20 Famous Landmarks in Rome, Italy (100% worth a visit)
Capital of Italy with nearly 3 million people, Rome is one of those cities so filled with history that it could easily take a lifetime to visit. Like an open-air museum, the heart of what was the Roman Empire has monuments from all eras and different styles. Visiting Rome is like traveling through time.
If you’re planning to go there or if you’re already there, you might wonder what are the most famous landmarks in Rome.
Well, here is our top 20 most famous Rome landmarks you can’t miss when visiting the Eternal City!
The Full List of the 20 Famous Rome Landmarks
We can divide the famous landmarks of Rome in 2 main categories: the ancient monuments in one hand, and the historical monuments in Rome that date from after the ancient period from the other hand.
Indeed, Rome is marked by its great ancient history and it’s one of the few capital cities in the world where you can find so many old ruins and monuments.
🕍 Ancient monuments and ruins:
- Colosseum
- Roman Forum
- Palatine Hill
- Pantheon
- Castel Sant’Angelo
- Baths of Caracalla
- Circus Maximus
- Trajan’s Market & Forum
- Largo di Torre Argentina
- Hadrian’s Villa
🏛 Other buildings & historical monuments:
- Trevi Fountain
- St. Peter’s Basilica
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
- Piazza Navona
- Spanish Steps
- Santa Maria Maggiore
- Villa Borghese
- Piazza del Popolo
- Victor Emmanuel II Monument
- Villa d’Este
So here’s the list of the 20 most famous landmarks Rome has to offer. To learn more about each of these landmarks, keep reading below👇
Famous Ruins & Ancient Monuments in Rome
There are so many reasons why you should visit Rome, the first one being history. As said above, Rome was the capital of the great Roman Empire that used to be the heart of the world for more than 500 years. As such, Rome has among the oldest ruins in the world as they date from the Antiquity, and some of them are really well preserved.
Let’s discover the 10 of the most famous ancient monuments in Rome 🔥
1. Colosseum
This extraordinary monument is the most iconic of Rome, if not all Italy. With nearly 7.6 million visitors per year, the Colosseum is the most popular tourist attraction in the city.
Completed in 80 AD, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheater ever built in the Roman Empire and hosted gladiator fights. It was built to accommodate an audience of up to 50,000 people.
The site, which was the scene of many horrific deaths, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980 and is a must-see for any history and architecture lover. It has also inspired many films, including Ridley Scott’s Gladiator.
2. Roman Forum
Right next to the Colosseum, you’ll find the Roman Forum, another very famous landmark in Rome.
This archaeological site, the most important of the city, was the center of the city in ancient Rome. We can therefore observe lots of ruins of ancient markets and administrative or religious buildings. The first buildings were erected at the beginning of the 7th century BC, such as the Senate (Curia) or the temple of Saturn.
On the site you won’t find any explanation, so I recommend history lovers to take a guided tour. For info, the Colosseum ticket also give access to the Forum and the Palatine Hill.
3. Palatine Hill
Overlooking the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill is one of the 7 hills of Rome and one of the oldest parts of the city.
According to the mythology, this is where the city was founded by Remus and Romulus, the twin brothers who were rescued and raised by a she-wolf in a cave.
At the top of the mountain, you can access this cave as well as the ruins of the residences of historical figures such as Augustus, the first Roman emperor. And the panoramic view of the city from the hill is simply breathtaking.
4. Pantheon
Built by Emperor Hadrian between 119 and 128 AD, the Pantheon is an architectural marvel and certainly one of the best preserved ancient buildings.
Standing on the Piazza della Rotonda, the Pantheon was originally built as a temple for deities of ancient mythology before becoming a Christian church in the 7th century. Now and since the Renaissance, it serves as a resting place for the artist Raphael and the first president of Italy among others.
Inside, you’ll be impressed by its dome and the floor paved with colored marble. The building still has its original bronze doors. A rare fact: the entrance is free, so don’t hesitate to visit it.
5. Castel Sant’Angelo
Accessible from the Ponte Sant’Angelo, this magnificent bridge decorated with 10 angels made by Bernini, the Castel Sant’Angelo is a huge mausoleum built by the Emperor Hadrian in 135.
Located on the right bank of the Tiber river near the Vatican, the Castel Sant’Angelo became a prison in the Middle Ages and played an important military role. It also served as a refuge for several popes during invasions.
