How to Get to Know Rome, Italy in a Few Days

1. Campo de Fiori

Campo de Fiori is a flourishing open-air marketplace that draws throngs of tourists to its colorful stalls offering everything from produce to flowers to backpacks.

But the most interesting point about Campo de Fiori is a central statue of 16th-century friar Giordano Bruno. This forward-thinking philosopher was martyred for believing the universe is unlimited. After a seven year trial, Friar Bruno had a spike driven through his tongue and was burned at the stake on orders of Cardinal Bellarmine. Bruno never recanted. The brass statue of the friar with bowed head faces the Vatican, which has never removed his heretic status.

Piazza Campo de’ Fiori, Rome, Italy, Phone: +39-06-06-08

2. Casina Delle Civette

Casina Delle Civette, Rome’s fairytale castle, was built by nobleman Giovanni Torlonia as a retreat for his recluse tendencies.

What started as a Swiss Hut tucked away behind a hill at Villa Torlonia in 1919 morphed into his Art Nouveau dream mansion. A mix of medieval themes and stained glass windows depicting owls, plants, flowers, and other birds characterize the beauty of this whimsical castle.

Before his death in 1938, Torlonia lived in seclusion in his magical world while renting the rest of his villa to Mussolini for one lira per year. This restored castle is a must-see.

Via Nomentana, 70, Rome, Italy, Phone: +9-06-06-08

3. Colosseum

Arguably the most thrilling of Rome’s ancient sights, the 50,000-seat gladiatorial Colosseum should be on every traveler’s bucket list when visiting this city.

The amphitheater, once opulent with Corinthian, Doric, and Ionic pillars wrapped in travertine, marble statues, and ornate pilasters was abandoned to ruin when the Roman Empire fell during the 5th century. At its height, thousands of animals were slaughtered by gladiators for the entertainment of the Romans.

Structurally amazing, the Colosseum’s interior held a wooden floor arena covered in sand for soaking up blood, a cavea where spectators sat, and a podium where the VIP sat. Security is intense, so visitors should check the website for regulations.

Piazza del Colosseo, 1, Rome, Italy, Phone: +39-07-39-96-77-00

4. Galleria Borghese

Located in Villa Borghese, the third largest public park in Rome, Galleria Borghese is a world renowned museum known for its iconic works by Bernini and Canova.

This includes the former’s famous masterpiece, ‘Abduction of Proserpina by Pluto.’ The gallery features a collection of sculptures, paintings, bas-reliefs, and mosaics primarily from the 15th to 18th centuries. Sculptures are mainly found on the first floor while the paintings are typically housed on the second floor.

The latter features notable works by several masters like Rubens, Titian, and Raphael. Visitors should plan to pre-book tickets to the museum, or risk having to wait several hours for entry.

Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, Rome, Italy, Phone: +39-06-8-41-39-79

5. Galleria Sciarra

Galleria Sciarra is a hidden gem located just a few feet away from the chic Via del Corso and the legendary Trevi Fountain.

This relatively unknown courtyard has the ability to transport visitors to the peak of the Art Nouveau movement with its brilliant colors and stunning frescoes. Constructed for the influential Sciarra family in the late 19th century, it was originally meant to be a shopping mall, however that never came to fruition.

Today, visitors are encouraged to visit the courtyard to view the colorful frescoes of men and women encircled by graceful, curling floral designs. Painted by renowned artist Giuseppe Cellini, the artwork was intended to honor women and celebrate their various stages of life.

Piazza dell’Oratorio, 75, Rome, Italy, Phone: +39-06-6-79-07-76

6. Keats Shelley Memorial House

The last home of legendary poet John Keats is now the memorial and museum known as Keats Shelley Memorial House.

It is dedicated to his life and the life of his contemporary, Percy Bysshe Shelley. The museum displays a variety of artifacts and memorabilia from both Keats and Shelley as well as numerous other works by notable poets from the Romantic Period. This includes a library with more than 8,000 works of Romantic literature.

The room that contained Keats’s death bed was also preserved and recreated as a shrine to the tortured writer who endured much pain before passing away from tuberculosis at the young age of 25. A small movie room shows an introductory film when guests enter the house.

Piazza di Spagna 26, 00187, Rome, Italy, Phone: +39-06-6-78-42-35

7. Meridian Line of the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs

Built on the remains of an old Roman bath in the 16th century, the Meridian Line of the Basilica of St Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs was an act of one-upmanship.

Commissioned by the pope, the meridian-aligned sundial was a Gregorian victory over pagan time keeping.

Its location in the basilica was chosen for numerous practical reasons including the structure’s southern position, historic architecture, and high ceilings. The clock still works today, every day the sun lines up perfectly with the hole in the ceiling of the basilica casting a light that lands on the line precisely at noon. It can also determine the time of year based on where the light falls on the line.

Piazza della Repubblica, 00185, Rome Italy, Phone: +39-06-4-88-08-12

8. Museo Nazionale delle Pasta Alimentari (National Pasta Museum)

Museo Nazionale delle Pasta Alimentari commonly referred to as the National Pasta Museum is a charming little museum devoted to just one thing, pasta.

Home to the nation who perfected the art of water, salt, and flour, this is the only museum of its kind in the world. Founded in 1993, it was created to explore, educate, and showcase the history, production, evolution, and consumption of pasta. With thoughtfully curated exhibits and enticing displays, the museum features old machinery from the early days when China originally brought pasta to Italy.

Visitors will see traditional tools like the rolling pin, and revolutionary inventions like the kneading machine, plus drying techniques. Several photographs of Neapolitan scenes are also displayed.

Via Flaminia 141, 00196, Rome, Italy, Phone: +39-06-6-99-11-19

9. Pantheon

Constructed in 125 A.D., the Pantheon is the most complete ancient building in Rome.

Inside, there are monumental tombs fixed into the walls including that of renowned artist Raphael. Most often praised for its concept of space and architectural feats, this 142-foot by 142-foot structure looks like a perfect sphere resting in a cylinder.

Its only source of natural light comes from the opulently designed dome featuring a round opening in its center, spanning 27 feet in diameter. Nestled in the center of the Ancient City of Rome, it is nourished by a few narrow lanes and the Piazza della Rotunda, an energetic square situated in front of Pantheon filled with restaurants, cafes, and bars, as well as occasional live music.

Piazza della Rotunda, 00186, Rome, Italy, Phone: +39-06-68-30-02-30

10. Piazza Venezia

Situated in the heart of Rome, Piazza Venezia is a lively square located at the end of Via del Corso, and just a short walk to many of the city’s most prominent attractions like the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and Capitoline Hill.

Unlike many Roman piazzas known for being tranquil and relaxing, this square is dominated by chaotic traffic. With that said, it does feature some of the city’s most iconic sites including Il Vittoriano, a landmark monument dedicated to the first king of Italy, King Victor Emmanuel II. Additional famous buildings found at Piazza Venezia include Palazzo Venezia, Palazzo Generali, and Palazzo Bonaparte.

Via Quattro Novembre 147, 00187, Rome, Italy, Phone: +39-06-69-79-75-54