1. Roman Colosseum

Amphitheatre

The Colosseum is one of the largest open-air arenas ever built and it can hold up to 50,000 people. Over the years, it has been damaged by fire, earthquakes, and weather conditions, but it has still managed to remain standing.

Interesting fact: Two-thirds of the Colosseum has been destroyed by natural disasters since its construction in 80 AD.

2. St. Peter’s Basilica

Religious site

One of the most iconic monuments in Rome is the St. Peter’s Basilica. It is home to one of the most famous churches in the world, St. Peter’s. Originally built in the 4th century by Emperor Constantine, the basilica has undergone many renovations and changes over the years. 

Interesting fact: St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world, one of the seven pilgrim churches of Rome.  

3. Vatican Museums

Museum

This world-renowned institution features collections of art from all over the world. Highlights include paintings from the Vatican's own collection as well as sculptures from Renaissance art.
Interesting fact: It is regarded as the largest collection of art. If all pieces were to be lined up, they would cover 9 miles. 

4. Sistine Chapel

Religious site

The Sistine Chapel is one of the most famous and well-known monuments in Rome. It is home to the world's largest painting, the frescoes of the Last Judgement. 

Interesting fact: The chapel took more than 500 workers and about 20 years to complete.

5. Palazzo Barberini

Palace

The palace was built in 1629 by Maffeo Barberini who would become Pope Urban VIII. The palace is home to some incredible art and architecture. It is now home to Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica. 

Handy Tip: The palace is closed for visitors on Monday. Avoid planning your visit that day of the week.

6. Catacombs

Ossuary

The Catacombs of Rome are a mysterious and beautiful place that is full of amazing statues and carvings. They are a popular tourist destination because of the many beautiful tombs and murals that can be found there. 

Interesting Fact: There are more than 60 Catacombs in Rome, spreading over 100 kilometres under the city.  

7. Castel Sant’Angelo

Mausoleum

Castel Sant'Angelo is one of the most iconic monuments in Rome. It was built by the Emperor Constantine in 324 AD as a palace for his mother. The name Castel Sant'Angelo means "castle of the saint" and refers to the fact that it was originally built on the ruins of an ancient convent. 

Interesting fact: One of the most famous paintings is the Meeting of Faiths, which illustrates the story of how Christianity spread through Rome. 

8. Pantheon

Religious site

The Pantheon is a beautiful monument in Rome. It was built in AD 126 by Emperor Hadrian as a temple to all the gods of Rome. It was later converted into a church in 609 AD. 

Handy tip: The material used to build the Pantheon is still unknown. But it is strong enough to have withstood Barbarian raids and other natural disasters. 

9. Galleria d’Arte Moderna Nazionale

Museum

The Galleria d'Arte Moderna Nazionale is a stunning gallery full of Art Nouveau and Secessionist masterpieces. It was founded in 1883 and is home to some of the most iconic art in Italy. The gallery is composed of three main wings: the east wing, the south wing, and the north wing. 

Interesting fact: The gallery houses more than 4,400 paintings and sculptures, and about 13,000 drawings of some of the best Italian artists. 

10. Baths of Caracalla

Public bath

One of the most impressive and well-known sights in Rome is the Baths of Caracalla. Constructed between 212 and 217 AD, these baths are among the earliest known examples of a monumental Roman bathhouse. 

Interesting Fact: Despite being built more than 1,800 years ago, the bath had central heating!

11. Cinecitta Si Mostra

Museum

If you love movies, you shouldn’t miss the Cinecitta Si Mostra, a museum dedicated to cinema. The complex has renowned international studios and has been the production base for over 3000 films.

Handy tip: 47 movies produced in the Cinecitta Si Mostra have gone on to win the Academy Awards.

12. Palazzo Massimo

Museum

Also called Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, the Palazzo Massimo is one of the four buildings of the National Roman Museum. From Roman frescoes to Greek sculptures, the museum is a gold mine for history buffs.

Interesting fact: The mosaics found on the second floor of the museum date back to the second and fourth century AD.

13. Palazzo Merulana

Museum

Adding more shine to Rome’s already envious art collection is the Palazzo Merulana, a museum housing art pieces from the Roman school and 20th century Italy.

Interesting fact: The museum has works by iconic artists like Giacomo Balla, Giorgio De Chirico, and Giuseppe Caprogrossi.

14. Lateran Complex

Cathedral

Emperor Constantine laid the foundations of the Lateran Complex after his victory over Maxentius. Declared holy in 324 AD, the church is called the Mater et Caput of all the churches in the world.

Interesting fact: The Holy Stairs is a star attraction inside the basilica. Legend says Saint Helena brought the Holy Stairs from Jerusalem to Rome.

15. Mamertine Prison

Historical site

A prison isn’t a place for tourists, but the Mamertine Prison is (fortunately) different. The archaeological site was used by the Romans to sentence their enemies until the fourth century AD.

Interesting fact: Legend says Saints Peter and Paul were incarcerated inside the Mamertine Prison or Carcer Tulianum.

16. Leonardo da Vinci Museum

Museum

Da Vinci’s excellence is captured in several museums in Italy. Rome’s museum stands out as it is the only da Vinci museum with 50 certified inventions.

Interesting fact: You’ll find over 200 wooden machines and 65 working models inside the museum.

17. Musei Capitolini

Museum

The Musei Capitolini is a significant monument for Italy as it was the first museum to open anywhere in the world. Pope Sixtus IV laid the museum’s foundations when he gave the Romans a group of bronze statues in 1471.

Interesting Fact: Don’t miss the she-wolf sculpture inside the Musei Capitolini.

18. Borghese Gallery

Art gallery

Few art galleries in Italy and the world come close to the Borghese Gallery, located in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana. It houses the work of iconic artists like Raphael, Titian, and Canova.

Handy tip: The Villa Borghese Gardens are an attraction of their own. They’re well-maintained and have flowers blooming all year.

19. Spanish Steps

Stairway

The Spanish Steps are a series of 174 steps that connect Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinità dei Monti. They were built in 1725 by Francesco de Sanctis. They are one of the most photographed landmarks in Rome.

Interesting fact: The steps have been seen in many movies, TV shows and arts. 

20. Roman Forum

Architecture

The Roman Forum is a large public space in Rome, Italy. It was the main public space of the city and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was commissioned by Emperor Trajan around 500 BC. 

Interesting fact: Julius Caesar was cremated in the Roman Forum.

21. Arch of Titus

Architecture

The Arch of Titus was built in 81 AD and is made of granite. It is 50 feet high, 44 feet wide and 15.5 feet deep. The top of the arch is ornamented with a statue of Emperor Titus, as a celebration of the fall of Jerusalem.

Interesting fact: The Arch of Titus was the inspiration for Paris’ iconic Arc de Triomphe.