Tour
6,4 km
2h40
24 audios
Text version
Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it certainly can’t be explored all in one day either! I hope you’re here for a while, because there’s so much to see! You’ll need plenty of time to soak it all in! And there’s no need to visit each and every one of its 900 churches; the city’s must-sees are enough to keep you busy! But Rome is all about the Dolce Vita, so take your sweet time, relax and enjoy the ride. There’s no need to rush around trying to see as much as possible. But enough talk, let’s get on with this first tour to discover the very heart of one of history’s greatest civilizations in the Mediterranean basin. Off we go!
As you may have guessed, we're headed for the iconic Colosseum. But in the meantime, if you're up for visiting some of Rome's major churches, you can take the Via Cavour on your left to get to the famous Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. Read more
Introducing the famous Colosseum! I know, it's huge. The Flavian Amphitheater before you is the largest ever built by the Romans! That being said, the name Colosseum is not due to its size, but to the colossal statue that once stood at its entrance. Read more
Before you is the Arch of Constantine, standing next to the Colosseum. It was built at the request of the Senate to celebrate Emperor Constantine's 10 years on the throne and commemorate his great victory over Maxentius at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Read more
Next up is the Palatine Hill. You are welcome to buy an entrance ticket and explore this legendary hill that's said to be the birthplace of Rome. You'll get to roam the gardens and see the ruins of ancient Roman palaces, thermal baths and chariot-racing stadiums, all while enjoying stunning views over the city. Read more
You're now walking beneath an arch of the Aqua Claudia, the ancient Roman aqueduct that once brought fresh water to the city. Read more
If you haven't cut across the Palatine Hill, you're in for a treat: here's your chance to explore the Circus Maximus. Read more
Welcome to the Piazza della bocca della verita, that is, the Square of the Mouth of Truth – surely a name you can't forget! Read more
You can't walk two steps in Rome without stumbling upon a piece of ancient history. After you cross the piazza, you'll find yourself in the ancient Forum Boarium, the Old Ox Market. Read more
Anyone who's visited Rome will tell you that you can't leave the city until you've crossed the Tiber River and strolled through the picturesque Trastevere district. Read more
You've reached Piazza Mastai, named after Pope Pius IX, born Giovanni Mastai. The square was named after him because he chose this spot in 1860 to build the papal tobacco factory you see before you. Read more
Introducing the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere. This church in the heart of the Trastevere district has quite a history! It's believed to be the first official place of Christian worship built in Rome. Its original foundations date back to the 3rd century, and are said to have been laid by Pope Calixtus I. Read more
A quick word about the door on your left. That's the Settimiana Gate. It's part of the remains of the ramparts built by Emperor Aurelian back in the 3rd century. Read more
We're now crossing back over to the other side of the Tiber River via the Sisto Bridge, opposite the Piazza Trilussa. Read more
We've arrived at one of Rome's less touristy squares, home to one of the city's most beautiful fountains: the Fountain of the Turtles. In 1570, when the Aqua Virgo Aqueduct was restored, water was plentiful and fountains popped up everywhere. Read more
On your left, you can see what remains of the columns of what was once the Temple of the Nymphs. In ancient Greek mythology, nymphs were nature deities, tied to a specific place and usually depicted as maidens. Read more
Before delving into the Roman Empire and meeting historical figures like Caesar and Augustus, we should first say hello to the man credited with unifying Italy: Victor Emmanuel II, the so-called “Father of the Fatherland." Read more
Over there, on your left, you'll see the remnants of the only surviving Roman insula. Insula is Latin for “island,” and it's the forerunner of today's apartment buildings. Read more
You're now in the very heart of Rome, atop the smallest of its seven hills, the Capitoline Hill. In ancient times, this was the site of a fortress overlooking the Forum. Read more
Introducing the famous She-Wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, sitting atop this high column. The original, dating from the Middle Ages, is in the Capitoline Museums. Read more
Imagine yourself transported back to the 10th century BC. Before you lies a marshy, inhospitable wasteland, serving as a necropolis for the villages on the surrounding seven hills. Read more
From here, you have a stunning view of the Arch of Septimius Severus and its beautiful bas-reliefs. The Senate had it built in 203 AD as a tribute to Emperor Septimius Severus and his sons, in commemoration of his military victory over the Parthians. Read more
The small footbridge before you offers a lovely, unobstructed view of Trajan's Forum. It was the last imperial forum to be built in Rome, back in the 1st century AD. Read more
Découvrez Rome avec l’application navaway®
An interactive guide through the most beautiful streets, squares, and districts
23 fun audioguides full of historical facts, anecdotes, and legends
Explore Rome’s ancient history through its most emblematic monuments
Rome is a city that never ceases to amaze. It’s truly an open-air museum, and it would take a lifetime to admire all its works.
Time is of the essence. A word of advice? Get up early! It’s the only way to see the Trevi Fountain without crowds or enjoy St. Peter’s Square in peace.
If you’re planning to visit several museums and archaeological sites, consider buying combined tickets or skip-the-line passes. You’re not the only one with Rome on your bucket list! The city welcomes around 16 million tourists per year!
As you’ve realized, Rome is built on hills – which is just perfect if you’re looking for beautiful panoramic views of the Eternal City. Be sure to stop by the terraces of the Janiculum Hill; the views from there are just beautiful, especially at sunset.
On the way down, you’ll see the entrance to the Botanical Gardens. There’s an entrance fee, but it’s a great way to escape the crowds for a bit. It’s a peaceful oasis away from the city’s hustle and bustle, with a bamboo forest, a Japanese garden, and a beautiful rose garden.
