Secret places in Rome that you won't find in your typical travel guide. Definitely worth seeing. Unusual cafe in Rome

rich historical heritage Rome was reflected in architectural appearance city, and in its cultural values, sights, the age of which is calculated for thousands of years.

Who visits Rome on a package tour can choose between sightseeing tours that are offered by numerous travel companies. Those who travel on their own can make up for themselves the main top attractions that they would like to visit in the first place. And if you correctly allocate time and plan a route, you can see much more than planned.

So… What are the must-sees in the vicinity of Rome and what are the sights of the main tourist city Should you visit Italy?

Architectural masterpieces, description and photo with names

Where to go and what to see in Rome? Any tour of the Eternal City includes palaces, fountains, museums and sights that have become a kind of calling card Rome.

For 16 euros you can buy single ticket V .

To avoid long queues, you can book your tickets in advance on the Vatican website (but please note that this advance booking service is subject to a €4 surcharge).

List of free tours

Some sights of Rome are available to absolutely everyone - and completely free. These are churches and museums where you do not have to pay an entrance fee.

• whose history goes back over two thousand years. Built back in 27, the temple was dedicated to the Roman gods. Its dome, which is 43 meters in diameter, is built in such a way that when the sun is directly at its zenith, a direct and thick beam of the sun ("divine light") beats through the hole in the dome.

  

  There is an opinion among the people that if you stand right under the hole in the dome, all your sins will be forgiven. Whether it works or not is unknown, but there are more than enough people who want to test the hypothesis.

• Imperial forums(not to be confused with the Roman Forum). A number of sights and monuments of ancient Roman architecture associated with the eras of the emperors of Ancient Rome - the forum of Augustus, the forum of Caesar, the forum of Vespasian, the forum of Trajan, the Temple of Peace.



• appian way- one of the central roads of ancient Rome. Today, the Appian Way is an open-air museum: mausoleums, villas, parks, and churches are located along the road.

  

  You can walk along the road, or you can take a special bus (archeobus), the cost of the trip is 12 euros. There is a more budgetary option for traveling - by bike, the rental of which will cost 10 euros.

• and Palazzo Poli form a single architectural ensemble.

  

  Trevi is the largest fountain in Rome. He left his mark in the cinema - the beauty of the fountain can be enjoyed in the films "Roman Holiday" and "Sweet Life".

  A coin thrown into the fountain - "for good luck" - will help you return to Rome again. In the evening, the fountain is illuminated by skillfully selected lighting, and classical music is poured over the square.

• . This architectural structure directly linked to three countries.

  

  On the territory of Italy there is a staircase that united France and Spain after centuries of hostility. There, in Plaza de España, there are several more attractions- the Trinite dei Monte church and the Barcaccia fountain.

Fans of architectural heritage can consider themselves truly happy Lorenzo Bernini - Italian architect and sculptor. Many of his works adorn Rome, and all this splendor can be viewed completely free of charge. For example, the bridge of the Holy Angel, bas-reliefs and statues in the squares, sculptural compositions.

Famous works of Michelangelo can also be viewed for free. These are the city gates of Port Pia, the Basilica of St. Peter, the Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli.

Travelers in Rome should take note of a few tips in order to avoid unpleasant moments that can overshadow your vacation.

• If law enforcement officers may not pay attention to an abandoned piece of paper, then here For smoking in a public place, you can get a fine of up to 200 euros These rules are strictly observed here. Especially in places where there are children.
• Be careful on the subway. Crowded subway cars and buses are a real expanse for pickpockets. Don't leave documents in your pockets Cell phones and money.
• If you prefer walking, take care of comfortable shoes and clothing that does not restrict movement. Most of the roads in Italy are paved, so the best option for sightseeing in Rome there will be sneakers or sports slippers. And do not forget about respite in the shade and about the drinking regime, otherwise heat stroke will be guaranteed in the heat.

Even more interesting facts You will learn about the sights of Rome from the following video:

It doesn't matter how many sights you can see during the trip. Any corner of Rome - be it a palace, a fountain or something else - is worth seeing with your own eyes and remembering the feeling of touching the history of the Eternal City for a long time.

In contact with

They run (do not go, but they run) to the Colosseum, then to the Vatican, visit the Capitoline Hill, the Forum, the baths of Caracalla. After excursions, there is usually a complete hodgepodge of places, people, paintings, sculptures, pasta, pizza, mozzarella and fountains in your head.

Probably, visiting all the places listed is correct, but if you went to Rome together on a romantic trip or just without a goal, OK THERE will offer you a different itinerary to take slowly, stopping here and there for coffee, a glass of wine, pizza, pasta or a scoop of delicious ice cream.

• You can start your walk from the Plaza de España, where spanish stairs and cute graceful Barcaccia fountain(Father Bernini). By the way, in Rome you can drink water from every column and from every fountain. There is a tea room next to the Spanish Steps - Thea Room "Babington"s" that has existed there since 1893. They serve authentic English sandwiches, muffins and excellent tea.

• From the Spanish Steps along the small narrow streets of medieval Rome, you can continue your way to the side Pantheon, built in 126 AD by Emperor Hadrian on the site of the previous Pantheon erected by Mark Vipsanius Agrippa, as evidenced by the inscription on the pediment. Since 609, the Pantheon has been Catholic Church of Saint Mary and the Martyrs. The building is extraordinary! To understand the greatness of the Roman Empire, be sure to visit it - the power of this temple is amazing.

Be sure to sit in a cafe near the Pantheon, drink a cappuccino with brioche, for example, with custard. These cafes serve the best espresso and cappuccino in the city, musicians perform on the square, sing Italian and French songs with guitar and accordion.

