There is a very popular saying that you surely know: All roads lead to Rome . How not to get lost in this magnificent and ancient city if you have the opportunity? Although the best way to get to know a place is by aimlessly walking through its streets, you cannot miss some of the most popular monuments in Rome.
Rome landmarks
Rome is the capital of Italy and, since its founding, it has witnessed countless historical events. So Rome seems suspended in time, waiting to be discovered by curious travelers who decide to visit it. There is always a secret to discover in Rome, there is always something new to discover, in addition to its fabulous gastronomy.
The Italian capital has served as inspiration for countless works of cinema and literature. We cannot fail to mention the unforgettable film by Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck, Roman Holiday or the books Eat, Pray, Love ; by Elizabeth Gilbert or even Angels and Demons, by Dan Brown. And it is that Rome has more than 3,000 years of history and has seen everything.
Let us not forget that Rome was the capital of one of the greatest empires in the history of mankind and that the men who ruled over this vast empire wanted to leave their mark for future generations. It is no wonder that in the streets you find some of the most iconic monuments of Rome of all time. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Catholicism arrived and, with it, the monuments did not further increase their number. Where to start?
The Roman Coliseum
One of the most important monuments in Rome is the Colosseum. It is a symbol of the city and is one of the most famous buildings of all time. It is what the Eiffel Tower to Paris or the Statue of Liberty to New York. The Roman Colosseum has more than 2,000 years of history, as its construction began in the 1st century AD, on the orders of Vespasian. It is an imposing monument, measuring 188 meters in length, 155 in width and 57 meters in height. It only took eight years to build! In the Colosseum all kinds of ceremonies were held, but the most famous, of course, are the gladiatorial and naumachian fights.
Roman Forum
If you are in Rome you cannot miss the Roman Forum, which was part of the center of ancient Rome. Here the Romans had their main institutions of government, as well as temples and markets. Today, you can see the ruins of different monuments and buildings such as the Via Sacra, the Arch of Titus and the famous temples of Vesta and Saturn. It is next to the Colosseum.
Fontana di Trevi: one of the monuments of Rome that you cannot miss
If you visit Rome, be sure to go to the Trevi Fountain to make a wish. Tradition says that you must toss a coin into the fountain and formulate your request; you know, the typical: return to Rome or marry an Italian or an Italian , anything can happen! It is one of the most impressive fountains in the world, one of the most visited and, for its sake, one of the most beautiful.
Construction began in the 18th century and the works lasted for more than thirty years. The person in charge of building the fountain was Nicola Salvi. The fountain is distinguished by the realism of the figures that compose it and that are magnified because the square in which it is located is quite small.
Piazza Navona
A must stop in Rome is Piazza Navona. It is one of the most beautiful and busiest squares in the Italian capital. And it is that the square itself is an iconic monument, in the heart of the city. Here you can find emblematic monuments such as the Church of Santa Agnese in Agone or the Fountain of the rivers. It is one of the most touristic spots in Rome, as it is full of life and has many options to enjoy Italian cuisine.
Pantheon of Agrippa
Undoubtedly one of the best preserved monuments in Rome is the Pantheon of Agrippa, in the center of the city. Construction of this imposing enclosure began in 126 BC; when Hadrian was emperor of Rome. It is characterized by being a monument with a perfect circular cut, since both the diameter and the height are equal: 43.3 meters. Some kings of Italy and the magnificent painter Raphael Sanzio are buried in the Pantheon of Agrippa. You can also find some works of art.
Spain Square
They say that in all cities there is a “Plaza España”, as Rome is no exception. Italians also have their Piazza di Spagna and, curiously, it has been called that way since the 17th century. The reason? Because since that century, the Embassy of Spain has been in this popular square. It is one of the most important squares in the city, as the Vias Fratina, dei Babuino and dei Condotti cross here.
The Catacombs: one of the most iconic monuments of Rome
The Catacombs are a unique place full of history in Rome. Construction began in the 2nd century AD and construction was completed 300 years later. But what are the Catacombs? Well, they are a series of underground galleries that were built to bury Jews and Christians. Interestingly, for them the funeral custom of cremating corpses was pagan, but according to the laws of Rome, no one could be buried within the city. That is why they built the Catacombs outside the walls. The most famous ones that you can visit are those of San Sebastián, San Calixto, Priscila, Domitila and Santa Inés.
According to tradition, Christians would gather in these galleries during the time when they were persecuted by the Romans.
Popolo Square
The Plaza del Popolo has been known, for centuries, as the door of Rome. And it is from here that the Via Flamina started, the route that served to unite Rome with the rest of Europe. In this square is the Church of Santa María del Popolo. This is one of the most spectacular churches in Rome that we recommend you visit, as it has real works of art by the most famous artists: Rafael Sanzio, Roberto Bernini or Caravaggio.
Castle of Sant ‘Angelo
The imposing Castle of Sant ‘Angelo or Hadrian’s Mausoleum, is located on the right bank of the Tiber and very close to the Vatican; in fact, the castle joins the Holy See through a fortified passage called Passetto . The Passetto was built to help the Pope escape, in case of danger. The castle takes its name from the imposing statue of an angel on the highest part of the castle.
Basilica of St. John Lateran
This is one of the most emblematic monuments of Rome , as it is the most important basilica in the city and, of course, it is one of the most beautiful. It is the Cathedral of Rome and was built on the orders of Emperor Constantine. The portico of the basilica is one of the most outstanding, since it is here that the Pope celebrates, every year, the liturgy of Holy Thursday.
Basic of Saint Paul Outside the Walls
Outside the city walls is the basilica in honor of Saint Paul. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Rome and was also ordered to be erected by the Emperor Constantine. Inside the basilica are the remains of the Apostle Saint Paul. The reconstruction of this basilica took more than a century, after a fire, in 1813, completely destroyed it.
Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is a Roman park, but the whole complex constitutes one of the most impressive monuments of the city. Inside the park you can find multiple museums and attractions such as the Borghese Gallery, where there are great works by Bernini, Raphael and Caravaggio.
