What could be seen in ancient Rome. Secret places in Rome that you won't find in your typical travel guide

Rome is the city of seven hills. The southernmost of them - Aventine - is spread on one of the banks of the Tiber and sheltered many attractions. Usually tourists go to the Aventine to look at the ruins of the ancient circus, the pyramid of Cestius, admire the temples of San Sabina (5th century), Sant'Allesio (4th century) and others. And few people know that on the top of the hill, in the area of the Knights of Malta, there is a unique keyhole. Looking into it, you can see three sovereign state entities at once - Italy, the Vatican and the Order of Malta.

Address: aventino hill

2. Orange garden on the Aventina

Going to the Aventine just for the sake of some kind of "hole", of course, is stupid. This place is also one of the most romantic places in Rome, Savello Park. Although the locals rarely use this name, for the Romans it is the Orange Garden on the Aventina.

It was founded in 1932 on the site where the Savelli family fortress once stood (hence the name). The remains of this ancient structure are still found among the trees.

Wonderful orange groves, slender cypress alleys and flowering oleanders create a unique atmosphere of tranquility. In addition, the garden ends with a terrace, which offers beautiful views of the Tiber, Trastevere, Janiculum and the Vatican.

P.S. Oranges are inedible - a wild variety.

Address: L'Aventino, Circo Massimo, Viadi Santa Sabina

Orange garden on the Aventina

3. Bartolucci store

For many decades now, in the Bartolucci family, the secrets of carpentry have been passed down from generation to generation: from grandfather to father, from father to son. After all, they have a family business on their shoulders - a wooden workshop Bartolucci.

Everything in this shop is wooden: from the cyclist Pinocchio, who meets visitors at the entrance, to women's jewelry. Toys, frames, caskets, watches, an exact copy of a motorcycle (!) And, of course, all kinds of figures of the Log Boy - the eyes run wide from the variety of wooden handicrafts. You will definitely not leave this store without a souvenir.

Address: Via dei Pastini, 98.
Website: bartolucci.com
Working mode: daily from 12:00 to 20:00

4. Via dei Condotti

In the center the Italian capital lies one of the oldest and most famous Roman streets. In ancient times, it connected the Pincho hill with the Tiber and crossed the Via Flaminius. Her name is Via dei Condotti.

From the 18th century, this street began to acquire a halo of glitz and “glamour” – fashion shops and ateliers grew there like mushrooms after rain. Now the street houses boutiques of the most prestigious world brands - Valentino, Armani, Hermès, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Gucci, Prada, Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana and Salvatore Ferragamo. The oldest fashion establishment in Via dei Condotti is the Bulgari atelier, opened more than a century ago, in 1905.

Among other attractions of this street - house number 11, where one of the inventors of the radio, Guglielmo Marconi, lived; house number 68 - the residence of the Grand Master of the Order of Malta; as well as the famous cafe "Antiko Caffe Greco", where Lord Byron himself, Goethe, Liszt and Stendhal drank coffee.

Address: strada Via dei Condotti, tra Piazza di Spagna e Via del Corso
Wiki: Via dei Condotti

5. Market Porta Portese

If the glamor and prices of Via dei Condotti suddenly make you feel bad, urgently go to the Trastevere area to one of the largest European flea markets(more than 1350 trays).

It originates at the gates of Porte Portese (which is why it is called so) and stretches as far as two streets - Via Ippolito Nievo and Via Portuense. It arose in the middle of the last century, after the end of World War II - unemployment and inflation forced people to sell personal belongings in order to somehow feed their families.

What is sold at Porta Portese today? In short, ALL. Old books, picture frames, furniture, used clothes, gramophones, telephones, toys, dishes, reproductions of paintings, watches (of all kinds), military patches... If you wish, you can find any, including rare, goods there. Prices, as expected in the market, do not bite, and you can always negotiate with merchants.

Address: Via Portuense & Ippolito Nievo
Working mode: every Sunday

The ancient Romans used to say "Habent sua fata libelli", which means "Books have their destiny". This saying means that one should not rashly judge literary works (perhaps the descendants will appreciate the "masterpieces" of Daria Dontsova).

As if a mute reminder of this wisdom is the Roman Fountain of Books (aka the Fountain of Science or the Fountain of Knowledge), created by the sculptor Pietro Lombardi and dedicated to Thomas Aquinas. It represents two stacks of books with bookmarks and a deer's head between them. This unusual fountain not far from the masterpiece of the Roman baroque, the 17th century Catholic church - Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza, which is part of the Borromini University of Rome.

Address: Via degli Staderari

7. Square Colosseum

This place, for political reasons, is not included in any of the guides to Rome. The World Expo quarter - Esposizione Universale Roma or EUR - was built in the southwest of Rome in 1943-1945 by order of the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. The occasion was the twentieth anniversary of fascism and the World's Fair scheduled for 1942.

One of the symbols of the "fascist era" was the Palace of Italian Civilization (Palazzo della Civilta Italiana), better known as the "Square Colosseum" (Colosseo Quadrato). There really is something similar to the ancient amphitheater: for example, the loggias on the facade of the palace, located in six rows of nine arches each. As expected, buildings of this type, marble palace impressive in size - height 68 m, area - 8,400 sq.m.

The World Exhibition in Rome did not take place then, and the EURO quarter and the "Square Colosseum" are still standing. By the way, the latter has appeared on movie screens more than once (for example, in The Last Man on Earth in 1964).

Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 559
Wiki: World Expo Quarter

8. Pizzeria "Buffetto's"

What is Italy without pizza? One of the most delicious is prepared in Pizzeria Da Baffetto restaurants (there are only two in Rome). This is a family business, which has been headed by Buffetto's grandfather for half a century. He knows a lot about pizza: the dough should be thin and fluffy, and the filling should be fresh and juicy.

Tourists have a life hack: go to places where locals eat. So, at Buffetto's, both of them are happy to dine. After all, for 20-25 euros you get first-class Italian pizza, piping hot (prepared right in front of visitors), beer and a great mood. The only problem is that getting into this pizzeria is not so easy because of the huge queues.

Addresses: Via del Governo Vecchio, 114 e Piazza del Teatro di Pompeo, 18 (Baffetto 2)
Website: pizzeriabaffetto.it

9. Museum of Art of the 21st Century

National Museum Arts Center of the 21st Century (MAXXI) is quite young (opened in May 2010), but, as it should be, ambitious. The MAXXI building, occupying 27 thousand sq.m. and affectionately called "pasta" by the Romans, was built by Zaha Hadid on the site of the Montello barracks. The construction cost 150 million euros, but Rome now has a museum of the future.

