Super touristy, but also a wonderful place to sit in a cafe with an Aperol Spritz and watch the…read moreworld go by. The waiters don't seem to mind how long you sit there and don't push you to order food. They probably get paid the same no matter what you order, unlike the U.S.

One of Rome's famous plaza's to visit and explore. Beautiful fountains and architecture. Plenty of…read morerestaurants around the edge. While we didn't dine at any of them, it sounds like a wonderful place to grab a drink and people watch. Worth a stop.

Amazing trip to Rome... ancient city with a lot of history. Visited for our 25th wedding…read moreanniversary. Best trip ever...

It's the freakin' Colosseum. It's still standing 2000 years later. We have a hard time building…read morethings to last 100 years anymore. For that alone, you have to give it 5 stars. No picture or video I upload can truly do it justice, the scale and immensity of the place. It's one of those things that if you visit Rome and leave Rome without having seen it, you missed out on one of the world's greatest architectural treasures. Now, are there pitfalls? Sure. Don't just walk up and think you can go in, you need to make a reservation in advance. Depending on when you want to go, very likely well in advance. All around this area of Rome, you'll have to contend with people trying to sell you any manner of thing, with some of it being a scam or poor quality. Just keep walking... No Grazie. If you can get a spot on the tour that takes you into the depth of the Colosseum underground, that is definitely the way to go. For one, the natural insulation and cave-like structure of it keeps the climate very well controlled, super welcome on a hot day. Of course, in the upper levels of the Colosseum, you'll be very sun exposed, so be prepared to keep yourself protected from that. Also, in the depths of the Colosseum, you'll get to view artifacts of some of the combat that took place here and the weapons and armor that were used. You'll even get a look at the systems that allowed them to hoist large animals up onto the arena floor, and even flood the arena for naval battles. Point being, you are going to be awestruck, and the feeling of important history just floods over you as you walk the corridors and seating. Make sure you make it a stop.

I went to Rome for the first time last week and spent three nights at a hotel right by the Piazza…read moredel Popolo. I loved Rome even more than I'd imagined, and was tremendously impressed by the giant piazzas, these vibrant public spaces that you could never build into a newer city, designed for people driving cars. The Piazza del Popolo was a particularly grand one, with its twin churches and its ancient Egyptian obelisk, already over a thousand years old when it was stolen and brought to Rome in the year 1 BC. We walked through the piazza several times during our stay, and it was striking both for its legitimate strikingness and for its natural incorporation into the day-to-day life of the city. The square was always lively without being crowded in mid-November, just people hanging out or walking through, enjoying a moment of leisure. The obelisk was set on a foundation with a fountain, of course, and plentiful seating. What a special thing, to sit at the base of something so extraordinary, to check email or eat a sandwich. We didn't notice many street entertainers, but we did watch a man in colorful clothing dipping a long wand in a vat of soapy water and releasing enormous bubbles to the delight of both adults and children passing by. It made me miss my kids, who would have flipped for that display, and who I hope to bring to Piazza del Popolo one day, to see a public square unlike any they'll ever see at home.

Cool Piazza at the Northern City Wall and also a gateway to Villa Borghese. This piazza has an…read moreobelisk, two churches, two fountains and also restaurants. There is a huge shopping area with parallel streets of shops, one that goes to Piazza di Spagna, at the base of the Spanish Steps. Five Stars!

On my first day in Rome, I was ready to see the sights. Since it was later in the day, I was…read morelooking for something that was quick and still open. Arco di Costantino, or the Arc of Constantine, fit the bill. Located in the same area of Rome as the Colosseum (and the majority of the ancient ruins), the Arc is open 24/7 and it's free. It's an impressive arc. Both in terms of its scale and the intricate design work. Walk around the Arc and marvel at the craftsmanship and the historical stories that are told through it. You might want to do a little research so you understand what you're looking at. Snap a couple of pictures and you're on the way. The Arc lights up at night which makes it a spectacle to see both during the day and when the sun goes down. The Arc of Constantine is not to be missed when visiting Rome!

