Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Best of Rome
Trip Plan
Tuesday, August 15 11 h / 24 km
OpenStreetMap contributors
Ciampino airport is a smaller one, featuring only one terminal building with 16 departure gates.
The airport can be reached by several bus shuttles such as Atral, Cotral and Terravision. They stop opposite to the
International Departures. Some lines go to the Anagnina metro stop and other go directly to Rome Termini Station.
Passengers wishing to travel by train can go to Ciampino Citt railway station and take the Cotral/Schiaffini bus to the
airport from there.
Taxi service is also available. The taxis are white and have TAXI signs on their roofs.
In case you lose something on your flight, head to the ADR Found Items Office.
You can use the free wi-fi network, Boingo, after registration in most areas of the airport.
Contact
+39 06 65951
19 km / 24 min
Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani) 3h
2
Home to an enormous collection of pieces of art that were collected by the Popes in the last 500 years. The very first
exhibit was bought in 1506 and it was a statue called Laocoon and His Sons. It is still on display at the Vatican Museums
today.
The museums include exhibits from many cultures and many periods of human history Ancient Egypt, Etruscan
civilization, Ancient Rome, Ancient Greece but they also display works of Renaissance artists (e.g. Raphael) and even the
modern ones (such as Picasso or Van Gogh).
Among some of the most imposing exhibits are: Book of the Dead (in Ancient Egypt section), Augustus of Prima Porta
statue (located in the New Wing), or the beautiful Gallery of Maps.
Since the museums are so large, you might want to pick only some of the exhibitons that interest you. The collections are
arranged thematically and the colour coded itineraries (A, B, C, D) guide you through the museums depending on how
much time you want to spend there.
If you want to avoid the main wave of tourists, you should begin your visit soon in the morning. The later you come, the
longer the queues. Also, be aware that the museum visit (usually connected to the visit of the Sistine Chapel and St.
Peters Basilica) is quite physically demanding with lots of walking involved.
The museums and the chapel close for most holidays, Contact
check the official website for the complete list. +39 06 6988 4947
Viale Vaticano,
00165 Roma, Italy
1.2 km / 14 min
The insides of the chapel are decorated with many frescoes by various Renaissance painters (e.g. Sandro Botticelli). Its
main highlight is, however, the large painting on the altar wall of the chapel The Last Judgement by Michelangelo. You
can find more than 300 individual people on the fresco and it is considered to be one of the most important pieces of art
that exist. The Sistine Chapel ceiling was also painted by Michelangelo, its iconic part being the Creation of Adam.
Sistine Chapel admission fee is included in Vatican Museums admission fees. You get there straight from your tour.
However, the place is always very busy so be prepared for crowds of tourists. Also, since it is an active chapel (and one of
the most crucial ones in the Christian hierarchy) respectful behaviour and decent clothing is expected.
Last Sun of each month: 9 am - 2 pm Admission free The ticket allows access to all of the Vatican museums.
Ticket office closes at 12:30 pm Skip the queue and buy the tickets online!
The museums and the chapel close for most holidays, Contact
check the official website for the complete list. +39 06 69884676
tours.musei@scv.va
Viale Vaticano,
00165 Vatican City, Italy
46 m / 1 min
Saint Peter's Basilica (Basilica Sancti Petri) 1h
4
A Renaissance church located in the Vatican City and the largest church building in the world, with the interior area
spreading across 15,160 m2. It is filled with masterpieces by many well-known Baroque and Renaissance artists (e.g.
Berninis Baldacchino or Michelangelos statue called Piet). The remnants of St. Peter are placed in St. Peters tomb
under the Basilica.
If you decide to go all the way up the staircase leading to the top of the dome in order to enjoy the spectacular view of
the city, be prepared for many steps (320 551 depending on your ticket). The ascent can be very demanding especially
during the summer months.
Also, since it is a Christian church, adequate clothing and behaviour is expected when visiting. Bear in mind that apart
from being an important sight, the Basilica is also a Christian church and therefore a holy ground.
