10 Iconic Buildings and Places in Rome
Step Back into Rome’s Past at These Landmarks
The beautiful city of Rome is filled with world-famous historic sites. One could spend a week in this ancient city and still not see everything it has to offer. However, there are a few places in Rome that are considered “must-see” attractions due to their high-profile artistic, historical, and cultural value. They are some of the world’s ultimate sites to be seen and are on every world traveler’s checklist.
Rome’s old-world charm is apparent on every street corner and in every public park, and with so many historically significant sites throughout the city, it’s hard to know where to start. So, join us as we tour the most iconic buildings and places to add to your travel itinerary.
1. Colosseum
Explore the gladiators’ underground chambers
Good for: Adventure, History, Photo
The mighty Colosseum, built in AD 80, was the Roman Empire’s largest amphitheater, and still stands today as a reminder of the intriguing mix of grandeur and barbarity of the time. Located about a 20-minute drive southeast of the Vatican, it’s where famous gladiatorial fights, wild animal hunts, and battles with beasts, were once held.
You can go on guided tours through the vast arena, exploring the tunnels and passages where wild animals were transported, and step foot into the gladiators’ underground chambers. Learn more about the site in its small exhibition area, which details the long history of the Colosseum and explains the ongoing restoration works. Read more
Location: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Daily from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm
Colosseum
2. St. Peter’s Basilica
A chance to see the Pope at this famous church
Good for: History, Photo
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most recognizable structures in the heart of the Vatican City, and is considered among the holiest sites in Christendom. The basilica is open for public visits, but there’s a strict dress code in place, so avoid wearing shorts and tops with bare shoulders. The Renaissance-style church is 2.5 miles west of the Colosseum.
Once you’ve taken your scenic shots of St. Peter’s Basilica and its magnificent dome from the Piazza San Pietro square, you can consider climbing up the 320 steps to the top of the dome, for unrivaled views over the cityscape of Rome. Read more
Location: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
Open: Daily from 7 am to 7.10 pm
Phone: +39 06 6988 3462
St. Peter's Basilica
3. Trevi Fountain
The city’s most iconic, and lucky, fountain
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
The Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque water feature in Rome, located in Piazza di Trevi, right in the city center. One of Rome’s must-visit sites, the fountain features sculptures of the Roman god Neptune and other mythological figures, with the magnificent Palazzo Poli palace serving as a backdrop.
You can join other visitors at Trevi Fountain in the longstanding tradition of tossing in coins for good luck. There’s plenty of dining options around the piazza, ranging from trattorias (traditional cuisine) to pizzerias, as well as shops and kiosks right next to the fountain where you can buy coffee, cakes, and gelato. Read more
Location: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Trevi Fountain
4. Roman Forum
The enigmatic ruins of ancient temples
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
The Roman Forum lies in a valley between Rome’s Palatine and Capitoline hills. You can stroll through a vast area filled with ancient ruins of Roman temples. There are also basilicas with gigantic arches and towering columns, monuments, sculpted gardens, pools, and springs to explore.
Among the temple ruins within the Roman Forum are those of Venus and Roma, Caesar, Vespasian and Titus, and Romulus. The most significant, the Temple of Saturn, has only its front portico left standing, but it still dominates the skyline. You can even hire a segway to explore the valley which provides a fun and energy-saving alternative to walking around the site. Read more
Location: Via di S. Gregorio, 30, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Roman Forum
5. Pantheon
The tombs of Italy’s historical figures
Good for: Adventure, History, Photo
Rome’s Pantheon is among the city’s most stunning landmarks. Still standing in the Piazza della Rotonda after almost 2,000 years, this ancient Roman temple houses beautiful chapels and the ancient tombs of some of Italy’s most important historical figures, including Raphael and King Vittorio Emanuele.
