versed with the basics and avoid unwanted embarrassment. While in Rome, do as the Romans do. Here are a few eating habits in Rome:
- Romans eat pasta with a fork (not with a spoon)
- They bite through hanging spaghetti (slurping it up may look unusual)
- People eat pizza using a knife and fork
Plan Your Meals Wisely
Generally, tourists are eager to explore native cuisines and prefer to eat at different restaurants and eateries. So, do ask your guide clearly about the timing of nearby eateries. In general, restaurants open from noon to 3 pm and then 7:30-11 pm in Rome. They are close once a week often on a Sunday or Monday. If you are visiting Italy during August, remember, that some eateries stay closed for at least a week, and some may stand closed for the entire month.