Dome: Dome:
Apr - Sep: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Lift: 8
Oct - Mar: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Steps: 6
434 m / 5 min
The square itself was designed a hundred years later by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (famous Italian baroque sculptor, painter
and architect). His idea was that the square should embody the maternal arms of Holy Mother Church. He also hoped to
create a sense of awe in the visitors of the square through the usage of a large open space.
There are 140 statues of various saints located on the top of the Colonnades that line the square. The capacity of the
square is nearly half a million people. If you visit the Vatican during Christian ceremonies or festivities, be prepared for
immense crowds of tourists.
Address
GPS: 41.90225, 12.45720
979 m / 12 min
Castle of the Holy Angel (Castel SantAngelo) 15 min
6
The building was built in the second century AD by the Roman emperor Hadrian as his mausoleum. In the 14th century, it
was decided that the building should be turned into a castle and a special corridor was added in order to connect the
castle with St. Peters Basilica.
Today, the castle serves as a museum (there are many various pieces of art on display there - e.g. statues, paintings or
ceramics - mainly of Renaissance period). The building itself is built in Ancient Roman style but the statues decorating it
are baroque.
The castle is divided into five levels but the most important one is the upper terrace (level five) which offers breathtaking
views of Rome. Other levels include the mausoleum or the prison.
You may recall the castle from the film Angels & Demons where it features as one of the key locations.
1.1 km / 13 min
The most prominent feature of the baroque square is definitely the Fountain of the Four Rivers (Nile, Danube, the Ganges
and Ro de la Plata) by Bernini. There are two more fountains situated in Piazza Navona Fountain of Neptune and
Fontana del Moro.
Piazza Navona appears in Dan Brown's novel Angels & Demons. Even the film adaptation was partially filmed there.
There are many restaurants serving traditional Italian food situated either in the square or nearby. Also, it is the
traditional location of the Christmas markets.
Address
GPS: 41.89891, 12.47310
437 m / 5 min
Despite its romantic name (that the square got in the Middle Ages when it was still a meadow), Campo de Fiori was once
a place of public executions. Among those executed here was an Italian mathematician Giordano Bruno (he was executed
for heresy). Nowadays, a statue of him is situated in the middle of the square.
Through the morning hours, the place is buzzing with life due to the daily markets. If you wish to buy some fresh
groceries, this is where you should head. In the evening, you can enjoy the local bars and cafs. It is a great place for
relaxation after an exhausting day.
Address
GPS: 41.89564, 12.47213
1.1 km / 13 min
Trastevere 2h
9
The 13th rione (administrative district) of Rome and a labyrinth of narrow streets. Its history dates back to the Etruscan
civilisation and the ancient Rome times when Julius Caesar (among other important Romans) had his villa built here.
Nowadays, it is a place of rich cultural and social life.
Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere (the central square) is a great place to get a cup of coffee and enjoy the view of the
Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere. Another remarkable piece of architecture in the neighbourhood is the Santa Cecilia
in Trastevere church.
Trastevere is nowadays best known for its nightlife. There are many pubs and bars where you can head and enjoy yourself
after a long day of sightseeing. If hungry, head to one of the many restaurants that are located here. The place is also
known as a part of the city that attracts artists and bohemians.
Address
GPS: 41.88776, 12.47285
Wednesday, August 16 11 h / 5.2 km
OpenStreetMap contributors
Though not much is left from the original Circus Maximus, the stroll down the public park is a very pleasant one,
especially when the weather is nice. There are no admission fees and the area is open to public at all times of the day.
Address
GPS: 41.88591, 12.48573
1.2 km / 14 min
Roman Forum (Forum Romanum) 2h
2
The forum used to be the centre of Ancient Rome, surrounded by the most important government buildings, temples and
arches of which, sadly, only fragments are left today.