Like other reviews have mentioned, the Arch of Constantine is the largest triumphal arch in Rome,…read moreand being located adjacent to the Colosseum, you can't miss it. Commissioned by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, this arch was dedicated in 315 AD. The background of this confrontation arose out of a power struggle in the western Roman Empire. When Maxentius, who was favored in Rome, tried to claim the role of caesar,* then Constantine--who was son of Constantius, the previous augustus of the western Roman Empire, and favored in the northern regions--sought to defeat Maxentius and stake his own claim to lead as an augustus,* though he eventually settled for caesar later. From what can be considered either sectarian or providential historical accounts, divine providence or superstition was the reason Maxentius chose to leave the safety within Rome's walls and meet Constantine in battle outside the city fortifications. Ultimately when his army tried to retreat across the Milvian Bridge, the already damaged bridge collapsed and Max didn't leave with his life. This battle in 312 AD bore the significance of consolidating rule over Western Europe, and was attributed by Christian scholars as a turning point in Constantine's decision to convert to Christianity (since the emperor attributed the victory to divine intervention), thereby paving the path for this religion's prevalence in Europe and eventually over the rest of the Roman Empire. Getting back to the arch--the scenes on it depict the emperor shown battle and civilian duties, and it's established that the different artistic styles used were due to some sections of carved reliefs being taken from existing monuments of previous rulers. It's not clear whether including other rulers was to legitimize Constantine's position in relation to prior emperors, or if the builders simply used existing stone reliefs to save time. Logistical tips: - there is a fence surrounding the arch on all sides to protect it from the massive flows of tourists in the area. - free to visit. - I wish there was a little more info available on the spot since I had to do some google research to learn about the arch's background *essentially an augustus was the highest ranked ruler of the western or eastern Roman Empire. Under this, a caesar was the second in command, under each of the augusti, in a system named the Tetrarchy, where each half of the empire had a senior and junior leader. This was intended to promote a balance of power though ultimately led to civil unrest where rivals fought to gain control over each other. Bc yeah...people just can't be happy with what they have and always want more...

Being located in front of Saint Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums, the cobble stone square…read morein front of this massive structure matches its grandeur of scale. 140 saints from the Catholic tradition, sculpted from travertine ranging from 10 to 11 feet in height, encircle the piazza as part of Bernini's Colonnade. The red granite obelisk jutting out in the center is much older than all the structures surrounding it, originating around 1900 BCE in Egypt, traveling to Italy and then to Rome in 37 CE, finally moving most recently to its present position in 1586. This massive feat to move the 330-ton tower of stone 260 meters to the center of the square required 900 men, 75 horses and complex, engineered crane systems. Two granite fountains--one north of the obelisk, one south--were signatures left by the master architects of St Peter's. The north one by Carlo Maderno, who designed the monumental facade and nave and the other by Gian Lorenzo Bernini who designed the Piazza San Pietro with its colonnade of saints. On any given day prior or during a mass, there are 20,000 chairs set up in a space that holds 60,000 people comfortably standing though history has known crowds of up to 100-130K. Tickets are free for papal audiences though need to be booked in advance for seated sections. There's not much "to do" per se, though walking here (and in many places in Rome), once you look past the hoards of visitors it's awe-inspiring to contemplate the history that's taken place here, and take a break from your Vatican exploration. From the piazza, a pleasant, less crowded stroll east down Via della Conciliazione (which has obelisk-shaped street lampposts) brings you to Castel Sant'Angelo, a 2nd century fortress with a museum inside and beautiful panoramic views of the city.

When we were in Vatican City in the afternoon, we skipped the plaza. We came back in the early…read moreevening and it was much less crowded. The square is directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica. Both are named after Saint Peter, an apostle of Jesus whom Catholics consider the first Pope. There is an obelisk in the center and 284 columns that create the elliptical shape of the square.

There's enough Forum you and enough Forum me, this archaeological site is deceptively massive and…read morespread out, and one of the most renowned throughout Rome and the world. Layers upon layers of history are built on top of itselves here, to the east close to the Colosseum is the Tempio di Venere e Roma (Temple of Venus and Rome), built on top of two former residences of Emperor Nero, beneath the bare mound surface is an elaborate domed rotunda. Under the Farnesian Gardens on the risen Palantine Hill belies the ancient remains of the first imperial palace (Domus Tiberiana), with soaring vaulted ceilings and deep chambers. In more than one pagan temple, churches and basilicas have been erected, Basilica di Santa Francesca Romana, Basilica dei Santi, and Tempio di Antonino e Faustina, a tribute by the emperor Antoninius Pius to his wife Faustina after her passing, later modified in the Middle Ages into Chiesa di San Lorenzo de' Speziali in Miranda. Entry for most starts at the Arco di Tito on the eastern edge of the park, where individual and group ticket holders alike go thru security and stream in to traverse the grounds that emperors and plebes alike strode over for two to three millennia. From there you walk west, and perhaps south then west--up the stairs to the gardens and remains of former residential quarters of antiquity. Most in-person and audio tours will take you this direction too, and I'd recommend this as a good way to learn more about the site. There are some metal info placards posted around the ruins that are helpful as well. Plan at least one hour to walk thru just the ground level of the Forum, if you want to take your time and get to the entire Palantine Hill then three hours is more realistic. The archaeological site has minimal shade in open areas, so bring water and maybe a hat in the warmer months; you can walk into a few of the churches or museums, including the Museo del Foro Romano, and the recently restored Domus Tiberiana (mentioned above). On top of Palantine Hill there are more trees. My first time here I completely missed Palantine Hill and that was a mistake! This time around after an hour and a half, the park was closing and I still didn't see about half of it in as much detail as I would've liked...I guess that means there needs to be a next time!

