Rome, the ancient seat of the founders of Western civilization, is a classic European city that blends historical ruins, breathtaking art, and magnificent architecture. Its vibrant life makes it one of the most romantic cities in the world. Among the best tourist attractions in Rome are the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican Museum, the Baths of Caracalla, and many others.
The Civilizational History of Rome
The traditions of Rome trace their origins back to the legend of Romulus and Remus, who were said to have founded the city on Palatine Hill on April 21, 753 BCE.
Since then, Rome has maintained an unbroken cultural link that spread through every aspect of the city's art, architecture, and traditions.
The urban development of Rome began from its founding and spanned over 2,500 years, evolving the city's landscape into an unmatched open-air museum.
Rome is a historic city with a collection of artistic treasures within its walls that continuously surprise visitors.
Standing at the forefront of Western art and its development over the centuries, Rome has inspired countless artists to push the boundaries of human achievement.
While Roman and Greek statues dominate its museums, Renaissance frescoes adorn the city's churches, and Baroque facades decorate its historic streets.
All it takes is a leisurely stroll through the city to discover the masterpieces of Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Bernini.
Visiting Rome is as much about food as it is about art and architecture.
Dining out in Rome is one of the city's finest pleasures.
Though the city is home to several world-class fine-dining restaurants, the true Italian culinary experience is best enjoyed at a local pizzeria or neighborhood trattoria.
Preferred by locals themselves, these eateries are known for their fresh bread, pasta, pizza, and coffee, straight from the hills of Castelli Romani.
Rome wasn’t built in a day. It took hundreds of years to create this magnificent city that once ruled the world in its golden age.
Traces of that grandeur can still be seen in the ruins of the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the stunning architecture of Vatican City.
Best Tourist Attractions in Rome
Rome is one of the most historic cities in Europe and a prominent Italian destination. It boasts a wealth of tourist attractions. Among the best are the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the massive stone amphitheater known as the Colosseum, the Altar of the Fatherland monument, and many other Roman ruins and historical sites.
Here are the top tourist attractions in Rome:
1. The Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved monuments of ancient Rome.
Its construction was completed between 126 and 128 AD under Emperor Hadrian. It features a massive domed rotunda, which was the largest of its kind when built.
The current Pantheon stands on the site of an earlier structure with the same name, originally built around 25 BCE by the statesman Marcus Agrippa. It is believed to have been designed as a temple for the Roman gods.
The Pantheon’s design has influenced countless buildings throughout history, across Europe and the Americas.
Today, the Pantheon still functions as a church and remains a major tourist attraction.
The name of the Pantheon derives from the Greek words meaning “all” and “gods,” traditionally believed to signify its dedication to all Roman deities.
Restoration of the Pantheon
The original Pantheon was destroyed by fire around 80 AD and rebuilt by Emperor Domitian, only to be burned again in 110 AD.
Hadrian became emperor in 117 AD, during a time when the Roman Empire encompassed most of present-day Europe, as well as parts of the Middle East and North Africa.
An enthusiast of art and architecture, Hadrian launched a building campaign during his reign, which included the reconstruction of the Pantheon, continuing until his death in 138 AD.
Evidence suggests that the Pantheon was dedicated between 126 and 128 AD, although construction may have begun under Hadrian's predecessor.
In 330 AD, Emperor Constantine moved the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to Byzantium (modern-day Istanbul, Turkey).
The Pantheon then entered a long period of decline. In 476 AD, the Germanic warrior Odoacer conquered the Western Roman Empire, which included Rome.
In 609 AD, Pope Boniface IV received permission from the Byzantine Emperor Phocas to convert the Pantheon into a Christian church — which it remains today.
2. The Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is an 18th-century masterpiece and a prominent historical landmark.
It remains functional in many ways, especially with the water that still flows through it, supplied by the 2,000-year-old Aqua Virgo aqueduct built by the ancient Romans.
When visiting the fountain, you’ll notice tourists doing what countless others before them have done: turning around and tossing a coin over their shoulder into the water — a gesture meant to ensure their return to the Eternal City.
Thanks to an annual top-to-bottom cleaning and extensive restoration sponsored by the Roman fashion house Fendi, the fountain continues to shine in its legendary beauty.
