The Sistine Chapel stands as the most renowned chapel within the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope in Vatican City. It is celebrated for its remarkable architecture, reminiscent of Solomon's Temple from the Old Testament, and its breathtaking decoration, adorned with frescoes by some of the greatest Renaissance artists, including Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and Sandro Botticelli.

Under the patronage of Pope Julius II, Michelangelo undertook the monumental task of painting the chapel's ceiling between 1508 and 1512. With the pope's support, Michelangelo was granted artistic freedom and dedicated four years to creating a masterpiece. He adorned the ceiling with 366 figures depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, illustrating biblical narratives such as the Creation of the World, the Fall of Man, and the Coming of Christ. These frescoes are accompanied by the presence of ignudi, striking male nudes, which surround the biblical depictions. Additionally, the spandrels surrounding the vault feature sibyls, prophetesses from pagan mythology, who were embraced by Christian artists during the Renaissance as figures capable of foreseeing the arrival of Christ. One of the most iconic paintings within the chapel is "The Creation of Adam," portraying God reaching out to create Adam against a backdrop of cloudy heavens. This renowned artwork is among the most reproduced religious paintings in history.

The chapel owes its name to Pope Sixtus IV, who oversaw its restoration between 1477 and 1480, transforming the former Cappella Magna into the magnificent space we know today. Since the time of Pope Sixtus IV, the chapel has served as a place of profound religious significance and as a venue for important papal functions. Currently, it is famously recognized as the location of the Papal conclave, the process through which a new Pope is elected.

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a newcomer, you will probably never see a church as magnificent as the Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican City. Regarded as one of the holiest places in Rome, this magnificent church stands as one of the largest in the world. Its origins trace back to 324 AD when Emperor Constantine commissioned its construction over the burial place of Saint Peter, one of the Apostles and the revered first pope. While the basilica is not the mother church of the Catholic Church nor the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome, it is often described as "holding a unique position in the Christian world" and "the greatest of all churches of Christendom."

Over time, as the papal seat was temporarily moved to Avignon, France, the original basilica fell into disrepair. In 1505, Pope Julius II made the decision to demolish the old structure and erect a grand new basilica that would also serve as his tomb. This ambitious project took shape over the course of 120 years, with various popes and architects contributing to its design and expansion. Renowned figures such as Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini played pivotal roles in shaping the structure, which stands as a testament to Renaissance architecture and remains the largest church globally. The iconic dome, spanning 42 meters in diameter and towering 120 meters high, is a sight to behold. Encircling the dome's interior is an inscription in English that reads: "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church... I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven."

The interior of the basilica is a testament to Late Renaissance design, characterized by its grandeur and lavish decoration. Visitors can marvel at monuments and altars dedicated to numerous kings and popes, as well as iconic works of art like Michelangelo's "La Pieta" and over 39 statues of saints. The nave features a circular slab of Imperial Porphyry where Holy Roman Emperors knelt during their coronation ceremonies. Descending to the crypt, you may explore the remnants of earlier churches that once stood on the same site, as well as the tombs of many popes, including that of Pope Jean Paul II.

Why You Should Visit:
Intricate architecture and art throughout, with every surface being covered in something beautiful.

Tips:
Arrive early in the morning to avoid long queues. Admission is free (until 5pm when the gates close), but expect to undergo a security check before entering. Remember to dress modestly, with knees and shoulders covered (ladies: affordable scarves are available from nearby vendors). If you're feeling adventurous, ascend to the top of the dome. An elevator ride can save you from climbing 300+ stairs.

Obelisks are often associated with Egypt, but interestingly, Rome boasts the largest concentration of these slender monuments worldwide. The city is adorned with eight ancient Egyptian obelisks and five ancient Roman ones. In ancient times, these structures were typically erected as single blocks, positioned in front of Egyptian temples or pyramids, symbolizing the sun god Ra. However, unlike their Egyptian counterparts adorned with hieroglyphics, the Roman obelisks often served as dedications to the ruling emperor of the time.

The obelisk that proudly stands in St. Peter's Square has a fascinating history. Emperor Caligula brought it from Egypt to Rome in 37 AD and installed it at the center of his circus, later known as the Circus of Nero. Transporting obelisks was a complex and challenging task, requiring the construction of special boats, known as "obelisk boats", designed specifically for this purpose.

