Rome Things to Do Tips by acemj

The ruins of Palatine Hill Palatine Hill Review

I'm not exactly an archeology buff, but it's certainly interesting and mind-boggling to think about how old these ruins are.
The hill overlooks the Forum and was once the home address for many of the most famous Caesars of Rome.

Buy a combo ticket when you go to the Colosseum and you'll save some money!

Address: Via S. Gregorio 30 (Enter at the Arch of Titus)

Scalinata di Trinita dei Monti... Piazza di Spagna - Spanish Steps Review

Scalinata di Trinita dei Monti (Spanish Steps)
The steps are a great gathering place for young Romans. It gets its name because the Spanish Embassy is just across the piazz at the bottom of the stairs, appropriately named Piazza di Spagna. The church at the top of the stairs is Trinita dei Monti, but I didn't go inside.

In the area you'll find a lot of expensive shops and just to the right of the steps you'll find the Keats-Shelley House where the English poet John Keats once lived.

Address: Piazza di Spagna

Oculus, Pantheon Pantheon Review

I guess you could sit in here all day and keep time by watching the light move around the ceiling.

Pantheon Pantheon Review

I found the Pantheon by remembering that in my guidebooks it said that though it once stood on the highest point in the city, it is now on the lowest. I knew I was in the right area, so I just kind of went downhill!

The Pantheon was designed by the Emperor Hadrian from about AD 120. The building is amazingly well-preserved considering its age, although the marble floors were re-done in the 19th century to replicate the originals. The height of the dome is exactly equal to the diameter of the interior which creates a feeling of tremendous harmony. You will certainly be struck by the oculus in the ceiling which is meant to symbolize the watchfulness of God. The giant bronze doors are 100% original, having survived over 1800 years.

Address: Piazza della Rotunda

Other Contact: Free (and photos allowed!)

Colosseo Colosseum Review

Ostensibly, I took this picture inside the Colosseum. I'm assuming the walkway over the floor is a new addition as I've never seen it in old pictures. It was cool to walk over it and imagine that I was a gladiator. You can literally stand right in the middle of this massive arena and pretend you're Russell Crowe!

Actually, it would not have been so cool to really be in that situation. While the Colosseum represents the genius of man, it also represents the evils. It was completed in AD 72 and was inaugurated with 100 days of competition in which 7000 animals and 5000 men were killed. Most estimates are that 55,000 spectators could fill the Colosseum and the whole process of filling the arena could be completed in 10 minutes!

Address: Piazza del Colosseo

Other Contact: You can buy a multi-venue pass w

Colosseo Colosseum Review

The symbol of Rome, the Colosseum's original name was the Flavian Ampitheater. It was the first real monument I saw in Rome. I walked out of my hostel in what I thought was the general direction of the 'touristy' area (that's how little I knew of the area on my first day). Fortunately, as I was walking down the street, I looked down a narrow alley and could see just a sliver of the Colosseum. It's a tribute to the fame of this amazing structure that seeing just a small section of it was enough for me to recognize it without a doubt.

Fontana di Trevi Trevi Fountain Review

Went here a couple times during my stay in Rome. There's a great place right on the corner to grab a gelato and just enjoy the atmosphere.
You'll invariably be approached by individuals trying to sell flowers or toys or something of the sort, but try not to let it ruin the ambience.

The fountain was designed by Nicola Salvi and is truly a beautiful spectacle. And of course, it has been made famous in films such as La Dolce Vita and Roman Holiday. Legend has it that if you toss a coin in, it will ensure your return to Rome.

Address: Piazza di Trevi, just off Via del Tritone

Here's a better view of this...

Here's a better view of this beautiful painting.

San Luigi dei Francesi San Luigi dei Francesi Review

Inside this church (in the last altar on the left) you'll find three paintings by Caravaggio including the famous 'The Calling of St. Matthew' in which the artist depicts Christ in a normal, everday setting, a pub.
Be prepared to bring some loose change in order to light up the altar. When I was there, the machine did not yet take Euros, so if you can locate some Lira it would be helpful.

Address: Piazza San Luigi dei Francesi

Arch of Constantine Arch of Constantine Review

To me, this was by far the most impressive arch among the ancient ruins. It was erected in 315 AD to celebrate the emperor Constantine's victory over Maxentius. It is bigger and more intricately detailed than the other two arches and at night giant spotlights light it up, making it a great photo with the Colosseum as a backdrop.

Address: Between the Colosseum and Palatine Hill