The coins collected from the fountain are put to good use.
For many years, the recovered money has been sorted and donated to Caritas, a non-profit organization that provides food for the poor and homeless in Rome.
The Trevi Fountain is the most famous fountain in Rome, in Italy, and perhaps the world. It officially opened on May 22, 1762.
Its scenic views and craftsmanship blend with the sound of flowing water and the chatter of tourists throwing the “famous coin of return to Rome.”
The aqueduct that supplies the fountain dates back to 19 BCE — the only example of a Roman aqueduct still in use from the time of Augustus to today.
The name possibly derives from a junction of three roads or from the triple water outlet.
As early as 1453, Pope Nicholas V began restoring the aqueduct, based on plans by Leon Battista Alberti and Bernardo Rossellini.
The fountain is also linked to the legend of the virgin girl (La Vergine) who pointed out the spring’s location to Roman soldiers.
Architects created a sculpted fountain with inscriptions featuring the Pope's and the Roman people's coats of arms.
Beneath it, water emerges from three jets into a rectangular basin.
In 1640, Pope Urban VIII decided to alter the fountain’s direction and commissioned Bernini, who designed a new base and collection basin for the three spouts.
3. The Colosseum
Located east of the Roman Forum, the massive stone amphitheater known as the Colosseum was built around 72 AD by Emperor Vespasian as a gift to Roman citizens.
In 80 AD, Vespasian’s son Titus officially opened the Colosseum with 100 days of games that included gladiator fights and wild animal battles.
After four centuries of active use, the grand arena fell into neglect. Until the 18th century, it was used as a source of building materials.
Though two-thirds of the original structure has been damaged over time, the Colosseum remains one of the most popular tourist sites in Rome.
Construction began under Vespasian and was completed by Titus in 80 AD, with a formal opening that lasted one hundred days.
Ancient records describe it as a massive monument to the thrilling spectacles so popular in Roman society and a tribute to the emperors’ generosity.
Restoration of the Colosseum
The Colosseum was undoubtedly Rome's most ambitious and politically charged project.
In 64 AD, a devastating fire burned through Rome for nine days. Emperor Nero rebuilt much of the city, taking over a large area. In a bid to restore the state’s glory, the idea of the Colosseum was born.
The structure was restored multiple times after fires and earthquakes.
Records show restoration work commissioned by Antoninus after a massive fire in 217 AD, as well as repairs following the earthquake of 443 AD.
After 523 AD, no further spectacles were recorded. The site fell into ruin and was eventually used as a quarry for construction materials.
The Colosseum was a vast structure covering over 6 acres and measuring 620 feet in length.
Such a large structure posed a major architectural challenge. Engineers devised a system of arches and internal staircases.
With more than 80 entrances and several seating tiers, it could be emptied quickly.
In total, the amphitheater featured 76 arched entrances, designed with unique care.
4. Piazza Navona
Located in the heart of historic Rome, Piazza Navona is one of the city's most famous squares and a stunning symbol of Roman Baroque.
Few know that the square is actually built over the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian.
You can still admire the rectangular shape of the square, with its curved short sides, which reflect the stadium's original layout.
In ancient Rome, citizens came here to watch gladiatorial games, as the square was once called "The Competition Square."
History of the Square
By the late 15th century, the square was defined as a public space.
It became a key example of Roman Baroque architecture, featuring major sculptural and artistic works like the facades of Palazzo Pamphilj.
At the northern end is the Fountain of Neptune, created in 1574. In 1673, the artist Bernini added a sculpture of a man wrestling a dolphin, enhancing the square’s beauty.
Over the centuries, the square hosted theater events and other temporary activities.
From 1652 to 1866, a festival flooded the square every Saturday and Sunday.
In the 19th century, the pavement was raised, and in 1869, the market was moved to the nearby Campo de' Fiori.
Today, Piazza Navona hosts Rome’s Christmas market.
The square is home to art galleries, and the area is elegant, creative, and filled with history — a unique destination along all walking paths in Rome.
It’s close to many other attractions, including Castel Sant'Angelo, which is just a 10-minute walk across the river.
