Imagine a city where ancient columns stand alongside Baroque façades, where underfoot are stones that remember the sandals of Caesars, and the air still echoes with the sound of gladiator battles. Rome is not just the capital of Italy. It is the only city in the world that contains within itself an entire state — the Vatican, the center of the Catholic world. It is an encyclopedia of human history.
Here it is impossible to tire of beauty, because it is everywhere: from the monumental ruins of the Roman Forum to cozy squares with fountains, from majestic cathedrals to the tiny streets of Trastevere. Rome is not called the Eternal City for nothing — it has outlasted empires, barbarians, the Renaissance, and has thrice become the capital of the world.
Brief History of Rome
The history of Rome spans more than 2,800 years. The traditional date of the city`s founding is considered to be April 21, 753 BC, when, according to legend, Romulus killed his brother Remus and became the first king of the new settlement on the Palatine Hill. During the regal period (753-509 BC), Rome was ruled by seven kings, the last of whom were Etruscans, who passed on many construction and engineering skills to the city.
In 509 BC, the Roman Republic was established, lasting until 27 BC. This was a time of rapid conquest of Italy and the transformation of Rome into the capital of a vast power. From 27 BC began the imperial period, when Rome became the capital of the Roman Empire, reaching its peak of power in the 2nd century AD. The city`s population then exceeded 1 million people.
In 395 AD, the empire split, and Rome became the capital of the Western Roman Empire, which fell in 476 AD. The Dark Ages began: the city was captured by Ostrogoths, Lombards, and Franks. However, from 756 AD, Rome became the center of the Papal States, and the power of the popes gradually restored the city`s significance.
During the Renaissance, the popes turned Rome into one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, attracting the greatest artists and architects: Michelangelo, Raphael, Bramante, Bernini. In 1870, Rome became the capital of the united Kingdom of Italy, and since 1946, the capital of the Italian Republic. Today it is a global city with a population of about 2.8 million people.
Architecture of Rome
The architecture of Rome is a unique layer cake of 28 centuries of construction, where each new ruler added their floor without destroying the legacy of their predecessors.
Regal Period (8th-6th centuries BC)
The first settlements on the Palatine Hill were round huts with conical roofs — the so-called "huts of Romulus." Etruscan influence brought the first monumental buildings: the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus (consecrated in 509 BC) with its three-part cella and podium, which laid the foundations of Roman religious architecture. At the same time, the famous Cloaca Maxima sewer was built, still draining water from the Roman hills.
Republican Period (5th-1st centuries BC)
The Romans borrowed the arch and vault from the Etruscans, and the order system from the Greeks, creating their own "Roman style." Road construction developed actively: the Appian Way (312 BC), bridges, aqueducts. The city was surrounded by the so-called Servian Wall (4th century BC), fragments of which survive to this day.
The Roman Forum took shape as the center of public life. Basilicas appeared — rectangular buildings for courts and commerce. The Romans invented concrete, which would later allow the creation of gigantic vaulted ceilings.
Imperial Period (1st century BC — 5th century AD)
This was the golden age of Roman architecture. Under Augustus, the transformation of Rome into a city of marble began. The main achievement was mastery of the dome (the Pantheon) and giant vaulted spaces (baths, basilicas). The "ordered arcade" took shape — a system of tiers where arches are framed by columns. From the 2nd century BC, concrete was actively used, allowing enormous spans to be covered.
Grandiose entertainment complexes were built: the Colosseum (75-80 AD), the Theater of Marcellus (17-13 BC), the Baths of Caracalla (217 AD). Triumphal arches (of Titus, of Constantine) were erected to glorify emperors. The Mausoleums of Augustus and Hadrian (now Castel Sant`Angelo) set a new type of funerary structure.
Early Christian Period (4th-6th centuries AD)
With the legalization of Christianity, the first basilicas were built: San Giovanni in Laterano, San Paolo fuori le Mura, Santa Maria Maggiore. They used the form of the Roman basilica but adapted it for worship. The first mausoleums with mosaics appeared, such as the Mausoleum of Constantina.
