Weekend in Rome: what to visit in Rome in 2 or 3 days?

It is difficult to describe an itinerary of visits to Rome as there are so many things and places to discover. 3 days in Rome are enough to see the essentials. Here, we present you the must-see places not to be missed but it is up to you to discover others.

#1 visits to Rome: Colosseum of Rome

Magnificent arenas of exceptional dimensions, the Colosseum remains the most visited monument in Rome. It was built around 70 under the rule of Vespasian and inaugurated around 80 under the rule of Titus, who organized Roman games for its opening for three months. It could accommodate up to 50,000 people. The Romans went there to watch gladiatorial battles, chariot races and even naval battles! The Colosseum was a magnificent example of architecture with its terraces, arcades, basements where gladiators and ferocious beasts were housed, elevators that brought them directly into the arenas... However, over the centuries, earthquakes and the use of its marble to build other monuments in Rome have somewhat altered its appearance. Today, it is one of the most impressive witnesses of Ancient Rome. Since 2007, the Colosseum has been part of the New Wonders of the World.

#2 visits to Rome: Trevi Fountain

During your visit to Rome, you will have the opportunity to walk past hundreds of fountains, but the most beautiful of all is the Trevi Fountain. Immortalized in the film Dolce Vita, where Anita Ekberg was seen swimming, the Trevi Fountain is the largest and most famous in Rome. Day and night, there are always as many tourists. Baroque in style and built in 1732, it depicts Neptune, god of the Ocean, on his chariot pulled by newts and sea horses. The name Trevi comes from the location of La Fontaine, at the junction of 3 lanes, streets. It is customary to turn your back on the Fountain and make a wish and throw a coin over your shoulder. If the part falls into the water of the fountain, the wish will be fulfilled. For the most materialistic, know that nearly 1500 euros are launched every day in the Fountain. A real jackpot!

#3 visits to Rome: Roman Forum

In Roman antiquity, the Roman Forum was the centre of the empire's business. Today, it is a vast area where some ruins are scattered. You will stroll through columns, walls, sculptures... remains of a rich era. During your walk, you will discover magnificent monuments such as the Temple of Antonine and Faustina, the Temple of Julius Caesar, the Curia then seat of the Senate, the Arch of Septimius Severus or the Temple of Saturn. To start your visit to Ancient Rome, the Roman Forum is a very good introduction but think of the guide!

#4 visits to Rome: Vatican Museums

The Vatican museums house the richest collection in the world. If you want to make the most of your visit, we advise you to get up early because it is not uncommon to queue for several hours before you can enter. Museums are so huge that you have to prepare your visit in advance. Prioritize what you want to visit. Once inside, several well signposted routes will guide you. You can see magnificent ancient remains in the Gregoriano Profano, Pio Cristiano and Missionario Museums, masterpieces by the greatest Italian painters in the Pinacoteca, Egyptian antiquities in the Gregoriano Egizio Museum or other witnesses of Roman antiquity in the Pio Clementino Museum. But the most famous sections remain the Raphael Rooms where the walls were decorated by the Italian master and the most famous is the School of Athens. Raphael represented the great philosophers of history with Aristotle, Plato and Da Vinci. You will end the visit with the famous Sistine Chapel whose walls and ceiling have been decorated by Michelangelo and remains one of the artist's most beautiful works.

#5 visits to Rome: Basilica of Saint Peter Rome

Overlooking St. Peter's Square, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome is in the Vatican City State. It took almost 150 years to build it and the greatest artists of the time wanted to participate. Michelangelo designed the huge dome and sculpted the famous Pietà, Bernini built the large canopy... To get in, don't forget to cover your legs and arms. So, no shorts, no tank tops or necklines. Once inside, you can access the 119m high Dome, the treasure full of sacred relics or the Tomb of St Peter where the remains of Pope John Paul II also lie.

#6 visits to Rome: Plaza de España

The Plaza de España is known for its Barcaccia fountain and its beautiful staircase leading to the Church of the Trinity of the Mountains. In April, hundreds of azaleas in bloom cover the staircase. Opposite opens the Via dei Condotti, the chicest avenue in Rome. Ideal for window shopping but be careful, you need a large wallet to be able to enjoy yourself. Valentino, Gucci, Ferragamo or Prada, all the great Italian fashion designers have their shops here.

#7 visits to Rome: the Pantheon of Rome

On the pretty Plaza della Rotonda is the majestic Pantheon of Rome. It was built around 120 by Emperor Hadrian. Built in honour of all the Gods, the Pantheon was also transformed into a Catholic church. It houses the remains of Raphael and the kings Vittorio Emmanuele II and Umberto I. Inside, you will literally be crushed by the huge open concrete dome. It is a unique and never equalled model.

#8 visits to Rome: Poppolo Square

Characterized by its two twin churches and its Egyptian obelisk, this charming "place du peuple" is lined with cafés and terraces where it is pleasant to stroll. Many musicians also come to perform there. By taking the stairs, you will climb up to the Pincio hill and the immense park of Villa Borghese.

#9 visits to Rome: Villa Borghese

Ideal to escape the hustle and bustle of the city or for a picnic, Villa Borghese's park is so vast that you won't find any people there. At the top, the view of the city is breathtaking. The park houses the Borghese museums and galleries (collection of works by Caravaggio, Raphael, Bernini or Botticelli), a zoological park and a museum of modern art. If the weather is sunny, take the time to discover it. You can descend towards the city by taking one of the stairs leading to the Plaza de España or Plaza de Poppolo.
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