Or rather art and architecture of the future. The exhibition halls of MAXXI present photographs, installations, prototypes and models of houses, streets and entire cities in which we will live in a couple of decades. In addition, the museum has a conference room, a library and a workshop. Do you want to imagine the future of your children? Head to Rome's National Museum of 21st Century Art.

Address: via Guido Reni, 4 A, metro station Flaminio
Website: fondazionemaxxi.it
Working mode: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday - from 11:00 to 19:00; Thursday, Saturday - from 11:00 to 22:00

Italy is the birthplace of Ferrari. Its headquarters is located in Maranello, and in the capital there is the largest store of the world famous brand. Car fans will go crazy with this place: key chains, watches, shoes, clothes, toys and hundreds of other items with Ferrari symbols.

Of course, you have to pay for the name. Prices, to put it mildly, bite: 150 euros for a keychain with a rearing stallion; 300 for branded racing gloves and 1,500 for a sparkling red toy car.

By the way, you can also ride a real Ferrari through the streets of Rome - the rental service is very popular there.

Address: Via Tomacelli, 147
Website: store.ferrari.com
Working mode: daily from 10:00 to 20:00

Ferrari Store in Rome

11. Cloaca Maxima

The exact date of its construction is not known for certain (either the 4th or the 7th century BC), but this is definitely one of the most ancient and unique structures of this kind. Sewerage in Rome began to be actively built under Lucius Tarquinius Priscus, who paid great attention to the infrastructure of the city.

It is during his reign that the construction of the Great Cloaca is most often attributed. To do this, they invited Etruscan craftsmen and dug a canal 800 meters long, 3 meters wide and 4 meters high between the Palatine and Capitol hills. Cloaca Maxima was originally open, then covered with wooden decks and then paved with Gabi stone.

And to this day, despite its venerable age, the Great Cloaca is in fairly good condition and serves as a storm drain.

Address: exits under the Ponte Rotto and Palatinski bridges.
Wiki: Cloaca Maxima

12. Panoramic platform Gianicolo

Aventine, Viminal, Capitol, Quirinal, Palatine, Caelius, Esquiline… Stop! Where is Gianicolo? Alas, this peak is not one of the famous seven Roman hills, as it is historically located outside the city walls. And in vain, because there are also many ancient monuments here: the monastery of Sant'Onofrio, the Gianicolo lighthouse, Villa Aurelia and others.

But the main reason why it is worth visiting Gianicolo Hill is the observation deck. It offers just a crazy view of His Majesty Rome.

Address: Gianicolo, Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi

13. Gelateria blue ice

Gelateria Blu Ice is a chain of ice cream parlors. The Romans say, and the tourists confirm that it is in these establishments that the best Italian ice cream is. These cafes do not just sell - they produce ice cream. Therefore, in Blu Ice, an ice treat is always fresh for every taste - with fruits, nuts, chocolate, puffed rice, coconut flakes ...

Prices are quite reasonable - from 150 to 350 rubles. Another undoubted plus is that the cafe is open at night. So gelateria Blu Ice is a paradise not only for children, but also for adults, among whom, as you know, there are many sweet teeth.

Addresses:

Via di S. Prassede, 11/bis;
Via dei Baullari, 130;
Viale dei Due Macelli, 29;
Viale Ottaviano, 7;
Via S. Agnes in Agone, 20;
Via Sistina, 122, etc.

Website: blueiceitalia.com
Working mode: daily from 10:00 to 2:00

Art lovers will not be bored in Rome - the Vatican Museum, the Borghese Galleries, the Barberini and dozens of other exquisite places. However, lovers of sharp (in this case, in the literal sense of the word) sensations also have something to visit in the capital of Italy - Museo Criminologico awaits them.

This is the building of the former prison, and now a historical exposition that tells about criminals and applied to them in different times measures of punishment. So, in ancient Rome, offenders were not particularly ceremonial: they were executed, given into slaves or appointed as a gladiator.

During the Inquisition, there were their own methods of justice:

Left - torture chair, right - bronze torture chamber for witches

In short, in this museum you will probably learn more about Good and Evil than in any art museum.

Address: via Gonfalone, 29

15. Shelter of cats

Roman cats. Shelter for stray cats. Visit" - a strange inscription at the entrance to the excavations temple complex from the time of the Roman Republic, in the square of Torre Argentina.

Nevertheless, the fact remains: stray cats live among the remains of ancient temples and dilapidated statues. And for completely legal reasons. When local residents and authorities learned that stray tailed whiskered creatures had chosen the Argentine ruins, they decided not to drive away the cats, but to organize a shelter for them. Now it has several hundred inhabitants, who are cared for by volunteers. Each visitor to this unusual cattery can help the animals with a "ruble" (in the sense of the euro) by buying local souvenirs.

Address: Largo di Torre Argentina

16. Enoteca Costantini

Continuing the theme of gastronomic travels, one cannot but talk about Italian wine. In this sunny country 20 regions and each (!) Of them produces its own wine. Its unique wine, which differs in taste, aroma, terroir and production technologies.

You can try different varieties of Italian wines in the enoteca Costantini. This is a real wine treasury, where thousands of bottles of various brands and aging are stored. You can buy wine and take it with you, or taste it on the spot, in a local restaurant.

Address: Piazza Cavour 16
Website: pierocostantini.it
Working mode: Monday from 16:30 to 20:00; Tuesday-Saturday - from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 16:30 to 20:00

17. Monument to the Pope

In Rome, not far from the Termini station, there is a monument to John Paul II. Such a solid sculpture - 5.50 m in height, real bronze, silver plating. It would seem that what is special here, where, if not in the capital, to build monuments to the Popes?

But the inhabitants of the Eternal City rebelled - "We don't need such a Pope!" The Romans did not like the appearance of the pontiff: a round head, like a ball, and an almost complete absence of a neck. At the same time, the posture of the monument, as conceived by the author, symbolizes the universal concern of John Paul II for humanity.

Robert De Niro, who played one of the members of the Sicilian Corleone crime family, once said: “Italy has changed a long time ago. But Rome is Rome.

Indeed, it is difficult for a city with a thousand-year history to change. And it is not easy for a tourist coming to the capital of Italy to see another, not only historical, Rome. We hope that with our help you will succeed.

Share in the comments the unique Roman places you know that you must see.

Address: aventino hill

2. Orange garden on the Aventina

Going to the Aventine just for the sake of some kind of "hole", of course, is stupid. This place is also one of the most romantic places in Rome - Savello Park. Although the locals rarely use this name, for the Romans it is the Orange Garden on the Aventina.

