18 Rome Landmarks You Must Not Miss

Most people wonder how many days is enough for a city like Rome. We too had the same thought. But then keeping an eye on the time we could afford, we decided for 3 days. Moreover the first half a day that we got to spend in the city post check-in was eventful. We had reached here from Sorrento in the afternoon after a bus and train scenic journey. Our next 2 days was focused on visiting the 18 Rome landmarks which you too must not miss when you are here. In addition to many more fun options in this historical city of Italy.

18 Rome landmarks you must not miss, Colosseum,Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com

Best Way to See Rome Landmarks

Rome is a city where many landmarks are close to each other. Therefore if you love to walk a bit it’s an ideal place. To take a relaxed pleasure walk exploring the architecture and history of endless marvel creations. And when you combine your walks with easy to use public transport your journey in most cases would be pleasurable. A suggestion is to avoid taxis as you really don’t need them while going around in Rome to visit landmarks.

Walk around and feel the city

Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com
The Fountains all over the city
Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com
The River
Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com
The Parks, Monuments
Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com
And Landmarks
Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com
As you stroll and discover
Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com
History
Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com
For you to experience
Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com
As you walk down
Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com
And stop to take notice
Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com
Of the days gone by
Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com
With historical buildings
Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com
And marvellous Architecture as testimony

Use Public Transport

photo tram at street

A good option is to buy 24 hrs public transport tickets for each day of your stay. They are available for € 7.00 and are valid for all buses, trams, trolleybuses, Cotral buses, metro lines, regional trains (urban route) and Bus lines 520 & 720 connecting Rome to Ciampino Airport.

The tickets are available at dispensers in airport and stations, kiosks and newspaper vendors all around. Remember to validate your tickets at the beginning of your journey. Check out the complete details on Atac.Roma and also book your ticket here.

Buy a 48 hr Hop-on-hop-off Bus ticket

Big Bus Rome

We normally avail this option whenever we travel to a new city. It is an ideal way to focus on the important landmarks hopping off at the ones where you wish to spend more time exploring. Moreover it is also a great way to get an overall feel of the city. We purchased the 48 hr pass on ‘Sightseeing Roma’ which had 2 routes covering most of Rome.

Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com
Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com

You could check out the different options here below and book. Also remember to buy entry tickets to the landmarks you wish to visit in advance to avoid long queues.

18 Rome Landmarks

pexels-photo-704767.jpeg
Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com

1. Colosseum

Colosseum, Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com

Built to accommodate an audience of 50,000 people, Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built in the Roman Empire. It hosted Gladiator fights during that era. Now it is one of the most visited sites in Rome. The movie ‘Gladiator’ among others was inspired by it. Let’s take a spin, click a few and then enter inside to check out what’s on view.

Colosseum, Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com
Colosseum, Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com
Colosseum, Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com
Colosseum, Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com
Colosseum Rome, Pic- Victor Malyushev, Unsplash

2. Roman Forum & Palatine Hill

Roman Forum, Rome, Pic-Fabio Fistarol, Unsplash

This archaeological site is considered as what was the center of Rome. The ruins indicate the presence of official buildings, religious sites, markets and other infrastructure. This landmark is just adjacent to the Colosseum and the Colosseum entry tickets also entitles you to a free entry to Forum and the Palatine Hill, one of the 7 hills of Rome.

3. Pantheon

Pantheon, Pic- Pixabay

One of the best preserved ancient buildings, the Pantheon was originally built as a temple for deities and later became a church. It is located in Piazza della Rotonda and was built somewhere between 119 & 128 AD. There is no entry fee for this landmark.

4. Baths of Caracalla

Baths of Caracalla, Rome, Pic- Pixabay

This was a 11 hectare thermal complex with a capacity to house 1600 people at a time. It boasted of sports arenas, doctors and libraries and was not just a bath site but also served as a business center for meetings.

5. Circus Maximus

Circus Maximus, Pic-Tommao Wang, Unsplash

The largest stadium in ancient Rome, Circus Maximus was a large oval-shaped race course. It could accommodate around 30,000 people. Let’s take a relaxed walk, enjoy the serenity of the place and rest a while.

Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com
Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com
Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com

6. Trajan’s Market & Forum

Trajan's Market, Pic © Marco Cappelletti, Courtesy -Freedownloadcad

Built by Emperor Trajan it was the first covered shopping center in history. It was a semi-circular market with 150 offices and shops. Come let’s go around.

Trajan;s Market, Rome, Pic © Marco Cappelletti, Courtesy -Freedownloadcad

7. Largo di Torre Argentina

Largo di Torre Argentina, Rome, Pic- Gabriella Clare ,Unsplash

The spot where Julius Caesar was assassinated, Largo Argentina is a square in the heart of the city. The ruins of the 4 oldest temples in Rome stand here.

8. Piazza Navona & Fountain of Neptune

Fountain of Neptune, Piazza Navona, Rome, Pic-Pixabay
Piazza Navona, Rome, Pic-Gabriella Clare Marino, Unsplash

Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful squares in Rome. It is located neat the Pantheon and is a nice place to sit and rest a while with a drink of your choice.

