Tourist Attractions in Rome

The most interesting and beautiful tourist sites in Rome

Photos, reviews, descriptions, and links to maps

About Rome

Rome occupies a special place among European capitals. It is a symbolic city, the city of the first source, where Western civilisation was born. The mighty Roman Empire, which subjugated the entire Mediterranean, began here – on the banks of the Tiber River. The historical and cultural heritage of Rome is invaluable, with architectural and cultural masterpieces awaiting tourists at every turn.

Rome is the legendary Colosseum and the treasures of the Vatican Museums, the historic ruins of the Capitol and the magnificent facades of Baroque villas. The whole city can be seen as an open-air museum, its streets and squares are home to the history of three thousand years of civilisation, thought, art and culture.

Top-35 Tourist Attractions in Rome

Colosseum

 4.7/5

380962 reviews

The main arena of ancient Rome, the theatre for gladiatorial fights, the herding of prisoners by wild animals and other equally bloody performances of the annual Games of the capital of the Empire. In honour of the opening of the Colosseum in 80 AD, the Great Games were staged, which lasted over 3 months. The ancient stones of the Arena still remember gladiators slaughtered for the amusement of the public and slaves from captured provinces tortured for pleasure.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Pantheon

 4.8/5

220923 reviews

Built in the 2nd century BC, it is the “temple of all the gods” in Greek. The Pantheon was created at the height of Roman architecture. For many centuries, pagan gods were worshipped under the dome of the building until the Pantheon was turned into a Christian temple in the early 7th century. The building has survived to this day in good condition thanks to numerous restorations that began before the dawn of our era.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Vatican City

 0/5

City-state, stronghold and main bastion of the Catholic Church, residence of the Pope. Only about 800 people are citizens of the Vatican, mostly priests and church officials. The Vatican is famous for its museums, where outstanding collections of paintings, sculptures and applied arts are gathered. This is a real treasure trove of humanity. Tourists are also attracted by the main Catholic church – St Peter’s Cathedral.

St. Peter's Basilica

 4.8/5

139768 reviews

St Peter’s Cathedral is the spiritual centre of the Catholic branch of Christianity. The Pope himself conducts festive masses here. The temple was founded on the site of the former circus of Nero in the IV century. At first it was a small basilica where relics of Apostle Peter were kept. In the XV century it was rebuilt into a grandiose building. Raphael, Michelangelo, Peruzzi, Maderno and others worked on St Peter’s Cathedral. In front of the church there is a wide square with a colonnade of 284 Doric columns.

Open time

Vatican Museums

 4.6/5

163993 reviews

The museum collections were assembled at different times by popes. They were founded in the 16th century by Pope Julius II. An extensive exposition of paintings from the XI to XIX centuries is collected in the Vatican Pinacotheca. You can get acquainted with tapestries and frescoes by great masters by visiting the Sistine Chapel and Raphael’s Stanzas. Antique statues, sarcophagi from ancient Rome are presented in the museums of Chiaramonti and Pio Cristiano. The history of religions from around the world is described by the exhibits of the Ethnological Missionary Museum. The history of the Vatican is presented in the Historical Museum. The Vatican Library contains more than one and a half million books. Visitation is open daily except Sundays and Catholic holidays.

Open time

Monday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Saturday: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
Sunday: Closed

Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

 4.8/5

61965 reviews

A commemorative architectural complex of the 18th and 19th centuries in honour of King Victor Emmanuel, the first ruler of united Italy. On the square in front of the monumental palace, the eternal flame burns and a guard of honour is on duty. The inhabitants of Rome are not too keen on this white marble hulk, as they feel it does not fit in with the architecture of the city. Some Romans call the Vittoriano an incongruous “wedding cake”.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM

Trastevere

 0/5

A colourful and vibrant Roman quarter across the Tiber River. The Etruscans, who began the history of the Eternal City, settled here in the 18th century BC. During the Imperial period, the neighbourhood was home to the luxurious villas of the patricians. In the neighbourhood, many buildings and residential houses are many hundreds of years old, so they look very authentic and attractive to tourists. People still live in the dilapidated houses.