It was founded in 1932 on the site where the Savelli family fortress once stood (hence the name). The remains of this ancient structure are still found among the trees.

P.S. Oranges are inedible - a wild variety.

Address: L'Aventino, Circo Massimo, Viadi Santa Sabina

Orange garden on the Aventina

3. Bartolucci store

Address: Via dei Pastini, 98.
Website: bartolucci.com
Working mode: daily from 12:00 to 20:00

4. Via dei Condotti

One of the oldest and most famous Roman streets lies in the center of the Italian capital. In ancient times, it connected the Pincho hill with the Tiber and crossed the Via Flaminius. Her name is Via dei Condotti.

Address: strada Via dei Condotti, tra Piazza di Spagna e Via del Corso
Wiki: Via dei Condotti

5. Market Porta Portese

If the glitz and prices of Via dei Condotti suddenly make you feel bad, urgently go to the Trastevere area to one of the largest European flea markets (more than 1350 stalls).

Address: Via Portuense & Ippolito Nievo
Working mode: every Sunday

As if a mute reminder of this wisdom is the Roman Fountain of Books (aka the Fountain of Science or the Fountain of Knowledge), created by the sculptor Pietro Lombardi and dedicated to Thomas Aquinas. It represents two stacks of books with bookmarks and a deer's head between them. This unusual fountain is located near the masterpiece of the Roman Baroque, the 17th century Catholic church - Sant Ivo alla Sapienza, which is part of the Borromini University of Rome.

Address: Via degli Staderari

7. Square Colosseum

One of the symbols of the "fascist era" was the Palace of Italian Civilization (Palazzo della Civilta Italiana), better known as the "Square Colosseum" (Colosseo Quadrato). There really is something similar to the ancient amphitheater: for example, the loggias on the facade of the palace, located in six rows of nine arches each. As such structures are supposed to be, the marble palace is impressive in size - 68 meters high, area - 8,400 sq.m.

Address: Via Cristoforo Colombo, 559
Wiki: World Expo Quarter

8. Pizzeria "Buffetto's"

Addresses: Via del Governo Vecchio, 114 e Piazza del Teatro di Pompeo, 18 (Baffetto 2)
Website: pizzeriabaffetto.it

9. Museum of Art of the 21st Century

The National Museum of Art of the 21st Century (MAXXI) is very young (opened in May 2010), but, as expected, ambitious. The MAXXI building, occupying 27 thousand sq.m. and affectionately called "pasta" by the Romans, was built by Zaha Hadid on the site of the Montello barracks. The construction cost 150 million euros, but Rome now has a museum of the future.

Of course, you have to pay for the name. Prices, to put it mildly, bite: 150 euros for a keychain with a rearing stallion; 300 for branded racing gloves and 1,500 for a sparkling red toy car.

By the way, you can also ride a real Ferrari through the streets of Rome - the rental service is very popular there.

Address: Via Tomacelli, 147
Website: store.ferrari.com
Working mode: daily from 10:00 to 20:00

Ferrari Store in Rome

11. Cloaca Maxima

And to this day, despite its venerable age, the Great Cloaca is in fairly good condition and serves as a storm drain.

Address: exits under the Ponte Rotto and Palatinski bridges.
Wiki: Cloaca Maxima

12. Panoramic platform Gianicolo

But the main reason why it is worth visiting Gianicolo Hill is the observation deck. It offers just a crazy view of His Majesty Rome.

Address: Gianicolo, Piazzale Giuseppe Garibaldi

13. Gelateria blue ice

Addresses:

Via di S. Prassede, 11/bis;
Via dei Baullari, 130;
Viale dei Due Macelli, 29;
Viale Ottaviano, 7;
Via S. Agnes in Agone, 20;
Via Sistina, 122, etc.

Website: blueiceitalia.com
Working mode: daily from 10:00 to 2:00

This is the building of a former prison, and now a historical exposition that tells about criminals and the penalties applied to them at different times. So, in ancient Rome, offenders were not particularly ceremonial: they were executed, given into slaves or appointed as a gladiator.

During the Inquisition, there were their own methods of justice:

Left - torture chair, right - bronze torture chamber for witches

In short, in this museum you will probably learn more about Good and Evil than in any art museum.

Address: via Gonfalone, 29

15. Shelter of cats

Roman cats. Shelter for stray cats. Visit" - a strange inscription at the entrance to the excavations of the temple complex of the times of the Roman Republic, in Torre Argentina Square.

Address: Largo di Torre Argentina

16. Enoteca Costantini

Continuing the theme of gastronomic travels, one cannot but talk about Italian wine. There are 20 regions in this sunny country and each (!) of them produces its own wine. Its unique wine, which differs in taste, aroma, terroir and production technologies.

Address: Piazza Cavour 16
Website: pierocostantini.it
Working mode: Monday from 16:30 to 20:00; Tuesday-Saturday - from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 16:30 to 20:00

17. Monument to the Pope

Robert De Niro, who played one of the members of the Sicilian Corleone crime family, once said: “Italy has changed a long time ago. But Rome is Rome.

Share in the comments the unique Roman places you know that you must see.

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Rome Attractions - 10 the best places for visiting

No matter how hard you try, you will not be able to grasp the immensity. There are so many interesting things in Rome, and as always there is not enough time. The only thing that can be advised to do in such a situation is not to rush and determine for yourself. Choose the most interesting sights of Rome that you have long dreamed of seeing and enjoy the beauty of this city. I want to present you 10 sights of Rome, as an option for reflection.

Rome Attractions - Vatican

Rome Attractions - Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona

The most famous square in Rome, it is also called the "heart of Rome". There are two churches on this square, one of which is the church of St. Agnes, 1652. And the second church of Santa Maria - del - Sacro - Cuore is a titular church, located opposite the Palazzo Pamphili, which was built in the XII century. Also on the square there are three fountains: the Fountain of the Moor, in the southern part of the square; fountain of Neptune, in the northern part of the square; Fountain of the Four Rivers, in the center of the square. The Fountain of the Four Rivers, is the work of Bernini, and is an Egyptian obelisk surrounded by statues symbolizing the main rivers of the world: the Danube, Nile, Ganges and La Plata. There are several palaces on the square: Palazzo Braschi, built in 1792; Palazzo Pamphili, built in 1650; Palazzo Torres Lanchelotti, built in 1552; Palazzo de Culis, built between 1450 - 1520. There are also two museums here - the ruins of an ancient stadium and the Museum of Rome, dedicated to the medieval and modern life of Rome, which is located in the Palazzo Braschi.