You can walk to Piazza Navona from many landmarks or take one of the numerous buses that serve the area.
In conclusion, Piazza Navona is noteworthy for many reasons.
Most obviously, it is visually stunning — a grand, open, oval space surrounded by magnificent buildings and decorated with three Baroque-era fountains and golden-age sculptures of Rome.
5. The Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is now one of Italy's main tourist attractions. It begins near the Colosseum and extends all the way to Piazza Venezia.
The Forum was the place where public meetings were held, major announcements were made, and orators gave speeches.
Rome itself had more than one forum, but the first and most important was the Roman Forum, established by emperors who understood the social importance of both Rome and its Forum.
Originally, the area on which the Roman Forum was built was a swamp. It was used as a cemetery by people from nearby villages.
In the 6th century BCE, the Etruscans—who were Rome’s first kings—unified these villages into the city of Rome. They drained the swamps, and soon shops and temples were built.
By the 2nd century BCE, however, merchants and their stalls had been moved to other parts of the city, and the Forum became the civic and legal center of Rome.
One of the most notable speeches delivered here was by Mark Antony, following the assassination of Julius Caesar.
Ruins in the Roman Forum
Among the remains are the bricks of the Senate House, known as the Curia.
There is also the Temple of Julius Caesar, erected in his memory by Emperor Augustus.
You’ll also find the three remaining columns of the Temple of Castor and Pollux, the oldest temple in the Forum, dating back to 484 BCE.
Other main ruins include the Temple of Romulus, the Temple of Saturn, the Temple of Vesta, the Temple of Venus and Rome, the Basilica Julia, the Arch of Titus, the Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine, and the Tabularium, where all official records were kept.
In summary, the Roman Forum was a large rectangular plaza in the heart of the ancient city — the site of important courts, temples, monuments, and the Roman Senate.
It wasn’t the only forum in ancient Rome, but it was certainly the most important.
Here is where triumphal processions, state funerals, trials, and public speeches all took place. The Forum remained at the political heart of Rome until the fall of the Roman Empire.
Today, the Roman Forum is a vast archaeological site. You can visit it using the same ticket that grants access to the Colosseum and Palatine Hill.
6. Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo is located within Vatican territory and is also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian.
The construction dates back to ancient Rome, specifically to 123 AD, when Emperor Hadrian built this impressive tomb for himself and his family.
Today, Castel Sant’Angelo serves as a state museum in Rome and consists of six floors that include the burial chamber, papal apartments, and a beautiful terrace.
But before becoming a museum, Castel Sant’Angelo also served as a fortress used by popes in times of danger.
The ancient mausoleum features a square base decorated with white marble.
An engraved frieze displayed the names of the emperors buried inside.
At the top of the building was a tree-lined mound surrounded by marble statues, topped by a bronze quadriga — a chariot pulled by four horses and driven by Hadrian.
The castle is surrounded by a long wall and features a large bronze gate adorned with peacocks.
Two of these peacocks can still be seen in the Vatican Museums.
Transformation into Castel Sant’Angelo
By 403 AD, the building had lost its original function and was turned into a fortress.
The name "Castel Sant’Angelo" only appeared later.
In 590 AD, Pope Gregory I organized a procession with the people of Rome to stop a terrible plague that was devastating the city.
According to legend, as the procession neared Hadrian’s mausoleum, the Pope had a vision of the Archangel Michael with his sword drawn.
After this miraculous event, the plague ended, and the people of Rome began referring to the mausoleum as “Castel Sant’Angelo,” in honor of the angel’s appearance. In the 13th century, a statue of the angel was placed atop the monument.
Gradually, Castel Sant’Angelo was transformed into a fortress, and in 1277, it was taken over by the papacy.
In fact, it was Pope Nicholas III (1216–1280), a member of the Orsini family, who decided to partially move the Holy See to Castel Sant’Angelo because of its proximity to the Vatican Palace and St. Peter’s Basilica.
This provided greater security for the Vatican and forged strong ties between the castle and the fate of the popes.
7. The Altar of the Fatherland (Vittorio Emanuele II Monument)
The Altar of the Fatherland, also known as the Altar of the Nation, is an impressive white marble building located between Piazza Venezia and Via dei Fori Imperiali.
