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view of skyline of Rome city at day
view of skyline of Rome city at day

Rome

Published: 20 October 2023, 10:00

The Eternal City

The history of Rome spans more than 2,500 years. The Colosseum, Forum Romanum and the Pantheon are just some of the ancient landmarks the city has to offer. The Vatican City, an independent city-state within Rome, is home to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Rome is also an important place of art and culture: masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini and many other great artists can be seen in numerous squares, churches and museums. But the Italian capital is not just a living museum – here, remains from the past go hand in hand with the bustling, lively atmosphere of a modern world metropolis.

A few days are not enough to see the abundance of sights. One thing’s for sure: once you’ve been to Rome, you’ll keep coming back. With that in mind, don’t forget to throw a coin over your left shoulder at the Trevi Fountain!

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: none
  • Population: 2.7 million
  • Official language: Italian
  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

Ten Roman highlights

Colosseum
The Colosseum was built in the 1st century AD and is one of Rome’s most famous landmarks and a symbol of the Roman Empire. © afitz/stock.adobe.com
Forum Romanum
A fascinating window into the past: Forum Romanum was the political, economic and religious centre of ancient Rome and is now an impressive archaeological site. © Iris/stock.adobe.com
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s is the largest basilica and one of the most impressive religious buildings worldwide. As the residence of the Pope, it’s also an important pilgrimage site. © refresh(PIX)/stock.adobe.com
Spanish Steps
The picturesque Spanish Steps lead to the Trinità dei Monti church and are a popular meeting and viewpoint. © steschum/stock.adobe.com
Trevi Fountain
Those who want to return to Rome again should throw a coin over their left shoulder at the magnificent Trevi Fountain. © norbel/stock.adobe.com
Pantheon
The Pantheon was built in 126 BC and is an architectural masterpiece. Its dome, with a diameter of 43 metres, is considered the largest self-supporting dome in the world. © milosk50/stock.adobe.com
Galleria Borghese
The Villa Borghese Park is the location of Galleria Borghese, which houses an impressive art collection, including masterpieces by Caravaggio, Bernini and Raphael. © Angelo Calvino/stock.adobe.com
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful and popular squares in Rome; in the middle of the Piazza is the Fountain of the Four Rivers by the sculptor Bernini. © f11photo/stock.adobe.com
Piazza del Campidoglio
The Capitolium is home to the Capitoline Museum and the Senatorial Palace; there’s a beautiful view over Rome’s Old Town from the Piazza del Campidoglio. © ValerioMei/stock.adobe.com
Castel Sant’Angelo
Originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant’Angelo was subsequently used as a fortress, prison and refuge for popes, among other things. © André Franke/stock.adobe.com

Worthwhile alternatives to main attractions

Rome is packed full of monumental sights, and, of course, there’s no way around a visit to the classics such as the Colosseum or the Pantheon. The city offers more than enough to discover, even for a longer stay or a second or third visit. Here we present some of the lesser-known attractions that are well worth visiting.

Five lesser-known Roman sights that are worth visiting

Via Appia Antica
Via Appia Antica is one of the oldest streets in the world, lined with ancient ruins and historic sites. Ideal for a quiet walk or a bike ride. © Karl Allen Lugmayer/stock.adobe.com
Quaritere Coppedè
Quartiere Coppedè is famous for its extravagant architecture. It was shaped by the architect Gino Coppedè at the beginning of the 20th century. © Bruno/stock.adobe.com
View from Gianicolo Hill
A particularly beautiful view over Rome’s Old Town can be found from Gianicolo Hill above the Trastevere district. A visit at sunset is highly recommended. © wsf-f/stock.adobe.com
Giardino degli Aranci
Giardino degli Aranci is a hidden gem not far from the Colosseum. The park with cypress and orange trees offers an oasis of calm in the midst of the city. © Vladimir Sazonov/stock.adobe.com
Trastevere
The picturesque student district of Trastevere comes alive in the evening: locals and tourists mingle here in the abundance of lively bars and restaurants. © Ekaterina Belova/stock.adobe.com

Rome from BER

Aircraft shortly before touching down on the runway.

easyJet

Ryanair

Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)

Five travel tips for ...

1. “La Dolce Vita” with the famous bath in the Trevi Fountain

2. “Roman Holiday” with the enchanting Audrey Hepburn

3. “Eat, Pray, Love” makes you want to make culinary discoveries

4. “The Great Beauty” is a declaration of love for the city

5. The highly suspenseful thriller “Angels & Demons”, set in Rome and the Vatican

1. Carry an empty bottle: water bottles can be filled free of charge at numerous drinking fountains

2. Observe closing times: many shops are closed between 1-4 pm; restaurants between 2-7 pm.

3. Dress appropriately: shoulders and knees must be covered when visiting churches

4. Pre-book tickets: book a time slot in advance for main attractions such as the Colosseum or the Sistine Chapel

5. Carry cash: it’s not possible to pay by card in many places

1. Try the Roman classic cacio e pepe – pasta with pecorino and pepper

2. Enjoying delicious fried artichokes at a restaurant in the Jewish Ghetto

3. Eat fresh fish in one of the many fish restaurants in the Testaccio district

4. Taste the delicious home-made gelato at the historic Giolitti ice cream parlour

5. Try the best bruschetta with juicy and sun-ripened tomatoes in Trastevere

Picture source title: © neirfy / stock.adobe.com

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