Rome Attractions - Spanish Steps

spanish stairs

This is a grand baroque staircase, which consists of 138 steps. The staircase starts from the Spanish Square and leads to the top of the Pincio hill to the church of Trinita dei Monti. This staircase was built by the little known architect Francesco de Sanctis between 1723 and 1725 and is officially called Scalinata di Trinit? dei Monti, which literally means "staircase to Trinita dei Monti", although the people simply called it the Spanish Steps, and it has nothing to do with Spain. At the foot of the stairs is spanish square with a fountain in the form of a boat "Barkaccha".

Rome Attractions - Roman Forum

Roman forum

Perhaps I should have written a whole post about this place, maybe later I will. And in this, I will tell you very briefly. The Roman Forum is the center of Ancient Rome, the square with the buildings adjacent to it. On the square are located: the Temple of Saturn - one of the oldest temples in Rome, the Temple of the Dioscuri, the Temple of Vesta, the Temple of Venus and Roma, the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, the Temple of Caesar, the Temple of Vespasian, the Temple of Concordia, the Sanctuary of Venus - Cloacina. Arches: the arch of Titus, the arch of Septimius Severus and the arch of Teberia. Basilicas: The Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine is the most large building Roman Forum, Basilica Julia, Basilica Aemilia. As well as other structures: "The Navel of the City", Regia, Rostra, Curia Julia, Tabularium, "Golden Milestone", Lapis Niger, House of the Vestals, Main Road of the Roman Forum, Phocas Column, Mamertine Prison, Vulcanal, Curtia Lake, Yuturna Spring , Warehouses of Agrippa. There were also buildings on the forum that have not survived to this day: the Temple of Janus, the Temple of Jupiter Stator, Comitium, Acre Augustus, the Basilica of Portia, the Basilica of Sepmronius, the equestrian statue of Domitian and warehouses of spices.

Rome Attractions - Capitol

Capitol

The Capitoline Hill is one of the seven hills on which the city of Rome arose. Here is the Capitoline Church, which is also called the Capitol, where meetings of the Senate and people's meetings took place. Capitol Hill is the smallest of the seven hills, located near south coast the Tiber River, and reaches 46 meters above sea level. At the top of the hill stands the church of Santa Maria in Araceli, which can be reached by climbing stairs from the 122nd degree. At the base of this staircase, the ruins of a Roman insula have been preserved. From the side exit of the church you can get directly to Kapitolskaya Square. The ascent to Capitol Square is crowned or, as it were, guarded by two statues of Castor and Pollux. The entire Capitoline Square was designed by the well-known Michelangelo.

Sightseeing in Rome - Vittoriano

Vittoriano

This is a grandiose monument built in honor of the first king of united Italy, Victor Immanuel II. It is located on Venetian Square on the slopes of Capitol Hill. This is perhaps one of the most amazing attractions in Rome. A wide chic staircase leads directly to the Altar of the Fatherland and the Unknown Soldier, where the ashes of the unknown soldier who gave his life for the Motherland in the Great War of 1915-1918 are buried. There is a permanent guard of honor at this place. Above the chapel there is a statue of Rome in a niche, a bas-relief by Gianelli on the left and right, and fountains on both sides of the main staircase.

Pantheon

This is a temple dedicated to all the gods on Earth, a monument of centric-domed architecture from the dawn of the Roman Empire, built in the 2nd century. Latin inscription on the front of the building "M. AGRIPPA L F COS TERTIUM FECIT" literally translates as "Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, elected consuls for the third time, erected this." In general, the Pantheon is the greatest engineering achievement ancient world. This architectural creation is located in Piazza della Rotonda. This brick, concrete building is covered with a hemispherical dome 43 meters in diameter. This dome consists of circles that are easy to calculate, and with the walls it forms a single shell, which forms the inner space. One of the features of the Pantheon is a hole in the roof, through which an obvious light pillar penetrates at noon, with a south orientation. Light does not spread, but remains in the form of a beam that you can almost touch.

Rome Attractions - Colosseum

The Flavian Amphitheater is one of the largest arenas of Ancient Rome, an architectural monument. This building was built over almost eight years in the period from 72 to 80 years and is considered a collective building of the emperors of the Flavian dynasty. located in a hollow between the Palatine, Caelievsky and Exvilinsky hills, in the place where there once was a pond that belonged to the Golden House of Nero. Today it is considered a symbol of Rome and one of the most popular tourist sites in the world. And in 2007 he was included in the list of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Sights of Rome - Castel Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo

Castel Sant'Angelo is another architectural monument Rome. It was first a tomb, then a castle, then the residence of the popes and the repository of their valuables and at the same time a prison, and now it is an architectural monument and a museum. This building, which stood for almost two thousand years, was repeatedly rebuilt. Therefore, here you can find traces of different eras. The castle has a spiral gallery, papal apartments, the Angel's courtyard, the Hall of Justice, the courtyard of Alexander VI, the hall of Clement VII and VIII, the loggias of Paul III and IV, as well as the library, the Hall of Treasures and the Secret Archive. From the terrace of the castle opens great view to Rome.

Rome Attractions - Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain

The largest fountain in Rome, its dimensions are almost 26 meters high and almost 20 meters wide. The fountain was made in the Baroque style between 1732 and 1762 by the architect Salvi. The Trevi Fountain adjoins the Palazzo Poli. This majestic facade of the palace and the fountain are perceived as a whole, so the whole structure seems even grander. Many believe that if you throw one coin into the fountain, you will definitely return to Rome, two coins will certainly meet your love, and if three, then there will be a wedding. Every year, utilities "catch a fish" at a cost of up to 700,000 euros. Be sure to visit the Trevi Font to throw a coin, then you will definitely return to this "Eternal" city.

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The history of the Eternal City goes back centuries and is striking in its versatility. Hundreds of architectural monuments, parks, and residential buildings themselves allow the tourist to take an excursion into the times of the great Roman Empire, and the Renaissance and Classicism, and get to know the modern bustling metropolis: from its origins to the present day. Each time, leaving Rome, there is a feeling of “not enough ...”: overlooked, overlooked, heard. It seems that no matter how much you come here, there will always be unseen sights, unexplored streets and unheard legends of the old city.

When planning a trip, you need to correctly understand the scale of this city-museum. Considering a few days of stay, you can think over and build routes that allow you to get a comprehensive experience. We will tell you what you can see on your own in Rome in four days.

