Not every city on the planet can boast as rich and rich history as Rome. He delights and amazes anyone who comes here. Sightseeing in the city is enough for 20 vacations. And many tourists come for a short time. During this time, it is impossible to see everything. Therefore, what to visit in Rome in 3 days, you need to think in advance, and leave the rest of the attractions for the next visits.
The eternal City
The city, in which all roads lead, was built by Emperor Romulus in 753 BC. It was a tiny peasant settlement, which was destined to turn into a powerful power. The ancient Romans were much more interested in war than in art. Simplicity and modesty were most valued. And the heroes of the stories were harsh and disciplined wars.
It is not known whether Rome would become a cultural center, if not for neighboring Greece. After the conquest of this country, the level of education has changed significantly. From Greece, noble patricians wrote themselves highly educated slaves. A flood of philosophers, architects, poets, actors, sculptors and educators poured into Rome.
Noble citizens did not spare money for training. They studied grammar, exact sciences, philosophy, theatrical art. And among themselves, educated citizens spoke Greek.
In Rome, new temples and palaces begin to be built. They are decorated with Greek statues. The Romans absorb the culture of the conquered peoples. At the same time, they retain their own unique spirit. Without exaggeration, we can say that the Roman Empire gave mankind an outstanding culture and made a huge contribution to the development of civilization.
For a long time there is no longer the people who inhabited this power. Despite her power, she was destroyed. One can only try to recreate the lifestyle of the ancient Romans from the preserved monuments of antiquity. Places worth visiting in Rome are everywhere you go.
Public transport
The fastest way to get to Rome is by plane. It is better to book a taxi from the airport in advance. It will be much cheaper than looking for a car directly upon arrival.
It is recommended to rent a car only if you plan country trips. Otherwise, the money will be thrown to the wind. In time to visit most of the sights in Rome, you can also use public transport. But the city is unusually beautiful, so it is best to study it during hiking.
Metro has three branches. It starts working at 5:30, the last train leaves at 23:30, and on weekends the underground services can be used until 1:30.
There are about three hundred bus routes in Rome. They begin to work at the same time as the subway. Only 20 lines function at night. Intervals between buses are 30 minutes.
Tickets can be purchased at special vending machines, tobacco or newsagents, at large stations, and at night routes - from the driver. Tickets are valid on the metro, commuter trains, buses and trams. Depending on the price, travel cards are divided into several types:
- Disposable. It makes it possible to use any means of transport an unlimited number of times within 100 minutes. The price is 1,5 €.
- Daily. It has no limits within the validity period. Price - 7 €.
- Single tourist. Suitable for guests who stayed for a few days and have not yet decided which places to visit in Rome. With this ticket you can ride around the city an unlimited number of times on any public transport for three days. Its price is 18 €.
- One for a week. A tourist has the right to use public transport for seven days (for only 24 €).
Coliseum
What to visit in Rome for the person who is here for the first time? Of course, the Colosseum. The huge amphitheater is one of the most significant buildings of the empire. Its wall consists of three tiers. Once, each of them was decorated with columns made in different styles.
On the first tier was the emperor’s bed and the place of the patricians. Magnificent statues made by the best craftsmen were installed. In addition, the sculptures were located around the perimeter of the building, and its outer walls were decorated with marble slabs.
The modern Coliseum has lost its splendor, but retained greatness. You can watch it for 12 €. This price also includes a tour of the forums and the Palatine Hill. Since this is one of the most popular tourist destinations, you will have to stand in a huge line of people who want to visit the Colosseum in Rome.
The most beautiful squares of Rome
City squares are those places in Rome that you should definitely visit. Moreover, it is completely free. Roman squares form an unforgettable and unique atmosphere that cannot be forgotten.
Visit recommended:
- Square of Spain. Here is a small fountain "Boat" and the magnificent Basilica of the Holy Trinity. As well as the famous monumental staircase.
- Piazza del Popolo. In the old days, performances were held here for the people, fairs, games and public executions.