Inside the castle, you can see the tombs and the ancient apartments of the popes.
6. Baths of Caracalla
Located in the south of Rome near the Circus Maximus, the ruins of the Baths of Caracalla will allow you to discover the remains of what was one of the largest thermal establishments of the Roman Empire, with a capacity of 1,600 people.
Inaugurated in 217 under the Emperor Caracalla, this immense 11-hectare complex also included sports areas, libraries, doctors… All this made the Baths of Caracalla not only a place to bath, but also a place of pleasure, meetings and business.
Despite the lootings and the passing of centuries, the Baths of Caracalla remain one of the greatest ancient thermal sites.
7. Circus Maximus
The Circus Maximus was a large oval-shaped racecourse that could accommodate up to 300,000 people. It was the largest stadium in ancient Rome.
Located close to the Colosseum in the valley between the Aventine and the Palatine hills, the Circus Maximus welcomed the Romans and hosted various shows including chariot races but also gladiator fights.
Today, there are only a few remains, but it’s a popular place among both tourists and Romans.
8. Trajan’s Market & Forum
Built in 110 AD under Emperor Trajan, the Trajan’s Market is considered the first covered shopping center in history. It was a semi-circular complex of more than 150 stores and offices.
Right next to it, the Trajan Forum, built at the same time, is the last and largest imperial forum built in Rome. The Forum also includes the Trajan Column, a triumphal column of 40 meters.
Visiting the Trajan archeological site is top-rated attraction in Rome as it offers a unique experience where visitors can imagine the look of the ancient cobbled streets and high brick facades.
9. Largo di Torre Argentina
Largo Argentina is a square in the heart of the city where the ruins of 4 of the oldest temples in Rome stand. The site is also famous because it was here that Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC.
Discovered only recently in the 1920s, this fascinating archaeological site isn’t accessible, but visitors can admire its tall columns, ancient stairs and stone walls from the outside.
10. Hadrian’s Villa
Located in Tivoli about 25km from Rome city center, Hadrian’s Villa was the main residency of Emperor Hadrian. Classified as UNESCO World Heritage site, the villa was built in 117 AD and is a true architectural gem.
Ordered by Emperor Hadrian himself to leave the Palatine Hill Palace, the villa is actually a huge complex with palaces, baths, fountains, gardens and other constructions reflecting the greatness of the ancient Rome.
Going to the Hadrian’s Villa is a much recommended day-trip as you can spend hours visiting in the 120-hectare villa.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this first part about the famous landmarks in ancient Rome. Keep reading to discover more major landmarks in Rome👇
Rome Famous Buildings & Historical Monuments
Italy and Rome continued to shine and to influence the world even after Antiquity, especially thanks to its very famous artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci or Raphael. Rome has lots of historical remains and buildings that need to be in the bucket list of any travelers to Italy.
Let’s discover the top 10 of Rome famous buildings and monuments!
11. Trevi Fountain
Located close to the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain is the best known fountain in Europe and the biggest in Rome.
Built between 1732 and 1762, this fountain is decorated with beautiful white statues and sculptures representing the sea, with Neptune standing in the center on his chariot.
It’s a must-see attraction in Rome, especially for couples as many marriage proposals have taken place at its foot. Tourists flock from all around the world to throw 2 coins, as is tradition: one to make a wish, the other to return to Rome.
12. St. Peter’s Basilica
You can’t leave Rome without having visited the Vatican and its outstanding monuments! Located on the St. Peter’s Square, the St. Peter’s Basilica is one of them.
St. Peter’s Basilica is the most important and largest religious building of the Catholic Church. Housing the sepulture of St. Peter, the first Pope and the first Bishop of Rome, it’s the most important place of Christianity. Built between 1506 and 1626, it’s one of the most visited monuments in the world.
With its 137-meter high dome, St. Peter’s Basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered the most remarkable architectural achievement of the Renaissance. The faithful can see the Pope every Wednesday mornings during the papal audience.
13. Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Also located in the Vatican on St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican Museums welcomes about 7 million visitors every year, and is one of the most iconic and famous monuments in Rome.
Created at the beginning of the 16th century, the Vatican Museums gather more than 14 museums in a huge architectural complex of nearly 7 kilometers long, and has masterpieces by Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci.