It is worth spending your first day in Rome exploring the historic part of the city. The main attractions that have survived from the period of Antiquity are located quite compactly. And perfect for walking. It is better to start the program from the Colosseum, moving from which you can sequentially see other buildings.

Coliseum

Looking at tourist map the central, historical part of Rome, you instantly get a feeling of its huge size and complexity. But this is far from true. The main sights of the ancient city are compactly located, and acquaintance with the old city fits perfectly into the hiking routes. The start for our route of the first day, of course, will be the symbol of Ancient Rome - the Colosseum.

The easiest way to get to the Colosseum is by metro "B" (blue line), the station is called COLLOSSEO. By the way, about the subway. The schemes of the Roman metro are very simple, the names of the stops are clear, but the stations themselves are unremarkable. Subway tickets are purchased from vending machines, and the cost of one trip is 1.5 €.

You will see the majestic antique building immediately when you come to the surface of the station. Here it is simply impossible to be deceived by expectations: the Colosseum is beautiful and unusual. To get inside, you need to purchase a ticket. Arriving here in the morning, you will be just lucky, as the queue of those wishing to touch the great will consist of only a couple of hundred people. For comparison, during the day you can spend three or four hours in line.

For convenience, tourists are offered to purchase single ticket(€12). It includes a visit not only to the Colosseum, but also to two more architectural complexes: the Roman Forum and the Palatino. By the way, such a ticket is sold in addition to the entrance near the Colosseum, but also at the box office from the side of Via di San Gregorio, near Palatino Hill (there is always less line here). Visiting the main ancient complexes is possible daily from 9 am until dark.

The Colosseum impresses not only with its scale, but also with the thoughtfulness of the layout. An uncountable number of exits allowed at one time 50 thousand spectators to leave the Colosseum in 5-10 minutes. The Roman Forum will meet you with a cemetery of destroyed columns and ruins of temples. Only the imagination will help here, which will take you to the ancient world with the Arch of Titus, the Basilica of Maxentius, the Senate Chamber, the Temple of Vesta, and the Sacred Via Sacra.

Basilica of Saint Clement

To the east of the Colosseum is the ancient architectural complex, which has all the features of the early Christian church. The first basilica was buried in a conflagration. The Norman raid on Rome in the twelfth century was dyed red. Surprisingly, even the fire could not destroy some of the frescoes left from the first church. Even today they have not lost their liveliness of colors - a broken stained-glass window of details from the life of St. Clement.

True, the style of decoration of the frescoes is unusual - it resembles the comics that are popular today, only the phrases uttered by the characters are far from the canons of high language - vulgarism and vernacular. Entrance to the basilica is free, but only to the upper level. A ticket to the lower levels will cost 5 €, but not for descending the stairs, but for diving under the arches of the third century - ancient temple Miter with a marble altar.

Basilica of San Pietro in Viconi

The church appeared in Rome in the fifth century. It was here that a unique artifact was kept for a long time - the chains with which St. Peter was bound. They were brought from Jerusalem at one time. True, today it is known mainly due to the fact that Julius II was buried in the local crypt. Since that moment, the architectural vector of the basilica has changed dramatically: an arched gallery, a marble floor, a wooden ceiling - this has become an excellent backdrop for the creations of Michelangelo Buanarroti, who not only painted the church, but also created an amazing sculptural composition "Moses".

Like many tourist sites Rome, the basilica is located near the Colosseum. You can get here using the metro - Colosseo and Cavour stations on line B. Or by bus to the Colosseo or Cavour- Annibaldi stops.

Triumphal Arch of Titus

The very phrase "Arc de Triomphe" involuntarily evokes associations with a similar monument in Paris, but if you want to see a really great building, you should definitely go to Rome. The triumphal arch of Titus is one of the two arches of the Forum Square that have survived to this day - a cemetery of ancient columns. Both arches were built in the first century AD. The Parisian arch and many similar monuments are imitations on the theme of an ancient original.

Its architectural appearance is quite modest - it is decorated with three statues and reliefs in the passage of the arch, but real solemnity and nobility are easily read in this modesty. The height of the arch is relatively small - a little more than fifteen meters, but this monumental monument made of Pentel marble, brought from Attica itself, makes you freeze with delight.

Theater of Marcellus

In one tourist vector are attractions such as the Mouth of Truth, the Capitol, the Jewish Quarter and the Theater of Marcellus, which can be reached on foot from the Circo Massimo station. This is perhaps one of the most significant buildings in Italy. It adorns the right bank of the Tiber. The Theater of Marcellus is the direct predecessor of the notorious Colosseum. Its construction was carried out on an unprecedented scale, which is not surprising, because the project itself was developed by Julius Caesar, and Octavian Augustus took up the implementation.

Today, the theater of Marcellus is a somewhat grotesque structure: the arches of the first tier are well preserved - festivals are held here today, the second tier is more destroyed, and instead of the third tier you will find buildings of the twelfth century and more modern residential buildings.

Roman forum

The Roman Forum is the stronghold of the historical part of the city. The former market, on the territory of which the public, trade and political life Rome, today is a kind of square around which pagan temples were once located. Thanks to the excavations three centuries The Roman Forum has managed to acquire its current cultural status.

Now it is he who is centripetal, around which the Capitol is located, sacred road, Temple of Saturn and other monuments. You can get here through Foley Imperiali Street, from the side of the Capitol, or past the Temple of Concord and the Mamertine Prison. The entrance ticket to the territory will cost 12 €. Additionally, you can purchase an audio guide for 4€.

Golden House of Nero

Among the European sites that claimed the status of a royal residence, the Golden House of Nero was considered the largest. Its construction is directly related to the events of 64 years, when most of Rome was destroyed in a fire. Today, scientists are still arguing about the size of the territory that adjoined this residence. For a better understanding, suffice it to say that its size is equivalent to the territory of the Champs-Elysées, the Louvre and the Tuileries combined.

The center of this “little world” was, in fact, the palace, which got its name due to the presence of a gilded dome that crowned the building. The palace was built on a grand scale - in the entrance hall alone, a modest 36-meter statue of Nero was quite organically located. It should be borne in mind that only the ruins of the Golden House itself, decorated with frescoes, remained from the former scope. Many underground rooms survived. A visit to this place will cost 16€.

capitol square

The history of this place is directly related to the name of Michelangelo, who at one time actively created projects for the reconstruction of the city, some of which he managed to implement. His most significant creations are on capitol hill. capitol square, which, thanks to the efforts of this brilliant master, acquired a trapezoidal shape, is one of them. This beautiful symmetrical ensemble is richly decorated with bas-reliefs, inscriptions and sculptural groups.