Piazza Navona

 0/5

Oval square in central Rome, located on the site of the former Domitian’s Circus. From the 16th century, ambassadors, cardinals, bankers and other wealthy members of society began to settle in this area. From the XV century until the middle of the XIX century, there was a market. In the middle of the square is the Fountain of the Four Rivers, a sculptural group with a deep symbolic meaning. In the middle of the composition stands an obelisk symbolising the power of the Pope. Around the obelisk are sculptures representing the rivers of the four continents.

Piazza del Popolo

 4.7/5

102760 reviews

The name of this place is loosely translated into Italian as “people’s square”. Piazza del Popolo played an important role in the life of Rome, as it was the starting point of the road to the northern provinces. The square is adorned with the Church of Santa Maria del Popolo and the Egyptian obelisk of Ramses II. The piazza received its present-day appearance in the early 19th century, with architect D. Valadier working on it.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Castel Sant'Angelo

 4.7/5

82797 reviews

The structure began to be built in the Roman Empire in the 2nd century AD. During its existence, it served as a papal dwelling, a prison, a warehouse and even a tomb. Nowadays the fortress houses the Military History Museum. The castle received this name in the VI century AD after the image of Archangel Michael appeared to Pope Gregory. Right from the castle, a picturesque bridge crosses the Tiber River, which was built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. The bridge was the shortest way to the Champ de Mars.

Open time

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 7:30 PM

Roman Forum

 4.7/5

123544 reviews

The very heart of Ancient Rome, where important state and social events took place – the fate of laws was decided, consuls were elected, the triumphs of emperors after victorious wars took place. After the fall of the Empire, the forum was destroyed and ruined, and time did its work, so only fragments have survived to our days. The remains of the forum are part of the protected archaeological zone, where an open-air museum operates.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Trajan Forum

 4.7/5

8883 reviews

The Forum appeared at the turn of the 2nd to 1st centuries BC. At that time it was a large square surrounded by a marketplace, the temple of Emperor Trajan, Greek and Latin libraries. The 38-metre high Trajan’s Column made of Carrara marble has survived to our time. Inside the column is the tomb of the emperor himself and his wife. Trajan’s Forum is the last of its kind to be built in Rome.

Open time

Baths of Caracalla

 4.6/5

20647 reviews

The remains of ancient Roman baths by the Appian Way. The culture of visiting the baths was well developed in the Roman Empire. People came here to socialise, learn the latest news or conduct business negotiations. The Thermae of Caracalla were erected in the 3rd century AD under Emperor Septimius Bassianus Caracalla. Already in the V century AD this architectural complex was considered a true wonder of the world. In addition to the baths and pools, it housed a library.

Open time

Arch of Constantine

 4.7/5

5066 reviews

A triumphal arch erected by Emperor Constantine in honour of his victory in the civil war over the troops of his rival Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maxentius. It was under Constantine that Christianity became the official religion (the ruler believed that God himself had helped him come to power), the capital of the Empire was moved to Constantinople, and Rome gradually began to lose its former power and decline.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

 4.8/5

24148 reviews

One of the oldest Christian churches, the first temple of Rome. In the church hierarchy, it ranks above all others, even above St Peter’s. The Catholic hierarchy has given it the title “basilica major”, that is, “the eldest”. It is recognised as “the head and mother of all churches”. The temple came into being during the reign of Constantine under Pope Sylvester I in the 4th century AD. Six Popes are buried in the basilica and the relics of the Apostles St Paul and St Peter are kept there.

Open time

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside The Walls

 4.8/5

14485 reviews

A 4th century AD temple built on the burial place of the Apostle St Peter, who was executed at the command of Emperor Nero in the 1st century AD. The building was rebuilt several times under Emperors Theodosius I and Valentinian II. Almost every Catholic Pope tried to add something of himself to the temple complex, so over time San Paolo fuori le Mura expanded in size and added new additions.

Open time

Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore

 4.8/5

33384 reviews

One of the four main Catholic cathedrals of Rome. It has a very high status in the ecclesiastical rank of cathedrals (the highest status is given to the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano). The foundation stone of Santa Maria Maggiore was laid in the middle of the IV century. In the XIV century the church got a 75-metre bell tower. The façade, which has survived to this day, is a mixture of Romanesque and Baroque styles.