Middle Ages (6th-14th centuries)
After the fall of the empire, Rome`s population shrank to 20,000-30,000. Ancient buildings turned into ruins or were rebuilt. Many churches arose on the sites of pagan sanctuaries. Fortified towers of noble families were erected. The main monument of this period is the church of Santa Maria sopra Minerva (13th century), a rare example of Gothic in Rome.
Renaissance (15th-16th centuries)
The popes returned to Rome, and a grandiose renewal of the city began. Pope Nicholas V laid the foundations for the new Vatican. In 1475, the church of Santa Maria del Popolo was built. The pinnacle of the early Renaissance was Bramante`s Tempietto in the courtyard of San Pietro in Montorio (1502).
The culmination was the rebuilding of St. Peter`s Basilica. Bramante proposed a Greek cross plan; Michelangelo created the grand dome that still dominates the city. During these same years, noble palaces were built: Palazzo Venezia, Palazzo Farnese (work by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger and Michelangelo). Raphael designed Villa Madama.
Baroque (17th-18th centuries)
Rome became the capital of the Baroque. Gian Lorenzo Bernini created the colonnade in St. Peter`s Square (1656-1667), transforming the space into the "embrace of the church." His sculptures and fountains — the "Four Rivers" in Piazza Navona, the "Triton" in Piazza Barberini — adorn the city. Baroque brought a love of theatricality, the play of light and shadow, and dynamic forms. The city was embellished with dozens of fountains and obelisks.
Modern Era (19th-21st centuries)
After the unification of Italy, Rome became the capital and was actively built up. New districts were created: the Umberto I quarter, Piazza della Repubblica (on the site of the Baths of Diocletian). In 1911, for the unification jubilee, the monument to Victor Emmanuel II was built on Piazza Venezia — a controversial but monumental structure of white marble.
Sights of Rome
The Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheater) is the main symbol of Rome, the largest amphitheater of antiquity. Built in 75-80 AD under Emperors Vespasian and Titus. It is 188 meters long, 156 meters wide, and 50 meters high. It held up to 50,000 spectators, who could leave the building in 5 minutes thanks to a well-designed system of exits. Gladiator fights, animal hunts, and sea battles took place here.
The Roman Forum was the center of public life in ancient Rome. Elections, triumphs, trials, and commerce took place here. The ruins of the Temples of Saturn, Vesta, Castor and Pollux, the Arch of Septimius Severus, and the Basilica of Maxentius survive. The Senate House (Curia Julia) has come down to us almost in its original state.
The Palatine is the hill where, according to legend, Rome was founded. Here stood the imperial palaces: the House of Augustus, the Palace of Tiberius, the Palace of Domitian. From here, the best view of the Forum and the Circus Maximus opens up.
The Pantheon is the only completely preserved ancient building in the world. Built in 27 BC, rebuilt by Emperor Hadrian in 126 AD. Its gigantic concrete dome, 43.3 meters in diameter, remains the world`s largest dome made of unreinforced concrete.
The Baths of Caracalla are grandiose public baths of the 3rd century, accommodating up to 1,600 visitors at once. Massive walls, vaults, and mosaic floors survive. In summer, opera performances are held here.
The Catacombs are underground cemeteries of the early Christians. The most famous are the Catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastiano along the Appian Way. Kilometers of underground galleries with frescoes and tombstones from the 2nd-4th centuries.
The Appian Way is the "queen of roads," built in 312 BC. Ancient paving, noble mausoleums, and the Tomb of Caecilia Metella survive. Part of the road is open for walks.
Squares and Fountains of Rome
Piazza Navona is one of Rome`s most beautiful squares, built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian. In the center is Bernini`s Fountain of the Four Rivers (1651), symbolizing the Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Río de la Plata. Nearby is Borromini`s church of Sant`Agnese in Agone.
Piazza di Spagna with the Spanish Steps (1723-1725), leading to the church of Trinità dei Monti. The steps are a favorite resting place for Romans and tourists. At the foot is the Barcaccia Fountain ("little boat") by Bernini the Elder.