It was inaugurated in 1911.
The monument offers excellent views of Rome and houses a military museum inside.
It is also nicknamed the “wedding cake” or the “typewriter” because of its extravagant design, which features statues, columns, frescoes, and majestic staircases.
Construction and Restoration
Construction of the monument began in 1885, after Giuseppe Sacconi won an architectural competition with his design.
Several medieval ruins and churches were demolished during the process, and the northern part of Capitoline Hill was cleared for construction.
However, Sacconi did not live to see its completion — he died in 1905, and his work was finished by Manfredo and Gaetano.
The monument was officially inaugurated in 1911 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Kingdom of Italy.
Since 1921, it has housed the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is guarded by soldiers and features an eternal flame.
Monument Design
The monument is 135 meters long and 70 meters high.
It is composed of dozens of beautiful Corinthian columns and magnificent white marble staircases.
At the top of the monument is a bronze equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel II, flanked by two chariots driven by the goddess Victoria.
The top section consists of massive curved columns, each 15 meters tall, with smaller temple-like wings.
Its design was inspired by the double colonnades found in classical architecture, and it features murals and statues representing the regions of Italy.
Inside the building are the Institute of Italian History and the Central Museum — a military museum dedicated to Italy’s unification, displaying weapons, flags, and other historical artifacts.
There are also two fountains that symbolize the seas bordering Italy — the Adriatic Sea on the left and the Tyrrhenian Sea on the right.
The statue of Victor Emmanuel, known as the “Father of the Nation,” was sculpted by Enrico Chiaradia.
It weighs 50 tons and is 12 meters (39 feet) long.
In conclusion, the Altar of the Fatherland is one of Rome’s most impressive and iconic buildings, visited daily by thousands of tourists without question.
8. Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums, located on Viale Vaticano in Rome, are among the largest museums in the world — and one of the best tourist attractions in Rome.
They are visited by over 4 million people every year.
Visitors can view the incredible art collected by the Roman Catholic Church over centuries, including some of the most important Renaissance works and classical sculptures.
Vatican Museums Layout
The vast Vatican Museums complex consists of more than 24 distinct collections.
A one-way system is used to keep visitors from getting lost in the countless rooms, corridors, staircases, and courtyards.
You have several options on this system, including four color-coded paths to choose from.
No matter which path you take, your journey will end at the Sistine Chapel.
No tour would be complete without exploring the fifteen rooms of the Pinacoteca Art Gallery.
One of the wonders housed here is the Laocoön statue — it all began with this single marble sculpture over 500 years ago.
According to historians, the Laocoön statue was discovered in a vineyard near the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome on January 14, 1506.
Upon its discovery, Pope Julius II sent Vatican workers Giuliano and Michelangelo to inspect it.
Exactly one month later, the Laocoön statue was on display in the Vatican.
The Vatican Museums house numerous collections that are as varied as they are magnificent.
The experience includes visits to important collections such as the Gregorian Egyptian Museum, the Gregorian Etruscan Museum, the Sistine Chapel, and the Raphael Rooms.
Each collection contains pieces of significant historical meaning, so take your time during your visit.
If you’re planning a tour of Vatican City, the full experience lasts about 3 hours and includes a museum visit.
You’ll also gain access to restricted areas and skip-the-line entry to St. Peter’s Basilica.
9. Piazza del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo is a large square in Rome and one of the capital’s must-visit attractions.
It served as the main gateway into the city during the Roman Empire and for centuries afterward.
On the north side stands the massive gate known as Porta del Popolo.
It was built over 2,200 years ago and was one of the most important roads leading into Rome.
That’s why many travelers first entered the city through this gate, making Piazza del Popolo the first thing they saw.
It’s one of the most beautiful squares in the world, with its churches, fountains, and a large obelisk that welcomes thousands of visitors daily.
Touring Piazza del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo is a perfect starting point for exploring the city center — a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon.
Start with the main shopping streets and climb the stairs to Pincio Terrace, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Rome in all its glory.