It is worth bearing in mind that the Capitoline was really significant even before it became the focus of Michelangelo's work. From ancient times, the voices of imperial heralds sounded here, people's meetings and ceremonies were held. According to legend, it was here that Emperor Augustus heard the prophecy about the birth of Christ. The triumph of antiquity - these are the words that come to mind when you see Capitoline Square.

Forum of Trajan

The construction of the forum is associated with the name of Emperor Trajan, who decided to build it after a stunning victory over the Daikir kingdom. Some see this gesture as an attempt to eclipse the glory of the campaign of Alexander the Great, but whatever the reasons, Trajan's forum became the largest building of such a plan of all that existed at that time. Art historians still speak admiringly of the structure of the forum: the graceful curve of the triumphal arch turns into a colonnade with plenty of seating. The building is roofed.

Among the most striking elements of the forum are the Ulpia Basilica and Trajan's Marble Column, completely entwined with bas-reliefs that have historical authenticity. The great emperor himself is buried under this column. It is impossible to miss the forum of Trajan - it is located in the area of the Palazzo Valentini and Piazza Venezia. It is best to go here at dawn - there is less chance of being buried under an avalanche of enthusiastic tourists.

Trajan's Market

This market is also a component of the forum. In essence, it is something like shopping center in antique format. To raise the authority of the empire and demonstrate its wealth, Trajan ordered the opening of 150 shops and workshops, which were supposed to go towards the square, not the city. This design is called "windows".

In addition to retail outlets, taverns and taverns were located here. Gradually, the size of the market increased, and soon it grew to five floors. Today, on the site of the former market, there is a large museum dedicated to the Roman Forums. Its visit will cost 14 €, but you should understand that with this ticket you can also visit a number of other museums and exhibitions.

Second day

Plan the second day of your visit to Rome as a walking day, saturating you with new impressions of antiquity and restoring after an active previous route.

Piazza del Popolo

It is not surprising that this building was once called the "People's Square". It is still one of the most popular venues in Rome today. Piazza del Popolo is easily recognizable due to the presence of identical churches and the obelisk of Flaminius at first glance. In the evenings, many representatives of modern art trends and young people who want to spend time colorfully gather here. But this impression of an eternal holiday is fleeting for this place. Once upon a time, the city guillotine was installed here.

Another unpleasant fact is connected with the history of the square. The infamous emperor Nero was buried in Piazza del Popolo, but the dislike of the people towards him was not canceled with his death. There were rumors that the evil spirit of the tyrant did not rest. The decomposing body was thrown into the river. And at the burial site they built one of the twin churches, which in fact are not. One of them forms an oval, and the second circle in the perimeter.

Via del Corso

After walking along Piazza del Popolo, do not rush to leave. It is better to continue walking and find yourself on one of the most unusual streets in Rome - Via del Corso, which connects Piazza del Popolo with Piazza Venezia. What is unique about this street? Everything is quite simple: it is one of the oldest in the Eternal City, but it is also the most favored by modern shopaholics.

IN historical buildings there are numerous boutiques and cafes that offer quality products at liberal prices for Rome. Paradoxically, the concentrated spirit of antiquity is in perfect harmony with the lively side of the modern metropolis.

spanish stairs

In fact, the Spanish Steps could very well be French. It is difficult to say whether in this case we would have seen the solemn baroque in the travertine of 138 steps, or whether this monument would have looked completely different. One thing is for sure - the victory of the Spanish diaspora made it possible to give birth to one of the most beautiful monuments of this type in Europe. The Spanish Steps are especially beautiful in the spring, when the azalea is filled with a delicate color.

It is noteworthy that the staircase has a different width along its entire length. To climb it, you need to get off at the Spagna metro station, from which you can easily reach Piazza di Spagni, the square where the base of the stairs is located. At the very top is the Church of the Holy Trinity, where you can also look, if only for the sake of the elegance of the figure of Christ, created by Daniele da Volterra.

Trevi Fountain

What to do to be sure to return to Rome again? It's simple: take a coin, stand with your back to the Trevi Fountain and throw it into the water. Did you hear the splash? Great, your chance to return to the Eternal City has skyrocketed. A fountain adorns the space in front of the Palazzo Poli. This pompous building was created according to the sketches of Bernini himself, who became famous as a theatrical sculptor. Today, the Trevi Fountain is considered a classic place of pilgrimage for tourists.

Everyone wants to see with their own eyes a large-scale composition, in the center of which is the lord of the seas Netun, holding the reins of a chariot-shell, to which sea horses are harnessed. A pleasant bonus to the fountain is the pool, which is extremely seductive in the Roman heat, and you can swim in it for only 200 € - this is the amount you will have to pay a fine if the desire to cool off overpowers.

Piazza Navona

Another crown of Bernini's creativity is the Fountain of the Four Rivers, which adorns Piazza Navona. Next to the fountain is the church of St. Agnes - a brilliant creation of Borromini. Many art historians still agree that these two monuments appeared as part of the rivalry between the two geniuses of Italian architectural thought.

Piazza Navona itself appeared long before this epic confrontation. It owes its unusual shape to Julius Caesar, who built a stadium here, later destroyed to create a market. During the French occupation, instead of market disputes, equestrian competitions were held here. However, the spirit of trade comes here hand in hand with the spirits of Christmas on the eve of the holidays, when a Christmas fair is set up here.

Pantheon

This pre-Christian building, erected to please all the Roman deities at once, in some incredible way managed to become a Christian temple. This ancient architectural object has been perfectly preserved, although it has lost its religious functions. The temple has an unusual layout - it has no windows. Light cascades from a nine-meter hole in the dome. This feature hides a metaphor for the unity of the Roman pantheon. The interior halls look amazing in winter, when snowflakes fly into the “window”, forming fabulous swirls.

Initially, the Pantheon was decorated with statues of the main deities. They were arranged in such a way that during the year - with the displacement of the Earth - the light alternately fell on each of them. Today they have been replaced by eighteenth-century art. Entrance to the Pantheon is free. To get here, you need to get off at the Barberini metro station.

The third day

Devote this day to the Vatican, the city-state located in the heart of Rome. To enter the territory of a state within a state, you need to cross the border marked with a white line on the square in front of the main cathedral of the Catholic Church. In a single stream, tourists often do not even notice it. You can get to the entrance to the main square of the Vatican by any transport, including sightseeing buses (they all stop at St. Peter's Square). If you choose to travel by metro, then it should be line "A" to the Ottaviano-S stops. Pietro or Cipro-Musei Vaticani, from which the Vatican is 10 minutes on foot.

