Rome
Known as the “Eternal City,” Rome, Italy has been famous ever since the time of the Roman Empire. Tourists visit Rome from all over the world to immerse themselves in the rich history, to sample the fine authentic Italian cuisine and to experience the exhilarating nightlife.
Rome makes for the perfect vacation destination for groups, families and couples. There are so many sites to see and places to visit that there is always something to do. Read on to learn more about Rome and what you can expect to find and enjoy during your visit. Find accommodation and hotels in Rome:
Colosseum, Rome, Italy by Julius for Travel via Italy
History
The history of Rome spans for over two thousand years, dating back from the time of the Roman Empire. It acted as the administrative center during the reign of the Roman Empire. Now it remains the seat of the Italian government.
Even after the fall of the Roman Empire, the city still had a considerable amount of wealth. While touring around the city, visitors will be able to see magnificent structures from ancient Roman times.
Culture
In Rome, the locals speak Italian with a Romano dialect. Only a small portion of the older generations speak English; however, the younger population and those working in the tourist industry do speak English.
Most of the signs are in Italian, so it is best to carry an Italian-English dictionary with you at all times. Most Italians have a sunny disposition and are happy to help tourists with any questions they might have.
Dining and Cuisine
Many people go to Italy to try the food. You can find less expensive food in Rome if you shy away from the tourist spots. There are a lot of nice family-owned restaurants just off the city center and this is where you can get a taste of authentic pizza and pasta.
The recipes used are usually passed down from generation to generation. There are a lot of attractive restaurants with picturesque settings. Once you are done with your meal, you can enjoy a nice big cone of gelato from a nearby gelateria.
Pantheon, Rome, Italy by Julius for Travel via Italy
Things to See
There are countless of landmarks in Rome to visit. The most popular spot that tourists like to go to is the Roman Colosseum. You can also visit the Pantheon, throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain and awe at the beauty of St. Peter’s Basillica. Italians take a lot of pride in their landmarks, and understandably so, as they are some of the oldest and most beautiful in the world.
Since the government wants everyone to enjoy them as well, they designate one week per year where admission to popular tourist spots is free. This is called “Settimana dei Beni Culturali,” or Culture Week.
Rome is a perfect city to visit if you want to take a firsthand look at ancient architecture and landmarks, learn about Roman history or try some authentic Italian cuisine.
The city is rich in tradition and genuinely a place that one must visit at least once during their life. Everyone, young or old can find wonder in Rome and plenty of activities to partake in. Chad A. Hagy is a travel and history enthusiast who enjoys writing about various destinations around the world.
Squares in Rome
Rome is one of the most breathtaking destinations worldwide due to its historical monuments and outstanding attractions. This European capital city can offer you enlightening details about the medieval and pre-medieval ages.
The city is full of museums, churches and palaces that can surely render you a memorable holiday experience. You can’t get enough of your holiday in this city as there are plenty of tourist attractions and squares to visit. Keep on reading to learn about the topmost squares that you can visit in the city on a holiday.
Steps of Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Lazio by Roberto Taddeo
Piazza Navona
The premises of Piazza Navona were primarily constructed for various types of athletic games and prize races but today the scenery has changed quite a lot as it is surrounded by luxurious hotels and cafes for serving the tourists.
Fontana del Moro, Piazza Navona by RaSeLaSeD – Il Pinguino
There are beautiful fountains built at three different places maintaining the elegant oval shape of the square.
Every year, the authorities taking care of the square also set up an art gallery for the tourists who are interested in Italian fine art.
Piazza Navona is considered by many as the most beautiful square in Rome. And it’s not excessive but deserved!
Piazza Navona, Rome, Lazio, Italy by Julius for Travel via Italy
Piazza del Colosseo
Having a nearly round shape, the Piazza del Colosseo is the greatest of all piazzas in the city as it shows the magnificent skills of the Roman constructors.
The Colosseo still maintains its might as its walls are huge and you are also allowed to go to the top through the staircase once used for viewing athletic competitions.
Piazza Campo Dè Fiori
If you would like to experience the real Italian atmosphere, you should visit one of the liveliest and most diverse places in Rome – Piazza Campo de’ Fiori (Field of Flowers).
