From the opulence of the Vatican, home of the Pope and located in an enclave of Rome as the independent state of the Holy See, to the awesome history of the impressive remnants of the Coloseum, Rome, a city with a history that spans more than two and a half thousand years, is every bit the Eternal City.
This modern, historic, cosmopolitan city is a very busy metropolis. So busy that you may have to make a wish at the Trevi Fountain for a safe crossing over a busy intersection as Italian drivers whizz by at top speed.
There are several bus routes that cover the city and a two-line metro (Linea A and Linea B) which cross the city in an X, though these can be unreliable.
But if you can get around the city, you will enjoy a city essentially Renaisance and Baroque in character. Geographically, its most noted for its seven hills, including the Palatine and Capitoline.
The Historic Centre of Rome is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. With so much on offer, make sure you fit in at least a few of our suggested top ten sights.
1 Colosseum (Colosseo)
This massive marble structure, a Flavian amphitheatre (A.D. 72-80) is a well preserved monument of ancient Rome – considering its age. The amphitheatre was built around 2000 years ago to accommodate some 50,000 spectators to witness the slaughter of wild beasts and bloody contests by gladiators. To get a feel of how big it is take a walk around its exterior. Better still, take a look inside and be struck at how big it is.
When is the best time to visit the Colosseum? @YourNovaScotia suggests early in the morning when it's not so hot, while @RomeFoodTours recommends a tour of the Colosseum by night.
Address: Piazza del Colosseo
Entry: 12 euros. Expect long queues so order in advance online
2 Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
This former marsh was drained by the Romans to be used as a political and social centre. In effect it was the marketplace of Rome as well as the business district and civic centre. Soon it included temples, a senate house and law courts. Amazingly, when the Roman Empire fell, the Forum declined and eventually became buried and turned into pasture for cattle in the Middle Ages. Only columns and a few temples survive, the most well preserved being the arch of Septimius Severus.
3 Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)
The Trevi Fountain, designed by Nicola Salvi and built between 1732-62, is probably the most photographed fountain in Rome. The story goes that if you throw in a coin, you will return to Rome. It's a truly impressive piece of art and at night it is floodlight and looks magnificent.
Address: Piazza di Trevi
4 The Pantheon – The Sphinx of Rome
Built in the 1st century AD during Hadrian's reign, it is believed it was built as a temple for pagan gods. It is dedicated to the seven planetary divinities and features some fabulous marble.
5 Vatican Museums
Contained here is the biggest collection of art in Rome, including Michelangelo's ceiling of the Sistine Chapel as well as a 500 year old collection.
6 Basilica di San Clemente
This church of San Clemente is a series of three churches built in the 1st century. The churches are built one on top of the other and the eerie grottoes are open to the public.
7 Holy See: Vatican City
The Holy See – Vatican City is a country in its own right owned by the Catholic Church. It is in all likelihood the richest independent state in the world taking into account square footage. Go for a stroll around the Vatican and take in the general splendor – it has an astonishing, most lavish display of wealth ever to be displayed in one place.
8 Via Appia Antica
This road, extending from Porta di San Sebastiano to Brindisi on the coast of Puglia, is known to ancient Romans as the 'regina viarum' (queen of roads).
9 Piazza Navona
This lovely piazza, the most famous Baroque square in Rome, has at its central focus Bernini's spectacular fountain, La Fontana dei Fiumi erected in 1651. Around it are four giant statues by Bernini's pupils which represent the Nile, the Danube, The Ganges and Rio della Plata, each representeing one of the four quarters of the world.
10 Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna)
A vibrant and elegant square surrounded by 18th century buildings. They are the creation of Francesco de Sanctis and consist of twelve flights of varying width, which descend to the scenic Franciscan Church of Trinita dei Monti.
Don't leave without: Italy is famous for its icecream so don't miss out on enjoying a gelato, or sipping an early morning expresso on a piazza.