• After resting from the Pantheon, go to Campo dei Fiore square- Square of flowers. Every day (except Sundays) until 14:00 there is a market open where they sell vegetables, fruits, meat products, spices, flowers. Here you can have a bite to eat by buying a sandwich with boiled pork from a local merchant, and a drink in a nearby shop - "Italian cola" Chinotto or Chino, which is made from citrus fruits. You can eat sitting on the side of the fountain or on a pedestal monument to Giordano Bruno.

There is also a self-service cafe on the square with its own bakery, where you can buy a slice of pizza or bruschetta, fresh bread, brioche or a sandwich. You can dine across the Tiber River, in Trastevere. The Romans themselves have lunch and dinner there. There are many family restaurants in this area with delicious food and attractive prices. To get from Campo dei Fiore to Trastevere, in order to get hungry, I suggest the following route: Piazza Venezia, Orsini Palace, the Jewish ghetto, through the island of Teberina, where the city hospital has been located since the Middle Ages, in which, as they say, they filmed film "Adventures of Italians in Russia".

• After lunch go to Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere, built in the 3rd century (even before the division of the Christian church into Catholic and Orthodox) with a beautiful mosaic inside, and then climb Janiculum, one of the seven hills of Rome. According to legend, it was on Janiculum that St. Peter was crucified, and from its observation deck you can see great view of Rome. After descending back to the Trastevere area, have an espresso with ice cream or a glass of wine with bruschettas, for example, in a restaurant Sabatini in Trastevere. Italians only drink cappuccino for breakfast and espresso the rest of the day.

• You can complete the walk and daylight hours in Rome in the Vatican, stepping over the invisible line of the border on St. Peter's Square. Around six - half past six in the evening, St. Peter's Cathedral is almost empty, which is a rarity. Without queues and crowds, you can admire Pieta by Michelangelo- the only sculpture signed by the master - and rub "for good luck" the foot of the statue of St. Peter, making a wish. For dinner, you can go back to the Pantheon area, after sending yourself and your loved ones postcard from the Vatican.

Rome is best known for its history, which dates back to the eras of Octavian, Julius Caesar and Hadrian, but it is also a fast-paced, modern and contemporary city, with gleaming designer windows, elegant hotels and cutting-edge restaurants. Art lovers will find satisfaction in artwork housed in the Vatican Museums, and gourmets will enjoy great Italian dishes. Be sure to visit Rome, it is one of the most romantic and inspiring cities in the world.

Rome- a stunning city, striking with its architecture, countless historical monuments of architecture, created by legendary sculptors with world-famous names.
Explore attractions within a few days - difficult and almost impossible. It is for this reason that many, having once visited Rome, return to the city once again.

To visit the main historical sites of Rome, it is most convenient to get to the Colosseum by city metro (line B, stop "Colosseo") and from there go to explore the historical values ​​​​of the city, which we will talk about below.

Main sights of Rome

Colosseum - 50 thousand spectators at the same time
Coliseum- this is the secondary name of the building (in honor of the statue of the "Colossus", installed nearby), which until the eighth century was called the Flavius ​​Amphitheatre. Despite its impressive volumes, the Amphitheater was built in eight years and served exclusively for recreational activities local residents (gladiator battles, various staged performances and performances). The beginning of the construction belongs to the emperor Vespasian, and the end - to his son Titus. Today, the Colosseum is considered one of the main symbols of Rome, where more than one and a half million tourists from all over the world come annually. The building is striking in its size. Only the height is more than fifty meters, and the diameter is almost two hundred! Feelings inside are simply indescribable! It is breathtaking how powerful and huge the building is in front of your eyes, where in ancient times 50 thousand people could be at the same time.

Piazza Venezia - beautiful, large-scale, impressive
Near the Capitol Hill, where several important highways of the city intersect, the most famous and beautiful square in Rome - Venice square. It got its name from the palace of the same name, where old times the board of the Republic met, and today it is a museum and a Roman archaeological library.
In the central part of the square there is a twelve-meter monument to King Victor Emmanuel II (the very first ruler of united Italy).

Imperial forums - an echo of the past, a milestone in history
Located right next to Piazza Venezia Imperial forums- marked by their construction the transition from a republican form of government to an empire. The first ruler who decided to perpetuate his power was Caesar - it was on his orders that the very first forum began to be built, and after Caesar, other rulers began to build their own forums Rome. In total, the construction of facilities lasted almost one hundred and fifty years. Today you can only get acquainted with the remains of the forums, but this does not diminish their significance and beauty.
Imperial forms are available for visiting from 9.00 to 19.00 from Tuesday to Sunday (Monday is a day off).

St. Peter's Cathedral - the creation of Michelangelo and Raphael
At the burial place Apostle Peter, executed in 60 AD, built an impressive cathedral, the construction of which lasted more than four centuries. The building is a little over 130 meters high and 190 meters long. It is hard to imagine that great architects, sculptors and artists were involved in the design, construction and decoration of the building: Raphael, Michelangelo, Bramante. By the way, the famous Bernini devoted more than 50 years of his life to work on the cathedral. It was this great sculptor who created the five-meter statue of St. Longinus, as well as the almost 30-meter ciborium, known throughout Rome and far beyond its borders, which rises above the Altar in the cathedral.
You can see the burial of the Apostle Peter by going down to the dungeon under the Cathedral, where today the burial of the popes is carried out.
How to get there: metro, line "A", station "Ottaviano". Also in the immediate vicinity of the cathedral are metro stations: "Musei Vaticani" and "San Pietro". If you want to explore the city during the trip, it is best to go to the cathedral on buses number 40 and number 64 from Termini train station.

