6 Famous Sites in Rome open to the public

The Colosseum 

The Colosseum located in the center of Rome, is a famous site in Rome and a must-see attraction. This Roman building is the biggest structure left behind by the ancient Romans. It’s known to be the largest amphitheater that was ever built and it’s still. It is the place where gladiatorial combats occur and is also used to entertain the inhabitants of Rome.

The size and scale of the Colosseum are breathtaking, making it one of the most amazing buildings and famous sites in Rome. Climb to the top for breathtaking views across this mesmerizing city or explore its many underground passageways. It could hold around 50,000 – 80,000 people. The Colosseum is in incredible shape for being an almost 2,000-year-old building. 

You can learn about the Colosseum through a Rome self-guided tour by simply taking Rome: Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill Audio Tour.  You will enjoy independent sightseeing of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill with the help of a Colosseum audio tour guide.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon is known to be one of the best-preserved ancient buildings that deserves a spot in your itinerary. The Pantheon is famous for its concrete dome, which measures 142 feet both in diameter and height. Step inside and look up at the dome straight into an opening called the oculus. The reason for the opening was to illuminate the temple. 

Built-in 126 AD, it was intended to be a temple dedicated to the Roman gods. It did, however, begin to function as a Christian church in the seventh century. It is also the final resting place of notable Italians, including kings. The legendary artist Raphael and Victor Emmanuel II's tomb are located here.

It’s best to visit early in the day to avoid crowds, and better to grab the Pantheon entry ticket for that opt for Skip the Line & flexible Pantheon ticket and Audio Guide which offers an exceptional journey into this magnificent building.

Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain is the world’s most attractive fountain. This beautiful masterpiece is present at the back of Palazzo Poli right in the center of Rome and is completely free to visit. The fountain was initially supposed to be designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century, but that project was never completed. 

Nicola Salvi won the position a century later after losing a competition for finest drawing. Alessandro Galli, a Florentine, defeated Salvi. However, the commission going to a Florentine infuriated the Romans. Salvi ultimately "won" the job as a result of his fear of the mob.

Eleven years after Salvi's passing, in 1762, the construction was finished. It had started in 1732. Giuseppe Pannini, an architect, was given the task and collaborated with several sculptors to complete it. The history of the fountain is compellingly told by its facade. Learn about the history of Trevi Fountain and the reasons behind its fame when you visit.

Take the Baroque Beauty Self-Guided Tour and visit the Fontana di Trevi and toss your coin, the tour doesn’t stop here, head towards Piazza Barberini and relish concluding your journey at Piazza Navona, Rome's busiest area.

Ancient pharmacy of Santa Maria della Scala

Entering this ancient apothecary, the oldest and most famous in Europe, feels a little like stepping back in time. Go inside through the ground floor of the building, which is known to be a functioning, modern pharmacy, before heading upstairs to the ancient pharmacy. 

Visitors are always welcomed by a friar, who explains the various herbs, potions, balms, and oils that they used to heal ancient Rome. He knows everything, ask him to show you some of the original wooden furniture from the 18th century, as well as the instruments used for wedging ingredients and making medicines. 

MAXXI Rome

MAXXI is a famous site in Rome and the kind of place you should not miss. It is designed by Zaha Hadid. This is Rome's museum dedicated to everything modern, featuring displays covering architecture, art, film, and current fashion. 

It's worth going just to look at the building; it's a work of art. The maze-like area at MAXXI is incredible. Even though it becomes busy, you won't notice because there is so much room. Massive, open hallways lead to rooms with a variety of themes and sizes, creating five floors filled with amazing artwork.

There are open-air theaters, galleries showcasing contemporary artwork, and performance spaces. This may seem a little illogical to some, but it makes sense if you consider it as a whole rather than in discrete areas.

Quartiere San Lorenzo

A few years ago, Soho House launched an outpost in Rome, bringing international attention to this working-class neighborhood close to Termini station. Since then, the area has changed from a seedy student hangout with street art and street food to a very bohemian sector with hipster shops selling clothing. 

Visit the neighborhood in the late afternoon when shops such as L'Anatra all'Arancia and La Maison de la Mode will still be open, to make the most of your time there. 

After refueling with a cappuccino at the little bookstore bar Giufà Libreria Caffè, explore the street art along Via dei Sabelli and Scalo San Lorenzo. 

For pre-dinner cocktails and small plates of vegetarian fare, head to Blackmarket San Lorenzo; for pizza, bruschetta, and salted fish, visit Sanlollo. Some of the best ice cream in town, all organic, can be found at Gelato San Lorenzo. 

Final Words 

Curiosity-driven tourists such as yourself have plenty of must-see landmarks, museums, and cultural heritage in the Eternal City just waiting to be rediscovered. You will surely be lured to sights in Rome that will leave you speechless and somehow much more fascinated. With any luck, this list of Rome's top 6 attractions will help you decide where to begin your Rome city tour. You're going to love it!