Its name originates from the flower fields, which once were here. Since 1869, Campo de’ Fiori is a place of regular markets, where you can buy fruit, vegetables, fish and, of course, flowers.
In the middle of the square you can find the monument of philosopher Giordano Bruno.
Giordano Bruno monument, Campo dei Fiori, Rome by Francesco Paroni Sterbini
Campo de’ Fiori is one of the few squares in Rome (or in Italy at all) that are not tied to any particular patrician family or famous building.
The most important building is the Palazzo Pio Righetti standing on the remains of Pompeo theater, on the southeast side of the square.
Campo de’ Fiori, Rome by Myrabella
Piazza di Spagna
Located near the Spanish steps and Via del Babuino, Piazza di Spagna is a beautiful apartment place where you can easily find a room to crash for several nights depending upon the holiday package you are on.
Fontana della Barcaccia, Piazza di Spagna by jbarcena
The windows in each room are very beautiful and provide you a panoramic view of this romantic square.
There were series with the eponymous name “Piazza di Spagna” shot on this square back in 1994 so you can see how the life is going on while living on such a great square.
Piazza di Spagna, Rome by Julius
Piazza della Rotonda
The major focal elements of tourists in Rome are the fountains and historical places and Piazza della Rotonda can satisfy almost all the cravings as the square is full of the art galleries, rock solid fountains with imageries in the center of famous athletes.
There are also various musicians present at the square for entertaining the visitors along with some mimes.
However the most important feature of this square is Pantheon – one of the best preserved ancient temples in the world.
Piazza della Rotonda and Pantheon, Rome by Julius
Piazza Venezia
While in Rome, do not miss out the Piazza Venezia as it is the most famous square comprising of beautiful transport lanes and buses taking you for a visit of the entire place.
Main feature of this square is the Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, a huge monument built of white marble.
Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, Piazza Venezia by Julius for Travel via Italy
You can check out the nearby famous Colosseum either on foot or by going for some transportation for the tour.
The entire square is full of lights so that tourists can feel lively and enjoy the moments. However for me it is too busy and noisy.
Piazza Venezia as seen from the Monument to Vittorio Emanuele II with Palazzo Venezia to the left / Photo by Julius
Piazza del Campidoglio
Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo, is also one of the most visited squares in entire Rome as it has lots of steps varying in sizes that make a proper symmetry on the center.
This particular piazza is a replica that has been created for honoring the statue of the famous Marcus Aurelius made out of bronze. You can also get yourself a guide on the square and they will enlighten you about the place perfectly.
Piazza del Campidoglio with a Palazzo Senatorio and a statue of Marcus Aurelius, by Julius
Piazza San Pietro
One of the Rome’s most visited historical monuments is St. Peter’s Basilica – the largest church in the world. You can find it on Piazza San Pietro.
Piazza San Pietro, Rome by Vicente Villamón
You can freely take pictures without any intervention and there are also different columns where you can enjoy a good time with your family members.
The square is full of sculptures and Vatican art galleries that you can also see for soothing up your mind and refreshing your mood.
Piazza San Pietro with the famous St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City / Photo by Julius
Piazza del Popolo
In order to visit this elegant piazza, you need to have a guide along with yourself as here the security is the tightest.
Piazza del Popolo is a beautiful and also the most talked about square of Rome as it is filled with fountains of different designs made out of the most precious rocks filled embedded with gems and costly stones. This is the main reason why the security is so uptight.
Piazza del Popolo, Rome by Julius
So these were some squares that you must not forget to visit while you are in Rome. If you still have some more time on your holidays in Rome, just have a look at some other beautiful squares that will complete your holiday experience in the right way.
Piazza Colonna
The name of this particular tourist attraction has been derived from the famous column of Marcus Aurelius that is still standing tall giving a vivid picture of how the ancient Rome was actually like.
Piazza Colonna is a must visit as there are several things for your entertainment.
Piazza Colonna with the Column of Marcus Aurelius / Photo by Julius
Piazza di Monte Citorio
Palazzo di Monte Citorio is considered to be the most famous political tourist attraction in entire Rome as lots of politicians had their names linked with back in the 18th century.
It contains a balcony for the pope to announce important messages regarding the city and you can be a part of it too!
Piazza di Monte Citorio with Palazzo di Montecitorio and the obelisk / Photo by Geobia