The Trevi Fountain and the Fountain of the Four Rivers are breathtaking
Bright, pompous landmark of Rome the Trevi Fountain is considered to be with the figure of Neptune located in the center of it, sitting in a chariot in the form of a shell, in a harness of seahorses. There are many decorative elements and sculptural images around the figure. The composition seems huge and majestic. It is hard to imagine, but the height of the structure is more than 25 meters and its length is almost the same! It is in the water of the fountain that tourists who come to Rome throw coins in order to return to the stunning city again. By tradition, the coin is thrown only with the right hand, standing with its back to the fountain. In total, you need to throw three coins - one will help you find love, the second - to conclude a marriage union, and the third - to return to Rome. Trevi Fountain it is very beautiful in the evening and at night, when the water is illuminated by light bulbs and the atmosphere seems fabulous.
The second place in importance is occupied by the Fountain of the Four Rivers - the creation of the legendary Bernini. The water sculpture is located in Piazza Navona. According to the sculptor's project, four statues of the gods of the great rivers - the Danube, La Plata, the Nile and the Ganges - are installed around the fountain. The structure with all its appearance indicates power and grandeur, as evidenced by the rivers, which were discussed many centuries ago. It is on Piazza Navona near the fountain that Christmas markets take place.

Poli Palace - an echo of Great Russia
How to get there: metro station "Spagna".
The palace, whose facade is the Trevi Fountain, should be of particular interest to Russian tourists. In the 1830s, the Russian princess, beauty, philanthropist Zinaida Volkonskaya lived in it, actively communicating with Pushkin and Gogol. After her death, her ashes were buried in the church, located directly opposite the Trevi Fountain. The church built in 1650 is open to the public on any day from 7.00-19.00 (lunch from 11.00 to 16.00).

Spanish Steps - a place of meetings, dates and hugs
A ten minute walk from the Trevi Fountain is spanish stairs, which originates on the square of the same name. The building is made in the Baroque style, the architectural idea and dimensions are most striking. To explore the beauty of an architectural creation with a long history, it is advisable to come either closer to the night or early in the morning, when there is no particular crowd. The staircase is especially beautiful. in early spring when the azalea is in full bloom. The travertine structure has 138 steps with a curved shape. all the steps are different in width and this becomes noticeable as you go up or down. At the very top of the stairs, a "reward" awaits - the temple of the Holy Trinity, which is definitely worth a look.
The Plaza de España adjoins the Spanish Steps, which got its name from the fact that in the seventeenth century the embassy of this southern country was located here. Walking along the square, you can get acquainted with the Barcaccia fountain, the Palace of Spain, the impressive sculpture of the Virgin Mary and the temple of Trinita dei Monti.

Pantheon - the burial place of the great people of Rome
An ancient temple of paganism, built in 27 AD, which later became a Christian church. The integrity of the object has been preserved to this day. The temple impresses with its size, grandeur and architecture. IN Pantheon there is only one window, meaning that all the gods are one. In ancient times, statues of deities stood in the building, each of which was illuminated in turn by the light falling from the window. The statues have not survived to this day, but everyone can admire the installed Roman sculptures and paintings dating back to the 18th century. By the way, it is in the temple that the grave of the great Raphael, many Italian painters and the burial places of the first kings of Italy is located.
Visiting the temple is free, opening hours 8.30-19.30 (in weekdays), 9.00-18.00 (Sunday). Closest to the Pantheon is the metro station "Barberini".

Arch of Tito - the world's first triumphal arch
The world's first triumphant arch made of Pentel marble, "overtaking" the famous French landmark in time of construction. It was the Roman arch, preserved almost in its original form, that became an example for the construction of other similar structures around the world. The age of the construction with a height of more than 15 meters, a width of 13.5 meters, a depth of 4.75 meters, is almost 2000 years old. The facades are decorated with sculptures of Roman goddesses, images of the victorious procession of Emperor Titus after military operations.

Castel Sant'Angelo - a giant sculpture guarding Rome
How to get there: Lungotevere Castello, 50. The best way to get to castle on the metro line - stop "Ottaviano-San Pietro" or stop "Lepanto". Entrance fee (full and concession ticket), museums are open on all days except Mondays. You can just walk around the building and admire the beauty that opens up to your eyes.
During its long history of existence, the castle has been repeatedly rebuilt and modernized. It was used by the Romans as a castle, the residence of the popes, as a storehouse and a prison. Today, inside the castle there is a military museum with more than fifty labyrinth rooms, where a lot of interesting compositions are presented, for example, the apartments of the Pope, the hall of kings, the courtyard of Alexander the Sixth, etc. At the very top of the Castle there is a bronze statue of the Archangel. A huge stone bridge leads to the object, along the edges of which statues are installed, majestically reflected in the water. From whichever side the castle is bypassed, one gets the feeling that the statue of an Angel is constantly watching and at the same time guarding.

Church of Santa Maria Maggiore - peace, tranquility, faith, love
The only basilica in Rome preserved in its original form to this day. Santa Maria Maggiore in terms of size, it is considered the largest church in Rome, and there are more than eighty of them in total. The date of foundation is considered to be 352. According to legend, Pope Liberius had a dream in which the Mother of God said to build a church in the place where snow would fall in the morning. This place turned out to be Esquiville Hill. Every year on August 5 (namely, on this day snow fell in 352), in memory of the significant date, those present in the church are generously showered with white flower petals. The entrance to the church is framed by an incredibly beautiful mosaic. Each pope who came to reign sought to make the sacred place even better. So in 1377 a 75-meter bell tower appeared, a majestic loggia - in 1740. If you go out to the loggia, you can admire the facade decor dating back to the 14th century. Inside the temple, amazing sensations - the walls, the ceiling are decorated with breathtakingly beautiful mosaic paintings - scenes from the Bible, their creation dates back to the 4th century AD!
Inside the building there are forty huge columns towering up to the dome. The ceiling is beautifully painted by the famous artist Giuliano Sangallo and covered with gold. The luxurious marble floor is striking, made of multi-colored slabs, which as a whole form a single composition of different geometric shapes and forms. The most important value of the church is the real cradle of Jesus Christ, the relics of the Apostle Matthew, the icon of the Virgin Mary - they have no price, therefore they are very revered by the Romans.

