Disclaimer: Photos were taken during my visit in July 2013.
A QUICK online search of Rome, Italy, paints a picture of a city adorned with grand churches and piazzas featuring white-stone fountains.
However, to define this historic city solely by its architectural heritage would be an oversimplification.
I had the chance to visit Rome in the summer of 2013.
With temperatures soaring to 40°C, staying hydrated was essential.
The city was bustling with tourists, as summer is peak season.
Fortunately, many of Rome’s landmarks were within walking distance, and the Metro offered an affordable way to get around at just €1 per trip.
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| The Colloseum earned its way into the Seven Wonders of the Modern World on July 7, 2007. |
This stone amphitheater had fallen into disrepair over the centuries but underwent restoration in the 1990s.
Repeated earthquakes had taken a toll on the structure, and by the 20th century, only a third of the original building remained.
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| Works to restore this building begun in 1990s. |
The Colosseum has become a defining symbol of modern Rome and was officially named one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World on July 7, 2007.
Many visitors line up to buy entry tickets here, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
Instead, head to the nearby Palatine Hill, where you can buy the same ticket with a shorter wait.
The ticket grants access to both sites and is valid for 24 hours.
Admission is priced €12 for adults and €7.50 for EU citizens.
Entry is free for children under 17 and seniors over 65 (EU citizens only).
The Colosseum is open daily from 8.30am to 7pm.
To get there, take the Metro and exit at the Colosseo station.
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| The Colloseum is synonymous with Rome's image as a tourism hub. |
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| The Colloseum was host to gladitorial matches and wildlife hunt for over four hundred years before falling into neglect. |
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| The ruins in Palatine Hill are remnants of Roman aristocrats. |
Compared to the bustling crowds at the Colosseum, Palatine Hill is a peaceful retreat that many visitors overlook.
I highly recommend taking the time to explore this historic site.
Rich with frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Rome.
The sprawling ruins here once housed the lavish residences of Roman aristocrats and emperors.
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| The ruins shed light on the life of Roman aristocrats during the empire's glory days. |
A museum here displays the archaeological findings at the hill over the past 200 years.
Entrance is
free.
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| Some archaeological finds from over 200 years ago are displayed at the museum. |
Trevi Fountain
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| Myth has it that those who throw coins into this fountain will find an Italian lover. |
Nestled in the heart of Rome’s lively streets, this iconic fountain offers a lovely view.
Its design features the sea god Oceanus riding a shell-shaped chariot, guided by Tritons and seahorses.
The name "Trevi" comes from tre vie, meaning "three ways" in Italian, as the fountain sits at the junction of three streets.
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| Visitors have to jostle their way through to get close to the fountain. |
Legend has it that tossing a coin into the fountain ensures a return to Rome, while throwing two promises romance with an Italian.
Surrounding the fountain, you'll find plenty of souvenir shops, cafés, and gelaterias offering sweet treats.
This spot is always packed with tourists, so be prepared to weave through the crowds for a closer look.
To get here, take the Metro and exit at Barberini station.
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| Many restaurants are found near Trevi Fountain. |
Pantheon
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| Sixteen granite columns support the exterior facade of the Pantheon. |
This architectural marvel is a must-visit.
Its crowning feature is a massive dome, which was the largest of its kind when constructed. Remarkably, the building’s height and diameter are identical, each measuring 43.5 meters.
At the entrance, sixteen towering granite columns, each standing 14 meters tall, support the rectangular facade.
The Pantheon is conveniently located within walking distance of the Trevi Fountain (650m) and Piazza Navona (310m).
It is open daily from 8.30am to 7.30pm (Monday to Saturday) and from 9am to 6pm on Sunday and May 1, a national holiday.
Best of all, entry is free.
Piazza Navona
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| Many street artists can be found at Piazza Navona. |
One of the largest piazzas in Rome, this square is centered around a stunning fountain.
Set against the backdrop of Sant'Agnese in Agone church, the area comes alive with street artists, painters, and musicians.
Lining the square’s perimeter, numerous cafes and restaurants offer plenty of dining options.
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| The Sant'Agnese in Agone Church at the square has an impressive architecture. |
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| This obelisk is found in the centre of the square. |
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| Water fountains are a common structure at Piazza Navona. |
Spanish Steps
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| Me sitting on the steps during my 2013 summer visit. This has now been banned by the City Hall since 2019. |
Located in Piazza di Spagna, these 138-step staircase is a popular spot, drawing many locals and tourists every day.
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| Trinità dei Monti church sits atop the Spanish steps. |
Be mindful of your steps here, as the surface can be quite slippery.
Visitors once enjoyed sitting on the steps, taking in the scenic view of the bustling streets below, lined with high-end designer boutiques.
However, that changed in 2019 when City Hall introduced a ban on sitting on the steps to “guarantee decorum, security, and legality” in Rome. Those who fail to comply risk a fine of up to €400.
The steps are conveniently located just 650 meters from the Trevi Fountain.
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| Interior view of the Trinità dei Monti church. |
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| View from atop the steps, overlooking the Piazaa di Spagna, that houses many boutiques. |
Vatican City
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| Tourists are advised to dress modestly when entering Vatican. |
Vatican City is the crown jewel of Rome, home to Italy’s most revered architectural masterpieces and some of the finest classical sculptures in the world.
At just 0.44sq km it is the world’s smallest sovereign state, enclosed within Rome.
According to a 2016 United Nations estimate, its population stands at around 800.
Within its borders lie St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Palace, which houses the famous Sistine Chapel.
St. Peter’s Basilica is open from 7am to 6pm (October to March) and 7am to 7pm (April to September).
As Vatican City is sacred ground, modest attire is recommended.
Entry is free.
One mistake I made during my visit was not booking a ticket to the Vatican Museums in advance.
The museums are open 9am to 6pm daily, except on weekends.
Admission costs €17 for adults and €8 for children aged 6 to 18.
To get here, take the Metro and exit at Ottaviano station.
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| Book your tour into Vatican in advance to avoid the long queue. |
Getting here
Rome is
connected via two airports - Fiumcino and Ciampino.
I flew from
Manchester to Ciampino on Ryan Air.
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