10 Historical Monuments in Rome

10 Historical Monuments in Rome

I don’t need to tell you how many historical monuments exist in the ancient city of Rome; most of them with lifespans that neither you or I can properly fathom.

During my first visit to Rome I very much enjoyed roaming (ha!) the streets and seeing what unknown monuments would expose themselves around each bend. My clueless self would then find the nearest, most obvious tourist or police officer and inquire as to what exactly I was looking at.

The following are ten that you can expect to see in the city, too!

1. The Colosseum in Rome

The Colosseum was the most unexpectedly interesting monument for me in Rome. Being the most recognizable structure on the city scape, I was never really to fazed by this building.

Colosseum – by Dietmar Rabich – Wikimedia Commons

After taking the time to explore it, and learning the facts about the Colosseum, it is now one of my favorite ancient historic monuments in Europe. Dating back 2000 years, the Colosseum was used as an entertainment venue for the gladiator games. This is but the surface of the story, but I’ll leave the rest to be uncovered by you.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Colosseo

2. Roman Forum in Rome

The Roman Forum shares a plot of land with the Colosseum. The two are usually explored on the same day by most travelers in Rome.

The Roman Forum is a large, seemingly abandoned ground on which the ruins of various ancient government buildings stand. Many, many years ago, this would have been where people of the town would go to get day to day admin done. It was also once an important marketplace.

The Roman Forum – by Hans E C Johansson – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Via della Salara Vecchia, 5/6, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Colosseo

3. Trevi Fountain in Rome

The Trevi Fountain is another widely recognized monument in Rome, but with a history that few people ever delve deep enough into.

Construction on the fountain began in 1732, but it has since been completely renovated a few times due to the unstable infrastructure first laid out.

Each day, thousands of people flock to the fountain to toss a coin backwards into the water. It is though to bring good luck and/or for any wishes to be granted. About €3000 are tossed into the fountain each day.

Trevi Fountain – by Jebulon – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Repubblica

4. Pantheon in Rome

The Pantheon is a short walk from both the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain.

This is one of the most impressive buildings in Rome. The fact that it is even still standing is completely unbelievable, given that it was constructed in 118 AD.

This monument went on the inspire the creation of various other Pantheon-style buildings in major European cities. This one in Rome is still used today as a church, so you can visit to attend a service or to see the architecture.

Pantheon – by Nono vlf – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Repubblica

5. St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome

As far as religious communities go, St Peter’s Basilica is probably the most important monument for Catholic church-goers in the world. Thousands of people from across the planet make their pilgrimage to this church daily, and these numbers skyrocket on days when the Pope makes a public appearance in the outside square.

It forms part of the Vatican City, on the left bank of Rome’s Tiber River. The monument is free to visit for all.

St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome – by Vitold Muratov – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

Metro STATION: Ottaviano

6. Piazza Navona in Rome

Sometime in the 15th century, a large local market in Rome was in need of a new home. The Piazza Navona won the bid, and saw many transformations as a result, including the beautiful baroque facade we still find here today.

The famous fountain by Bernini resides in the center of the piazza, as well as one of Rome’s most ancient obelisks, the Obelisk of Domitian.

Piazza Navona – by Myrabella – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Spagna

7. Altar of the Fatherland in Rome

I’ll never forget turning the corner in Monti while trying to get from the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain and seeing the Alter of the Fatherland for the first time.

It was god-like. It took a good few minutes for me to comprehend what I was looking at, and how on Earth it had gotten here.

I believe some people see this grand monument as a bit “much”. A too bit, too invasive structure on the city’s skyline. It’s been here since 1885, and is where the eternal flame burns day in & day out.

Altar of the Fatherland – by Blackcat – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Piazza Venezia, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Colosseo

8. Spanish Steps in Rome

The Spanish Steps have become quite the attraction in Rome. Built in 1725, the steps were intended to provide a shortcut between the Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinità dei Monti; two public squares separated by a hillside.

They’ve become known as a romantic landmark in the city. Many a proposal has taken place here!

Spanish Steps – by Tatiana kitty – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Spagna

9. Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome

The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is an important and historic monument in Rome, but few people remember to pay it a visit.

Overshadowed by St Peter’s Basilica, this is actually the church of the Pope’s official seat. It is the oldest public church in all of Rome, with construction beginning in AD 324.

Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano – by Tango7174 – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Piazza di S. Giovanni in Laterano, 4, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: San Giovanni

10. Arch of Titus in Rome

Like the Pantheon, the Arch of Titus is a Roman monument that really shouldn’t still be standing.

It was constructed during the 1st century AD, and has seen just about all of the history possible in the city centre. The arch was a commemorative structure in honor of the capture of Jerusalem.

The arch sits on the outer boundary of the Roman Forum, next to the Colosseum.

Arch of Titus in Rome – by Jebulon – Wikimedia Commons

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

ADDRESS: Via Sacra, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

Metro STATION: Colosseo