The Colosseum and other Rome, Italy Things to Do Tips

Obviously, the Colosseum is a must-see. Originally called The Flavian Ampitheatre, the Colosseum was the center of Roman entertainment during the reign of the Emperor Titus. Over the years, spectators watched battles between gladiators, the slaughter of animals ranging from dogs to elephants and even a staged sea battle. Today, the Colosseum is crumbling. Touring it is a wonderful step back in time.

I'd recommend enhancing your visit by taking a tour or bringing along a really good guidebook. We walked through on our own first but went back a different day and took an hour-long tour. We got a great, in-depth account of the history of the Colosseum this way! It's easy to find a tour guide. Tours in many different languages start from the front gate of the Colosseum.

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The Forum is an obvious must-see in Rome and the most spectacular collection of ruins in the city. After the fall of the Roman Empire, many of the great government buildings, temples and mouments fell into disrepair. Today, only ruins remain. The Forum is a large area filled with significant ruins, including the Temple of Vesta, the tomb of Julius Caesar, and the spectacular Arch of Titus.

The Forum is best viewed by taking a tour or bring along a detailed guidebook. Many English language tours are offered for free, starting at the entrance to the Forum nearest the Colosseum. The Forum is most interesting if you understand what you are looking at and how those building functioned in ancient Rome. Most guided tours tend to last about an hour.

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Trevi Fountain is the most famous fountain in Rome and the area is constantly packed with tourists. The fountain is dominated by a large statue of Neptune driving a chariot and was made famous internationally after the release of the 1954 film "Three Coins in a Fountain." You might also recognize it from the Fellini film "La Dolce Vita." Legend says that if you toss a coin into the fountain, you'll surely return to Rome.

Brave the crowds, admire the fountain, toss in your coin.... and then help yourself to some gelato at one of the excellent gelato shops nearby (I recommend Blue Ice or San Crispino).

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After a long day of walking around Rome, wander over the Spanish Steps and take a seat. This is one of the best people-watching locations in the city!

You can also admire the beautiful fountain in the piazza ("Barcaccia", by Bernini), the church at the top of the stairs (Trinità dei Monti), or worship at the house of Prada (the designers all have stores on the streets surrounding the piazza).

You are not supposed to eat on the stairs, and there is definitely a police presence in the area, so be on your best behavior! The Spanish Steps are very convenient to a nearby Metro station.

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The art at the Vatican Museums is spectacular. Budget a lot of time for this portion of your trip, because it takes a while to get through all the different rooms in the museum. Also, be aware that it is CROWDED there. Even on weekdays, even off-season. It's best to rent a headset so you can listen to the audiotour. You really get the most information this way.

The Sistine Chapel is breathtaking. Jam-packed full of people, but breathtaking. You cannot take any photos or shoot any video in here.

St. Peter's is vast and amazing. NOTE: women *must* cover their shoulders and knees. They will not let you inside if you don't. No exceptions! Dress appropriately. You will probably want to bring along a guidebook to help you make your way through St. Peter's since it is so large and there is so much to look at.

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The Pantheon was built during the 1st century AD, while Hadrian ruled Rome. Today, it is in great shape. It is definitely one of the best-preserved historical sites in Rome. Originally, the Pantheon was probably used as a temple to worship Pagan gods. Later, it was converted into a Catholic church. The domed interior of the Pantheon is very impressive. It was raining when I was there, and the rain falls right into the building and then drains through holes in the floor. The art throughout the Pantheon is lovely, and you'll also find the tomb of the artist Raphael here.

Outside the Pantheon is the Piazza Della Rotunda, at the center of which is a magnificent obelisk atop a fountain. The basin of the fountain was built by Gregorius XIII and the obelisk was added later (in the 1700s). The piazza is usually filled with people who flock to the area for its cozy cafes and peaceful feeling. At lunchtime, the area is filled with Roman businessmen and businesswomen.

The Pantheon was one of my favorite sights in Rome and I loved spending time in the Piazza.