The Trevi Fountain is Rome`s most famous fountain, a masterpiece of the late Baroque (1732-1762). The sculpture of Oceanus on a chariot drawn by tritons and sea horses. The tradition of throwing a coin with the right hand over the left shoulder guarantees a return to Rome. Millions of euros worth of coins are retrieved from the fountain annually and go to charity.
Piazza Venezia with its white monument to Victor Emmanuel II (1911) — the "Altar of the Fatherland" and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. From here begins the Via dei Fori Imperiali, leading to the Colosseum.
Piazza del Campidoglio is the first European square ensemble, designed by Michelangelo in 1536-1546. Unique star-shaped pavement design, the Senator`s Palace, the Capitoline Museums — the oldest public museums in the world.
The Vatican
St. Peter`s Square is Bernini`s grandiose colonnade (1656-1667), embracing the square like "maternal arms." In the center is an Egyptian obelisk from the 1st century BC, brought to Rome by Emperor Caligula.
St. Peter`s Basilica is the largest Christian church in the world (length 211 meters, dome height 136 meters). It was built over 120 years (1506-1626) with the participation of Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, and Bernini. Inside are Michelangelo`s "Pietà," Bernini`s bronze baldachin, and papal tombs. Beneath the altar is the tomb of St. Peter.
The Vatican Museums are a complex of museums including the Pinacoteca, the Pio-Clementine Museum with the Laocoön and Belvedere Torso, the Gallery of Maps, and the Etruscan Museum. The route is 7 kilometers long.
The Sistine Chapel is the greatest monument of the Renaissance. Michelangelo`s ceiling (1508-1512) and fresco of "The Last Judgment" (1535-1541). Conclaves — the elections of new popes — are held here. The walls were painted by Botticelli, Perugino, Ghirlandaio.
Churches and Cathedrals of Rome
Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the four patriarchal basilicas. Founded in the 5th century, it preserves early Christian mosaics from the 5th century, a medieval bell tower, and Renaissance chapels.
San Giovanni in Laterano is Rome`s cathedral, the "mother of all churches." Founded in the 4th century, rebuilt in the 17th century. Inside are statues of the apostles and the Holy Stairs.
San Paolo fuori le Mura is a basilica outside the walls, built over the tomb of the Apostle Paul. Burned in 1823, restored preserving the ancient structure. Portraits of all the popes in medallions along the walls.
Santa Maria del Popolo is a Renaissance church (1472-1477) in Piazza del Popolo. Inside are masterpieces by Caravaggio ("The Conversion of Saul," "The Crucifixion of Peter") and the Chigi Chapel by Raphael.
San Luigi dei Francesi is the French church in Rome, famous for three paintings by Caravaggio in the Contarelli Chapel: "The Calling of St. Matthew," "The Martyrdom of St. Matthew," and "St. Matthew and the Angel."
Palaces and Villas of Rome
Palazzo Farnese is a masterpiece of the High Renaissance (1514-1589). Worked on by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger and Michelangelo. Now the French Embassy. The courtyard can be seen through the open gates.
Palazzo Venezia is Rome`s first Renaissance palace (1455). Served as a residence for popes, Venetian ambassadors, and Mussolini. Now a museum.
Villa Borghese is a huge park complex with the Galleria Borghese, which houses masterpieces by Bernini ("The Rape of Proserpina," "Apollo and Daphne," "David"), Raphael, Caravaggio, and Titian.
Villa Medici is the residence of the French Academy on the Pincian Hill. Built in 1540 for Cardinal de` Medici. The villa`s gardens are open to visitors.
Castel Sant`Angelo is the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian (139 AD), converted into a fortress and papal residence. Connected to the Vatican by a secret corridor. Giordano Bruno and Benvenuto Cellini were imprisoned here. From the upper terrace, the best view of Rome opens up.
Museums and Galleries of Rome
The Capitoline Museums are the oldest public museums in the world (founded in 1471). Main treasures: the Capitoline Wolf, the Capitoline Venus, the Dying Gaul, the Colossus of Constantine.