Rome is a city of discovery. Even knowing the city well, walking along the same street for the hundredth time, you will still discover something interesting for yourself: a Roman courtyard with statues of Ancient Rome, hidden behind a heavy front door, masterpieces of great artists in a simple inconspicuous church, a strange sculpture on the windowsill of one of the houses... And what riches are hidden underground!.. It is no coincidence that the third metro line in Rome has not been launched for "-tsat" years, because something new is constantly being found in Rome. You will certainly find it too - with our tips, of course 🙂

If you have already visited and "trodden on iron shoes", bypassing for the umpteenth time historical Center, it's time to look at Rome from a new angle.

Present to your attention 5 unusual places in Rome - our rating for those who have already been to Rome and seem to have seen almost everything.

Interesting in Rome. 5 unusual places

Unusual cafe in Rome

Have you tried to enjoy lunch or dinner in the company of the first king of a unified Italy, Victor Emmanuel II, Queen Margaret and Pope Leo XIII? If not, then it's time to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of creativity in the heart of Rome - welcome to the workshop of the Canova Tadolini family!

Antonio Canova(Italian Antonio Canova; 1757 - 1822) - the famous Italian sculptor, whose works are presented in the Hermitage and the Louvre, bequeathed his workshop to his student Tadolini. For four generations, the business of Canova and Tadolini was passed down from son to son, until one day they decided to create an unusual atmospheric restaurant from the workshop.

With the exception of numerous tables and scurrying bartenders, everything here resembles a real sculptor's workshop: randomly placed statues, unfinished casts mixed with newspapers and art books ...

We really love the Museo Atelier Canova Tadolini for the amazing atmosphere and regularly run here after and for a cup of cappuccino with sweet cornetto. It is still difficult for us to get rid of the old habit of drinking coffee in half-liter glasses with big amount milk. The Romans rarely drink cappuccino, which is popular in Russia, preferring to slowly sip espresso from tiny cups (although, it would seem, what is there to drink! ..). According to them, espresso promotes digestion after a meal.

Unusual building in Rome

If you want to arrange an original one, then we recommend paying attention to the square Colosseum. Yes, you read everything correctly. The Palace of Italian Civilization (Palazzo della Civilta Italiana), better known as the "Square Colosseum" (Colosseo Quadrato) was built as part of a complex of business buildings (Esposizione Universale Roma, or EUR) by order of the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. The reason was the twentieth anniversary of fascism and the world fair, which was planned to be held in Rome in 1942. The event never took place, and the quarter, for obvious reasons, is not particularly advertised. Therefore, you can easily prank your friends by joking that in this way the well-known Colosseum in Rome was restored.

How to find? From the usual Colosseum, take the metro in the direction of Laurentina, then get off at the EUR Magliana station and walk a kilometer on foot (address: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 559). Do not forget that the best photos are taken at dawn or sunset: plan the time correctly or book a photo session with us - we will show you how to "catch" the best time.

Unusual tomb in Rome

"Rome has everything, even the Nile River and the pyramids." 13 Egyptian obelisks in Rome can be understood, explained and forgiven... But the pyramid? Egyptian! Real! How?

Everything, as usual, is explained by vanity and wealth. In the 1st century BC, Gaius Cestius Epulon held a truly enviable position: he was an ancient event manager - the organizer of banquets in honor of the main Roman gods. Having accumulated an unthinkable fortune at divine feasts, he died, leaving a cheerful testament-quest to his heirs. It said that the heirs needed to build a pyramid in honor of the deceased and meet within 330 days, otherwise you can forget about the inheritance.

Judging by the integrity and safety of the pyramid, the heirs worked hard. The pyramid in Rome has been standing for over 2000 years.

It's funny that Catherine II in Tsarskoye Selo in St. Petersburg wished to build a pyramid in the Roman likeness for her beloved dogs.

“Here lies Zemira ... she was light on the run and had only one drawback, she was a little angry, but her heart was kind. When you love, you are afraid of everything, and Zemira so loved the one that the whole world loves like her. Is it possible to be calm in the rivalry of such a multitude of nations. The gods, witnesses of her tenderness, should have rewarded her with immortality for her fidelity, so that she could be inseparable from her mistress.

Unusual museum in Rome

Not far from the pyramid is one of the most unusual museums in Rome.

Firstly, this is the youngest museum of contemporary art of all the museums of this direction in European capitals. Rome is so rich in history, masterpieces, mysteries and unsolved mysteries that only in 1999 the Romans realized that they were a little behind the times - there was no modern art museum in their city. The defect had to be corrected immediately.

Secondly, one of the museums of modern art - MACRO (and there are now two in Rome) is located on the site of the former Mattatoio slaughterhouse in the truly Roman district of Testaccio. The slaughterhouse was closed in 1975, moving to a new location. After that, fire services, the Faculty of Architecture were located here, and in 2002 the huge complex was given over to contemporary art.

Today the MACRO Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the the most beautiful monuments industrial architecture and has an exhibition space of more than 10,000 m², where over 600 exhibits are located.

The area in which it is located is also unusual. District name Monte Testaccio(Italian Monte Testaccio, Monte Testaceo) comes from the Latin word "mons testaceus" - "a mountain of ceramic shards"). The way it is! During the Roman Empire, it was a dumping ground for amphora used to store and transport olive oil. It was possible to use a ceramic amphora only once, after which they were smashed and dumped here. This is how the Testaccio hill appeared, almost entirely consisting of fragments of broken amphoras from the times of Ancient Rome. And the inscriptions from testaccio amphorae fragments are a valuable source of information about the economy and way of life in the Roman Empire.