When Pope Sixtus V ascended to the papacy, he envisioned relocating the obelisk to the heart of what would become St. Peter's Square. The ambitious project was spearheaded by the architect and engineer Domenico Fontana, who had previously worked as Giacomo della Porta's assistant during the construction of the nearby basilica. The relocation process took about three weeks and involved the use of rollers, forty-seven cranes, 140 carthorses, and over 1000 workers.

Originally, the obelisk was crowned with a bronze globe believed to contain the ashes of Julius Caesar. However, Pope Sixtus V opted to replace it with his emblem consisting of three mountains surmounted by a star.

The Pantheon stands as one of Rome's key attractions, with its dome and columns serving as a timeless inspiration for architects throughout the centuries. The initial temple on this site was constructed in 27 BC during the consulship of Marcus Agrippa. Although it suffered from fires and lightning strikes during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, it was consistently rebuilt and gradually acquired its distinctive circular shape. Under Emperor Hadrian, the temple was dedicated to "pan theos", representing all the gods of Rome, which is where the term "pantheon" originated.

Following the decline of the Western Roman Empire, the Pantheon remained under the control of Byzantine emperors, despite their waning influence over the city. In the 7th century, one of these emperors donated the temple to Pope Boniface IV, who transformed it into a Christian church and dedicated it to St. Mary and all the Martyrs. This conversion ensured the Pantheon's preservation, unlike many other non-Christian Roman temples that were demolished. From the Renaissance onwards, the Pantheon served as a burial site for prominent Italians, including the renowned artist Raphael and Victor Emmanuel II, the king of Italy, among others.

One of the structure's most remarkable features is its unsupported concrete dome, the largest of its kind in the world, which remains remarkably well-preserved and exhibits a breathtaking beauty when illuminated by sunlight. The ingenious engineering of the drainage system on the Pantheon's floor continues to effectively divert rainwater, which is particularly impressive considering the originality of the floors. The massive bronze doors, each weighing over 20 tons, add to the awe-inspiring nature of this architectural marvel.

While entry to the Pantheon is free, many visitors find equal enjoyment sitting outside on the steps of the fountain in Rotonda Square ("Piazza della Rotonda"). Here, they can savor gelato, observe passers-by, and admire the magnificence of this ancient structure, becoming part of their unforgettable Roman holiday experience.

Why You Should Visit:
Italian baroque meets Roman architectural excellence!
Surely among the world's most amazing free attractions.

Tip:
Incredible at night (on the outside), especially if you enjoy musicians with talent and engagement... but be aware of pickpockets.

The renowned Spanish Steps stand as an iconic attraction and popular meeting spot in Rome. Their name derives from the nearby Spanish Embassy, located in Piazza di Spagna. Constructed approximately 300 years ago, this staircase holds the distinction of being the longest and widest in Europe. It gracefully ascends to the exquisite 16th-century church famously known as the Trinity on the Mounts ("Trinità dei Monti").

Today, the Spanish Steps are frequented by tourists from around the globe. However, as early as the 18th century, they captivated artists, poets, and later Hollywood filmmakers. Consequently, the steps became a magnet for aspiring models, affluent Romans, international travelers, and people from all walks of life. The tradition of gathering at the Spanish Steps has become deeply ingrained in both the local Roman population and visitors to the Italian capital.

Situated at the base of the steps, to the right, lies the house-museum of John Keats, the renowned English Romantic poet who once resided there. Additionally, nearby is Babington's tea room, a resilient establishment that has withstood two world wars and numerous adversities, ultimately becoming a beloved tourist attraction.

***Movie "ROMAN HOLIDAY": Joe Meets Ann Again***
Fresh after haircut, Princess Ann sits on the steps, enjoying the view, eating gelato. After taking compliments for her new look, she confesses to Joe Bradley that she had run away from school and takes his proposal to spend the day together before she returns. And here the holiday begins!

Why You Should Visit:
If you appreciate historically rich and visually appealing locations, the Spanish Steps should undoubtedly be on your itinerary. Alongside tourist activities such as carriage rides, you'll find an array of shops and bars to explore. Most notably, the staircase offers picturesque views of Rome from its pinnacle, particularly at sunset—an unbeatable sight!

Tip:
The afternoon and later hours are the best time to visit so as to avoid the heat of the day.

The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, drawing visitors to the eponymous Trevi Square all day long. Surprisingly, the fountain was not initially built in the heart of the city; instead, the city grew around it. Its name derives from the Latin word "trivium," which means “three streets,” as it sits at the junction of three streets: De Crocicchi, Poli, and Delle Muratte.

