The 5 Best Historical Monuments in Rome, Italy
Rome is a very popular destination for tourists visiting Italy. After all, it houses various historical monuments, several of which do not even have any entrance fees. Here are the 5 best historical monuments that you definitely need to see when in Rome.
Rome is a very popular destination for tourists visiting Italy. After all, it houses various historical monuments, several of which do not even have any entrance fees. Since the majority of these monuments can all be found in the historic center of the city, you can also check them all out in one day. The best part is that some of these monument were recently renovated to ensure more user-friendliness. Even without an in-depth look, these places are well worth walking by at the very least, though. Here are the 5 best historical monuments that you definitely need to see after you head out of the Rome airport.
The Colosseum
There probably isn't any need to introduce this huge Roman amphitheater anymore. The Colosseum was built in AD 80 by Emperor Vespasian and had 55,000 seats available for lovers of animal fights and gladiatorial battles to sit on and enjoy the action.
If you visit this monument today, you will see men in gladiatorial garb walking from the Colosseum to the Arch of Constantine, which has been nearby since AD 315. You should know that the ticket lines for the Colosseum are usually very long, though, so make sure you book your tickets online. If you want, you can even get a combination ticket, which includes a 2-day entrance ticket to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. This means you won't have to go through all of the sites in a single day.
The Pantheon
Also known as the temple of the gods, the Pantheon was built from AD 118 to AD 125 by Emperor Hadrian. In the 7th century, it was turned into a church and today, several tombs can be found in it. The Pantheon is beautifully preserved and free of charge to enter. There is also a lively piazza around it, where you can enjoy a drink as you sit and bask in the history around you.
Piazza Navona
Originally, Piazza Navona was built in the 1st century as a stadium for chariot races and athletic contests. Today, however, you can find lavish Baroque fountains in it along with luxurious cafes. It is also known to be the place where tartufo, a well-known dessert, was created; so you can try this dessert out at the different cafes there, too.
Roman Forum
Various building, monuments, ruined temples, basilicas and arches can be found at the Roman forum; which initially served as the social, ceremonial and legal center of Rome. You can get a great view from here, too, though you will need to pay in order to get in.
Capitoline Hill
Capitoline Hill is situated above the Roman Forum. Back in the day, this was considered to be the symbolic center of Rome, where the Temple of Jupiter could be found. Today, however, you can find two of the oldest public museums in it. Palazzo del Conservatori has art galleries, frescoes and scultpures in it; while Palazzo Nuovo is filled with Roman and Greek sculptures. The views from here are spectacular, as well.