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There are a lot of churches in Rome and they are all beautiful. Once you see St. Peter's, it can be difficult to decide which others you really need to see. I *highly* recommend checking out Santa Maria Maggiore (in Esquiline, not far from Termini Station) and San Giovanni in Laterano (walking distance from Santa Maria Maggiore, towards the Colosseum). These are both AMAZING and beautiful churches, filled with gorgeous art and details.

Santa Maria Maggiore was first built in 350 by the Pope Liberius. Legend has it that the plan for church was outlined by a miraculous summer snowfall. The legend is commemorated every year on August 5th, when white rose petals are dropped from the dome during Mass. The church has a large bell tower and a magnificent interior.

San Giovanni in Laterano is said to be the first cathedral of Rome. The Popes used to live in the Lateran Palace next door. The basilica has undergone many changes over the years (it was destroyed by fire in the 1300s and renovated many times) but today is a magnificent church, filled with exquisite detail and large, life-like statues. San Giovanni also has a large Papal Altar, where only the Pope may perform Mass.

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Villa Borghese is an art musuem located just outside of Rome and surrounded by a large park. The building was designed for one reason -- to display the artwork of collector Cardinal Borghese. The villa was restored in 1997 and is now in lovely condition. There are several excellent works on art on display at Villa Borghese, most notably Bernini's moving sculpture "Apollo and Daphne," one of Titian's most famous paintings, "Sacred and Profane Love" and the last work of Caravaggio, "David and Goliath." There are also some remarkable mosaics here.

Villa Borghese requires you to make reservations for your visit. This is easy to do through the Villa's website. They also ask you to arrive half and hour befor your appointment. However, I got hideously lost taking the Metro here and wandered around in the park for 30 minutes (and heard the same story from others inside the musuem). You might want to take a cab, or at least take along a good map and be prepared to ask for directions in the park. You don't want to miss your reservation!

Also, you have to check all of your bags at Villa Borghese. They wouldn't even let me carry my small purse into the museum. Still, I thought that "Apollo and Daphne" was worth the inconvenience! This museum is filled with little treasures. The park is lovely too!

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Phone: + 39 06 8413979
Address: Piazzale del Museo Borghese, 5
Website: http://www.galleriaborghese.it/borghese/en/edefault.htm

Perhaps the most beautiful of all of Rome's piazzas, Piazza Navona is located in the northeastern portion of the city. In this spot, the Circus of Domitian, capable of holding 30,000 spectators, once delighted ancient Romans. Today, it is an open, airy piazza filled with sculptures and fountains and ringed by pretty outdoor restaurants. This is a wonderful place to have a leisurely lunch and enjoy people-watching.

There are three fountains in Piazza Navona. In the center is the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi ("Fountain of the Four Rivers") designed by Bernini and completed in 1651. At the southern end of the piazza is Fontana del Moro, designed by Giacomo della Porta in 1576 (and later altered by Bernini). Additionally, you'll also find the Fountain of Neptune here (designed by Calderari).

Also in Piazza Navona, you'll see the church of Sant' Agnese in Agone. The church stands on the spot where, according to legend, young Saint Agnes was martyred in 1123. The church is in a Baroque style and was designed by Rainaldi and Borromini. Beneath it are some remains of an oratory that stood here in about the 8th century and the Circus of Domitian. The church contains a number of lovely frescoes.

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The Victor Emmanuel II Monument in Rome is hard to miss. It's very large and very white, and as a result the Romans call it "the wedding cake." You may also hear it referred to as "the typewriter."

The momument was begun in 1885 and inaugurated in 1911. The architect was Giuseppe Sacconi. It celebrates Italy's unification in 1870 and is dedicated to the first King, Victor Emmanuel II.

From the top of the momument, you have wonderful view over The Forum and the buildings of Rome. You can take some lovely photos from this vantage point! The monument is guarded by uniformed troops night and day and it houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame

Museo del Risorgimento is located inside the monument, but usually it is closed.

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Directions: The momument is located in Piazza Venezia.