Open time

Chiesa del Gesù

 4.8/5

5059 reviews

The main Jesuit temple in Rome, where Grand Master Ignatius Loyola is buried. The first project of the temple was designed by Michelangelo, but it did not please the head of the order. In 1561, another architect – Giacomo Barozzi began construction on his own plan. Until the abolition of the Jesuit Order at the end of the XVIII century in the church of Il Gesu stored considerable wealth. The church building itself was taken away from the organisation. Only after 1814 it was returned to the organisation.

Open time

Monday: 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:30 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:30 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:30 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 4:00 – 7:30 PM
Sunday: 7:45 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:00 – 8:00 PM

Basilica of San Clemente

 4.7/5

5496 reviews

A unique archaeological monument. The church consists of three levels. The lowest one was discovered in the XIX century and represents the structures of the I century AD. Frescoes and remnants of decoration have been preserved here. The second level is an early Christian church of the IV century. The upper level is a basilica of the XII century, with a facade in the Baroque style, atrium and fountain inside. The interior is richly decorated, with 18th century frescoes on the walls.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM – 5:30 AM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 5:30 PM

Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli

 4.7/5

13379 reviews

The name of the church translates as “St Peter in chains”. It is located in the square of the same name and was founded in the 5th century as a place to store the chains with which the holy apostle was shackled. It houses the tomb of Pope Julius II, designed by Michelangelo. One of the main decorations of the tomb is rightly considered to be the famous sculpture “Moses”. Also buried in the church is the painter Antonio Polaiolo.

Open time

Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 – 6:00 PM

Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola

 4.8/5

9924 reviews

The iconic Baroque building of the Jesuit order was built in 1626. It is located on Ignatius Lajola Square and is dedicated to the saint who founded the order (he served as the prototype of Don Quixote). The church consists of many chapels decorated with columns, arches and voluminous mouldings. Numerous frescoes tell about the life of St Ignatius. The flat ceiling is decorated with frescoes so that the illusion of its domed construction is created.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM

Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere

 4.7/5

16925 reviews

This church is believed to have been the first Christian church in Rome. The time of its foundation dates back to the 3rd century AD. It is located on the square of the same name in the Trastevere neighbourhood. The building is rightly considered a pearl of medieval architecture: the facade with arches and columns is decorated with colourful mosaics of the XII century. Inside the church is organised on the principle of a classical basilica. In addition to Catholic icons, Christian icons are also kept here.

Open time

Monday: 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Thursday: 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 8:30 PM
Saturday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Capitoline Museums

 4.7/5

14919 reviews

The world’s first museum was born in 1471, when Pope Sixtus IV gave the people of Rome a collection of antique bronzes. It is located in the Capitoline Square, designed by Michelangelo, in three palaces. The New Palace features an exhibition of classical sculpture. The Palazzo Conservatorio contains world-famous ancient statues, a collection of Renaissance paintings, and a coin collection. The main part of the Palazzo della Senatoria is occupied by the Rome City Hall, with the ground floor dedicated to the museum.

Open time

Národní Muzeum

 4.5/5

31788 reviews

It is a museum complex housed in four buildings. Palazzo Massimo houses displays of ancient Roman jewellery, coins, as well as sarcophagi, frescoes and mosaics. Palazzo Altemps bears the name of its first owner, Cardinal Altemps. His personal art collection is on display here, as well as a collection of ancient sculptures and an Egyptian display. The Crypt of Balbi houses ancient Roman artefacts found on excavations. The building of the Thermae Deoclitianum itself is already a unique architectural monument. Various exhibitions are held here, and there is a permanent exhibition of ancient sculptures, manuscripts and archeological finds.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Doria Pamphili Gallery

 4.6/5

5661 reviews

The private collection is exhibited in Palazzo Doria-Pamphili, one of the main streets of old Rome. It began to be collected in 1651. The palazzo is the largest private palace in the city. The most widely represented are the paintings of Italian painters of the 17th century. An interesting gallery of sculptures, a rich collection of antique furniture and fabrics. In total there are more than 500 pieces on display here, in six main halls.