There are three more reasons why you should come to the area.

1. Here is one of the most beautiful cemeteries in Europe - a non-Catholic cemetery, where you can see interesting tombstones of artistic value. This unique territory burial places of Germans, Scots, Russians, and other representatives of non-Catholic confessions. Among 4,000 graves lie about 1,000 of our compatriots (famous artists, members of the Imperial House, as well as their descendants, representatives of the most ancient noble families - the Golenishchev-Kutuzovs, the Naryshkins and others).
2. Near the Testaccio area is one of the best gelateria in Rome -

The Eternal City, as it is customary to call ancient Rome, is fabulously interesting and diverse, containing a lot of historical monuments, artistic attractions and architectural masterpieces. The whole history of the once mighty empire is reflected in them, attracting with its secrets an endless pilgrimage of tourists from all over the world. This article will help with practical advice on how not to get lost among the old cobblestone squares, majestic temples and museums, how to make better use of your time to see the main sights of Rome.

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capitol hill

The iconic landmark of Rome is one of the seven hills on which the city was born, Capitoline - the lowest and smallest in area. Despite this, it has always been the main center of the Eternal City. At its top is capitol square, on which there was a temple, erected in the 5th century BC. e. in honor of the gods of Ancient Rome: Jupiter, Minerva and Juno. But until the 16th century A.D. e. the hill was in the strongest decline, overgrown with grass, goats grazed on it.

When Pope Paul III was appointed to Rome (1536), on his initiative, the Capitol received a new development. The development of the project was entrusted to the outstanding creator Michelangelo, already a well-known sculptor and artist, who managed to adequately fulfill some of his ideas. After his death, the master's students continued to master the project and only a century later they realized everything planned by the great teacher.

Now everyone who comes to Capitol Hill can appreciate the architectural masterpieces located on the square of the same name. Right in its center is a bronze figure of Marcus Aurelius, one of the most progressive Roman emperors. The statue of Mark sitting on a mighty rearing horse is surrounded by luxurious medieval buildings: the Palace of the Senators, the Palace of the Conservatives, the New Palace, the Church of Santa Maria in Aracheli, the Capitoline Museum. The ingenious author of these architectural masterpieces depicted on them many symbolic messages to the future, over the interpretation of which scholars are racking their brains. How happy everyone can feel who sees them and can unravel the meaning of these symbolic decorations on the palaces of the Capitol.

Today, the Palace of Senators houses the services of the city's mayor's office, where tourists are not allowed to enter, but it will be interesting for them to see the ancient Roman texts carved on stone slabs in the Lapidarium Museum. Its exhibits are witnesses of the life and politics of Ancient Rome. Unforgettable impressions and feelings of antiquity await everyone in the underground corridors of the Tabularium - the ancient Roman state archive, where documentary information about the cities of the Roman Empire, various decrees and government acts are stored on special tablets - tabula. You should definitely visit the unique storehouse of priceless rarities.

The luxurious Palace of the Conservatives has been turned into a museum displaying marble busts and sculptures, famous paintings by Caravaggio, Rubens, Velasquez; ancient Greek and Etruscan artifacts, ancient coins, silver and gold jewelry. In a separate room there is a statue of the famous Capitoline she-wolf, which is a symbol of Rome.

You should definitely go to the Basilica of St. Mary of Araceli to touch the miraculous sculpture of the baby Christ and admire the unusual wooden carvings of the altar. In order not only to see all the significant objects of the Capitol, but also to reliably learn their history, it is better to visit them as part of a group with a guide.

Open: 09.00-17.30. Entrance is free.

Address: Capitoline Square (Piazza del Campidoglio).

To get to it on foot, you can take the Colosseum as a landmark, walk 15-20 minutes from it to the Capitol Hill. Along the way you can see the Roman Forum and Venetian Square. For such a walk, it is better to choose the morning time, when there is no crowd.

If you go in the midst of a tourist pilgrimage, it is better to climb a small staircase with a wooden canopy (pergola) located on the right or along Andreozzi (neighboring steep stairs). The central staircase of the Cordonata is often filled to the brim with urists. We must not forget about caution: different people can be in the crowd, including clever pickpockets.

Metro (line B), st. colosseo.

Buses: 30, 51, 81, 83, 85, 87, 118, 160, 170, 628, 810 to stop. Ara Coeli-Piazza Venezia. Tram: 8 - go to the final stop. Venice.

Coliseum

The most majestic large-scale arena in the world was built in the 8th century AD. e. and was the main symbol of the power of the Roman Empire. Looking even at the remains of a grandiose structure, one can easily imagine how much human labor has been invested in it over 8 years of construction. The name of the ancient amphitheater is consonant with the word "colossus", denoting its huge size and future longevity. Otherwise, the Colosseum was called the "Flavian Amphitheater" (the ruling dynasty of Roman emperors).

At that time, it was the most capacious building in the world, capable of simultaneously receiving 55 thousand spectators in its stands. They enthusiastically watched the deadly fights of gladiators, water battles of ships (the arena was filled with water from the Tiber) and other competitions in which few survived. With the rise of Christianity, bloody gladiator fights ceased at the beginning of the 5th century. Gradually, the importance of the Colosseum as an arena for performances was lost, and it began to be used as a stable, storage and shelter for the homeless.

Now it is the greatest monument ancient architecture, the design of which is an example of an ingenious project, providing for the extraordinary durability and strength of a colossal structure. The basis of such firmness is formed by numerous arched vaults, which allowed not only to save building materials, ensure a long life for the walls, but also to make the huge building outwardly delicately elegant. Preserving the majestic remains for posterity is a matter of honor for the Italians, and viewing the most valuable monument of Roman civilization is the civic duty of every tourist.

