Rome, Italy
What to see in Rome
Roman Empire structures
The Colosseum, Forum, and Palatine Hill are all in very close proximity to each other.
The Colosseum – Entry €11 (€9 if you’re under 25). Expect a long queue and an even longer wait. You can skip the queue if you decide to take a tour, but if you don’t want a tour, you can STILL skip the queue. If you walk across the street to the Roman Forum, you can buy a day-long pass for €10,better still, a 7-day pass for €20 or a standard Colosseum + Palatine ticket at €11. This pass gets you in to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, the Baths of Caracalla, and the catacombs. If you don’t want to cram it all into one day, get the pass. Plus, it is nice to buy a slice of pizza and eat in the gardens of Palatine Hill. There are lots of people offering tours in English just outside the entrance to the Colosseum. Inside you can take a tour (English, Spanish, or German) every 30 minutes or so for an additional fee of €3.5 per person.
The tours are given by knowledgeable archeologists, but they don’t take you to any areas you couldn’t visit on your own.
The Pantheon – A marvel of ancient architecture, this ancient temple to all the gods is celebrated for its large dome, copied during Greek and Roman revival periods by such designers as Thomas Jefferson, who modeled his Monticello and the Rotunda at the University of Virginia on it. Built during the reign of the emperor Hadrian (AD 125-128), the Pantheon carries a dedication to Marcus Agrippa, who built the original structure on this spot in 27 BC. As it is still a functioning church, silence is requested during your visit. From inside the Pantheon, you’ll see a hole in the dome; during the reign of Pope Urban VIII, the Pope ordered the bronze ceiling of the Pantheon’s portico melted down. The bronze was used to make bombards to for the fortification of the Castel Sant’Angelo. Free admission.
Roman Forum – If stones could talk: these hallowed ruins were the most powerful
seat of government in the world. The Forum is much less crowded than the Colosseum and, from a historical perspective, much more interesting. Free admission, except for an audio guide, which is highly recommended. To stand in the political, legal and religious centre of the whole Roman Empire brings shivers down one’s spine. It is the best way of imagining the splendour and glory of ancient Rome.
Palatine Hill – right next to the Roman Forum, contains the ruins of several
large villas that belonged to wealthy Roman families. You can buy a combined
ticket for the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum here, avoiding the long lines
at the Colosseum.
Fori Imperiali – Entry €7 (cheaper for EU nationals, free for EU history students). The inside of the fort is very similar to a museum, with a lot of rooms containing items in glass cases. It is a bit of a maze and takes time to orient yourself, but it is worth climbing to very top for a view of the city and the Vatican.
Museums
The Capitoline Museums, Piazza del Campidoglio 1 – 00186 Roma, ? 06 82059127
(every day 9.00-19.30) (info.museicapitolini@comune.roma.it, fax: 06 6785488),
[8]. Tu-Su 9.00am-8.00pm; Dec 24th, 31st 9.00am-2.00pm (the ticket office closes
an hour in advance) Closed on Mondays, 25th Dec, 1st Jan, 1st May. Also contain
a good collection of classical art, as well as ancient sculpture. The Capitoline
piazza, between the two museum buildings – designed by Michelangelo, is beautiful.
Explore these museums, then head out the back of the square to the Forum, where
you’ll find the remains of the Temple of the Vestal Virgins, among many other
buildings on the way to the Colosseum. Book tickets online Ordinary €6,50
(+ €1,50 for exhibitions), Concessions €4,50 (+ €1,50 for exhibitions)..
Palazzo Massimo, ? 06 39967700. Mo – Sa 9.00-13.30, 14.30 – 17.00. A magnificent
collection of ancient Roman sculptures, mosaics and wall paintings, including the famous paintings from the Imperial-era villa discovered under the Villa Farnesina, as well as the bedroom from the Empress Livia’s villa at Prima Porta.
Located across the piazza from Termini, opposite the Baths of Diocetian. €
7,00.
Galleria Borghese, Piazzale Museo Borghese (Parco di Villa Borghese) 00197
- Roma, ? +39 06 8555952, booking: +39 06 32810 (info.servizimusei@libero.it,
fax: +39 06 32651329.). Tu – Su 9.00 – 19.00 (note: Mandatory exit at the end of allotted 2 hour slot). A small museum that concentrates on the quality rather than the size of its collection. There are some very notable works by Antonio Canova and Gian Lorenzo Bernini here. The number of people admitted is limited to 200 every 2 hours, so make a reservation on-line well in advance for the time slot you want.No cameras are allowed Full €8.50, Concessions €2.00.
Villa Giulia Museum, Piazzale di Villa Giulia, 9, Villa Borghese 00196 -Roma, ? +39 06 3201951, [10]. Everyday 8.30 – 19.30. Closed Jan 1st, Dec 25th.
The most extensive collection of Etruscan art and artifacts anywhere, well worth
the admission charge. They do, however, make you lock up your camera. A difficult
museum to find, but a lovely display in a beautiful villa setting. Full: €4.00
Concessions: €2.00.