Open time

Monday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Teatro dell'Opera di Roma

 4.6/5

4611 reviews

The first name was the Constanzi Theatre, after the surname of its founder. The theatre was opened in 1880, in the XX century the building was purchased by the city authorities, twice partially rebuilt. This stage has hosted world premieres of great composers and the best voices of the world. Nowadays both opera and ballet productions and concerts take place here. A ballet school operates at the theatre.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM

Capuchin Crypt

 4.4/5

2715 reviews

Santa Maria della Cancesione is a small Roman church with a modest facade. However, the place is attractive to tourists. Roman Cardinal Antonio Barberini, a member of the Capuchin order, is buried here. Under the church is the burial place of the monks, the walls of the crypt are decorated with bones and skulls of more than 4000 thousand dead from 1528 to 1780. Since 2012, a Capuchin Museum has been organised here: the exhibits tell the history, traditions and secrets of the ancient Order.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Catacombs of St. Callixtus

 4.6/5

8655 reviews

Numerous underground galleries and labyrinths that lie beneath the surface of Rome. Many pre-Christian burials have been discovered here, but the base of the underground passages was created in the early Christian era. The first companions of Jesus hid in these dungeons. Here they held religious rituals, meetings, and prayer services without the danger of being discovered and caught.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM

Pyramid of Caius Cestius

 4.3/5

5240 reviews

It is believed that the structure was erected in the 1st century BC. It served for burial purposes – the tomb of Praetor Gaius Cestius Epulus is located here. The construction took place during the period of the conquest of Egypt, when “Egyptian style” became fashionable in ancient Rome. At that time obelisks, sculptures and other monuments were exported from the Nile Valley. The pyramid of Cestius is 37 metres high and almost 30 metres wide.

Open time

Circus Maximus

 4.5/5

51764 reviews

An ancient hippodrome between the Palatine and Aventine hills. During the Roman Empire, chariot races were held here. Under Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar, the circus was rebuilt and grew to a rather large size. More than 250 thousand people could watch the spectacle at the same time. The spectator section was equipped with boxes for patricians and standing places for plebeians.

Open time

Parco Regionale dell'Appia Antica

 4.6/5

1663 reviews

One of the most important roads of the Roman Empire, which led from the Eternal City to the south of the Apennine Peninsula. The total length of the road is more than 500 kilometres. The road began to be built in the IV century. Thanks to the excellent quality of masonry pavement, the Appian Way allowed to quickly reach places far from the capital or to transfer troops in a fairly short period of time. The roadway has survived to this day in very good condition.

Open time

Monday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM, 2:00 – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Villa Borghese

 4.6/5

78350 reviews

A 16th century palace built for Cardinal Scipione Borghese on the site of former vineyards. The building is surrounded by a huge English-style park with numerous antique statues. On the territory there is a hippodrome, a zoo, a theatre and several museums. Until the early 20th century, the mansion and park belonged to the Borghese family, after which the property was given to the state.

Open time

Villa Medici

 4.5/5

2689 reviews

Located on the slope of the Pincio hill on the site of the former gardens of Lucullus. In the mid-16th century, the area around the hill became the property of Cardinal Medici, who built a villa residence for his family. After the decline of the Medici dynasty, the house and the surrounding land passed to the Lorraine family. Cardinal Medici acquired many works of antique art to decorate the villa. Some of the pieces can be admired in the Uffizi Gallery.

Open time

Monday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Spanish Steps

 4.5/5

70191 reviews

Italian Baroque staircase in the centre of Rome. It is recognised as one of the most picturesque in Europe. The staircase starts at Piazza España and leads up to the Pincio Hill. Piazza España itself is a very expressive place, where it is always pleasant to stroll among the flowerbeds. In the XVII century it was the seat of the Spanish embassy. As a sign of good relations between the two countries, the piazza was named in honour of Spain.

Open time

Trevi Fountain

 4.8/5

399005 reviews

The most famous Roman fountain of the XVIII century, where every visitor to the city must throw a coin for good luck. In a week, several thousand euros worth of coins are thrown. All the money is given to a charitable foundation. The sculptural composition of the fountain consists of the figure of the sea god Neptune on a chariot and his companions. Sixteen architects competed for the right to work on the fountain.

Open time

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours