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Rome, deemed to be one of the most popular European destinations and the fourth most populated city in the European Union, is Italy’s capital and home to the Roman Catholic’s Vatican City enclave. There are just so many interesting places to see and visit, given that this city has more than two and a half thousand years of history behind it. There is a little bit of something for everyone, making it a perfect vacation place for tourists, local and foreign alike.
If you are visiting Rome for the first time, surely don't wait to get started on exploring the many attractions. Here are the top 10 things you might want to consider doing when visiting the beautiful and romantic city of Rome:
- Visit St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Catholic or not, a vacation in this old city will never be complete without stopping by the Vatican City. Famous for being the smallest independent state in the world, The Vatican is home to the world renowned St. Peter’s Basilica, which is also distinguished as the most popular work of the Renaissance architecture. The masters themselves, Michelangelo and Bernini, designed what is one of the largest churches in the world.
- Go to The Sistine Chapel. No Vatican City or Rome trip is ever complete without paying a visit to this wonder of art and architecture. Be enthralled by the magnificent frescos that line its interior, lead by the marvelous The Last Judgment by Michelangelo on its ceiling.
- Visit the Vatican Museum. The official Museum of the Vatican houses the enormous collection the Roman Catholic Church built up over the years. It is home to a number of masterpieces from the well revered artist of the time, including Leonardo Da Vinci’s St. Jerome in the Wilderness portrait, a number of paintings from Caravaggio as well as works by Raphael. It also has a massive collection of tombstones, Roman Catholic sculptures and valuable memorabilia.
- Check Out The Colosseum. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, as well as a part of the New 7 Wonders of the World, the Colosseum is one of the most popular attractions in Rome. It is a perfect symbol of the Roman Empire, as well as a living proof of the Roman’s architecture ingenuity.
- Marvel at Castel Sant’Angelo. Once considered the tallest building in Rome, Castel Sant’Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum for Roman Emperor Hadrian and his family. It also served as a castle and a fortress before it became the museum that it is today. The view from here towards the Vatican is breathtaking.
- Stop Over at The Pantheon. Originally built as a temple to all the gods of ancient Rome, the Pantheon was commissioned during the reign of Augustus. It is among the best preserved of all the Roman buildings. It was used as a Roman Catholic church, and later on, a final resting place to two Italian kings, Umberto I and Vittorio Emanuele II.
- Go on a Roman Stroll. The city is a beauty to behold in itself and what better way to see what it has to offer than to go on foot and stroll from one beautiful point to another, exploring named alleys and hopping from one piazza to the next. It will be such an adventure.
- See the Pope in Person. Who will not be thrilled at the possibility of seeing the Pope in person? The best time will be at Sunday noon during Angelus prayer when the Holy Father speaks from his window to the big crowd at St. Peter’s Square.
- Sample Authentic Italian Pizza. Rome is peppered with small pizza places that sell pizza by the slice. This will be a perfect opportunity for you to try out as many mouth watering flavors as you can manage, as well as feeding yourself after a tiring yet rewarding tour of the city.
- Do not forget the gelato. Rome is also known for delicious gelato, and you will find it in the city everywhere. Try as many flavors as you can, but do not forget to save some for your next visit.
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