The complex is a mixture of styles and cultures. Some of the buildings are from the period of the Roman Kingdom (e.g.
the Temple of Vesta), some are from the Republic era (e.g. the Curia Julia the seat of the Senate) and some date to the
Roman Empire period (e.g. the Arch of Titus and Arch of Septimius Severus). Some of the Ancient Roman buildings were
later turned into Christian ones (e.g. the Temple of Antoninus Pius).
If you wish to visit both, the Roman Forum and Colosseum, consider buying the tickets (which apply to both) at the Forum
since the Colosseum queues are much longer. The tickets you get there also include the Palatine Hill where you can get
straight from the Roman Forum and enjoy the spectacular view of Rome from there.
The weather is usually very hot and there is little shade on the Roman Forum, so consider wearing a hat when visiting it.
Also, there is lot of walking involved, so be sure to wear some comfy shoes.
602 m / 7 min
When Rome was turned into a republic, Palatine Hill became the place where rich Romans had their houses built (e.g.
Cicero). There were so many palaces that the hills name (Palatino) became the etymological origin of the word palace
which has similar forms in many European languages.
The admission fee to the Palatine Hill complex also includes the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. If you buy your tickets
on Palatine Hill, you will avoid the much longer queues that usually form by the Colosseum. You can also buy your tickets
online to avoid queuing altogether but there is a small fee.
(Last admission one hour before closing.) Two-day combined ticket valid for visit of Colosseum,
Closed on Dec 25, Jan 1 Palatine Hill and Roman Forum.
For more information, please visit the official website.
Contact
+39 06 3996770
930 m / 11 min
Colosseum (Colosseo) 3h
4
The largest amphitheatre of the Roman Empire is a must-see when in Rome. The Colosseum once hosted gladiator fights,
animal fights and even water battles. The building was a present from the emperor Vespasian to his people and (unlike
today) the entrance used to be free. Therefore the games and the fights were very popular. Built and modified under the
rule of the Flavian dynasty, the Colosseum remains an important heritage of the ancient Roman culture.
Not only are there many films that feature the Colosseum (e.g. Roman Holiday or To Rome With Love), it is even one of
the important locations in the famous game franchise Assassins Creed.
When visiting the Colosseum be prepared for the crowds of tourists and long ticket queues, often longer than an hour. To
avoid the queues completely you can buy your tickets online or buy them at the Roman Forum entrance (which is very
close to the Colosseum) where the queues are much shorter. The regular tickets will get you to the most important parts
of the complex but if you want to get further than that (e.g. the underground) you will need to buy the guided tour
tickets.
Being in the centre of the city, the Colosseum is well accessible by the public transport - metro (Line B Station:
Colosseo), bus (Lines 75, 81, 673, 175, 204) or tram (Line 3).
694 m / 8 min
The forums were the core places of the Ancient Roman culture. The public buildings, government buildings and cultural
life of the city were all centred around the forums.
The remains of the forums that we see today took damage during the construction of Via dei Fori Imperiali (built by
Mussolini) and were partially buried under it.
Walking down the Via dei Fori Imperiali street and admiring the Imperial Forums, the Colosseum and the Roman Forum is
quite popular so the sidewalks might get crowded.
Contact
info@coopculture.it
425 m / 5 min
Campidoglio Square (Piazza del Campidoglio) 15 min
6
One of the most imposing squares in Rome. It is located on the Capitoline Hill in the very heart of Rome and it offers
spectacular views of the city and its sights.
Despite the fact that the square was designed by Michelangelo, he never saw his work completed because he died in
1564 when the square was still under construction.
This square is and always was an important part of political life of Rome. You can find the Palazzo Senatorio here once
the seat of the Senate of Rome and now the city hall.
Address
GPS: 41.89327, 12.48298
397 m / 5 min
The column is topped with the statue of Trajan. However, the most imposing features of the structure are the spiral reliefs
that tell the tale of the Dacian wars. The images are done in great detail and are definitely worth of noticing.
After his death, Trajan's ashes were stored in the chamber under the column but they were eventually removed.
