The capital of Italy, located in the central part of the country on the banks of the Tiber River.
The city’s history goes through being the capital of the Roman empire, the center of Catholic Christianity and the seating place of the Pope, and being the leading Renaissance center in the 15th-17th centuries. These significant eras have left their marks on Rome’s ancient monuments and its architectural and art treasures.
Combined with the vibrant Italian culture, food scene and lively people, it’s obvious why Rome is one of the most toured cities in Europe, and a major center of Catholic religion and pilgrimage for centuries.
Rome is often divided into three major distinctive areas including;
- The Vatican autonomy state
- The historic center
- The center of the Roman empire architecture and monuments.
In the Vatican you will explore and enjoy the St. Petrus Basilica, the Sistine chapel and the Vatican museums and gardens.
In the Historic Center and in the adjacent Villa Borghese Park you will admire the Renaissance and Baroque architectural and art treasures.
Visit the impressive Piazza del Popolo, Piazza Spagna, and Piazza Navona, the great churches, the Pantheon, and the museums and galleries surrounding Villa Borghese Park and gardens.
In the Capitol, Palatine and Aventine hills and their surroundings you will be amazed from the Roman empire grand architectures, monuments and archeology, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and many more.
Stroll throughout the city, explore the museums and galleries, including the Vatican Museums, the Villa Borghese Galleries and the adjacent National Gallery of Modern Art, the Capitolini Museum and others.
Enjoy masterpieces by the Renaissance masters including fountains by Bernini, sculptures by Michelangelo, frescoes by Raphael and paintings by Caravaggio and Botticelli, to name a few.
In addition to the marvelous attractions Rome has to offer, absorb the culture and the great vibes of this city.
Enjoy the street side cafes, the lively Pizzerias or the neighborhood trattorias in the daytime, and bars and night clubs at night.
Visit Trastevere the most vibrant and picturesque old quarter of Rome, west of the Tiber River and south of the Vatican, with its narrow alleys, medieval houses, and numerous eating and hanging spots, best in the evening or at night.
Campo de Fiori
Rome's Nightlife
Trevi Fountain
Rome is not the best place to shop for bargains. For high fashion brands, stroll the area around Piazza Espagna in Via del Corso and the prestigious Via condotti.
The two main Rome markets are Campo de Fiori Market, the oldest market in Piazza di Campo de Fiori (7 am to 1 pm), specializing in food products, kitchen and toys, and the Porta Portese Market, the main flea market at Via Portuense and Via Ippolito Nievo in the Trastevere quarter.
Rome has a Mediterranean climate, hot and dry summers, and mild and humid winter. Spring and Autumn will be perfect to enjoy the city while avoiding the vast crowds of tourists in the summer.
To explore and enjoy Rome’s major attractions Thetjoy.com recommends spending at least 3 days;
- Spend one day in the Historic Center and the museums and attractions of Villa Borghese.
- Spend the 2nd day at the Vatican City, Castle Sant Angelo, and the Trastevere quarter
- In the third day explore the Roman Empire attractions, the Papal Churches and The Catacombs of St. Callixtus.
If you have more time, there are few Day Tours from Rome to nearby and further away attractions and destinations;
- Visit nearby Ostia Antica
- Admire the Tivoli Villas
- Take a train further north to the unique Siena and Florence and further to Venice
- Drive or take the train to Naples, Mount Vesuvius, and Pompeii further to the south.