To save time and money on travel around Rome, it is rational to combine a visit to the Colosseum with an excursion to the Capitoline Hill, because these objects are located close to each other (see above). In order not to stand in line for a long time at the box office of the Colosseum, you can buy it (ticket) at the entrance to the Roman Forum, walking from the Capitol.

Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma.

How to get there: metro (line B), st. Coliseum. Buses: 60,75, 85, 87, 175, 186, 271, 571, 810, 850. 3rd tram line.

Price complex ticket(Colosseum, Palatine and Roman Forum) - 12 euros.

Despite the small area of ​​the Vatican (0.45 sq. km), its buildings house many museums and art galleries, examining which, one can draw a conclusion about the political and economic power of the mini-state. The largest number of priceless treasures, works of art, literature, historical monuments are collected here.

The beginning of museum collections marked the beginning famous sculpture"Laocoon and his sons" bought by Pope Julius II from a private owner. The Historical Museum is one of the later museums (1973), organized on the initiative of Pope Paul 6. Its exhibits illustrate the history of the development of the Vatican: papal robes, carriages, cars and other attributes of its inhabitants.

The Etruscan Museum contains exhibits found during archaeological excavations: Etruscan vases, bronze ornaments, various objects of Roman art.

Founded in 1839, the Egyptian Museum exhibits ancient Egyptian artifacts, including stone masks, mummies, various sarcophagi, Egyptian household items, a sand statue of Pharaoh Mentuhotep. .

Pinacoteca (18 rooms) - a collection of art paintings on a religious theme by the best Italian painters who worked from the 11th to the 19th century. Here are the masterpieces of Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, da Vinci and others. In addition to paintings, the halls contain unique icons, tapestries, sculptures, and mosaic panels.

The Belvedere courtyard contains 2 palaces: Nicholas V and Innocent VII - both buildings are magnificent in their classical architecture, antique statues in wall niches. In the common courtyard stands the original bronze sculpture "Sphere in the Sphere".

The Sistine Chapel is an undoubted pearl among the Vatican Museums, which is painted with amazing frescoes by Michelangelo with biblical scenes, Botticelli, Perugino, etc. The Vatican Library is a repository of a huge collection of printed and handwritten rarities of antiquity, recent past and present.

When planning to visit the Vatican Museums, you need to know that some of them can only be entered by pre-registration. You can find out which ones you can visit on the website of the museum complex, and buy tickets online there, so as not to stand in a long queue. But it will cost more by 4 euros. Arriving at the museum complex, you will need to print out a ticket and present it at a special ticket office. Online ticket booking address https://biglietteriamusei.vatican.va/musei/tickets).

It is better to visit museums with a guide, if this is not possible, you can rent an audio guide (7 Є) along with tickets - sound files with information about museum exhibits. You can't forget about your appearance: you can not come here in shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops.

Museums are open: Monday-Saturday, 09.00-18.00; except Sundays, days declared public and great church holidays.

Ticket price: adults - 15 Є; children - 8 Є; groups of schoolchildren - 4 Є.

Ticket offices are open until 16.00, purchased tickets are not exchanged.

Address: Viale Vaticano.

How to get there: from the railway station Termini by metro (line A), stop. S Peter.

Buses: 32, 49, 81, 492, 982 to stop. Museums of the Vatican.

Tram 19 - stop. Piazza del Risorqimento and walk 100 m from it.

On foot from Termini - along the street. Via Nazionale; from sq. Venice - on the street. Corso Vittorio Emmanuele.

The Pantheon is an ancient temple built, presumably, in the 2nd century BC. n. e. in honor of the ancient Roman gods, has become another striking symbol of the Roman Empire. In terms of the genius of its implementation, its design is not inferior to the Colosseum, confirming once again the idea that there are talents at all times. The fact that it has survived unchanged to this day testifies to the ability of architects to conscientiously build for centuries.

It is hard to believe that the towering dome of the monument weighs 5,000 tons and has not yet collapsed, as happens in some modern buildings. Moreover, in the dome there is a through hole with a diameter of 9 m, through which precipitation enters. The Pantheon struck the imagination of the great creators of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, who considered it the true receptacle of the divine spirit. Rafael, like many other famous personalities, he is buried in it (which he dreamed about). There are not enough words to describe all the grandeur, grace and beauty of this architectural masterpiece. You only need to see how millions of pilgrims from all over the world do it.

To thoroughly inspect this wonderful building, you should come here immediately after the opening (09.00 - 19.00), because during the day there is a constant "flesh" of tourists. Entrance is free, you can visit without restrictions.

Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186, Roma.

How to get there: metro (line A), st. Barberini.

Buses: 30, 40, 62, 64, 81, 87, 49.

Tram: 8.

St. Peter's Square

Unique historical object Rome - St. Peter's Square, the need for which appeared after the construction of the majestic cathedral of the devoted disciple of Christ, who was martyred. So many believers came here that the temple was not able to accommodate everyone. Therefore, it was necessary to equip the square, which has become the most beautiful and famous in the world: from the window of his residence, located here, the Pope addresses the parishioners.

This favorite place residents of Rome of all ages and tourists sightseeing the square. The majestic Cathedral of Peter, the ancient Egyptian granite obelisk, wonderful fountains, sculptural monuments of the holy apostles Peter and Paul, architectural masterpiece- the residence of the Pope - everything is so beautiful and magnificent around that you just go dumb with admiration.