The column is hollow and there is a staircase inside that leads all the way to the top of it. Sadly, it is not open to the
public.
Address
GPS: 41.89582, 12.48427
940 m / 11 min
Pantheon 45 min
8
The Pantheon is not only one of the best preserved pieces of Ancient Roman architecture but it also has the largest
unreinforced concrete cupola in the world. It is well-known for its oculus that lets the daylight (but also the rain) in
through the top of the dome. Originally, the temple was dedicated to Roman gods, but in 608 AD it was turned into a
Christian church. Most likely, the Pantheon owes its remarkable condition to this fact. Nowadays, the place is dedicated
to St. Mary and the Martyrs and every Saturday, international masses are celebrated there.
The Pantheon is one of the key locations in both Dan Browns book and the film based on it, both titled Angels & Demons.
It was also used as a burial site. Among people buried there, you can find even the important Renaissance painter
Raphael.
The entrance to the Pantheon is free; only the guided tours are charged and need to be booked in advance. Usually, the
place is crowded with tourists and you might spend some time queuing. There are not many public restrooms near the
Pantheon. However, there are many restaurants and cafs nearby.
If you decide to use public transport in order to get there, the Pantheon is best reachable by metro (Line A Station:
Barberini) or by bus (Lines 30, 40, 62, 64, 81, 87, 492 Station: Largo di Torre Argentina).
OpenStreetMap contributors
The interior includes a breathtaking mosaics dating back to the 5th century. You also should not miss the Crypt of the
Nativity (which is believed to contain a wood from the crib of Jesus Christ).
Saint Jerome, who translated the Bible into Latin, is buried there. There is also a tomb of the Bernini family (the famous
artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini is buried here as well).
It is an active church so respectful behaviour is expected. Also, the basilica may be closed for public on some religious
events, so you might want to consult the official website before visiting.
1.4 km / 17 min
Museum and crypt of Capuchin Monks (Museo dei Frati Cappuccini e Cripta Ossario)1h
2
The museum is located in a crypt under the church Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini. There are bones of
nearly 4000 Capuchin friars stored in the crypt. The bones are arranged into a macabre decorations.
The Capuchins have been using the church since 1631. Some of the bones used for the crypt were transported there from
their previous destination.
The museum introduces the visitors to the Capuchin order, its history and present day activities.
The visit is not ideal for families with children since the younger children may get scared by the spooky decoration of the
Capuchin crypt.
Closed on Dec 25, Jan 1 and Easter Sunday. Note: Visitors should dress appropriately when visiting
the crypt.
Contact
+39 06 8880 3695
segreteria@cappucciniviaveneto.it
713 m / 9 min
You can see hundreds of tourists throwing coins into the fountain every day since it is said that doing this ensures your
return to Rome one day. The "proper" way how to do this is to use your right hand and throw the coin over you left
shoulder. Interestingly, all the money collected from the fountain are used to feed Rome's citizens in need.
Not surprisingly, this famous landmark appeared in many movies such as Roman Holiday and Three Coins in the Fountain.
Contact
info@trevifountain.net
332 m / 4 min
It was modeled on Trajan's Column (which is located in Trajan's Forum). It was finished in 193 AD and it is 39 meters tall.
The column is a Doric one and it consists of 28 pieces of marble. It is hollow inside and there is a staircase to the top of it.
Sadly, the top is not accessible to the public.
The square is lined up with shops and cafs so you can sit down and watch the imposing column while enjoying a coffee
or an ice cream.
Address
GPS: 41.90085, 12.47999
876 m / 11 min
Spanish Steps (Scalinata della Trinit dei Monti) 30 min
5
The Spanish Steps are not only one of the best known staircases in Europe but also a popular meeting point for the
Romans. The place is especially beautiful in spring when there are countless blooming azaleas.
Originally, the staircase (consisting of 135 steps) connected the Embassy of Spain and the Trinit dei Monti church. Next
to the Spanish Steps, there is a house where John Keats, a famous British poet of Romantic period, lived and died in 1821.
