18 Must-See Historical Sites in Rome

Alright, so you want to explore Rome’s history, huh? Trust me, it’s worth it. Sure, it’s crowded and sometimes chaotic, but the history and charm make up for the hassle. Ready to uncover the magic and madness of Rome? Andiamo!

1. The Colosseum: Gladiators’ Arena

shutterstock 433413835

Image Credit: Shutterstock / prochasson frederic

You can’t miss the Colosseum, where gladiators once fought for glory. This ancient amphitheater is colossal and awe-inspiring—imagine the roaring crowds and epic battles!

2. The Roman Forum: Heart of Ancient Rome

pexels olgalioncat 7245237

Image Credit: Pexels / Olga Lioncat

Stroll through the Roman Forum, the center of Roman public life. You’ll see the ruins of government buildings, temples, and marketplaces that once buzzed with activity.

3. The Pantheon: Temple Turned Church

pexels mikegiugliano 2928046

Image Credit: Pexels / Michael Giugliano

The Pantheon is a marvel with its massive dome and oculus. Originally a temple to the gods, it’s now a stunning church—and the tomb of Raphael!

4. The Vatican Museums: Art and History

shutterstock 564128206

Image Credit: Shutterstock / muratart

Explore the Vatican Museums, home to some of the world’s most famous art. Don’t forget to look up at the Sistine Chapel ceiling—Michelangelo’s masterpiece is breathtaking!

5. St. Peter’s Basilica: Architectural Wonder

shutterstock 1218983827

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Vlas Telino studio

St. Peter’s Basilica is magnificent, with its grandiose architecture and art. Climb to the top of the dome for a panoramic view of Rome—la città eterna in all its glory!

6. The Trevi Fountain: Make a Wish

shutterstock 2140410383

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Igor Link

Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to Rome. This baroque masterpiece is not just beautiful but steeped in legend and tradition.

7. The Spanish Steps: Iconic Staircase

shutterstock 1439825942

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Vlas Telino studio

Climb the Spanish Steps for a lovely view of the city. It’s a popular spot to sit and soak in the Roman atmosphere—plus, it’s great for people-watching!

8. The Capitoline Hill: Rome’s Power Center

pexels aliona pasha 1687920 3892129

Image Credit: Pexels / Aliona & Pasha

Visit the Capitoline Hill, one of Rome’s seven hills and a symbol of its power. The piazza designed by Michelangelo and the stunning museums are a must-see.

9. The Catacombs: Underground Mystery

shutterstock 1731372454

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Heracles Kritikos

Discover the Catacombs, ancient underground burial sites. It’s a fascinating (and slightly eerie) glimpse into early Christian Rome.

10. The Palatine Hill: Birthplace of Rome

pexels lexi 277044540 16091719

Image Credit: Pexels / lexi

Wander around the Palatine Hill, where Rome was founded. It’s full of ancient palaces and offers a great view of the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus.

11. The Baths of Caracalla: Ancient Luxury

shutterstock 1783944845

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Marek Poplawski

Marvel at the Baths of Caracalla, once luxurious public baths. These ruins give you a sense of the grandeur and sophistication of Roman engineering.

12. Piazza Navona: Baroque Beauty

pexels kostovap 3044807

Image Credit: Pexels / Polina Kostova

Relax at Piazza Navona, known for its stunning fountains and lively atmosphere. The Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini is a highlight you can’t miss.

13. Castel Sant’Angelo: Fortress and Mausoleum

pexels maximilian k 159055772 13192431

Image Credit: Pexels / Maximilian K

Explore Castel Sant’Angelo, a fortress with a rich history as a mausoleum, papal residence, and prison. The views from the top are spectacular!

14. The Ara Pacis: Altar of Peace

shutterstock 1716960727

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Kraft74

The Ara Pacis is an altar dedicated to Pax, the Roman goddess of peace. Its intricate carvings and historical significance make it a fascinating visit.

15. The Basilica of San Clemente: Layers of History

shutterstock 2467852543

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Matthew Figg

Visit the Basilica of San Clemente, where you can explore different layers of history. From the current basilica to the ancient church and Roman house beneath, it’s a journey through time.

16. The Appian Way: Ancient Road

pexels jplenio 1136458

Image Credit: Pexels / Johannes Plenio

Walk along the Appian Way, one of the earliest and most important Roman roads. It’s lined with ancient tombs and churches, giving you a real sense of Roman history.

17. The Villa Borghese: Art and Nature

pexels basoshots 11739036

Image Credit: Pexels / Matteo Basile

Stroll through the Villa Borghese gardens and visit the Borghese Gallery. It’s a perfect mix of art, nature, and tranquility in the heart of the city.

18. The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore: Majestic Church

pexels jjskorupski 18969581

Image Credit: Pexels / Jacek Jan Skorupski

Admire the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome’s four major basilicas. Its mosaics and rich history make it a standout among Rome’s many churches.

19. The Market of Trajan: Ancient Shopping Mall

pexels image hunter 281453274 13092367

Image Credit: Pexels / Image Hunter

Check out the Market of Trajan, considered the world’s first shopping mall. These ancient market halls give you a peek into everyday life in ancient Rome.

Arrivederci, Adventure Awaits!

shutterstock 1774042925

Image Credit: Shutterstock / mcroff88

Can you believe how much history Rome has to offer? Each site is a journey through time, and we’re going to have the adventure of a lifetime exploring it all. Ready to book your tickets?

Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs

shutterstock 2346225623 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Carles Iturbe

Traveling solo as a woman? It’s an adventure with its own set of challenges. From street safety to discrimination, some spots are riskier than others. We’ve used the Women’s Danger Index and other resources to craft a guide that helps you choose your destinations wisely. Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs

Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops

shutterstock 144997492 1 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / donvictorio

Discover chilling tales from the America’s spookiest roads complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops

18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

pexels adrian newell 14177239 1

Image Credit: Pexels / Adrian Newell

American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept

shutterstock 2270504427 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nicoleta Ionescu

Canadians often find American customs ranging from amusing to astonishing. From the quirky to the confounding, let’s explore the U.S. through a Canadian lens—maple syrup and poutine in hand. Get ready for a journey that’s both odd and insightful, seen from the Great White North. 20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept

22 of America’s Most Charming Towns

shutterstock 284980904 1

Image Credit: Shutterstock / Nejdet Duzen

Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns

The post 18 Must-See Historical Sites in Rome republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / leoks.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

Tips for Trip Success

Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.

Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.

You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Tripimage 9133145 14418597

PassingThru is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

To view PassingThru’s privacy policy, click here.