If your stay in Rome is short, a tour of the square can be preceded by an excursion to the Vatican, as it is located on the border with a mini-state. You can come here early, when there are still few people on it, examine everything in detail and then go to the Vatican Museums. This will save time and money on travel, and the day will be full of unforgettable impressions. During the break, you can have lunch and relax in the nearby cafes.

How to get to the square: Taking the metro (line B) to Ottaviano San-Pietro station is a great experience, but don't let your guard down among the mixed crowds in the carriages.

Advice to the ladies: if temperamental young machos begin to court you gallantly, do not relax so as not to get into the situation of the heroine Inna Churikova in the film "Casanova's Cloak". These courtship, smiles, passionate looks can end in hard extortion of money for flirting.

Buses go to the square: 23, 34, 40, 271 (the most convenient routes). You can drive up by taxi or rented car, if you do not save money.

This is the territory of hoary antiquity, where the pulse of public and political life center great empire, where triumphal processions took place, adopted laws and decided the fate of people and states. Here, in luxurious marble palaces, powerful emperors, dressed in crimson togas, ruled; People's meetings and all the most important fateful state events were held here.

The antique open-air museum is an exciting spectacle, beckoning with the dust of distant epochs, the grandeur of noble ruins, the opportunity to clearly travel back many centuries and experience a thrilling sense of belonging to the unique sights seen. And there are many of them, and each has interesting story. Those who want to get acquainted with them in more detail have the opportunity to use an audio guide (4 Є) or the services of a guide.

If you wish, here you can take a picture with the "gladiators" (men in gladiator costumes) as a keepsake.

Address: Via della Salaria Vecchia, 5/6

Ticket price - 12 Є.

Santa Maria Maggiore

The construction of one of the main 4 churches of Rome is based on the legend of the prophetic dream of Bishop Liberius, in which the Holy Virgin ordered to put the temple where the snow will fall in the morning. This explains the construction of the basilica on the Esquiline Hill. Even now, 05.08 every year on the square in front of the church they celebrate the day of the miraculous snowfall, when hundreds of white petals soar up and fall in the temple, symbolizing snowflakes from the prophetic dream of the bishop. In the evening, everything is repeated on the square after the festive concert.

St. Mary's Church is a real architectural marvel, created by the collective efforts of many talented architects, sculptors, masters of painting and chasing. Among the unsurpassed artistic masterpieces in interior design, mosaic paintings (5th century), magnificent frescoes with Old Testament subjects, and floor ornaments (13th century) that amaze the imagination have been preserved.

A priceless treasure - the Holy Cradle of Jesus at the central altar with a statue of Pius IX, kneeling respectfully before the shrine. Admiration is the incredible beauty of the design and magnificent decoration of the chapels, tombs and all the premises of the basilica. To see with your own eyes the whole range of colors, lines, details of amazing church interiors, to feel the high spirituality - great happiness! Such visits inspire talented people to create poetic and musical masterpieces, such as the songs “Roman Midnight” and “Santa Maria Maggiore”.

Address: pl. Saint Mary Maggiore, 42.

It is easier to get to the church on foot from the railway station Termini on the street. Cavour (10 min walk)

Open for settlement every day, 07.00-19.00.

Outwardly, a modest, unremarkable building was erected on the territory of the Vatican by order of Pope Sixtus IV as a house church (1473-1483), in which the papal leadership could safely hide in time of danger. But the interior decoration, the decoration of the Sistine Chapel simply plunges you into an emotional shock with the unprecedented beauty of the ceiling and wall frescoes. Their authors were the most prominent painters of that time: Michelangelo, Botticelli, Perugino and others. All the works of Michelangelo are eternal masterpieces over which the ages have no power.

Causes sacred awe of his main brainchild - a huge fresco that occupies the entire wall behind the altar "Last Judgment". Its warning story about a universal catastrophe, the characters are so expressive in expressing their feelings that they act on the audience more convincingly than any sermon and moralizing. The ingenious master devoted 4 years of tireless work to painting. This chapel is a true treasure trove of biblical and Old Testament stories depicted in artistic form. If you are in the Vatican, be sure to visit it to touch the high spiritual beauty!

Address: located in the Vatican. A general ticket to all museums costs 16 €.

Saint Paul's Cathedral

This cathedral - one of the four main religious shrines of Rome - was built in memory of the crucified associate of Christ, who was martyred in the era of Nero. At the place of his burial, a majestic cathedral was erected, which was rebuilt many times, reconstructed and acquired its current magnificent appearance. Eminent masters also worked on it, including Michelangelo and his students.

The classic masterpiece of architecture shines with external and internal beauty, grandeur and scale. Inside there are many sculptures, bas-reliefs, murals, which are first-class works of art. The statue of St. Peter is impressive, which, according to the parishioners, has miraculous power (everyone strives to touch it). The ashes of several popes and noble aristocrats rest in the cathedral. In the sacristy of the temple, the Museum of Treasures of the Cathedral is organized, where religious Catholic artifacts are collected. You need to buy a separate ticket here, and a general inspection of the cathedral is free.

Address: pl. St. Peter's 00120, Vatican.

How to get there:

Metro (line A): stop. Ottaviano Cipro.

Tram 19, stop. Risorgimento - San Pietro.

Buses: N 590 (stop Risorgimento); N49th - stop. Musei Vatiicano

In 4 small rooms of the papal palace of the Vatican, you can see frescoes, amazing in artistic expressiveness and divinity, painted on the vaults of the ceiling and walls. The great Raphael reflected in them the philosophical views of the rulers of the Vatican, poetry, justice, history, legends and traditions of the past. The images of the Holy Trinity, the Mother of God, John the Baptist, Dante, Aristotle, Pythagoras, Plato and other famous personalities are painted with great love. The unfading beauty of the painting has been staggering the imagination of everyone who comes here for many centuries.