The Vatican Museum Fund is so huge that it may take more than one day for a complete inspection. The Vatican itself is a true museum, adorned with works by masters such as Michelangelo and da Vinci. Among all the complexes of the Vatican, the most important are museums dedicated to historical realities - especially much attention is paid to the Egyptian civilization - and various objects of art, starting from the Middle Ages.

Locations such as Raphael's Stanzas, the Borgia Apartments, the Vatican Library and the Tapestry Gallery enjoy continued popularity. In fact, to visit all these museums, it is enough to buy a general ticket worth 16€.

Saint Paul's Cathedral

epicenter Catholic world is the Cathedral of St. Peter, rising to the dome of which you can see a stunning panorama of ancient Rome. The first - very modest - basilica appeared on the site of the cathedral in the fourth century. It was unremarkable until, at the beginning of the sixteenth century, an unexpected decision was made to reconstruct it. The dimensions of the modern cathedral are so huge that the largest cathedrals of the Eastern world can easily fit under its vaults - there are corresponding marks right on the floor showing the contours of the alleged cathedrals.

It will take more than one hour to list all the brilliant masters who at different times worked on the appearance of the cathedral. Entrance to the cathedral is free, but in order to climb observation deck you have to pay 8€ for an elevator or 6€ for wanting to take the stairs. But you need to be careful with your desires - there are exactly five hundred steps, and the passage itself is hardly fifty centimeters.

Bridge Vittorio Emanuele II

This massive three-arch structure connects the Vatican and the historic center of the Eternal City. It is named after the first king of Italy. Its length is more than a kilometer, and its width reaches about twenty meters. From it opens beautiful view on the Tiber and the city hanging over the river. The sculptural decoration of the bridge is really rich and allegorical - just see the sculptural group depicting unity and freedom.

Castel Sant'Angelo

The construction of the castle began in 135, and therefore it is not surprising that for nearly two thousand years of its existence, the castle was rebuilt several times. He managed to change his status more than once. At different times, there was an archive, a prison, a tomb, the residence of the Popes. Today there is a museum of military history.

The castle got its modern name in the sixth century, when another outbreak of the plague occurred in Rome. Gregory the Great, who was then Pope, saw the Archangel Michael on the roof. Subsequently, a statue of a marble archangel was erected on the roof. When you walk through the halls of the fortress, pay attention to the small holes in the walls, which were the prisoners' cells. The entrance ticket costs 10€.

Bridge of the Holy Angel

The Bridge of the Holy Angel is located just upstream of the Tiber. He is one of the oldest pedestrian bridges Rome. The bridge was built in parallel with the Castel Sant'Angelo. Outside it is lined with marble. Initially, there were no sculptures on the bridge, but in the Middle Ages, a tradition arose to hang the bodies of executed criminals there. Then there appeared sculptural compositions, depicting saints, and after that Bernini added a dozen statues of angels to the bridge.

Palace of Justice

On the very bank of the Tiber there is an enchanting building of the Palace of Justice. Its construction took about twenty years. It is noteworthy that the place of its erection was chosen quite symbolically - on the former Hanged Man's Hill, where, in fact, death sentences were carried out. This palace has become perhaps the most large building Rome, but it seemed to the city authorities that this was not enough.

Citizens had to unite to save the surrounding buildings from destruction. If you have any difficulty finding the Palace of Justice, focus on the Napoleon Museum, which is located directly on the opposite bank of the Tiber.

Fourth day

On the last day of your stay in Rome, you can continue your walking tour on a sightseeing bus, having previously determined the stops for yourself. Alternatively, carry out "point" sorties. Decide.

This most interesting historical complex was built by the decree of Emperor Caracalla at the beginning of the millennium. The once huge room was covered with a massive dome, inside there were halls for gymnastics, for massage, pools with hot and cold water and even libraries. Aristocrats and nobility took baths here until the 5th century. At the time of the raid of the next barbarians, who blocked the aqueducts of the city in order to starve the population with thirst, the baths were abandoned. Again, they started talking about at the time of random excavations carried out in the 16th century.

Today, in the summer, a huge stage is being built near the western wall of the Baths of Caracalla for concerts of opera singers and ballet performances. To visit the baths of Caracalla are open on any day from 9 am until the end of daylight hours, except Mondays, when the baths are open only until lunch. Entrance fee - 6 €.

We all know from the pages of school textbooks main road leading to Rome. Merchants, pilgrims, legionnaires passed along the Appian Way. Today, this ancient "highway" is a cluster of attractions. The appearance of such a number of monuments in this place is associated with the ban on burying the dead within the walls of the city. This prohibition applied to all Romans, and therefore burials were carried out along the main Roman route. Impressive tombstones, magnificent statues and monuments accompany the road for many kilometers. Of great interest to tourists are the catacombs with burial niches, which sometimes go several meters underground.

The most convenient way to get to the Appian Way is the Archeological trambus, a special sightseeing bus. Pick-up point from Piazza Cinquecento (Termini). It runs every half an hour, the ticket is 12 €.

At the gates of San Sebastiano, a milestone marks the beginning of the old road. Here you will see fortifications, bastions and you can visit the Museo delle Mura (ticket -3€). Further, towards Caffarella Park, it is better to continue the journey on a bicycle, which can be rented near Domine-Quo-Vadis. A sign at the fork will show you the direction of travel towards the medieval farm and park. The street you continue down will later take you back to the Via Appia. And now the most interesting thing awaits you, the cemetery of San Callisto. These are ancient underground burials of Roman bishops, consisting of five tiers. They are open to visitors all days except Wednesday, from morning to 12 noon, then from 14:30 to 17:45. Entrance ticket - 5 €.

Continuing along the Appian Way, you will also be able to visit the catacombs of San Sebastiano and the Basilica of San Sebastiano, which receives visitors every day except Sunday, from morning to 12 noon and in the afternoon, from 14:30 to 17:00. The cost of visiting is 5 €.

At the end of the route, your eyes will see the remains of the temple of Romulus and the arena, which has been perfectly preserved to this day, which accommodated about 10 thousand spectators in its stands.

Days spent in Rome will make you convinced that this is a city of long walks, a city of unforgettable, lively images and vivid impressions. He beckons to himself again and again, promising to reveal the secrets of history to you again.

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Rome is an eternal city, and there are so many sights in it that even a century is not enough to see them all. I was in Rome 3 times, but did not have time to see even a small fraction of all its attractions. Therefore, in the article, only a small list, which I called "Top 5", and in a short time.

You can read about how to get to Rome from Fiumicino Airport.