Getting to the square is easy. You can enter from one of the streets known as the “Trident,” or through Porta del Popolo (ancient Flaminian Gate), which welcomes you with a Latin inscription by Bernini.
The square’s current elliptical shape is the result of a long series of renovations, finalized by architect Giuseppe Valadier in the late 19th century.
At its center stands one of the tallest obelisks in Rome — an Egyptian obelisk 24 meters tall, dating back to 1200 BCE.
It was brought to Rome by Augustus in 1589.
The fountains were added only in 1823 during the papacy of Leo XII.
The square features two semicircular fountains — the Fountain of Neptune and the Fountain of the Goddess Roma — along with staircases leading to the Pincio Terrace.
Climb to the upper level for a breathtaking view, especially at dawn or dusk.
As for the origin of the square’s name, there are various theories. In the past, it was thought to derive from the many poplar trees in the area — from the Latin word populus (poplar tree).
10. Villa Borghese
Rome is widely known as the Eternal City, but it’s also famous for its lush gardens, historic villas, ancient ruins, and aqueducts.
Most travelers come to Rome for its historical sites — the Colosseum, Pantheon, Vatican — and of course, the food.
However, not everyone realizes the natural beauty to be found in the heart of the city.
The most famous park in Rome is centrally located and known as Villa Borghese.
Design of Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese is the third-largest park in Rome. It houses the Borghese Gallery, which displays many world-famous works of art, including pieces by Caravaggio.
The park also features a magnificent garden. One highlight is the Temple of Aesculapius, which is semi-surrounded by a moat.
You can rent a rowboat for a few euros and paddle around the water, enjoying the birds and abundant wildlife.
There’s also a zoo that includes tigers, anacondas, bears, and much more.
The park spans 148 acres and is located to the south of the city center.
The best feature of this Roman park is how suddenly it transports you from an urban setting into what feels like miles of countryside.
Rolling hills combine with flat areas to offer scenic views.
The park includes outdoor exercise equipment, children’s playgrounds, a working farm, and plenty of wildlife.
You’ll also find horses, chickens, and dogs throughout the grounds.
The park hosts many festivals. You can also visit the Nymphaeum — a man-made grotto near the river, just a short walk from the main gardens.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed picnic atmosphere, this is the perfect place.
You’ll often find local Italians playing music or sports in the many open spaces within the park.
Villa Borghese is within walking distance of the city center and easily accessible from Metro Line A.
It is undeniably one of the best tourist attractions in Rome, Italy.
11. Best Tourist Attractions in Rome: The Baths of Caracalla
The Baths of Caracalla are located near the Appian Way and are among the largest structures built in ancient Rome.
They were constructed between 212 and 216 AD under the direction of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus, better known as Emperor Caracalla.
The Baths of Caracalla were among the grandest and most impressive thermal complexes of the ancient world.
Although only brick walls and large collapsed vaults remain today, the ruins are still remarkably well preserved.
Going to the baths was a favorite pastime for Romans, who visited regularly to stay clean and socialize.
Within the vast area of the baths, citizens could do much more than just bathe.
They also spent time exercising, visiting the library, walking through gardens, or worshiping the god Mithras and other pagan deities by visiting the temple.
The baths are considered an architectural marvel, especially when you take into account the period they were built in, as they included advanced systems for water supply, heating, and drainage.
Wood-fired furnaces, operated by slaves, heated the floors and walls of the baths, along with the water.
Decorated with marble and adorned with priceless artworks, the Baths of Caracalla were the most luxurious baths ever built in antiquity.
Although they were eventually surpassed in size by the Baths of Diocletian, they never matched their splendor.
Closure of the Baths
After operating for more than 300 years, the baths were forced to close in 537 AD when invading barbarians destroyed the aqueducts supplying water to the city.
The statues and valuable materials that once decorated the baths were looted, and in 847, an earthquake shook the structure and destroyed part of it.
Despite centuries of decay and looting, much of the ground floor and large sections of the impressive walls remain.
With a bit of imagination, one can immerse themselves in the splendor of a bygone era, making it one of the top tourist attractions in Rome.
12. Best Tourist Attractions in Rome: Borghese Gallery and Museum
The Borghese Gallery and Museum houses one of the finest collections of sculptures and paintings in the world.
