Watch the change of guards at Presidential Palace and other Rome, Italy Things to Do Tips

A very nice thing to do if you happen to be in the right place at the right time. Also this happens near the famous Fontana di Trevi so you don't have to go too far or you do two things at one hit:

Rome's Presidential Palace is located on the highest hill of the famous seven hills of Rome. Also very near to the Fontana di Trevi as mentioned above.

First you see a colourful march of soldiers dressed in black, with red stripes in their trousers and black-and-red hats. White "belts" and shoulders complete the nice looking uniform. Then a soldier in green, carrying a flag takes the command and marches in front of the unit and the change of guards take place.

But...it doesn't end here, don't walk away: music lovers get their part now. A military band in green and with caps start to play.

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Address: By the Presidential Palace of Rome

One could look at the walls of Fontana di Trevi for hours. It is not just due to the fact that "this is now the famous Fontana di Trevi". Just look; it is amazing how skillfull the artists of those times have been: so many tiny beautiful details and decorations. Not to speak about the scarving skills plus creative artist mind needed for making the sculptures and statues. This is something bigger than life.

In addition to taking many pictures, do not forget the magic of the fountain: for ensuring your return to Rome, you have to throw three coins, your back towards the fountain, over your shoulder, and make a wish. There are several versions of this habit.

The fountain was designed by architect Nicola Salvi (1697-1751) based on thoughts by Gianlorenzo Bernini. The baroque creation was completed only in 1762.

In the middle of the picture is the sea god, Oceanus, who is driving by carriage, pulled by sea horses. On both side of Oceanus are two goddesses symbolizing the two contrasting moods of the sea.

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Address: Piazza di Trevi

The Colosseum or Coliseum, originally the Flavian Amphitheatre (Latin: Amphitheatrum Flavium, Italian Anfiteatro Flavio or Colosseo), is an elliptical amphitheatre in the centre of the city of Rome, Italy, the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering.

Occupying a site just east of the Roman Forum, its construction started between 70 and 72 AD under the emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 AD under Titus, with further modifications being made during Domitian's reign (81–96).Originally capable of seating around 50,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

It remained in use for nearly 500 years with the last recorded games being held there as late as the 6th century – well after the traditional date of the fall of Rome in 476. As well as the traditional gladiatorial games, many other public spectacles were held there, such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology.

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Phone: +39 06 39967600
Address: Piazzale del Colosseo, Rome, Italy

When in Rome, as you walk around, you cannot avoid seeing these marvellous pieces of art. It just amazing how they can still be there, some of the items or buildings standing, after 2000 years.

I think everyone visiting Rome should visit the Forum Romanum - area, which is the area from where the ancient Rome was born.
Please see my different tip for that area.

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Directions: Near Colosseum, Forum Romanum, Palatino, Piazza Venezzia, Piazza Navona, Palazzo Venezzia

The Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Spagna in Italian) are a very famous sight in Rome. The Steps, the piazza and church have long provided a gathering place for foreigners.

Built with a legacy from the French in 1725, but named after the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See (which is still located in the piazza), the steps lead to the French church, Trinità dei Monti. In the 18th century the most beautiful women and men of Italy gathered here, waiting to be chosen as an artist's model.

In May each year the steps are decorated with pink azaleas.

lf you can't manage the steps there's a lift to the top outside the Spanish Steps metro station.

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Directions: Everyone in Rome knows where the Spanish Steps are.
Website: http://www.italyguides.it/us/roma/spanish_steps.htm

As one set of web pages of Pantheon states, The Pantheon is the Roman monument with the greatest number of records: the best preserved, with the biggest brick dome in the history of architecture and is considered the forerunner of all modern places of worship. It is the most copied and imitated of all ancient works. (See also Wikipedia's good informative Pantheon web pages).

Michelangelo felt it was the work of angels, not men.

Pahteon is a temple dedicated to all Roman gods.

What amazes me, is again the age and the fact that how well it is preserved and still standing: the thing was built between 27 and 25 B.C. by the consul Agrippa, Prefect of the Emperor Augustus. So more than 2000 years ago. We cannot build something like this anymore. How many years do our buildings stand? A good question. Go to Pantheon and wonder.

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Directions: Everyone in Rome knows Pantheon; also it is marked to all maps.
Website: http://www.italyguides.it/us/roma/pantheon.htm

I think every visitor in Rome must at least briefly visit Forum Romanum. How wouldn't be interested to see the area where ancient Rome and the whole culture, later empire, once started?

There are unbelieavably many things, buildings or parts of them and ruins left. It is just unbeliavable to think how old they are (again a lot older than 2000 years...).

See the Wikipedia page "Roman Forum Rome" for very detailed description, links and even a map of the area from year AD 100!

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Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Forum

If you want to see something different and/or collect also some historical pre-war time special memories, go check the balcony from which Mussolini ("Il Duce") gave his speeches to the public. The house is still existing and so is part of the balcony area. It is a dark brown building in the Palazzo Venezia.

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Address: Palazzo Venezia, Rome, Italy
Website: http://cidc.library.cornell.edu/DOF/italy/captioned/balcony.htm

An interesting place: to see exactly the place/spot to where Julius Ceasar (100 B.C. - 44 B.C.) was killed! It was almost an unrealistic feeling; Ceasar was so well-known all over the world and still is. It was just amazing to stand there and start imagining...

Nowadays there is a "nursery" for homeless cats of Rome. There is even a small office where one can visit to take a brochure, donate some coins or join the unity of Friends of Roman Cats (main office located in California, U.S.)

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A pique-nique in Rome is a must for romantic people. We were there in January, and it was not that cold! The grass was green, no snow, no ice, lake open, people with rowing boats. No gloves needed; it was easy and warm enough to sit down to the grass, lean back to a tree and enjoy the local delicacies.

Around you you have green grass, very old beautiful trees, birds (even swans in the small lake), some old buildings. Lots of space. Though I guess that during the high season; summertime; the park is more crowded naturally.

One of our best day trips during the stay in Rome.

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Address: Villa Borghese park