The museum is so big that it’s almost impossible to see everything at once, but the Sistine Chapel is not to be missed. It’s here that you can admire the impressive frescoes of The Last Judgment and The Creation of Adam painted by Michelangelo.
14. Piazza Navona
Located close to the Pantheon in the heart of the historic center, the Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful squares in Rome.
The square is oval-shaped as it was built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian, that used to be there until the 5th century. It’s only during the Renaissance that the Piazza was renovated to become one of the most beautiful pieces of Baroque architecture in Rome.
Tourists come to see the 3 stunning fountains that stand on the Piazza: the Fountain of the Four Rivers, the Fountain of Neptune, and the Moor Fountain. And if you go to Rome in winter, it’s there that you’ll find the city’s biggest Christmas market.
15. Spanish Steps
Connecting the Piazza di Spagna and the church of Trinita dei Monti, the Spanish Steps are a huge 135-step staircase built in the Rococo style in 1726.
With its flowery staircase, the magnificent church in the background and the Barcaccia fountain, the Piazza di Spagna offers magnificent perspectives and is one of the prettiest squares in the city.
Located close to the Via Condotti, the famous shopping street, the Spanish Steps are a cool meeting place for locals and a must-see for tourists.
16. Santa Maria Maggiore
The Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the largest churches of St. Mary in Rome and one of the 4 papal basilicas in Rome.
Built in 432 on the Esquiline hill, the church still has many of its original mosaics and its coffered ceiling in gilded wood is remarkable.
According to the legend, the church was built on the spot where the Virgin Mary would have appeared in a dream to Pope Liberius and where snow would have covered the hill on August 5 in the middle of summer.
17. Villa Borghese
Villa Borghese and its gardens are the best place to escape city crowds and have a relaxing stroll. Located north of the Piazza di Spagna, Villa Borghese is Rome’s most beautiful and largest park.
There, you’ll be able to walk in the broad shaded alleys bordering a lake surrounded by statues, temples and fountains. Visitors can also ride ponies and feed the turtles in the pond.
Art and history lovers will appreciate the Galleria Borghese with its 20 exhibition rooms full of Roman sculptures and old masters artworks.
18. Piazza del Popolo
Located close to the Villa Borghese, the Piazza del Popolo (the People’s square in English) is a major square in Rome.
With 3 churches, a 24-meter obelisk in its center and its fountains, it’s a very popular place in Rome. It used to be the main entrance to the city for foreigners during the Roman Empire.
Tourists come to this square to visit the churches, mainly the Santa Maria del Popolo, and to take photos of the square from above in the Pincio Promenade.
19. Victor Emmanuel II Monument
Standing on the central square of Piazza Venezia, right next to the Capitol and the Trajan Column, the Victor Emmanuel II Monument is a huge white marble building dedicated to the first king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel II.
Also called the Altar of the Fatherland or Vittoriano, this monument was built between 1885 and 1927 in a Neo-classical style by artist Sacconi. A 12-meter statue of King Victor Emmanuel II stand in the center.
Inside the building, a large part is dedicated to the soldiers who died during WWI, and a museum dedicated to the second half of the 18th century until the WWI.
20. Villa d’Este
Located close to the Hadrian’s Villa about 40min drive from Rome city center, the Villa d’Este is an incredible site to see on a day trip from Rome.
Built in the 16th century during the Renaissance, the Villa d’Este is considered as a masterpiece of Italian architecture and landscaping, and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Inspired by the Hadrian’s Villa, the gardens of the Villa d’Este had a great influence on landscape creations in all Europe.
Map of the Famous Landmarks Rome Has to Offer
To get the free map of Rome with landmarks, simply click on the image below to open it in Google Maps. Then click on the “star” icon to save it to your own maps.
More Landmarks in Italy
Want to discover more exceptional landmarks in Italy? Great, I have other posts that will be useful to you!
Here’s the complete guide of all the very best landmarks of Italy 👉 The Very Best Landmarks in Italy
And you can also find other city-based landmarks guides:
- Famous Landmarks in Milan
- Famous Landmarks in Venice
- Famous Landmarks in Florence
- Famous Landmarks in Sicily
For more, you can also check all our Italy guides.
I hope you could’ve made your list of the must-see and do in Italy thanks to these guides. Don’t hesitate to comment below if this is the case, I would be very pleased to read your feedback!
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