The Galleria Borghese is the jewel of Rome, housing the collection of Cardinal Scipione Borghese. Sculptures by Bernini, paintings by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio. Visits are strictly by timed 2-hour sessions.
The National Roman Museum is located in several buildings: the Baths of Diocletian, Palazzo Massimo (collection of ancient sculpture and mosaics), Palazzo Altemps (Ludovisi Collection).
The Mausoleum of Augustus is the recently restored mausoleum of the first emperor, the largest circular tomb of antiquity.
Gardens and Panoramas of Rome
The Pincian Hill is a romantic park from the era of Napoleonic Rome. From the terrace, there is a view of Piazza del Popolo and the city`s domes.
The Janiculum Hill is the best panoramic point. From here, all of Rome is visible: from the dome of St. Peter`s to the Alban Hills. Every day at noon, a cannon fires here.
The Gardens of Villa Borghese are a huge landscaped park with lakes, temples, and museums.
The Orange Garden on the Aventine is a small park with a view of the Tiber and St. Peter`s Basilica. Here is also the famous "keyhole" with a view of three states: the Order of Malta, Rome, and the Vatican.
Unusual Corners of Rome
• The Trastevere Quarter is a labyrinth of narrow medieval streets on the left bank of the Tiber. Here the atmosphere of old Rome is preserved, with ivy on the walls, laundry overhead, and cozy trattorias.
• The Coppedè Quarter is a district from the fascist era with architecture in the "littorio" style near the Flaminio Bridge.
• The Pyramid of Cestius is an unexpected pyramid from the 1st century BC, built into the Aurelian Walls. The only surviving pyramid of the two built by the Romans.
• The Keyhole of the Order of Malta — on Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta, through the keyhole, a perfectly framed view of St. Peter`s dome opens up, surrounded by gardens.
• The EUR Quarter is a district built for the 1942 exhibition (which did not take place due to the war). An example of rationalist architecture from the Mussolini era, with the Palace of Italian Civilization (the "Square Colosseum").
• The Antique Market on Ponte Milvio — on Sundays, on the ancient bridge where Maxentius lost the battle to Constantine, antiques are sold.
Practical Tips for Tourists in Rome
• When to go. The best time is spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), when the temperature is comfortable and there are fewer tourists. In summer, the heat can exceed 35 degrees, but that`s when opera festivals are held in the Baths of Caracalla. In winter, there are few tourists and low prices, but rain is possible.
• Book tickets in advance. Queues for the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, and the Galleria Borghese can take hours. Buy tickets online several weeks ahead. On the first Sunday of the month, entry to many museums is free, but the queues are gigantic.
• Roma Pass. A tourist card for 1 or 2 days gives free entry to 1-2 museums, discounts on others, and unlimited public transport for 2-3 days.
• Transport. Metro (3 lines), buses, trams. Tickets are sold at tobacco shops and vending machines. The center is compact, most sights are within walking distance.
• Where to eat. Avoid restaurants right next to tourist spots. Look for trattorias in Trastevere, Testaccio, Monti. Be sure to try pasta carbonara (a Roman invention), cacio e pepe, amatriciana, oxtail (coda alla vaccinara), Roman-style and Jewish-style artichokes. Local wine — white from Castelli Romani.
• Drink. Coffee — only espresso, standing at the counter. Cappuccino — only before noon. Aperitivo in the Trastevere or Campo de` Fiori area is an evening ritual.
• Opening hours. Many churches are closed for siesta from 12 PM to 3 PM, museums — on Mondays. Check the schedule.
Rome is the only place on earth where in one day you can walk from antiquity to modernity, from pagan temples to Christian basilicas, from imperial power to Baroque tenderness. Rome is a history textbook in the open air, written in the language of marble, stone, and eternity. Come to Rome, but be prepared: it will captivate you entirely, make you fall in love with its ruins and fountains, get lost in its alleys, and return again. As someone wise once said: "All roads lead to Rome."
