Rome is one of the most romantic city in the world with a rich history of culture, architecture, religion, cuisine and ancient art. Used as the set for many films like Angels and Demons, Eat Pray Love, Mission Impossible and many more, Rome has attracted many visitors yearly. With such strong cultural history, there is so much to see in Rome and it is almost impossible to squeeze everything into 48 hours but I have compiled the best of Rome to see in this list.
DAY 1
1.The Colosseum
Part of the 7 wonders of the world, The Colosseum is an epitome of an ancient ruin of grandeur and beauty. The massive stone amphitheatre was commissioned around A.D. 70-72 by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty as a gift to the Roman people. The amphitheatre hosted gladiatorial combats and wild animal fights.
The Colosseum could hold, it is estimated, between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators having an average audience of some 65,000. While most of the exterior and interior of the Colosseum has been destroyed by fire and earthquakes, some of the structure of the building can still be seen and explored. There are various tiers and layers of seating for spectators as well as the nobles. The main arena itself has different rows and areas for animals and gladiators. A complete tour of the entire building will take close to 1.5 hours.
Nearest Station: Colosseo on Line B
Opening hours: 11 am to 1 am
Tickets: € 12
2.Arch of Constantine
The Arch of Constantine is a triumphal arch in Rome, situated between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill. It was erected by the Roman Senate to commemorate Constantine I’s victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312. Dedicated in 315, it is the largest Roman triumphal arch ( Source: Wikipedia ). The arch is just next to the Colosseum, so you can see the arch while walking from the metro to the Colosseum. The arch is not open and is surround by metal fencing to prevent any damage to the ruin but you can still see the arch up close beyond the fence.
3. Lunch on an Italian Sandwich
This is time to settle lunch at one of the kiosks or small cafes around the area with a traditional Italian Panini sandwich. Some of the main items are Parma ham, vegetables, tomatoes and cheese. One such sandwich usually costs less than € 5.
4.Roman Forum
The Roman Forum, also known by its Latin name Forum Romanum (Italian: Foro Romano), is a rectangular forum (plaza) surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the center of the city of Rome. Citizens of the ancient city referred to this space, originally a marketplace, as the Forum Magnum, or simply the Forum. ( Source Wikipedia )
Located just 5 mins walk from the Colosseum, you can easily see the Roman forum as well some of the other ruins such as included the ancient former royal residence, the Temple of Vesta as well as the surrounding complex of the Vestal Virgins.
Opening hours: 9 am to 7 pm
Ticket – combined with the Colosseum ticket
5.Bocca della Verità
At some point of time, you must have heard of this story about the mouth of truth which is a marble face with an opening where the mouth is supposed to be and when you place your hand inside, you must only say the truth or risk your hand being bitten off. The marble mask was thought to be drain covers in the temple of Hercules but the actual use of the marble is still unknown. The plate moved to many places and in the 17th century, moved from the wall of the Santa Maria in Cosmedin to its current location inside the portico of the church. It is only 5 – 10 mins walk from the forum and is quite an easy walk.
Nearest Station: Circo Massimo B line
Opening hours: 9.30 am to 5.30 pm
6. Trevi Fountain
Trevi Fountain is one of the most popular site in Rome for tourist and dating couples. Rumour has it if you throw a coin and make a wish at the Trevi Fountain, you will definitely visit Rome again. The money has been used to subsidize a supermarket for Rome’s needy. Note that there is a fine for stepping into the fountain or any attempt to take the coins in the fountain.
The Trevi Fountain designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini. It is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world and has also appeared in many films.
Nearest Station: Piazza Barberini
7. Dinner at a pizzeria
There are plenty of restaurants and pizzerias around the Trevi fountain and most of the Italian pizzas are usually less than €10.
8. Spanish Steps
From the Trevi Fountain, you can usually walk to the Spanish Steps. The steps are between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti with the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. In total there are 174 steps. The steps were built from 1723 linking the church to the main plaza below. Local and couple like to hang out at the Spanish steps at night so it can get pretty crowded.
At the main plaza at the bottom of the steps, there are rows and rows of fashion stores as well as a fountain called Fontana della Barcaccia (Fountain of the longboat). You can end the day with shopping or simple people watching along the Spanish steps.
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