Nowadays, the house is dedicated to his memory (and the memory of Percy Bysshe Shelley) as a museum called Keats-
Shelley House.
It is not surprising that such a beautiful location appeared in William Wylers film Roman Holiday starring Audrey
Hepburn.
Address
GPS: 41.90598, 12.48278
709 m / 9 min
The name derives from the gens Pincia, who owned the eponymous hill. In ancient times it was also called Porta Turata
and Porta Salaria vetus, as the oldest Via Salaria passed under it.
The gate was built under the emperor Honorius in the early 5th century, by adapting a previous smaller service entrance.
The two side passages are a modern addition. The gate remained closed until the early 20th century.
During the Middle Ages a legend told that the Byzantine general Belisarius, who here had defended Rome against the
Ostrogoths in the siege of 537-538, had been seen here as a beggar.
Address
GPS: 41.90937, 12.48842
668 m / 8 min
You can admire the paintings by Caravaggio (e.g. Boy with a Basket of Fruit), Raphael, Rubens or Titian or the paintings
and statues by Bernini (many of which were made precisely for the spots in the villa they occupy today).
The tickets must be booked online in advance due to the space limitations of the villa. The ticket booking system also
ensures that there are not too many people in the gallery at a time.
937 m / 11 min
Villa Borghese Gardens (Villa Borghese) 1h
8
The peaceful English manner gardens around the Villa Borghese are a great place where you can escape the bustle of the
city. The gardens include several villas (apart from the Villa Borghese there are also Villa Giuliana or Villa Medici) and
even a replica of the famous Shakespeares Globe theatre (which was built here in 2003).
Villa Borghese is definitely worth visiting as well since it is home to Galleria Borghese which includes works of Bernini, Da
Vinci or Tizian.
The admission to the Borghese Gardens is free but if you want to visit the villa, there is an admission fee.
Address
GPS: 41.91454, 12.48420
839 m / 10 min
Nowadays, the gardens are a popular place from where you can get amazing views of Rome (e.g. of Piazza del Popolo
which is located nearby). It is a quiet and calm place where you can enjoy a bit of greenery. An ideal time to visit the
gardens is at the sunset when the view is most spectacular.
Address
GPS: 41.91124, 12.47959
430 m / 5 min
The present-day square was designed by Giuseppe Valadier between 1811 and 1822. In the middle of the square there is
an Egyptian obelisk which is one of the oldest and tallest obelisks in Rome.
There are also two twin churches Santa Maria del Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto that were partially designed
by a famous Italian Baroque sculptor and architect - Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
Address
GPS: 41.91078, 12.47631
OpenStreetMap contributors
There are many Greek and Egyptian motives embedded in both its architecture and its decoration. The many fountains,
pools, statues and mosaics will remind you of Greek villas or palaces.
If you want to visit Tivoli, you can get there from Rome easily by bus (Ponte Mammolo station) or by train (Tiburtina Rome
station). The journey takes about an hour. Be sure to reserve a few hours for the place so you can explore the whole
complex.
Once you are in Tivoli, you should consider visiting both Villa Adriana and Villa dEste (which is also located there) since
they are both spectacular and both are listed at the UNESCO World Heritage List.
You can get your tickets to the villa online or you can get them on the spot (but you might need to wait in a queue for a
while). Be sure to check the official website for the opening hours of the villa because they vary depending on the time of
the year.
4.6 km / 55 min
Villa d'Este 2h
2
If you visit Rome, you should not miss this Renaissance villa in Tivoli. It was built in the second half of the 16th century by
the Este family and it is a truly unique and remarkable place to visit. While the villa itself is definitely worth seeing, it is
the gardens that are the most imposing feature of the complex. Both the villa and the gardens are listed on the UNESCO
World Heritage List.
