Whether it’s for the stunning aqueducts, fountains, and ancient architecture; the exquisite cuisine, or the artwork of Michaelangelo, there are many reasons to visit Rome. You could spend months living in Rome and never run out of new things to see; luckily for the holidaymaker, traveler or adventurer, Rome is a good size, allowing you to see and do many things in just a few days.
Known as the Eternal City, the city to which all roads lead, and the birthplace of Western civilization, Rome is a city that has to be seen to be believed.Built upon seven hills, the ancient and humbling city of Rome has something for everyone. With many cultural and artistic exhibits, tranquil parks, and a wide selection of places to eat, the Italian capital is a great destination for holidaymakers of all types.
Founded in 753BC, Rome is the only place in the world to contain a country within the city (the smallest country in the world: Vatican City) and is one of the oldest continually occupied cities in Europe. Today, Rome is host to more than 2.8 million residents, making it the fourth most populated city in the European Union; but despite the high population, there are many parks and public spaces where you can relax in relative solitude.
This guide details the best things to do if you visit Rome for three days or less.
Vatican City
Home to St Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums, Vatican City is a must-see. Be sure to get there early to make the most of your time there and beat the queues, and ensure you’ve dressed appropriately (avoid bare legs or shoulders), as this may mean you are denied access to some of the attractions.
St Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in Italy, filled with stunning works of art. The structure is breath-taking, and you could spend hours exploring everything the Basilica has to offer, but don’t forget to check out some of the other things in Vatican city, such as the Pio-Clementino Museum, the gallery of maps, the Raphael Rooms, the Pinacoteca art gallery, and –last but not least- the Sistine Chapel.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the artwork of Michaelangelo or a layman with a cursory interest in the cultural, you’ll likely spend a few hours exploring the museums.
Castel Santangelo
If you’re looking to see as much of Rome as possible during your visit, it’s advisable to follow a route that allows you to visit the different attractions in a set order that means you will not backtrack on yourself; for this reason, it’s advisable to head straight from the Vatican and then down Via dellaConciliazione, then up to Castel Sant’Angelo; a tall cylindrical building that was once the tallest building in Rome. The building was once used to store the ashes of emperors that succeeded Hadrian.
Castel Sant’Angelo was built above Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum during the 2nd Century and now functions as a museum; from the papal fortress you can take in splendid views of the city.
Ponte Sant’Angelo
After visiting Castel Sant’Angelo, you can head towards Ponte Sant’Angelo (also known as the Aelian Bridge, or Pons Aelius); this is an ancient Roman bridge built in 134AD by Emperor Hadrian, This five-arched pedestrian bridge is decorated with marble, spanning from the mausoleum to the city centre (across the Tiber river).
These are just a few things to do in the Eternal City, but there is much more. For a full breakdown, and to plan your trip, visit http://www.visitromein3days.com/.