Maps of Rome in Russian

Download free maps of Rome (including maps with attractions, a detailed map of the center, a metro map and public transport Rome). All cards can be printed and taken with you on a trip:

What to see in Rome

1. Visit the Colosseum.

During my second visit to the Eternal City, the question "" did not arise. Any tourist who comes to Rome, and is at least a little interested in the history of this city, should visit the Colosseum at least once in his life. The appearance of the Colosseum evokes a storm of emotions, but being inside, walking on stones that remember gladiatorial sandals, touching stones that are more than 2000 years old, emotions go wild, and, probably, at this moment you understand why Rome is called the Eternal City. My advice to you, do not limit yourself to visiting the Colosseum only from the outside, be sure to try to get inside.

At the Colosseum

A bit of information: The Colosseum (originally called the Flavian Amphitheater) is the largest amphitheater of the ancient world, built from 72 to 80 AD and accommodating more than fifty thousand Romans. Basically, the Colosseum was used for gladiator fights, but sometimes hunting scenes were also arranged here. And only in 405 massacres were banned. After that, not the most better times. But, despite the fact that this architectural monument has not been perfectly preserved, today it is a symbol of Rome, and, perhaps, of all of Italy.

So, the queue to the Colosseum is almost always colossal, so it's better to know some tricks, because you have something else to see in Rome on your own, except for the queue at the Colosseum box office. If you have limited time in Rome (arrived only for a couple of days, or decided to walk around the city during a long connection), it is better to buy a ticket in advance on a specialized website - you only need to select the day and time of the visit, and pay for tickets online. Your booking confirmation will be emailed to you and all you have to do is print it out and take it with you.

If you are an adherent of classical traditions and prefer to buy a ticket at the box office, then it is better to buy a ticket at the box office of the Forum (a ticket to visit the Colosseum, Forum and Palatine is one and valid for 2 days), and preferably in the evening. In the evening you visit the Roman Forum and the Palatine, and in the morning come to the opening of the Colosseum and use the ticket you already have to enter. Again, I repeat, this is convenient if you have at least 3-4 days allocated for Rome, otherwise it is better to buy a ticket in advance.

Aventine: cozy streets, an orange garden, and a panorama of Rome.

What else see in Rome? We all know that Rome is a city on seven hills. And one of them, Aventine, which is considered the most beautiful, was a discovery for me and rightfully got into the TOP-5.

How to get to Aventina: in my opinion, the most convenient way is the metro. You need to get to the Circo Massimo station, walk past the rose garden (or better, don’t pass by, but look here for at least half an hour and breathe in the scent of blooming roses), and then enter the gate leading to Savello Park. You can also get there by bus number 715, or by ordering a taxi. In any case, better stock up on a map or navigator, because finding the entrance the first time is not so easy! And I also advise you to take a piece of delicious Italian pizza with you and have a small picnic. Do not forget your water bottle, you can fill it in the Orange Garden, from the drinking fountains, which are another symbol of Rome.

Streets of the Aventine Hill

So, you are on the hill, walked along the rose garden, climb higher, enter the Orange Garden, where it is nice to just take a walk, or sit on a bench, enjoying fresh air. Also in the garden you will find a terrace from which you can see the beautiful Vatican.

Panorama from the Aventine Hill

Enjoy the garden and go further to explore the Aventine. interesting place is the area of the Knights of Malta, where you can look through the "keyhole" and see three states at once: the Order of Malta, the Vatican and Italy.

The same keyhole

Spanish Steps and tiramisu from a 50 year old coffee shop.

So the next point what to see in rome Let's call it the Spanish Steps. Probably all of you have read about it, seen it all in flowers on postcards (by the way, flowers on the Spanish Steps appear only once a year for about a month from April to May, and stand until the flowers wither, then pots with flowers are removed and again they will delight with their beauty only in a year), or maybe they have already appreciated this place with their own eyes. What I love about Europe is that you can sit down and relax on almost any stone, any lawn after long walks around the city. The Spanish Steps are no exception. In the warm season it is always full of tourists. Therefore, do not waste time and take a seat in the shade. No, but wait! Before you take your seat, walk literally 50 meters on Via della Croce and stop by the Pompi coffee shop, the realm of tiramisu with over 50 years of history.

How to find "Pompi" at the Spanish Steps

Choose one of four types of tiramisu (classic, strawberry, pistachio, wild berries at a price of 4 euros per serving) and now take this magic box to the Spanish Steps. And relax, enjoying the taste of the most popular Italian dessert. What else to try in Rome - read.

Tiramisu from Pompi

Vatican City and "one of the best postal systems in the world".

After a little rest and refreshment, go to the Vatican, the most small state in the world, the cradle of Catholicism. Walk around the square in front of the basilica, people-watching - who you just won't see here!

On St. Peter's Square

On, and visiting the Vatican Museums, it is better to set aside another day, having planned everything in advance and arriving early. In the meantime, just enjoy, and ... sign postcards. By the way, it’s cheaper to buy postcards on the way to the Vatican in Chinese shops (yes, yes, like all over the world, souvenirs (if they are, of course, not unique) are the cheapest to buy in Chinese shops), but if you didn’t have time, then we buy them directly at the Vatican post office along with stamps. According to my recollection, in 2009 the Vatican Post Office was a small souvenir shop, but in 2015 I was surprised that the Vatican Post Office is a small gray van right on the square.

Sign postcards to your loved ones, stick stamps and put them in a box. By the way, many Romans send their mail by the Vatican mail, because. Italian is not considered as reliable. Well, if you left the Vatican without sending a postcard, then keep it for yourself, because. Vatican stamps are valid only on the territory of this state, and this postcard will not leave Italy.

Mail box

We drop our postcards there

So, 4 points of the TOP " What to see in Rome on your own behind, the last one remained.

Photo session and sightseeing from a different angle.

If you come to this wonderful city, then it’s a sin to be left without beautiful high-quality photos, being content with only a fashionable selfie. Find a photographer who lives in Rome (it can be as a native Italian, or our fellow citizens who have lived there for several years - it doesn’t matter), in any case, this person knows the most Beautiful places Rome, knows where the photos are obtained with the highest quality. You can even order Eternal city! Start shooting as early as possible, while there are still no such crowds of tourists - at 8, or better at 7 in the morning, you will see a completely different city. Walk along the Roman streets, take pictures in the most picturesque corners, discover some new place (for me it was the panorama of the city from Villa Borghese). Indulge yourself in this pleasure and you will get wonderful photos as a keepsake of your visit to the Eternal City.