There are 50 fountains in total in the villa gardens. Among the most impressive ones are the gigantic Fountain of
Neptune, the Fountain of the Dragons (according to the legends it was built over one night), the Hundred Fountains or the
Fountain of the Organ which plays music several times a day.
You should consider reserving the whole day (or at least half a day) for the trip to Tivoli. You can get there from Rome
easily by bus (from Ponte Mammolo station) or by train (from Tiburtina Rome station). The journey takes about an hour.
45 km / 41 min
Since the complex developed over several centuries, it is in an interesting mixture of architectonic styles. It is also
decorated with extraordinary frescoes (e.g. the oldest existing depiction of St. Francis of Assisi). Despite being located
quite close to Rome, the place itself is off the beaten track and therefore much more peaceful than Roman sights.
It is definitely worth the trip if you are seeking a calm place in the middle of nature with rich history and connection to
Christianity. Since it is still an active abbey, respectful behaviour is expected.
OpenStreetMap contributors
Ostia Antica 1h
1
Today, Ostia Antica is an archaeological site but in times of Ancient Rome it was a prospering harbour. According to the
legends, it was established by the fourth king of Ancient Rome Ancus Marcius.
It is exceptionally well preserved so you can truly enjoy the atmosphere of Ancient Rome. The buildings, the statues, the
mosaics there are countless things worth seeing. Among the highlights of the place are the Amphitheatre and the
Forum.
You can buy your tickets on the spot or you can get them in advance through the official website. You can also book a
guided tour through the official site. Should you need internet access, the cafeteria provides free WiFi for its customers.
You can get to Ostia Antica from Rome easily by public transport. The journey takes half an hour and the detailed
description of how to get there can be found on the official website.
47 km / 37 min
Etruscan Necropolis of Cerveteri (Cerveteri-Necropoli della Banditaccia) 1h
2
One of the largest necropolises in Europe and a unique burial site of Etruscan culture. Its existence dates back to the 9th
century BC and it remained in use for 5 centuries. Together with Tarquinia Necropolis, it is listed on UNESCO World
Heritage List.
There are several types of tombs to be found in the complex. Some are simple holes with the ashes of the deceased
stored inside, some are cut in the rocks and some are in form of tumuli (covered with burial mounds). Inside, the tombs
are decorated with imposing paintings or carvings. Even the location of the tombs is interesting for they seem to form
almost city-like maps with streets and squares.
The modern, multimedia devices will help you explore the complex. Despite its gloomy-sounding nature, the place is very
educative and you can spend a whole day wandering through it.
If you are visiting Rome and you would like to see the necropolis as well, you can get to Cerveteri by bus (Cotral bus line
from Cornelia station). The journey takes about an hour.
Contact
+39 069 940 001
segreteria@munus.com
21 km / 26 min
It is located about an hour of driving time away from Rome, so if you are visiting the Eternal City and wish to relax a bit
from its busy streets crowded with tourists, this is a great place to head. The best way to get there is by car because
buses from Rome are rather infrequent.
There are also several little towns scattered by the lake with many picturesque old buildings which will charm you with
their calm atmosphere.
Address
GPS: 42.11209, 12.17845
67 km / 52 min
Rome Ciampino Airport (Aeroporto di Roma-Ciampino) 1h 30m
4
Operating since 1916, this airport belongs to the oldest ones that are still functioning. Mostly low-cost airlines fly here.
Ciampino airport is a smaller one, featuring only one terminal building with 16 departure gates.
The airport can be reached by several bus shuttles such as Atral, Cotral and Terravision. They stop opposite to the
International Departures. Some lines go to the Anagnina metro stop and other go directly to Rome Termini Station.
Passengers wishing to travel by train can go to Ciampino Citt railway station and take the Cotral/Schiaffini bus to the
airport from there.
Taxi service is also available. The taxis are white and have TAXI signs on their roofs.
In case you lose something on your flight, head to the ADR Found Items Office.
You can use the free wi-fi network, Boingo, after registration in most areas of the airport.
Contact
+39 06 65951