Rome Sightseeing - Favourite & Popular Tourist Attractions
Holidays in Rome - more in this category > Short Breaks > Sightseeing > Things to do > Tourist Info > ToursRome Sightseeing Top Ten - from The Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain
Brimming with things to see and do, Rome spills over with so many attractions that visitors often risk a complete Rome sightseeing meltdown. Here are the Top 10 free Rome sightseeing attractions guaranteed to make your trip precious while preserving your sanity.
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The Colosseum
Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum is No 1 on the list of Rome sightseeing attractions. Completed in 80 BC, the Colosseum is the famous site of gladiatorial games as well as mock navel battles. Free to view from the outside, €10 gets you entry, a guided tour and entry to the nearby Palatine Hill.
Trevi Fountain
The Fontana di Trevi is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome. Located where three roads converge (tre vie), the fountain was begun by Salvi in 1751 and finished by Pannini in 1762. Skirt the crowds to throw three coins over your shoulder into the fountain, thus guaranteeing a future return to Rome.
The Pantheon
Originally built in 27 BC, the Pantheon was destroyed by fire in 80 AD and not entirely rebuilt until 125 AD by Emperor Hadrian. In 609 AD the once pagan temple was dedicated to the Church; today you can visit its marble interior and famous dome with the hole in the middle.
St Peter's Basilica
The 15th century Basilica di San Pietro, the Vatican's main church, is so lavish it's shocking but its very opulence makes it a top Rome sightseeing attraction. The largest church in the world, the Basilica covers over 23,000 square metres and can hold over 60,000 people.
Outside Castel Sant'Angelo
Topped by a bronze statue of the Archangel, the Castel Sant'Angelo was built by Emperor Hadrian around 120 AD. Located at the head of the statue-laden Elian bridge, the castle cuts an imposing silhouette across the Tiber River. With a 13th century secret passage connecting the Vatican, the castle has a history as a hiding sanctuary as well as a prison; today it's a museum that costs around €5 to enter.
Roman Forum
There aren't any intact buildings left standing at Il Foro Romano but it's the ruins of what once was that makes the Forum famous. With a landscape punctuated by broken columns, grand arches and floor plans, not a doubt exists that this was indeed the epicentre of Roman life.
Piazza Navona
Filled with street performers, strolling couples and tourists, this piazza's crowning glories are Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers, Borromini and Rainaldi's Church of Sant' Agnese in Agone as well as Giacomo della Porta's Moor Fountain and Fountain of the Neptune.
Villa Borghese
Rome's 148 acre public park started as a 16th century vineyard; today it is a gorgeous retreat from the chaos of the city. With plenty of paths, statues and fountains, the park's highlights include the English gardens, the temple of Aesculapius and three of the city's major museums.
Capitoline Hill
Located on the smallest of Rome's seven hills is the Campidoglio, the political centre of Rome. With the Senate, a number of temples and a floor plan designed by Michelangelo, this hill is well worth a visit.
Mouth of Truth
Reported to eat the hand of those who lied, the Mouth of Truth is a 4th century stone face located in the church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Insert a hand into the face's open mouth to verify that you're telling the truth; rumor has it a servant with a sword helped the infamous hand removal of earlier years.
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