This is another one of these spots in Rome that is a must see! This is a truly historic building…read moreand there is so much history here. If you don't have time to stop in and do everything they have inside, it is still great to walk around and take if the beautiful building with the incredible horse statues at the top. Be careful when walking around though. There is a large street with multiple crossings but cars fly by. So double check when crossing the street and don't get too distracted that you put yourself in danger.

3 is for the piazza in its current state--as of April 2026 construction was very much still…read moreunderway so a large section of what is usually a very open cobblestone piazza, was cordoned off, leaving the remaining roadways along the perimeter narrow and congested. Located at the intersection of major thoroughfares Via del Corso and Via dei Fori Imperiali, without the construction, the view across the square towards the massive complex of the Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II is awe-inspiring, you need to stand fairly far back towards the middle of the square to get a full look at the building. The piazza so named due to the Palazzo Venezia built here as ordered by Cardinal Pietro Barbo (later Pope Paul II) in early Renaissance times, and also because this place became the embassy of the Republic of Venice back in 1560. In 1797 this area came under jurisdiction of the Habsburg Empire and served Austro-Hungarian diplomats until Italy reclaimed it in 1916. Dedicated to King Victor Emmanuel II, credited with unifying Italy, the Vittoriano Monument was built between 1885-1911 and is also known as the Altare della Pàtria (Altar of the Fatherland). Later a shrine was added honoring soldiers who died in WWI without identified names.

The tour is maybe 30 minutes long and our guide shared lots of interesting facts regarding the…read moreconstruction and history of the area. It is not at all like the Paris catacombs, so if you are looking for and expecting that, don't visit. You are also not allowed to take pictures inside as it is active holy ground burial site. These catacombs are out of the way, so you either need to uber/rent a car or join a tour group. We rented a car and drove out to this area; we ended up visiting a few catacombs out in this area.

I had a wonderful experience taking a guided tour here. The guide offered insight about the…read morediscovery of the catacombs and the different shapes of individual tombs. There was also the very unique opportunity to see ancient graffiti in the tombs as well as old paintings of religious scenes. This experience helped me see Rome in a different light.

These are some of my favorite Roman ruins. They're far from the more popular attractions, but that…read morealso means that they tend to be a lot quieter. You can spend hours wandering among these awesome ruins, which is a great way to spend the afternoon - and they really are amazing. Pictures don't do them justice. I'd suggest getting the self-guided audio tour. It's a smartphone with preloaded audio about all of the parts of the baths. It's a little quiet, but certainly not a dealbreaker. You do need to leave something like an ID so they know they'll get their smartphone back, but it's worth the few Euros you'll pay. The things you'll learn are fascinating. Overall, this has been one of my favorite spots in Rome. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for something a little more unique and quiet when compared to the other main attractions.

Saw the side of this while walking back to my hotel. Didn't go inside it but you could see a good…read morechunk of it from outside. It's beautiful and worth even walking by to appreciate the architecture.

You know what they say.."Rome more, worry less" ;) and this is exactly what we did (my hubby and I)…read morewhile staying in the Ostiense district when visiting Rome (Sept. 29,2023 - Oct. 4,2023) for the 1st time. We stayed at an Airbnb located on Via Del Porto Fluviale & just wanted to share a few helpful tidbits of the nearby sights - 1.) street art & murals - There are so many awesome murals painted on nearby buildings including the "Wall of Fame" by JB Rock, which is one of the most photographed street art in Ostiense. There are walking tours to see all of the murals/street art. The "Wall of Fame" mural is located behind Via Ostiense (see videos included in this review) 2.) Basilica of Saint Paul Outside The Walls (Basilica Papale di San Paola Fuori Le Mural) - Ancient basilica from 4th century, w/ the tomb of Saint Paul. This is a must-see basilica! (See pics in this review of this beautiful site) and it is free to visit 3.) Centrale Montemartini - Ancient sculpture museum located inside a former power plant...very budget friendly & away from the crowds (see pics included in this review) 4.) best gelato! - Gelateria La Romana - Via Ostiense This neighborhood felt safe at all times & was located very close to many restaurants & even the train station. To sum it up, would definitely recommend for others to stay in and/or visit the Ostiense Street Art District. Till next time, Rebecca visiting from Austin, Texas (United States)

I love finding little hidden spots in new cities; the things which you could so easily miss but are…read moreworth seeking out. So, on my last night in Rome, I made sure to pass by this street art on Via Galvani. It's striking, and if you're nearby, worth wandering over to see. Still, if you're staying farther out, make a day of it; there is lots to do in the Testaccio 'hood. I stayed there for the duration of my time in Rome and really loved the area. The MACRO Museum of Contemporary Art is really nearby if you're feeling hungry for more creativity, and local hotspot Porto Fluviale is a great place to eat and drink. Awesome!

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.