Located in Rome, the Borghese Gallery holds the Borghese family collection, which includes ancient Roman art and masterpieces from old masters like Caravaggio, Titian, and Raphael, as well as the finest collection of marble statues by Bernini.
The original collection included over 800 paintings, many of which were later sold to the Louvre and are now part of its display.
The gallery building itself, known as Villa Borghese, is a work of art, filled with frescoes and decorative art.
Layout of the Borghese Gallery and Museum
The gallery is spread across two floors. The ground floor has eight rooms, and the first floor has twelve.
There is also a third level known as the “Deposits,” which stores over 260 paintings not currently on display.
The ground floor features a large entrance hall with numbered rooms arranged clockwise around it.
This floor includes the Apollo and Daphne Room, the Emperors Room, the Gladiator Room, and the Egyptian Room. The staircase between Rooms 3 and 4 leads to the first floor.
The first floor also has rooms surrounding the area above the entrance hall, though they are smaller than those on the ground floor.
One of the gallery’s most famous statues is of Pauline Bonaparte, Napoleon’s younger sister and wife of Prince Camillo Borghese.
The statue, portraying her as Venus, was designed to highlight her beauty and elevate her social status.
You get a vivid sense of the young woman resisting her captivity and the power of the male god supporting her.
Also featured is Bernini’s dynamic statue depicting the story of Apollo struck by a golden arrow.
Finally, the Borghese Gallery allows only a two-hour visit per ticket.
Though this may seem rushed for art enthusiasts, it’s more than enough to appreciate one of the best attractions in Rome.
13. Best Tourist Attractions in Rome: Gianicolo Terrace
On the western side of Rome, above the "eighth hill," Gianicolo Terrace offers one of the most breathtaking views of the city, day or night.
Technically, Rome only has seven hills in its historical center, but venturing west of the Tiber River to the Trastevere district is well worth it.
Here, you can enjoy a panoramic scene and unusual silence, away from the noisy traffic and crowds.
Every day at noon, this peaceful atmosphere is momentarily broken by the firing of a single cannon to mark the time—a tradition dating back to the 19th century.
In addition to stunning views of Rome’s eternal landmarks, Gianicolo Terrace offers a quick history lesson on Italy’s 19th-century unification movement and the wars that forged modern Italy.
Statues of heroes line the paths, with the most prominent being a statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi on horseback—the national hero who led Italy to victory.
The Legendary Tale of Gianicolo
The legend says Gianicolo was unfairly excluded from the list of Rome’s seven mythical hills due to its location west of the Tiber and outside the old city walls.
To get back at its rival hills, Gianicolo offered the best view of the city.
Thus, visitors no longer come here to worship the god Janus as they did in ancient times, but rather to enjoy its stunning panoramic views.
Now counted as one of Rome’s seven hills, Gianicolo rises steeply from the Tiber and runs almost parallel to it.
Gianicolo Terrace Today
Today, it's covered in gardens and features two significant churches—San Pietro in Montorio to the south and Sant’Onofrio to the north.
Since 1904, a daily cannon shot has been fired at noon from beneath Piazza Garibaldi to inform Romans of the time.
In the evening, a small beacon projects Italy’s national colors—green, white, and red—across the city.
From the terrace’s northwestern angle, you can view St. Peter’s Basilica.
The equestrian statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, who achieved the unification of Italy in 1870, serves as a reminder that some of the fiercest battles for the short-lived Roman Republic took place here in 1849.
A few steps away stands a dramatic monument of his first wife, Anita, on horseback, her cape billowing in the wind.
14. Best Tourist Attractions in Rome: Campo de' Fiori Square
Piazzas have long been one of the great joys of European cities like Rome, offering charming recreational and social spaces, often pedestrian-friendly.
Most Roman piazzas are accompanied by significant churches—Campo de' Fiori, Piazza di Spagna, Piazza Navona, and Piazza del Popolo included.
However, Campo de' Fiori stands out as a square without a church.
Historically rooted in trade and commerce, its secular character is further emphasized by the looming statue of Giordano Bruno in the center.
