Five ideas for guided tours in Rome

• The Colosseum

  It is estimated that it is the largest construction of the Roman antiquity. This monument is a must-see in Rome, especially if you are a fan of the gladiatorial era!
  The Colosseum, an ancient arena built in 80 AD, was originally called the “Flavian Amphitheatre”. Between wild animal fights, gladiators and other public shows, it is estimated that the monument could accommodate between 50 and 80,000 people (the equivalent of the Stade de France in Paris) and that it was used for the entertainment of the Roman people who regularly went there.
  Located east of the Roman forum, it is not by chance that this location was chosen. At the time of its construction, Nero, emperor from 54 to 68 had his villa built on this site, making the area exclusively accessible to the wealthy, the richest people of the city.
  To fully enjoy the Colosseum, be aware that, given the notoriety of the ancient arena, crowds are a real problem. Consider buying a pass or taking your ticket online to avoid waiting in line for hours.
  The Colosseum is an ideal starting point for visiting Rome.

• The Vatican Museum

  The Holy See of Christianity and the smallest state in the world, the Vatican is to Rome what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. It is impossible to visit the City State. However, the treasures of the museum are open to the public. Composed of 5 galleries and nearly 1,400 rooms, it is more than 1,200 years of history of the church that is traced through the objects in this monument.
  During your visit to Rome, the Vatican museum is one of the monuments that you must discover. With its 7 km of corridors and masterpieces, it is the fourth largest museum in the world.

• The Sistine Chapel

  Another witness of the omnipresence of Christianity in the holy city: The Sistine Chapel. Notably known for its fresco painted by Michelangelo in the 16th century, it is one of the main rooms of the Papal Palace. This chapel is, since the 15th century, the place where the cardinals meet to elect the new pope. It is a must-see during your stay in Rome.
  If you want to visit only the Sistine Chapel, be warned, it will not be possible. This monument is an integral part of the Vatican museum and you will have to take a ticket for the latter. However, it is possible to choose a ticket for the Sistine Chapel to avoid the crowds and not have to wait in line.
  If the Sistine Chapel is worth a visit, it is partly for its frescoes painted by the great artists of its time: Botticelli, Michelangelo and Perugino.

• St. Peter’s Basilica

  From its Latin name “Sancti Petri”, it is simply the largest basilica in the world. The construction of this religious building lasted 120 years and made it an important place of pilgrimage for Catholics from around the world. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, St. Peter’s Basilica is a must-see on your trip to Rome. Every Sunday, during the Papal Angelus, when the Pope addresses the crowd in St. Peter’s Square, thousands of Catholics gather to attend Mass.
  During your trip to Rome, you can go to the square to participate or watch this unique moment before visiting the basilica.

• The Trevi Fountain

  It is certainly one of the most symbolic monuments of Rome. The Trevi Fountain, nearly 26 meters high and 20 meters wide, is a spectacular fountain (and probably one of the most impressive you will ever see). It owes its etymology to the fact that it is the meeting point of 3 streets, “tre vie” meaning “three ways”.
  For the time being, you don’t need to buy a ticket to discover this unique monument in the world. However, like most historic sites in the Eternal City, crowds are high and the presence of crowds can impact your experience.