Inside the Pantheon are massive marble columns and Renaissance sculptures adorning its altars. Looking up, you’ll see intricate gold and blue mosaics on its domed ceilings, and there is richly colored marble under foot. The magnificent Fontana del Pantheon fountain, with its towering obelisk, is right outside. Read more
Location: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Daily from 9 am to 7 pm
Pantheon
6. Piazza Navona
One of Rome’s most beautiful public squares
Good for: Food, History, Photo
Piazza Navona was once Rome’s main market square. Today, it’s one of the most popular, and charming piazzas for enjoying a meal and soaking up the classical Baroque architecture. Overlooking the square, The Church of Sant’Agnese is particularly impressive, as are the magnificent fountains, such as the Fountain of the Four Rivers, with its eye-catching Egyptian obelisk as its centerpiece.
Located just west of the Pantheon, Piazza Navona’s cobblestone streets have been depicted in numerous works of film and literature, including Eugene Levy’s “Once Upon a Crime” and Dan Brown’s Angels and Demons. Read more
Location: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Piazza Navona
7. Campo de’ Fiori
Fresh fruits and baked goods at this bustling market
Good for: Food, Nightlife, Shoppers
Head down to Campo de’ Fiori in the early mornings for one of the liveliest open-air market scenes in Rome. This piazza in the Parione district offers pleasant morning walks past rows of stalls selling colorful fresh fruit, vegetables, and scented flowers, with the pleasant aroma of freshly baked bread in the air.
An open-air bazaar by day, Campo de’ Fiori transforms into an eclectic Roman nightlife scene after sunset, with small clubs, laid-back bars, and restaurants open late. Some of these have seats overlooking the piazza with the bronze statue of the Dominican monk, Giordano Bruno, at its center. Read more
Location: Plaza Campo de’ Fiori, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
Campo de' Fiori
8. Castel Sant’Angelo
A mighty, ancient fortress
Good for: History, Photo
Castel Sant’Angelo, located just east of Vatican City, is an ancient fortress that was once Rome’s tallest structure. Built by Emperor Hadrian as his family’s mausoleum in the 2nd century AD, the castle now operates as a museum. It’s accessible from the Piazza Navona by crossing the cobbled St. Angelo Bridge.
Crossing this historic bridge gives you a scenic view of Castel Sant’Angelo, and the cityscape from here is stunning around sunset. Inside the fortress, discover richly decorated rooms, grand halls, walkways, and treasures, before heading to the rooftop cafe for a coffee with a view. Read more
Location: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 7.30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Castel Sant'Angelo
9. Vatican Museums
Works by the old masters, Raphael and Michelangelo
Good for: Adventure, History, Photo
The Vatican Museums, when combined, create the world’s largest museum. Featuring over 50 galleries located on the northern border of the Vatican City, you’ll see some of the world’s most important artworks by Renaissance maestros, such as Da Vinci, Raphael, Bellini, Titian, and Caravaggio.
You can enjoy free access to the Vatican Museums on the last Sunday of each month, and your ticket will also grant you entry into the Sistine Chapel, home of Michelangelo’s stunning ceiling frescoes. You can conclude your visit at The Vatican Museums with a walk down the famous Bramante “double helix” staircase. Read more
Location: 00120 Vatican City
Open: Monday–Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm (closed on Sundays)
Phone: +39 06 6988 3145
Vatican Museums
10. Piazza Venezia
A grand and monumental staircase to climb
Good for: History, Photo
Piazza Venezia is a public space close to the eastern side of the River Tiber, half a mile northwest of the Colosseum. The piazza takes its name from an adjacent palazzo of the same name, built as a residence for Pietro Barbo (Pope Paul II). It features a number of green spaces surrounded by magnificent domed palaces and monuments.
Overlooking the piazza is the sheer-white marble Altare della Patria, also known as the Monument of Victor Emmanuel II, unified Italy’s first king. Here, you can visit the Museum of Italian Reunification at the base, or climb up the monument’s grand staircase for an impressive view of the square. Read more
Location: Piazza Venezia, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
Piazza Venezia
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.