After coming back to Roma, it was nice to again take a walk around this area & just take in the…read moresites. This location was consider to be the center of ancient rome, it's nice to be able to walk around & take in the sites it's wild when u think that once upon a time this area was a busy area & life was probably just as crazy if not more than it is today, nice to see how the area is kept well after all this time, worth taking the time to check it out.

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!

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.

The Pyramid of Cestius was an odd sight when I first saw it from the Ostiense railway station in…read moreRome. Sitting among apartment houses that ring the Piazzale dei Partigiani, it looked like it was built to advertise the Piramide stop on the Metro B line. But its history is more interesting. Just outside Porta San Paolo on the Aurelian Wall, the Pyramid dates from around 15 BC, built during a period entralled with everything Egyptian. It is the last remaining pyramid standing in Rome. Visiting the Pyramid today is like stepping into 1st century BC Rome.

We didn't expect to see a pyramid in Rome! We only appreciated it from the outside as part of our…read morevespa tour. Looks to be in great restored condition.

Vittoriano, also known as the Altar of the Fatherland. The Monument…read moreto king Victor Emmanuel II was built starting in 1885, designed by Giuseppe Sacconi, and inaugurated in 1911 to commemorate the 50th. See it as you walk around downtown Rome.

This building was right down the road from our hotel and we passed it a number of times. It is…read morebeautiful with nice statues on the front and back of building. I climbed up the back of building and caught the sunset.

Should have posted previously…read more.. A darling neighborhood to stroll and should be added to any Tiberina itinerary since it's so close. Wonderful history to explore.

Jews have lived in Rome for over two thousand years. Their presence in Rome predates Christianity…read more It is probably the oldest continuous Jewish community outside of the Israel and the Middle East. Written records trace the Jewish community as early as 161 BC when Judah Maccabee sent envoys to Rome. For hundreds of years, Jewish families coexisted with their neighbors. They worked as bakers, butchers, physicians, money lenders and craftsmen. As the friction between the papacy and the Jewish community in the 1500s escalated, walled off Jewish ghettos were created following the model in Venice. The Roman Ghetto was established as a result of Papal bull Cum nimis absurdum mandated by Pope Paul IV on 14 July 1555. The bull required that the 2,000 Jews who lived in Rome at the time to live in the ghetto, which was not only walled off, but the gates were also locked from the outside at night to keep them in. The Jewish community was also forced to pay 300 Roman scudi for the construction of the wall and gate. The location was prone to flooding and quite undesirable. By the late 1580s, roughly 3,500 inhabitants were living in inhuman conditions. During the plague of 1656, 800 of the ghetto's 4,000 inhabitants died. The bull revoked almost all the rights of the Jewish community. It placed many restrictions on Jews including prohibition on property ownership (even within the ghetto), not being allowed to provide medical care to Christians and compulsory Catholic sermons on the Jewish Shabbat. Life in the ghetto was harsh filled with poverty, epidemics, such as plague, cholera and malaria, diseases due to lack of fresh water and overcrowding. Roman Jews were limited to unskilled jobs such as pawn brokers, fish mongers or ragmen. Many Christians hated the Jews because they were allowed to "lend" money throughout Rome and Europe. Jews had to wear a yellow cloth if they left the ghetto. The yellow veil worn by Jewish women matched the color worn by Roman prostitutes. During Christian feasts they were forced to run naked or be ridden by the Romans as a way to entertain the Romans. They had to petition for the privilege annually to live in their homes and swear loyalty to the Pope at the Arch of Titus which celebrated the Roman sack of Jerusalem in 70 AD. As in most of Rome, there was no fresh water in the ghetto. When the Pope decided to use the old aqueduct system to provide fresh water via a series of fountains designed by Giacomo della Porta, a fountain was due to be placed at Piazza Giudea, the site of a market, inside the ghetto. However, Muzio Mattei used his influence to have the fountain, the Fontana delle Tartarughe (Turtle Fountain), located in the Piazza Mattei instead in front of his residence. Outraged, della Porta changed the design of the fountain so that it provided a small trickle of water to the Mattei family. In 1888, the ghetto walls were torn down. In 1904, the Great Synagogue of Rome and a number of apartment buildings were erected on the site. The Roman Ghetto was the last remaining ghetto in Western Europe until ghettos were reintroduced by Nazi Germany in the 1930s. Today, the Jewish Quarter is a thriving community filled with delicious Kosher restaurants, street musicians and shops. The Great Synagogue in Rome has a very visible square dome and a Jewish Museum. Look for the stumbling stones scattered along the cobblestone streets that remember Roman Jews who were murdered during the Holocaust and a tribute to Stefano Tache Gay who was murdered at the age of two as the synagogue was attacked on Shabbat in 1982. Sit at a sidewalk cafe for lunch or dinner. Try the Jerusalem artichokes and pistachio crusted sea bass at Renato al Ghetto and the pizza and pasta at Ba'Ghetto Milky. Delicious! Thank you to Mircea from GURU Tours who shared the rich history and secret sites of the Jewish Quarter during an amazing, and free, night tour. Highly recommended if you like history and cultural insights.