Rome is known for its incredible churches, lush parks, and food thrills. It also has some of the world’s most beautiful architecture. Here’s a guide to the places that shouldn’t be missed during your visit. Listed below are some of the most iconic places in Rome, including Vatican City and the Garden of Oranges.
Garden of Oranges
One of the best attractions in Rome, the Garden of Oranges, offers visitors a picturesque view of Rome. From its lookout point, visitors can see the national monument in Piazza Venezia as well as the iconic dome of St Paul’s church in Vatican City. The garden is also a popular spot for people seeking a respite from the summer heat, thanks to the greenery and generous shade provided by the orange trees. The gardens are close to the mouth of the River Tiber and the Vatican.
The Garden of Oranges in Rome was built on top of an ancient fortress, and is surrounded by beautiful orange trees. It was originally a garden for the Savelli family, which ruled Rome between 1285 and 1287. It was later converted into a Dominican monastery, and Saint Dominic is believed to have planted the first orange tree in the park.
The Garden of Oranges is an oasis within the medieval city walls of Rome. It was designed by the architect Domenico Fontana for Pope Sixtus V and features an symmetrical layout. The center of the garden is a broad avenue surrounded by two planted squares and a monumental fountain. Three entrances lead to the garden, the main one at the Square of Pietro D’Illira. The other two entrances were added in 1937.
St. Peter’s Basilica
There are many places to visit in Rome, including St. Peter’s Basilica. Its interior is filled with Renaissance and Baroque works of art. Among its most famous pieces are Michelangelo’s Pieta and Bernini’s baldachin. Its other notable pieces include the bronze cathedra of St. Peter and a statue of St. Longinus by Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
The basilica is one of four major basilicas in Rome. The others are St. Paul’s Outside the Walls and St. John Lateran. These basilicas were created on the site of St. Peter’s burial, which is what gave them their basilica status.
You can visit the basilica alone or join a group tour. The tour lasts approximately one hour and includes a ticketed audio guide. The guided tours also include entry into the Vatican Mosaic Studio and explanations of the mosaics in the church.
Located in Saint Peter’s Square, the St. Peter Basilica is a must-see attraction in the Vatican City. It is the final resting place of the Apostle Peter, and is considered one of the world’s holiest churches. Its marble and gilt interior make it a wonder of art and architecture.
Trevi Fountain
One of the most stunning places in Rome is the Trevi Fountain. This fountain stands at the intersection of three roads and is an iconic landmark. Its name comes from the Latin word “trivium”, meaning three. The fountain was not always so beautiful, however. In fact, Pope Urban VIII was not impressed with the first version of the fountain. Then, Gian Lorenzo Bernini was hired to design a new fountain. Then, the project was completed.
The fountain was built during the 1700s. In the early days, people would drink from the fountain. In the past, a maiden was said to lead her lover to the fountain and give him or her a cup of water. He or she would then smash the glass, ensuring a safe return to Rome and devoted love forever. In other times, newlyweds would drink from the fountain. When they were done, the newlyweds would smash the glass so that no other person could drink it.
The Trevi fountain is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, and is a popular tourist attraction. It was constructed over a century ago and has undergone extensive restoration. A recent restoration project discovered a section of ancient aqueduct beneath the fountain.
Vatican City
A trip to Vatican City will allow you to see the tombs of many of the popes. The Basilica is the centerpiece of the Vatican. It was built between the 16th and 18th centuries and replaced earlier structures. It stands on the spot where St. Peter is buried. Its construction was funded by the sale of indulgences in the 16th century. This practice eventually led to the Protestant Reformation.
You can also visit the Vatican Museums, which house works of art from all over the world. Over twenty thousand works of art are displayed here, and you can admire the splendour and lavish decoration of the buildings. You can also view artifacts from ancient civilizations. You can also buy special Scavi tickets that allow you to view St. Peter’s grave and admire the basilica.
The Vatican Museums are home to some of the finest pieces of classical statuary. The Sala di Costantino features a huge fresco depicting Constantine’s victory over Maxentius on the Milvian Bridge. You can also see the Stanza d’Eliodoro, which is named for the allegorical work of Pope Julius II depicting the policy of encroaching foreign power onto Church land. Other highlights of the Vatican Museums include the Apoxyomenos statue and the Laocoon, an early sculpture with an raised arm.
Riserva dell’Insugherata
The Riserva dell’Insughrata is a natural area in Rome. It is a 740-acre reserve in the northern suburbs of the city. The landscape is varied and contains archaeological sites. The Riserva has many different plant species, including English oak, chestnut trees, hazelnut, and white willow.
It is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Italy. It contains over 630 species of plants, including 44 endemic varieties. It is also home to many examples of sughere. The reserve is accessible from several points, including Trionfale, Panattoni, and Cassia.
The Insugherata Nature Reserve is also home to several ancient Roman villas. One of these is Nero’s Tomb, which dates back to the II-III century AD. In addition, the former home of Publio Vibio Mariano, Prefect of the Third Gallic Legion, once stood in the Acqua Traversa area. Furthermore, recent excavations have revealed an Etruscan settlement.
The vegetation in the Riserva is diverse and rich. It features a wide range of animal life. Its flora includes species of volpi, donnole, and istrici. Its fauna also includes a variety of insects.
Vatican Museums
Those interested in modern art will enjoy a visit to the Vatican Museums, which contain over 800 works of art. Most of the paintings have a spiritual theme. The Vatican Museums include works by Francis Bacon and Paul Klee. You’ll also find paintings by Raffaello, Siqueiros, and Titian. You can even take a virtual tour of the museum.
In addition to the main museum, the Vatican Museums have several other buildings. The Historical Archive houses documentation related to the Vatican Museums’ activities. It’s accessible to internal staff and to external applicants, but only after a review by the Directorate. During the pontificate of Pope Paul VI, the Museums also established the Carriage Pavilion and Modern Religious Art Collection. There’s also a central office called the Collections Registry and Central Catalogue, which collects catalog information for works of art within the Vatican Museums. While the online catalogue is only available in Italian, it does allow you to take a virtual tour.
The Vatican Museums contain one of the largest collections of art in the world. There are more than 70,000 works of art in more than 1,400 galleries. The collection has been growing since the early 16th century and has become one of the world’s most visited museums.
Nightlife
Nightlife in Rome is alive and varied, with a wide range of options available to visitors. San Lorenzo is a popular area for young crowds, with inexpensive pubs and bars. Students flock here to enjoy a variety of drinks and dance the night away. Although this area is often crowded on weekends, you can find locals enjoying the fun as well.
There are many places to dance the night away in Rome, including the aperitif culture, rooftop bars, speakeasies, live music venues, and clubs. Nightlife in Rome is an integral part of a trip to the eternal city. This guide will help you make the most of the city’s nightlife.
Rome offers an eclectic nightlife scene, with music for every taste and mood. In recent years, the city has become a hotbed for techno and underground music, but there’s room for every genre. From boutique clubs to large post-industrial venues hosting pop concerts, Rome’s nightlife scene caters to all types of musical taste.
For those looking for more sophisticated nightlife, consider visiting the Alcazar, a converted ancient theater. It offers a dance floor and bar, and is a favorite for many young Romans.
