Rome’s historic centre has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. Its monuments and archaeological sites bring different chapters of the city’s history to life: construction of the Colosseum began in 70 AD and was completed in 80 AD. For more than a millennium, the Roman Forum was the centre of public life in Rome. On the Palatine Hill, remains of Iron Age settlements have been preserved and are associated with Rome’s oldest urban centre. Also on the Palatine Hill are the remains of several imperial palaces, including the Domus Tiberiana, the Domus Transitoria and the Domus Aurea. Together, these sites offer a glimpse into different eras—from early settlements to the emperors’ residences.
Art, architecture and city history
The collections also have their own distinctive character. The Pinacoteca Capitolina is the oldest public painting collection. Most of the works in the Capitoline Museums come from Rome. For those interested in architecture, the Pantheon is one of the best-preserved examples of monumental Roman architecture. The Trevi Fountain is the monumental terminus of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct; Piazza Navona preserves the shape and dimensions of the racetrack of the Stadium of Domitian.
Castel Sant’Angelo brings together a monument, an archaeological site and a museum. These three descriptions offer a sense of how many ways a single place can be viewed: as a building, an archaeological space and a museum. So your explorations of Rome need not be limited to just one perspective on history.
Archaeological traces and outdoor routes
In three sections—Antiquity, the Middle Ages and the Modern Era—the Museo delle Mura traces the history of Rome’s fortifications. The museum includes an original section of the walls, which can be walked along for about 400 metres, as far as the gate arches on Via Cristoforo Colombo. A panoramic terrace between large crenellated towers offers sweeping views from the Via Appia Antica to the Castelli Romani. Check current access arrangements before your visit.
You can walk or cycle along the Via Appia Antica among outstanding historical and archaeological landmarks. The Parco degli Acquedotti offers a different focus: across about 240 hectares between Via Appia and Via Tuscolana stand the surviving arches of the Claudio and Felice aqueducts. Paths run alongside streams and waterfalls and through areas of trees and pastureland. When comparing these two outdoor experiences, the historical landmarks take centre stage along the Via Appia Antica, while the park’s character is also shaped by its waterways, vegetation and aqueduct arches.
A glimpse of everyday Rome
Small boats can be rented at the Giardino del Lago in Villa Borghese. As availability may change, it’s best to check in advance whether the service will be available during your visit. The Mercato rionale Testaccio adds a culinary meeting place to the historical and scenic experiences: this covered food market is a gathering place for food lovers.
To help you get around the city, the Roma Pass combines access to the main museums and archaeological sites with free use of the public transport network. Benefits and validity may change; check the terms before purchasing. Rome’s Tourist Infopoints are open 365 days a year. Check their locations and opening hours in advance to make sure this information fits your plans.
Discover more destinations: Albano Laziale, Anzio, Ariccia, Borgo Santa Rita, Bracciano, Campagnano Di Roma, Canale Monterano, Capena, Cecchina, Cerveteri, Fiano Romano, Formello, Frascati, Gallicano Nel Lazio, Genzano Di Roma, Grottaferrata, Guidonia Montecelio, Ladispoli, Lanuvio, Lavinio Lido Di Enea, Manziana, Marina Di Cerveteri, Mazzano Romano, Monte Compatri, Morlupo, Nettuno, Palestrina, Palombara Sabina, Pomezia, Rignano Flaminio, Rocca Di Papa, Rocca Priora, Santa Marinella, Torrita Tiberina, Trevignano Romano, Velletri, Fregene, Lido Di Ostia, Maccarese, Mentana, Monterotondo, Ponzano Romano, Torrimpietra, Rome, Castagnola, Zagarolo, Anguillara Sabazia, Castelnuovo Di Porto, Villanova, Tivoli, Santa Maria Di Galeria, Sacrofano, Pavona, Nerola, Monte Porzio Catone, Frattocchie, Fiumicino, Civitavecchia, Ciampino, Castel Di Guido, Anticoli Corrado, Marco Simone, Marino, Cesano, Casaccia, Castel Madama, La Storta, Isola Farnese, Tivoli Terme, Subiaco, Sant'oreste, Labico, Torre Gaia, Nemi, Tolfa, Saracinesco, Tragliata, Santa Severa, Falcognana, Aranova, Lariano, Torvaianica, Casalotti, Bagni Di Stigliano, Fonte Nuova, Valmontone, Lido Dei Pini, Castel San Pietro Romano, Lido Di Castel Fusano, Ardea, Ponte Galeria, Segni, Settecamini, Ottavia, Osteria Nuova, La Giustiniana, Finocchio, Torre Maura, Spinaceto, Tor Vergata, Artena, Cave, Prima Porta, La Pisana, Olevano Romano, Tragliatella Campitello, Allumiere, Moricone, Santa Marta, Gavignano, San Cesareo, Bellegra, Tor San Lorenzo, Colleferro, San Polo Dei Cavalieri, Castel Di Leva, Santa Lucia, Sasso, Gerano, Cervara Di Roma, Arsoli, Castelverde, Montelanico, Riano, Vitinia, Nazzano, Castel Gandolfo, Passo Oscuro, Roccagiovine, Civitella San Paolo, Marina Di Ardea, Palidoro, Ciciliano, La Massimina-casal Lumbroso, Carpineto Romano, Poli, Tre Pontoni, Osteria Dell'osa, Colle di Fuori, Marcellina, San Vito Romano, Campo Jemini, Montelibretti, San Gregorio Da Sassola, Castel Giuliano, Canterano, Pisciarelli, Villaggio Azzurro, Pisoniano, Cineto Romano
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