Any student of history will appreciate the Roman forum which was the center for the majority of all…read morethe official and major activities that incurred in ancient Rome to include speeches, debate, gladiator fights in some instances, and even the return of victorious armies and new Caesars that you see in so many movies. When I saw the ruins and what was left of the forum I had assumed that this magnificent epicenter of old Rome had been ransacked and destroyed when the Roman empire fell. In fact and unfortunately, it's slowly fell into disrepair and ruins the direct result of lack of maintenance and care by the Roman people and government over time. In addition to the remaining structural ruins and statues that currently reside here you will find placards scattered about these ruins that explain the history of the forum and what each significant ruin stood for and was used for. Very educational and not to be missed as this clearly was one of the most significant ancient centers of the old world.

How can you come to Rome and not see the iconic Trevi Fountain?…read more I highly recommend paying the two euros so that you can get front and center. It was more magnificent than I expected and the water was so blue! It was a very quick stop, but one we won't ever forget!

There's no shortage of beautiful ornate water works and fountains in Rome, even the small fixtures…read morethat are just meant as water spots for people and pets are works of art. As I learned, the fountains of Rome are not just for show, they're an important part of the area water network. Rome is fed by one of the most potent mountain spring aquifer sources in the world, pumping 525 MILLION GALLONS a day. The pressure on piping for that kind of quantity is immense, and reliable outflows are needed in addition to the water use privately. Hence the many fountains and watering points around Rome, all fit for drinking straight from the tap or filling your most handy water bottle. Trevi fountain is easily one of the most ornate however, giving you that feeling of it being an exquisite pool for the gods. It has a almost a grotto-like feel, with the original stonemasons opting to use large unworked boulders as part of the landscape where they affixed their finely sculpted masterpieces. The square that surrounds it is just jam packed full of people, so unless you are tall like me, be prepared to work your way in for a good shot. If you are looking for refreshment, you'll be waiting a long time here. There are smaller water sources nearby to splash your face and fill your bottle. While you could spend months trying to explore all the fountains of Rome, if you just have a couple days, this one if the must see. It lives up to its reputation in every way.

Ah the Colosseum. An awe-inspiring visit to the world's largest amphitheater! This iconic Roman…read moresymbol vies with the likes of the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museums and Saint Peter's Basilica for the most-visited tourist destination when visiting Rome.* I'll spare everyone the history which is probably covered in one of many previous reviews and mention some points for visiting this national treasure. Book tickets in advance, most preferably through the Colosseum's website. Don't expect to buy tickets in person at the entry, though I believe you may be able to pick up tickets at the office, and occasionally they may have end of day availability. Unsurprisingly these sell out very quickly so constant checking of their website for availability is needed, and you have to go with whatever time slots are available. Tickets seem to be released one month in advance and sell out almost immediately though when I was checking it was unclear what time of day they are released. If you can't buy tickets via the official website, then third parties also sell tickets though 1) there may be surcharge, 2) may be part of a group or audio tour where reviews range from mixed to excellent. For booking individual tickets on the website with access to the underground or attic, these need to be booked specifically so check what access each ticket provides. Also some access combinations don't include the Colosseum itself, and only the Forum/Palantine Hill, so make sure you choose the right one. Arriving to the Colosseum, there are crowds incessantly lining up for entry on the southwest side, and no organized lines. Everyone basically crowds around the security tent while staff constantly explain to people asking what time slot they are currently permitting entry. For how chaotic this appeared, given four functioning lanes for security, a fair number of people were allowed thru with about a twenty minute wait. It is very IMPORTANT (BOLD CAPS this) to bring an official ID--I saw people being turned away without ID. Inside depending on what access you have you can visit the arena level, upper levels, lower and/or attic. My ticket included the first two areas and they scan the QR/barcode to allow access. Inside this ancient amphitheater the views were grand--even in its current ruined state the vast underground corridors and soaring upper levels are super impressive. 80 arched entryways, a labyrinth of lower level holding cells, pulley systems and trapdoors, even retractable overhead shades, all colossal feats of engineering. You can just begin to imagine how glorious it looked in its heyday; it was mind blowing to me how much labor it must've taken to construct and maintain the series of tiered levels under and overground. Aside from the arena ground level, which is about a fifth covered and open to walking around, the route of tour is in a single direction to help the flow of foot traffic. Technically individual tickets limit visits to 75 or 90 minutes though I didn't see anyone checking. That's a sufficient enough time for visitors to see everything. Since most individual Colosseum tickets include Forum access, most people seemed to head over across the street afterwards. *Though I guess the latter two aren't actually in Italy.

Proud to say my first world wonder was the colosseum in Rome Italy. I had a wonderful guided tour I…read moregot from get your guide and it was incredible learning about the nearly 2,000 year old landmark. I got the upgraded package to visit the arena and it was so unreal being there. It was like stepping into history. The colosseum is a must see in Rome!