- Piazza Venezia. Benito Mussolini spoke from the balcony of one of the palaces.
- Piazza Navona This elegant square stands on the ruins of an ancient stadium. There is also the Four Rivers fountain.
- Campo de Fiori. Now it is the center of nightlife. People have fun in bars and restaurants until morning. And once this square was the main place of public executions. Giordano Bruno was burned here.
- Column Square is famous for its beautiful palaces, as well as the column of Marcus Aurelius.
- Piazza Barberini. Tourists are most interested in the Triton Fountain. You can visit the national gallery of ancient art, which is located in the palace of Barberini.
Pantheon
Among the many ancient temples that you must visit in Rome without fail - the Pantheon. The structure is more than 2 thousand years old. Originally it was a temple dedicated to all the Roman gods. He later became a Christian church.
The main mystery of the temple is its arch - it is the largest, not reinforced concrete dome in the world. How he survived two millennia is incomprehensible. Modern builders claim that the life of concrete does not exceed 600 years.
The temple is illuminated with a hole in the dome, 9 meters in diameter. Through it, not only sunlight but also rainwater enters. It flows into special openings in the floor. You can visit the Pantheon for free.
Vatican
Many tourists think about which museums to visit in Rome before a trip. To do this, go to the Vatican. Having bought a ticket for 16 euros, you can visit the following museums of the complex:
- Gregorian Etruscan;
- Chiaramonti Museum;
- Niccolin Chapel;
- Gregorian Egyptian;
- Raphael's stanza;
- Vatican Library
- Museum of Secular Art;
- Borgia apartments;
- gallery of tapestries;
- Pio Clementino Museum;
- Vatican Pinakothek;
- collection of church art.
Museums can be reached without waiting in line. To do this, you need to book tickets on the Vatican Museums website two months before the planned trip. Be sure to indicate everyone who will also be on the tour. Pay by credit card 20 € per person. After that, a voucher with a code will come to your phone or email.
On the day of visit, one hour before the start of the tour, present documents and a ticket at the entrance. After checking, you can go out of turn.
Fountains of Rome
First-time guests do not always know what to visit. Rome is a city of fountains that are real works of art. And you can watch them for free. Therefore, if the budget is limited, it is recommended to go for a walk through the chic squares with stops at the fountains.
In addition to the famous de Trevi, a visit is worth:
- "Ship";
- Pantheon fountain;
- "Triton";
- "Aqua Paolo";
- fountain "Naiad";
- "Neptune";
- "Moor";
- Four Rivers Fountain.
The water in the fountains is clean and potable. Enterprising Italians often fill it in bottles and sell it to thirsty tourists.
Villa Borghese
In the north of Rome is the Borghese park complex. It was founded by order of Shipion Borghese. At one time, his mistress was the granddaughter of the Russian count Alexander Benkendorf. And in 1903, the state bought this place and presented it to the city.
You can have a picnic in the park, and the children will be delighted with the rides. There is a small zoo with exotic animals and birds, such as elephants and flamingos. If the trip is planned in the winter, you can go ice skating. A rink is being poured in the park at this time.
What can art lovers visit in Rome? Of course, the Borghese Gallery. They can enjoy the magnificent paintings that are exhibited in the building in the villa. There you can see the work:
- Caravaggio
- Raphael
- Rubens;
- Titian;
- Lorenzo Lotto;
- Francesco Albany;
- Giulio Romano;
- Fra Bartolomeo.
Ticket price is 15 €. For children and senior citizens, the price is much lower, only 2 €. You can order an individual tour for 150 €.
Underground rome
Dungeon lovers will also find what to visit in Rome. These are caves under a pitchfork, catacombs, mitreriums and aqueducts. These are creepy and mystical places. The most popular are the catacombs of St. Callistus. They are already about 2 thousand years old. Galleries and tunnels form an intricate maze 19 kilometers long. It is located on four levels (the deepest - 20 meters).