25-year-old Rafael put his heart, soul and physical strength into this work, leaving his masterpieces as a great gift to future generations. The fresco "Constantine" was already painted by the students of Raphael. There are not enough words to express how beautiful his frescoes are. To see them is a great happiness!

Address: Vatican.

Entrance with a general ticket "Vatican Museums" - 16 Є.

Baths of Caracalla

To be precise, it must be said that the Baths of Caracalla are now the ancient ruins of a once grandiose structure built in the 2nd century AD. e. during the time of Marcus Aurelius, nicknamed Caracalla. But even from the ruins one can judge the power and wealth of the Roman emperors, who were able to create such complexes. The Baths of Caracalla is not just a bath, but a whole plant, where conditions were created for a comfortable pastime: you could take a steam bath, wash yourself, splash around in a huge pool located in a spacious hall. In the baths there was an opportunity to play various board games, go in for active sports or just sit in a cozy atmosphere.

Now they have traces of luxurious decoration: the remains of a magnificent floor and wall cladding made of colored mosaics. Judging by the incredible thickness of the walls, it is easy to imagine what a huge amount of materials went into construction. Here are concerts of celebrities, famous symphony orchestras, whose performances look very romantic against the backdrop of majestic ruins. Roman Baths - valuable architectural monument, indicating the highest level of civilization former empire. If you wish, you can walk among the noble ruins for hours.

Address: Baths of Caracalla, 52, Rome.

Trevi Fountain

It is too primitive to call a grandiose sculptural and stone masterpiece a fountain, although, in fact, it is a source of clean water from the 13th century. However, the ambitious intentions of the Roman popes to decorate Trevi Square as luxuriously as possible turned the once modest drinking spring into a real artistic and architectural miracle. It was created by several architects and sculptors for almost 30 years (1732-1762), creating a unique frame for flowing water from magnificent sculptures that make up ancient scenes.

The mighty Neptune, who is raised from the water element by sea horses and tritons harnessed to a chariot; the goddesses of Health and Abundance greet those who came to the fountain with divine dignity. The latter generously throw coins to the stone ladies (1.5 million Є per year!) in the hope of their mercy. sculptural composition fountain successfully complements the view ancient palace, creating the impression of a single complex of stunning beauty.

Like many attractions in Rome, the Trevi Fountain has repeatedly flashed in documentaries and feature films, on the covers of magazines and postcards. The bright love scene of the film "La Dolce Vita" by F. Felinni takes place just in the January water of the fountain, the heroes of Gregory Peck and Audrey Hebpern, A. Celentano and O. Mutti met against his background in other films. Recently, the fountain is back in operation after reconstruction.

How to get there:

To Trevi Square, to the fountain, you can take the metro (line A) to the stop. Spagna or Barberini. From them a little walk to the fountain.

August Forum

Another ancient remnant of the former greatness of the Roman Empire is the Forum of Augustus, which paid much attention to the development of construction and architecture. All the buildings of the Forum of Augustus were part of the Roman Forum and were surrounded by a high protective wall (height 30 m), which is quite well preserved. Several columns, part of the podium and a staircase to the temple survived from the main temple of Mars. The surviving statue of Mars is now on display in Capitoline Museum as an example of prehistoric art.

Time has not destroyed the arched entrance vaults of the Forum of Augustus. Arches - a very persistent element of Ancient Rome - were used in the construction of all colossal buildings, and now modern architects are actively using arched technologies in the construction of monumental structures.

To get here in the same way as to the Roman Forum: metro (line B) to the stop. Coliseum. To get a better idea of ​​these buildings, you can examine all 4 (they are located nearby).

Rocca Savello area

The uniqueness of this area of ​​the main city peninsula lies in the fact that it is a combination of a steep climb and a garden. If you want to see unusual panoramas of the city, appreciate its scale and take a fresh look at already familiar sights, you should definitely take the time to visit this unique place.

The lift is located in the very center of Rome, not far from the Circus Maximus. As soon as you find yourself here, you will be visited by feelings of peace and slight envy. After all, how can one city absorb so much beauty? On the entire planet, only Rome can boast of chic gardens that have intertwined with stone monuments for many, many centuries.

Take your camera with you, and you are guaranteed to be able to capture the Italian capital from an interesting angle. Later, you will be able to proudly show these pictures to your friends and relatives, forcing them to puzzle over what kind of city was in front of their eyes.

Quarter Coppede

The fabulous quarter known as Coppede is located near the Policlinico metro station. Fairy palaces, frog fountains and one-of-a-kind architecture of buildings - all this and much more awaits every guest of Rome. Among those tourists who managed to visit the unusual quarter, there is an opinion that it is strikingly different from all other areas of the city. This place will start to surprise you from the very entrance, which is decorated with a unique arch that connects the two Palaces of Ambassadors. As the name implies, diplomatic representatives once lived in these apartments.

After taking a few steps, you will come across the statue of the Madonna, which seems to invite you to visit this amazing quarter. I almost forgot to mention a huge forged chandelier, which is another decoration of the entrance arch. Even after so many centuries, it looks grandiose, you can see its smallest details and appreciate the tremendous work done by its creators.

Immediately behind the arch, you will see the impressive Piazza Mincio, which among the locals is called the "heart" of the quarter. A few words should be said about the history of the origin of the quarter. At the beginning of the 20th century, an architect named Coppede received an unusual order. The main idea was to create a quarter of Rome, which would combine all known styles of architecture. The construction was carried out at the personal expense of Cerruti. It took more than 10 years to build all the buildings. Although the quarter was initially considered as an area for the middle strata of the population, as a result, thanks to the mass of attractions and an unusual approach to the implementation of the project, Coppede liked the more affluent segments of the city's population. And today the quarter is one of the most popular, and its real estate is considered the most sought after.