9. Piazza de Spagna & Spanish Steps

Spanish Steps, Rome, Pic-Gabriella Clare Marino, Unsplash

Built in the Rococo style in 1726, the Spanish Steps connects Piazza di Spagna and the Church of Trinita dei Monti. The staircase has 135 steps.

10. Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome Landmarks 16, Pic © travelwisesr.com

‘Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore ‘ is one of the most prominent and largest churches of Saint Mary in Rome. It is one of the four papal basilicas in the city.

11. Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo, Rome, Pic-Pixabay

‘Piazza del Popolo’ is one of the major squares in Rome. It is located close to Villa Borghese and is also known as the People’s Square.

12. Castel Sant’ Angelo

Castel Sant’Angelo, Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com

‘Castel Sant’ Angelo’ is a huge mausoleum built by Emperor Hadrian. The beautiful bridge is decorated with 10 angels which were made by Bernini.

13. Corte di Cassazione

Corte di Cassazione, Rome Landmarks 3, Pic © travelwisesr.com

Built between 1888 and 1910, the Palace of Justice is considered as one of the grandest buildings in Rome after it became the Capital of the Kingdom of Italy.

14. S Maria Angelie Basilica

S Maria Degli Angelie dei Martiti Basilica, Rome Landmarks 10, Pic © travelwisesr.com
S Maria Degli Angelie dei Martiti Basilica 1, Rome Landmarks 9, Pic © travelwisesr.com

The Basilica of St, Mary is a titular church which was built inside the ruined Roman Baths.

15. Victor Emmanuel II Monument

Victor Emmanuel II Monument, Rome Landmarks 7, Pic © travelwisesr.com
Victor Emmanuel II Monument, Rome Landmarks 7, Pic © travelwisesr.com

This huge marble building is dedicated to the first king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II. A nice place to relax.

16. St. Peter’s Basilica

St.Peter's Basilica, Rome Landmarks 45, Pic © travelwisesr.com
St.Peter's Basilica, Rome Landmarks 45, Pic © travelwisesr.com

Located on St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican is every traveler’s dream landmark while in Rome. The feel of the place is extremely relaxing despite the crowds.

17. Pontificial Gregorian University

Pontificial Gregorian University, Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com

Founded in 1551 by Ignatius of Loyola it started as Roman College and progressed to become Gregorian University. The area is close to where we head next.

18. Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com

Trevi Fountain is a 18th century fountain and the largest Baroque fountain in Rome. The fountain has appeared in several films including Roman Holiday (1953). The best way perhaps to end your Rome tour is to be at Trevi Fountain with your loved one before you retire to your hotel for the night. And spend some memorable moments of togetherness.

Trevi Fountain Rome Landmarks, Pic © travelwisesr.com

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20 thoughts on “18 Rome Landmarks You Must Not Miss

  1. I think 3 days is a perfect amount of time to see all the attractions of Rome and I can see by your photos that you made it to all the popular landmarks. It is such a wonderful city to walk around and down every turning there is something magical to discover.

    1. I have never been to Rome. But this post makes me travel virtually. I loved the way you have highlighted the landmarks. Going to bookmark it for the future. Thank you for the tips.

  2. I imagine it would be very easy to fill 3 days in Rome with so much to see. I agree that the hop on hop off pass is a great way to get around a city to see al the major sites in a short period of time.

  3. Natascha

    Great list of things to see in Rome! Good to know that three days would be sufficient to visit them all without having to rush. I spent a week in Rome many, many years ago, so I remember some of the places you described. However your post made me consider a return trip.

  4. Wow! I love their 24 hour public transport ticket and the 48 hour hop-on-hop off bus ticket. That’s super convenient for travelers on a budget especially there are so much to see and do. I have always wanted to visit the Pantheon. and the Fountain of Neptune.

      1. Puloma Bhattacharya

        Rome is an ancient historic city with beautiful landmarks of the erstwhile Roman civilization. From St. Peter’s basilica, Colosseum, Trevi fountain, Pantheon to Circus maximus and the bustling Piazzas, the city preserves an impeccable history of Roman architecture above and beyond for generations to explore.Thank you so much for sharing!

  5. I agree Rome has a lot of landmarks to visit. I especially liked seeing the fountains. Although the city has a lot, it’s relatively in close proximity to each other. Great round up of all the sites.

  6. Agnes

    Rome is a fabulous city, and it is worth spending a few days there to see the main monuments. A great list of 18 significant landmarks. It’s also fantastic that you suggest using public transport. It is definitely a cheap and convenient solution because there are traffic jams in the city and there are no parking spaces. I also like the idea of buying a ticket for a hop-on hop-off bus.

  7. joanna

    I have just returned from Rome and I have seen all these monuments. I walked all over Rome, which was great, as there is always something to see, at each corner. If you don’t have much time though, using the public transport is great as well, to cut off the travel times, especially when you move between the Colosseum and the Vatican.

  8. Back then, Rome was quite high on my trip wish list. I’m glad I read this because it provided me with further destination information. My top three attractions are the Colosseum, Piazza Navona, and St. Peter’s Basilica. It’s simply incredible that Rome has so many preserved and historical sites and architectures that make it so worthwhile to visit.

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