Roman Treasures: Two Days of Art, History, and Pasta

A list of some of the top attractions in Rome. These attractions are for a quick two day trip to Rome. The city is so vast, and filled with so much history, that visitors will need more than two days – but if limited with time then these attractions will provide you with a mixture of art, religion, and history of Rome.

When to Visit Rome

The best time to visit Rome is from the period of April, May, June, and September. This, however, is also the prime tourist season for Rome and you will have to expect everyone else at the same time at this popular Italian city.

The months of July and August are the hottest months to visit Italy, the weather will be sunny out, just expect to work up a bit more of sweat while walking around the city during these months.

The winter months are mild enough, there is a higher chance of rain, but overall you will just have to dress a bit more. Given that the largest attraction in Rome is the ruins, then there is not much of a change of scenery.

Ultimately, Rome is a great city to visit year-round, just have expectations of crowds and the weather outside and you will know what to anticipate!

Top Sights to See in Rome

Rome is most well known for the big attractions: The Colosseum and the Forum. These attractions are due to the long history of Rome, and the fact that a lot of the present as we know it today stems from Rome.

The history of Rome is what makes up the most popular attractions in Rome. Here is a list of what to visit during two days in Rome:

The Colosseum

Does the Colosseum need an explanation? The Colosseum is the icon of Rome. Just like Paris with the Eiffel tower. A visit to Rome is not complete without at least a stroll along the outside of the Colosseum.

The Colosseum, also known as Flavian Amphitheatre, is the largest Amphitheatre and located in the center of Rome. The amphitheatre is said to have been capable of holding over 50,000 people and was most well-known for the gladiator contest that would be held within. An important fact is that what is seen of the Colosseum now is just a skeleton of what it once was. The Colosseum was once made of marble, with a façade of marble, and marble seats. However, when the Saint Peter’s Basilica was built the Colosseum was used to supply the marble.

All that is left is the skeletons of the once great, and bright Colosseum. The fact that it still has portions standing throughout this entire time is impressive.

The outside of the Colosseum is accessible at any time of day – I found this out running along the road and along the Colosseum. There is no one out at night time, which makes it a great time to take in the outside without the busy crowds trying to gain access.

Visiting the Colosseum itself can be a bit of a hassle. As the icon, just like the Eiffel tower, it means that there can be long lines to gain access. Therefore, sometimes it is more beneficial to book a tour of the Colosseum from a company that has a fast pass that allows them to cut the lines and have “group access”. This avoids the hour or two long lines to get inside. Additionally, you will learn about the history of the Colosseum and get some great photo opportunities of the inside.

An added bonus is that a lot of companies do tours of the inside of the Colosseum and then a tour of the neighbouring Roman Forums, meaning you can have a history tour of two of the major attractions in Rome in less than 4 hours.

• Metro: Colosseo, line B (blue).
• Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy
• Price:  Adults: 12€ (access to the Forum as well)

Roman Forum

Located just west of the Colosseum is another popular historic location, the Roman Forum.

The Roman Forum is what is left of old Roman government buildings. This location is the remains of the old Roman marketplace, and well, city center. While there is mainly the only ruble left, and some columns, the Roman Forum was once the center of Rome.

Here are some of the major points of interest you can see inside the Roman Forum:

• • Arch of Titus: The arch representing Rome’s victory over Jerusalem.
  • The Curia: The building where the Senate of Rome used to convene.
  • Temple of Antoninus and Faustina: The best-preserved temple in the Roman Forum.
  • Arch of Septimius Severus: An arch in celebration of the third anniversary of Septimius Severus as the emperor.
  • Via Sacra: The main street in ancient Rome connecting Piazza del Campidoglio with the Colosseum.
  • Basilica of Maxentius and Constantine: Believed to be one of the most important buildings in the Forum due to the previously estimated size.
  • Column of Phocas: One of the last standing columns which were built in honor of the emperor of Byzantium.

• Metro station: Colosseo, line B (blue).
• Hours: Every day: 8:30 am until one hour before sunset
• Address: Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy. Between the Colosseum and Piazza del Campidoglio.
• Price: Adults: 12€ (access to the Colosseum as well)

Pantheon

The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina is the most preserved temple in the Roman Forum, but the Pantheon is the most preserved temple of all of Rome.

The Pantheon was created as a temple to worship the gods of Pagan Rome. However, the temple has since become a Church when it was given to Pope Boniface the IV in A.D 608. The changing of the temple to a church is stated to be why the temple is in such great shape despite the age. This also meant though, that there were some alterations to the Pantheon. As there used to be sculptures acting out famous Gods battles.

What makes the Pantheon a great architectural building is an arched roof with the largest oculus – or opening in the dome. The Pantheon has never closed the oculus, rain or shine. The Oculus remains the primarily light source for the Pantheon to this day. The way the Oculus is, the different time of day will light up different parts of the Pantheon to display the varying beauty inside.

• Metro Station: Spagna
• Hours: Mon – Sat: 9 am – 6.30 pm and Sun: 9 am –1 pm.
• Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
• Cost: Used to be free to enter – it is said now that it will cost a ticket price of €3

Sistine Chapel

Michelangelo iconic painted ceiling is found at the Sistine Chapel inside of Vatican City. Michelangelo is famous across major Italy cities, such as visiting David in Florence. So a visit to another iconic art piece of Michelangelo is a must-see attraction in Rome.

