Travel guide, Rome, Italy

1. Colosseum

The Colosseum is the symbol of Rome and the largest amphitheater ever built in antiquity. Built between 72-80 AD by the emperors Vespasian and Titus, the monument could accommodate up to 50,000-80,000 spectators.

Gladiatorial fights, exotic animal shows and other public events dedicated to the people of Rome, in the period Roman Empire. The building impresses by its size (approx. 189 m long and 48 m high) and by the complexity of the hypogeum - the underground network used to organize the performances.

Today, the Colosseum is one of the most visited attractions in Italy, and the combined ticket usually includes access to Roman Forum and Palatin. Online booking in advance is recommended.

2. Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the center of political, religious and commercial life in Rome ancient. Situated between Palatine Hill and Capitoline Hill, this vast archaeological complex brings together the ruins of temples, basilicas and administrative buildings that played a key role in the development of the city Roman Empire.

Public speeches, trials, religious ceremonies and triumphal parades were held here. Among the most important remains are the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Septimius Severus and the Curia - the seat of the Roman Senate.

Today, the Roman Forum is one of the most impressive historical sites in Italy and offers an authentic glimpse into daily life in antiquity. The visit is usually included in the combined ticket with Colosseum and Palatin.

For the full experience, a guided tour or audio-guided tour is recommended, as the ruins really make sense when you discover their story.

3. Altar of the Fatherland

The Altare della Patria, also known as the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, is one of the most imposing monuments in Rome. Located in Piazza Venezia, the building was built in the early 20th century to celebrate the unification Italy and its first king, Vittorio Emanuele II.

Made of white marble, the monument impresses with its monumental staircase, Corinthian columns and equestrian statue of the king. Inside is also the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a place of great symbolic importance to the Italians, which is permanently guarded.

Visitors can climb the monument's panoramic terraces for a spectacular view of the historic center, including Roman Forum and Colosseum.

The Altare della Patria is a major architectural landmark and an excellent orientation point for exploring Rome, combining modern Italian history with some of the city's most beautiful views.

4. Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of the most elegant and lively squares in Rome, famous for its vibrant atmosphere, baroque architecture and the street performers who bring it to life every day. The square was laid out on the site of the former Domitian's Stadium, and its elongated shape preserves the contours of the ancient arena.

The main attraction is Gian Lorenzo Bernini's famous Fountain of the Four Rivers, a symbol of Roman Baroque art. An Egyptian obelisk stands in the center of the composition, and the statues represent the four great rivers of the world known at the time.

On the west side of the square is the imposing church of Sant'Agnese in Agone, and all around the square are cafes, restaurants and terraces ideal for a relaxing break.

Today, Piazza Navona is a perfect place to experience Rome's authentic charm - whether you visit during the day, when it's bustling with life, or in the evening, when the lights give it a romantic and spectacular air.

5. The Pantheon

The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved monuments of antiquity and a true masterpiece of Roman architecture. Built in its present form in the 2nd century AD, during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, the temple was dedicated to all the gods of ancient Rome.

The building impresses with its monumental portico with Corinthian columns and its famous central oculus dome - a circular opening about 9 meters in diameter that lets natural light into the interior. The Pantheon's dome was, for centuries, the largest unarmored concrete dome in the world and remains a remarkable feat of engineering.

In the 7th century, the Pantheon was converted into a Christian church, which has contributed to its preservation. Inside are the tombs of important personalities, including the artist Raphael and Italian kings.

Located in the historic center of Rome, Today, the Pantheon is one of the city's most visited attractions and a place that strikes the perfect balance between simplicity, proportion and monumentality.

6. Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is the most famous fountain in Rome and one of the most romantic spots in the city. Built in the 18th century in Baroque style, the fountain impresses with its size, sculptural details and the spectacle of water falling into the monumental basin.

At the centre of the composition is a statue of the god Oceanus, surrounded by tritons and sea horses, symbolizing the force and dynamics of the waters. The monument marks the end of an ancient Roman aqueduct, the Aqua Virgo, which has supplied the city with water since antiquity.

Legend says that if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the well, you will return to Rome. Two coins bring new love, and three - marriage. Every day thousands of tourists keep the tradition alive and the money collected is donated to charity.

Whether visited during the day or in the evening, when it is spectacularly illuminated, the Trevi Fountain remains a symbol of Rome's romance and timeless charm.

7. Spanish Steps

Piazza di Spagna is one of the most elegant and photographed squares in Rome, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and famous Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti).

Built in the 18th century, the monumental staircase with 135 steps links the square to the Trinità dei Monti church, offering a spectacular view of the area. In spring, the steps are decorated with flowers, turning the place into a fairytale setting.

At the base of the stairs is the Fontana della Barcaccia, designed by Pietro Bernini and his son Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a fountain in the shape of a sunken boat, inspired by a local legend about a flood on the Tiber River.

The area around the square is known for its upscale shops and elegant streets like Via dei Condotti, making it an ideal spot for strolling, shopping or a break on the terrace.

Piazza di Spagna remains one of Rome's landmarks, where architecture, history and the Italian way of life come together in a refined and charming setting.

8. Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo is one of the largest and most spectacular squares in Rome, located north of the historic center. Its name („People's Square”) derives from the church of Santa Maria del Popolo, right at the main entrance, an important religious and artistic landmark.

The square is designed in an oval shape and flanked by twin churches - Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli - providing a visually harmonious setting. At the center of the square is an Egyptian obelisk, brought to Rome by Emperor Ramses II, symbolizing Rome's ties with Egyptian civilization and imperial power.

Piazza del Popolo is a popular meeting point for tourists and locals alike and offers access to the famous Pincio, from where a spectacular view of Rome opens up. The square also frequently hosts cultural events and fairs, making it a lively and dynamic part of Italy's capital.

This square is an ideal starting point from which to explore the historic neighborhoods of northern Rome and discover the combination of classical architecture and lively public spaces.