Bruno became famous in the 17th century for his “anti-clerical” ideas, introducing radical theories in cosmology, astrology, and Christian doctrine.
Today, Campo de' Fiori is a bustling hub of social interaction and shopping.
By day, it hosts one of Rome’s many food markets; by night, it attracts tourists and university students alike.
The surrounding streets, once home to medieval trades, are now filled with artisan shops and lively bars branching out in all directions.
Many of these streets are still named after the trades once practiced there.
Campo de' Fiori translates from Italian as "Field of Flowers"—it was once an actual meadow.
Today, it’s home to a flower, fruit, and vegetable market that remains vibrant.
In ancient Rome, the area was unused and remained undeveloped until the 15th century, when important buildings were constructed nearby and the square was paved.
However, the area was never formally designed architecturally and has always been a center for trade and street culture, still reflected in the names of the surrounding streets.
15. Best Tourist Attractions in Rome: Circus Maximus
Circus Maximus was the largest stadium in ancient Rome, built for chariot races.
Roman circuses were the most important entertainment venues in Roman cities, alongside theaters and amphitheaters.
They hosted public games and featured various types of races.
Located between the Aventine and Palatine Hills, Circus Maximus stretched wide enough to hold 300,000 spectators.
At 600 meters long and 225 meters wide, it was the biggest in Rome, even before the Circus Flaminius and Circus Maxentius.
Chariot racing was one of the most popular forms of entertainment among Romans.
It’s said that Romulus, Rome’s first king, organized the first chariot races.
The origins of Circus Maximus date back to the 6th century BC, when King Tarquinius Priscus created a track between the Palatine and Aventine Hills.
The first permanent starting gates were added in 329 BC.
In 174 BC, the gates were rebuilt and seven wooden poles were installed on the central spine (spina) of the track to count laps.
In 33 BC, these were replaced with seven bronze dolphins for the same purpose.
A fire in 31 BC destroyed much of the wooden structure.
Development of the Circus
It was rebuilt by Emperor Augustus, who also added an imperial viewing box on the Palatine Hill.
A massive obelisk from New Egypt was installed as a decoration on the spine—it can now be seen at the center of Piazza del Popolo.
Many competitions were held in Circus Maximus, most notably chariot races.
Participants would attempt to complete seven laps of the track.
Drivers of small horse-drawn chariots often wagered more than just prestige or prizes; many were slaves racing for their freedom.
During public games, equestrian performances called “Ludus Troiae” were held—simulations of famous battles performed by young Roman aristocrats.
There were also foot races lasting several hours, with spectators betting on winners, adding even more excitement.
16. Best Tourist Attractions in Rome: The Mouth of Truth
The Mouth of Truth is an ancient Roman marble disc carved with the face of a man.
According to legend, the mouth will close if a liar puts their hand inside.
The massive marble mask weighs about 1,300 kilograms and is believed to depict the face of the sea god Oceanus.
It’s located in the portico of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin and is internationally famous.
Measuring 1.75 meters in diameter, the sculpture features a bearded male face with open holes for the eyes, nose, and mouth.
Legend has it that a husband suspicious of his wife’s fidelity took her to the Mouth of Truth to test her honesty.
She pretended to faint and was caught by her lover, then swore to the mask that the only man she’d embraced was the one who had just held her.
This is just one of many legends surrounding this famous sculpture, which still fascinates visitors today.
The statue was originally located in Piazza della Bocca della Verità until 1632.
It was later moved to the exterior wall of Santa Maria in Cosmedin, where it remains today.
It’s very common to see long lines of people waiting to be photographed with their hand inside the Mouth of Truth.
The Origin
Historians aren’t entirely sure what the disc’s original purpose was.
Some believe it served as a drainage cover in the nearby Temple of Hercules Invictus, which had an oculus-like opening in the ceiling similar to the Pantheon, allowing rain to fall inside.
It’s also thought that cattle traders used the disc to drain the blood of animals sacrificed to Hercules.
In the 13th century, the disc may have been removed from the temple and placed against the wall of Santa Maria in Cosmedin.
By the 17th century, it was relocated to its current place in the church portico.
The marble disc is now best known for the medieval legend associated with it.
