5 ideas for guided tours in Rome

• The Colosseum

  It is believed to be the largest structure of ancient Roman times.
  This monument is a must-see, especially if you are fascinated by the era of gladiators!

  The Colosseum, an ancient arena built in 80 AD, was originally called the “Flavian Amphitheater.” Hosting wild animal fights, gladiator battles, and public spectacles, it could accommodate between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators—equivalent to the Stade de France today—providing entertainment for the people of Italy.

  Located east of the Roman Forum, this site was not chosen at random. At the time of its construction, Emperor Nero (who ruled from 54 to 68 AD) had built his villa there, making the area accessible only to the wealthy elite.

  To break away from this exclusive past, Emperor Vespasian decided to build a grand amphitheater open to the public for entertainment.

  The Colosseum hosted a variety of spectacular events. In addition to gladiator battles, it was used for naval battle reenactments called “naumachiae,” during which the arena was flooded. Exotic animal hunts also took place, featuring lions, elephants, and crocodiles from across the empire, brought in to fight against warriors.

  The Colosseum’s architecture is just as impressive. Standing nearly 50 meters high, it consists of four levels: three arcade levels and a top level with columns crowned by an attic. A complex system of vaults and staircases allowed for efficient crowd circulation, ensuring smooth entry and exit for thousands of spectators.

  Despite damage from earthquakes and material looting, the Colosseum remains a symbol of the grandeur of ancient Rome.

  To fully enjoy your visit, consider the different options available. Due to its immense popularity, long queues can be a challenge. Purchasing a pass or booking your ticket online can save you hours of waiting. Guided tours with a tourist guide in Rome are also available to help you dive into the fascinating history of this millennia-old structure. You can also visit the information center for additional insights to enhance your experience.

• The Vatican Museum

  The Holy See of Christianity and the world’s smallest state, Vatican City is to Rome what the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. While it is impossible to visit the Vatican State in its entirety, the museum’s treasures are open to the public. Comprising five galleries and nearly 1,400 rooms, it showcases over 1,200 years of church history through its artifacts.

  The Vatican Museum is one of the must-see monuments during your visit. Spanning 7 km of corridors filled with masterpieces, it is the fourth-largest museum in the world.

  Beyond its immense size, what makes the museum truly remarkable is its unmatched collection. It houses works from antiquity to the Renaissance, including exceptional religious artifacts, tapestries, ancient maps, and sculptures.

  Among the highlights is the Gallery of Maps, featuring hand-painted geographic maps from the 16th century, offering a fascinating insight into the world’s cartographic knowledge at the time. Don’t miss the Raphael Rooms, four rooms adorned with frescoes by the famous Renaissance artist Raphael. The most renowned among them is the “School of Athens”, a masterpiece depicting the greatest philosophers and thinkers of antiquity.

  The museum also boasts an Egyptian art collection, with mummies and sarcophagi, as well as an extensive sculpture gallery featuring masterpieces like the Laocoön and the Belvedere Torso.

  Whether you’re passionate about art, history, or religion, a visit to the Vatican Museum will take you on a journey through centuries of civilization, showcasing works that highlight the grandeur and influence of the Catholic Church throughout history. Be sure to allocate enough time to explore this extraordinary place.

• The Sistine Chapel

  Another testament to the omnipresence of Christianity in the Holy City is The Sistine Chapel. Famous for its frescoes painted by Michelangelo in the 16th century, it is one of the main halls of the Papal Palace. Since the 15th century, this chapel has been the site where cardinals gather to elect a new pope, making it an essential stop on your trip.

  The Sistine Chapel is a masterpiece due to its extraordinary frescoes painted by some of the greatest artists of the time, including Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Perugino. However, the ultimate highlight is Michelangelo’s painted ceiling, which illustrates scenes from Genesis, including the iconic “Creation of Adam.”

  This monumental ceiling, covering over 500 square meters, took the artist four years to complete and is considered one of the most important artworks in human history.

  Another remarkable feature of the chapel is Michelangelo’s breathtaking fresco of the “Last Judgment,” which covers the entire wall behind the altar and depicts the dramatic end of times with incredible intensity.

  Beyond being an artistic treasure, the Sistine Chapel is also of immense religious significance. It is here that the conclave—the secret meeting of cardinals to elect a new pope—takes place.

  If you wish to visit only the Sistine Chapel, be aware that this is not possible. The chapel is an integral part of the Vatican Museum, meaning you must purchase a ticket for the museum itself. However, fast-track tickets are available to help you skip the long queues.

• St. Peter’s Basilica

  Known in Latin as “Sancti Petri,” this is simply the largest basilica in the world.

  The construction of this religious monument spanned 120 years, making it a major pilgrimage site for Catholics worldwide. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, St. Peter’s Basilica is an essential visit during your stay.

  The project, initiated by Pope Julius II in 1506, involved some of the greatest architects of the time, including Bramante, Michelangelo, and Bernini. Perhaps its most impressive feature is the enormous dome, designed by Michelangelo, which rises to a height of 136 meters.

  Visitors can climb the 551 steps to the top of the dome for a breathtaking panoramic view of St. Peter’s Square. Inside, you’ll find numerous masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s famous “Pietà,” located in the chapel to the right of the entrance.

  Every Sunday, during the Papal Angelus, thousands of Catholics gather in the square to listen to the pope’s address. If you happen to visit on a Sunday morning, you can witness this unique moment, where believers fill the square in a solemn atmosphere.

  While exploring the basilica, don’t miss the Vatican Grottoes beneath it, where several popes and historical figures, including Saint Peter, the apostle of Jesus and the first bishop of the Holy City, are buried. You can also visit the Vatican Gardens, a serene oasis of greenery.

  A visit to Rome is incomplete without exploring St. Peter’s Basilica, which is not just a place of worship but also an architectural and artistic marvel, reflecting the rich religious and cultural history of this extraordinary city.

• Trevi Fountain

  This is undoubtedly one of the most iconic monuments in Rome. Standing nearly 26 meters high and 20 meters wide, this spectacular Baroque masterpiece is one of the most breathtaking sights you will ever see.

  Its name derives from the fact that it marks the junction of three streets, as “tre vie” means “three ways.” The construction of the fountain was commissioned by Pope Clement XII in the 18th century and was completed by architect Nicola Salvi.

  The grandiose design is dominated by a statue of Neptune, the god of the sea, surrounded by mythological figures, all set in a magnificent sculptural display.

  Legend has it that if you toss a coin into the fountain, you are guaranteed to return to this magical place one day. This tradition attracts millions of visitors each year, eager to try their luck. The fountain’s water is supplied by the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, one of the oldest in the region, providing fresh water to the city for over 2,000 years.

  To fully enjoy the fountain without the crowds, it is best to visit early in the morning or late at night. The nighttime illumination adds an extra layer of magic to this already spectacular site. A stroll around the fountain is a must for all lovers of art and history.