The catacombs of St. Sebastian are more modest in size. Here was the most accessible underground cemetery. The walls of the catacombs are decorated with frescoes and mosaics.
In underground Rome you can see not only the ancient buildings. Well preserved bunker built for Benito Mussolini. It is located under the villa of Torlonia and is open to the public.
The most delicious pizza
Being in Italy and not tasting real pizza is a crime. Nowhere is this dish prepared like in its homeland. Therefore, a pizzeria must be visited in Rome.
Most institutions that are located in the city center offer a low-quality product. These pizzerias are designed for hungry tourists, not gourmets. The dish is eaten on the go, and the poor quality of the ingredients goes unnoticed.
There are no more than two dozen good pizzerias in Rome. It’s hard to find a free table there, you need to book in advance. But even if there is no place, fragrant pizza can be taken away.
You can try the most delicious pizza in such establishments:
- Sforno. The owner claims that the dough is made with leaven, which is 200 years old. The institution is officially the best pizzeria in Rome. You can find it at Via Statilio Ottato 110/116.
- La Protolina. Located near the Vatican, at Via degli Scipioni 248/250. The institution will offer 37 types of pizza from the dough, it is kept in a special way for 72 hours.
- La Fucina. For cooking, only organic flour and products of the highest quality are used. Homemade cakes and sweets are especially popular. Guests are welcome at Via G. Lunati 25.
- La Gatta Mangiona. The dough is prepared from flour of a certain variety and domestic yeast. This is where you can try the best Neapolitan pizza. Address: Via Federico Ozanam 30/32.
- Moma. In this institution, a table must always be booked in advance. Pizza is baked in a wood oven. The seafood dish is very popular. Find an institution at Via Calpurnio Fiamma 40/44.
Gourmet restaurants
Gourmet fans will also find what to visit in Rome. In order not to remain hungry, they can go to restaurants that have Michelin stars. There are 15 such establishments in the city.
Three stars has only one restaurant - La Pergola. This is a real attraction of the city. You need to book a table in three weeks, and grab diamonds and a jacket from home.
The restaurant is located near the center, at the address: Via Alberto Cadlolo 10. The restaurant offers magnificent views of the city. The menu is translated into Russian. The average cost of dinner is 200 €.
Best italian dessert
Gelato is a dessert that consists of frozen cream, milk and sugar. It differs from ordinary ice cream in a low content of air and milk fat. The texture is dense and creamy. It melts quite slowly.
Gelato is not manufactured industrially. They are working on its creation manually, in gelatories. It is served immediately after cooking. Each master has his own special recipe.
The most ancient jelateria of Rome is Fassi. The institution was officially opened in 1880. This happened after King Vittorio Emanuel tasted a gelatto from a cart of a street vendor named Fassi. The crowned lady really liked the dessert. He helped the merchant open an ice cream parlor. It is currently located at the Palazzo Fredro.
Italian shopping
Art, architecture and excellent Mediterranean cuisine are far from all that Italy is famous for. Millions of fashionistas from all over the world come here to buy branded items more profitably.
What to visit shopaholics in Rome? Of course, the most chic shops located on the Spanish Square. Here you can find:
- Valentino;
- Armani;
- Gucci;
- YSL;
- Chanel;
- Christian Dior;
- Hermes
The main street of boutiques in Rome is Via Condotti. It is recommended to go here even if there are no purchases in the plans. After examining the windows, you can learn about new fashion trends. Here are the boutiques:
- Louis Vuitton;
- Dolce & Gabbana;
- Omega;
- Damiani;
- Max Mara;
- Bvlgari;
- La Perla;
- Ermenegiglio Zegna;
- Loro Piana;
- Celine.
In these stores, sales are infrequent. And if they happen, regular customers get there first. Therefore, for sales it is better to go to outlets or shopping centers.
The most popular shopping centers are:
- Coin;
- Galleria Alberto Sordi.
The first is in Piazza Le Appio. The second can be found on the Piazza Piombino. On sale in stores will inform the sticker "Sconti" or "Saldi".