You will find no shortage of sights to see and things to do in Rome. Anybody visiting the city will be greeted by a range of attractions that will cater to every taste and interest.
The most obvious attractions when visiting Rome are the ancient monuments. The Coliseum, the Pantheon, the Forum Romanum - all are rich in history and are essential destinations for anyone who hopes to catch a real glimpse of ancient Rome.
The emperors of Rome are honoured by numerous landmarks such as the Mausoleum of Augustus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Arch of Constantine. Monuments such as these stand as a kind of living timeline of Rome's history.
Rome is a city in which many cultures have left their mark. Constantine, Rome's first Christian emperor, personally ordered the construction of St. Peter's Basilica, which today stands as the world's largest church. The Pyramid of Caius Cestius, meanwhile, dates from Rome's conquest of Egypt and shows the resulting fashion for Egyptian-inspired imagery.
The more recent history of the city should not be neglected. At the Piazza della Repubblica can be found the Fontana delle Naiadi; dating from the late nineteenth century this magnificent fountain depicts a scene derived from classical mythology. In the centre is the god Glaucus; around him are four nymphs riding various creatures.
Any art lovers who are visiting Rome should pay a visit to the Vatican Museums. This complex houses some of the most famous works of art in the world, such as works by Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Caravaggio and Michelangelo, including the Sistine Chapel. The museums have an international collection and as well as Greek and Italian works the complex is home to art from other cultures such as the ancient Egyptians and the Aborigines of Australia.
Those with an interest in modern art will be well served by the Museo D'Arte Contemporanea Roma, or MACRO. This museum showcases the work of post-war Italy's premier artists, with a cinema for film art and temporary exhibitions that put new talent on display. The building itself is a work of art: originally a beer factory it has been given a makeover by Odile Decq, a French architect.
Visitors who wish to do some shopping should visit the Via dei Condotti, a high-profile shopping strip that runs from Via del Corso to Piazza di Spagna. Amongst its attractions is the Antico Caffè Greco, a historic restaurant that has been favoured by numerous historical personages.
If you are looking for things to do in Rome, the sights and scenes to be found in this ancient city are almost endless, making Rome an ideal place to sample both the distant past and the best of contemporary culture.
Thomas Edwards has been an international traveller since the early ‘80s and has widely covered Europe, the USA and as far afield as Thailand, Hong Kong and China. He has written as both a business, individual and family traveller and a language or two has given him the opportunity to engage with people to a greater degree.