The fountain’s history dates back to 1629 when Pope Urban VIII commissioned Gian Lorenzo Bernini to redesign it, though his plans were never realized. Later, Pope Clement XII organized a competition in 1730, leading to Nicola Salvi's selection for the project, who incorporated the fountain into the rear of the Poli Palace. Salvi passed away before its completion. Giuseppe Pannini and other artists finalized the work in 1762.

Measuring over 26 meters in height and 49 meters in width, it is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome.

The Trevi Fountain features a Corinthian façade and bas-reliefs depicting the origins of the Acqua Vergine aqueduct, constructed in 19 BC. According to legend, a virgin guided Roman engineers to the aqueduct’s source, an event depicted in the fountain’s bas-reliefs. The aqueduct, which survived the Gothic invasions and was restored during the Middle Ages, still supplies water to the fountain today.

At the heart of the fountain is Oceanus, depicted riding a shell-shaped chariot drawn by two horses and guided by Tritons. The horses symbolize the sea’s contrasting moods—calm and turbulent. Flanking Oceanus are the statues of Abundance and Salubrity, representing prosperity and health. The symmetrical Rococo design combines dynamic artistry with Baroque grandeur, reflecting 18th-century European trends.

The Trevi Fountain is also known for the tradition of tossing coins, which promises a return to Rome. Popularized by the 1954 Hollywood film "Three Coins in the Fountain," visitors toss coins over their left shoulder with their right hand, generating daily about €3,000. This money, collected by municipal authorities, is donated to charity.

Celebrated in films like Roman Holiday and La Dolce Vita, the Trevi Fountain’s global fame is further evidenced by replicas worldwide. Access to the fountain is now limited to 400 visitors at a time, ensuring a more enjoyable visit to this timeless masterpiece. Surrounding the fountain are charming shops, restaurants, and gelaterias, making it a delightful spot to soak in Rome’s vibrant atmosphere.

Tip:
The fountain holds particular allure at night, especially after 10 pm when it is beautifully illuminated and the crowds dissipate, allowing you to enjoy the site almost exclusively.

The Colosseum, Rome’s iconic elliptical amphitheater, is the largest ancient amphitheater ever built, covering 24,000 square meters. Constructed between 69 and 80 AD by the Flavian dynasty, it was initially called the Flavian Amphitheater. Its modern name stems from the Colossus of Nero statue that once stood nearby, with the term "Colosseum" emerging during the medieval period.

Built on the land reclaimed from Emperor Nero’s landscaped Domus Aurea complex after the Great Fire of 64 AD, the Colosseum represented a gift to the Roman people under Emperor Vespasian. It was constructed using travertine, tuff, and concrete and was funded by spoils from the Jewish War. The latter, fought in 70 AD, led to the Siege of Jerusalem and brought back numerous prisoners who largely contributed to the massive workforce needed for the construction. The amphitheater comprised four tiers that could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators at a time. Its free-standing structure features three architectural orders – Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.

The lowest tier was for the emperor and the royal family, the two middle ones were for the noble Romans and members of government, while the highest tier was for the ordinary citizens. The elaborate system included 80 entrances, passageways for crowd control, and numbered pottery tickets for seating. Admission was free and the main sponsor was the emperor himself.

The Colosseum hosted gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and mythological reenactments. Events often featured exotic animals imported from Africa and the Middle East. Emperor Trajan's games, for example, involved over 11,000 animals and 10,000 gladiators over 123 days! The below-ground passages were used to bring men and animals into the arena, which was separated from the audience by a ditch. Occasionally, it was reportedly even flooded for naval battles. Executions were common during intervals, with the condemned facing wild beasts or acting out tragic myths.

During the medieval period, the Colosseum served as a fortress and even a stone quarry. Passers-by habitually chipped off pieces of it for souvenirs which, together with some natural causes like earthquakes, led to its partial destruction.

Despite popular belief that the early Christians were martyred here in numbers, evidence suggests that most executions occurred elsewhere. By the 17th century, the Colosseum became recognized as a sacred site. Today, it hosts the Pope’s Good Friday “Way of the Cross” procession.

Only the north side of the building, as well as the underground passages, have survived intact. The arena floor is totally gone. Inside the Colosseum, there's a historical exhibition with both permanent and changing displays.

Tips:
Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid long queues and heat. The ground and first floors are open to visitors without a special ticket, while the subterranean part and the third floor are accessed on pre-booked tours only. Opt for a guided tour to skip lines and access the Forum area. Alternatively, buy tickets in advance or at the Roman Forum. Enhance your experience with an audio guide for detailed historical insights.