Rome Hotels

Rome, Italy

When in Rome there is no shortage of sightseeing options. With an abundance of ancient architecture, beautiful basilicas, magnificent marble statues and majestic fountains, Italy’s impressive capital is just as exquisite as it is interesting. A unique amalgamation of past eras sees Renaissance and classical styles alongside baroque and gothic, so it is no wonder that the heart of the city is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walking up the stunning Spanish Steps, visiting the Vatican City and gorging on the vast variety of delicious food and wine are all mandatory for every visitor.

An Ancient Metropolis

The Eternal City is renowned for its breath-taking Roman ruins, the most famous of which is undoubtedly the Colosseum. Once an arena for bloody sports like the notorious gladiator games, this amphitheatre is the largest in the world and considered to be the greatest achievement of Roman architecture.

Also situated in the vicinity is the Roman Forum, which was once a marketplace and important core location of the city; this was where public speeches, elections, processions and criminal trials were held.

For fantastic views over the Colosseum, there’s the option to climb steps up one of the seven hills of ancient Rome to reach the Colle Oppio Park. A historical marvel in itself, this tranquil space is set over 11 hectares and is home to numerous sites of interest, including ruins from the palace of Domus Aurea and the Baths of Trajan.

Shops and Culture

Retail therapy is on offer at popular shopping spots like Via del Boschetto and Via Cola di Rienzo, while those seeking sustenance should head to the ever-popular La Campana on Vicolo della Campana, which was reputedly founded in the 16th Century, or Cantina Cantinari, a hidden gem of a trattoria. Of course, Rome’s famously heavenly gelato is perfect for mid-afternoon snacking on the go.

As evening arrives, ultra-refined entertainment in spectacular surroundings can be found at the Teatro dell’Opera di Roma (Rome Opera House). During the summer months, opera is performed outside at the Baths of Caracalla, amid the atmospheric ruins of the second-largest Roman baths.

The Must-See

Ornate churches can be found around every corner, but particularly striking is the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. This spectacular example of early Christian architecture is the largest and one of the best-preserved Roman Catholic Churches in Rome, featuring grand pillars and opulent mosaics.

Dedicated to the Madonna, legend says that it was built after a Roman aristocrat had a dream in 352 AD in which the Virgin Mary told him that a miracle would show him the location to place a new church. When snow was found covering a particular area of Esquiline Hill the following day, and Pope Liberius claimed to have had the same dream, plans were made to construct it on that site. Nearly 16 centuries on, white petals fall from the ceiling every August 5th to commemorate the miracle of the snow.

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