Rome is famous for its world-class museums. They’re big, beautiful and they all have quite a history and the richest collections. If you must choose just a few, I suggest you visit the famous Capitoline Museums, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, and of course the Borghese Gallery.
This museum complex, considered to be one of the oldest in the world, is a must-see in Rome. Here, you’ll see classics like the original Capitoline She-wolf, the bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, and the sculpture of Cupid and Psyche kissing. The museums are housed in the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo, connected by an underground passage.
The Vatican Museums are easily among the most impressive in the world, housing treasures collected by the popes over the centuries. Housed in a series of apostolic palaces, these 26 museums are home to exceptional collections. You’ll find everything from Egyptian and religious art to contemporary art. Must-sees include, of course, the famous Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo in the 16th century, depicting the Creation of Adam and the Great Flood. The walls are adorned with paintings recounting the life of Jesus, created by the greatest Italian artists including Ghirlandaio, Botticelli, Perugino and Pinturicchio. And behind the altar, you’ll find Michelangelo’s famous painting, “The Last Judgment.” Don’t miss the Gallery of Maps, with its stunning maps covering the walls from floor to ceiling. The Raphael Rooms are yet another must-see. These 4 rooms, decorated with gigantic frescoes, are nothing short of spectacular. You can also visit the Pinacoteca Vaticana on the first floor, which houses an impressive collection of tapestries and paintings. Remember to book tickets in advance, as there are limits on visitors per hour.
Don’t miss the Borghese Gallery, one of the world’s greatest private art collections. It once belonged to Cardinal Borghese, and today houses a collection of works displayed in some twenty rooms. You’ll get to admire Bernini’s famous statue of Apollo and Daphne, as well as masterpieces by Rubens, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael and Caravaggio. The Gallery is housed in the Villa Borghese Gardens which are also worth a visit – it’s the biggest and most beautiful park in Rome, nestled on the Pincian Hill. Today, this 80-hectare space is open to the public and it’s home to a host of monuments, pavilions, aviaries, orangeries, fountains and statues. Must-sees here include the lakeside Temple of Aesculapius, dedicated to the god of medicine, the Villa Medicis, housing the French Academy, the Villa Giulia, home to a museum of Etruscan art, that is of a period predating the Roman Empire, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and Rome’s century-old zoo.
I know, I know, we’ve already taken you to many beautiful squares during these two city tours. What’s the harm in seeing one more? The Campo dei Fiori is a must-see! It literally means “field of flowers,” as it was a meadow back in the Middle Ages! Fun fact: It’s the only square in Rome without a church! Here, you’ll also find the statue of the philosopher Giordano Bruno, who was accused of heresy and burned at the stake on this very spot. Today, the square is as popular as ever, and since 1869 it’s been home to a big market that’s open every day except Sunday! Here, you’ll also find the statue of the philosopher Giordano Bruno, who was accused of heresy and burned at the stake on this very spot. Today, the square is as popular as ever, and since 1869 it’s been home to a big market that’s open every day except Sunday! In the evening, it’s the perfect spot to people-watch and relax with a drink on one of the many terraces.
We’ve been over this already, but the Basilica of St. John Lateran is a must-see. It’s the most important church in Rome. Not much remains of the original structure, founded by Constantine in the 4th century, but it’s still the city’s oldest religious building. It’s also the cathedral of the diocese of Rome. Here you can admire the statues of the 12 apostles, created by Bernini’s disciples, ceiling frescoes designed by Michelangelo and painted by Giacamo della Porta, and the treasured relics of St. Peter and St. Paul behind the gilded bars of the papal altar.
For those with extra time after exploring central Rome and the Vatican, there are some hidden gems a bit further out. The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of Rome’s 4 major basilicas, built over the tomb of St. Paul. They say that when St. Paul was beheaded by the Romans, his body was claimed by a Christian woman, Lucina, who buried him in the family tomb outside Hadrian’s walls. His tomb was so revered that Pope Anacletus, the third bishop of Rome, decided to build a small chapel over it. And 2 centuries later, when Constantine legalized Christianity with the Edict of Milan in 313, they built a basilica atop the chapel and placed the saint’s body in a bronze sarcophagus beneath the altar. To accommodate the growing number of pilgrims, the original building was demolished and rebuilt several times, eventually becoming the impressive basilica you see today, which you can visit by the way free of charge.
For those not faint of heart, the Capuchin Crypt is a one-of-a-kind attraction! Back in 1626, Cardinal Barberini, a former Capuchin monk and brother of Pope Urban VIII, had the remains of thousands of Capuchins dug up and artfully arranged along this crypt. You’ll get to visit five chapels, decorated with the bones, skulls and in some cases entire skeletons of some 3,600 monks who died between 1500 and 1870. In the last chapel, you’ll be greeted by a startling inscription: “We were once in your place, and you will one day be in ours.”
You can also visit the less touristy Domus Aurea, the Golden House of Emperor Nero. After the great fire of Rome in 64 AD, Nero built what was then the city’s biggest and most luxurious palace. Rumor has it that he was the one who started the fire precisely to make room for his palace – an 80-hectare complex of over 150 rooms covered in marble and gold leaf, with a beautiful colonnade and a huge statue of the emperor at the entrance. Nero wasn’t exactly well-liked and his successors made sure to erase every last trace of him from the city. But you can still put on 3D glasses and discover what’s been unearthed of his palace and what it might have looked like back then.
From culinary discoveries to historical strolls, Rome offers a multitude of unique experiences.
200 audioguided tours for cities all around the world
Download
Comments