The Sistine Chapel is inside of Apostolic Palace and is a bit of a maze to walk through. However, it is a beautiful maze with elaborately decorated ceilings and walls.

The Sistine Chapel is a surprisingly small room, and that is where you will find the majority of the people. You are not supposed to talk inside the chapel, or take photos. There are guards there that will escort people out for violating it.

However, you will find a lot of people sitting on pews along the walls just staring up at the ceiling for long periods of time. I recommend it, you cannot take a photo so this is the best chance to take a great mental image to take with you.

• Metro: Cipro-Musei Vaticani, line A (orange)
• Address:  00120 Vatican City, Inside the Vatican Museums, in the Vatican City.
• Cost: 16€

St. Peter’s Basilica

Just a short distance away from the Sistine Chapel is another popular icon of Rome, St. Peter’s Basilica. If you recall from earlier, this church was built using the material from the Colosseum. The white marble is what the outside of the Colosseum once looked like.

St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest churches in the world and is home to many services by the Pope. This is a great experience to see a mixture of the past with the present.

Entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica is free, however, if you want to climb to the dome to view out over the city there is a few for that of 8€.

Check out other famous Basilica’s like St. Marks in Venice.

• Metro: Ottaviano, line A (red)
• Address: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
• Price: Free to Enter, climb to the top of the Dome: 8€

Spanish Steps

Now, why does a top attraction in Rome have the name Spanish in them? Well, the Spanish steps are just that, Spanish. The steps were financed by the Spanish Embassy to help link the Trinità dei Monti church with the Spanish square below.

The steps turned into a meeting place for artists, who would come to the steps to paint, draw, and take in the beauty of the area. This, in turn, made the Spanish steps develop into a popular meeting area.

The steps are large and grand, and the other popular attraction is the fountain that is found at the bottom of the staircase; Fontana della Barcaccia, or “Fountain of the Old Boat”. This fountain is of a half-sunken boat and is special due to the low water pressure that supplies the fresh water to the fountain.

You will find many people refilling their water bottles at the fountain as well – as it is safe to drink!

• Metro Stop: Spagna
• Address:  Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
• Cost: Free

Cooking Class in Rome

While this is not a top attraction of Rome, this is a top activity to participate while in Rome. Italy is famous for a lot of food: pasta, pizza, and all that carb and cheese filled goodness that a lot of people have grown to love.

Taking a cooking class in Rome is a great chance to learn to cook some of those famous dishes in Italy. There are numerous classes that teach pasta making, and pizza making.

I personally took a pasta making class while in Rome, and it was the best experience I had while in the city. The classes vary by day, but ultimately you are taught how to cook an entire meal. A starting dish, a pasta with made from scratch sauce, and then dessert.

I still make the from scratch pasta and sauce, as once you’ve tried it handmade it is some of the most delicious pasta you can have (and easy to do!)

I did my class with “Cook with us in Rome”. You will meet up in an apartment building and then Gianni & Cesare will take you through showing you how to make each dish (7 dishes!). With wine!

What I learned to make with Cook with Us in Rome (they send you the recipes after the class too of course!):

• Carciofi Alla Romana – Roman Style Artichokes
• Fiori Di Zucca Fritti – Fried Zucchini Blossoms
• Pasata Italiana – Classic Italian tomato sauce
• Sugo Di Broccoli – Broccoli Sauce
• Cavatelli Con Farina Di Semolina – Cavatelli pasta with semolina flour
• Pasta All’uovo – Homemade egg based pasta dough
• Tiramisu

There are many other cooking options out there though, so find one that fits your taste and schedule, and take home a great souvenir!

• Address: Vicolo Sant Onofrio, 22, Rome, Italy 00165
• Cost: €120 (cash only)

Trevi Fountain

If you enjoyed your time in Rome then a trip to the Trevi Fountain is a must! Starting from 1954 with the movie “Three Coins in the Fountain,” a myth has formed about the Trevi Fountain.

1. If you enjoyed seeing the attractions of Rome, and want to return to Rome: throw in one coin.
2. If you want to find yourself an attractive Roman to fall in love with, throw in two coins.
3. Now, if you want to marry a Roman and return to Rome: throw in three coins!

Of course, this is just a fun visitor thing to do and is similar to other attractions like Edinburgh’s Greyfriars Bobby or Porcellino in Florence.

Even if you do not believe in the myths of the coins, the Trevi Fountain is still one of the top attractions in Rome. The fountain is one of the most famous fountains in the world and is the largest fountain in Baroque style.

• Metro Stop: Barberini
• Address:  Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy
• Cost: However many coins you want to toss

Travelling to Rome

All roads lead to Rome! Getting to Rome there are a couple of options:

• You can make a grand trip out of your time in Italy and visit the major cities such as Venice and Florence using the Italia rail system.
• Fly into Leonardo da Vinci International Airport. A majority of the major European Airports connect to the Rome airport with direct flights. There are also direct flights from Canada, United States, China, Japan, and many many more. Rome is a major international Airport hub making it a great starting destination for an Italian adventure.

Travelling in Rome

The best way to get around in Rome is with the metro or Subway. There are stops outside of all the major attractions listed above. Additionally, most are in such close vicinity of one another than you will take the metro to the location and spend the day there exploring two or three attractions in Rome.