Travel Notebook: Top Tourist Sights Of Rome

What do the movies “Ocean’s Twelve,” “Angels and Demons,” and “Three Coins in a Fountain” all have in common? They were all set in one of the world’s most beautiful cities, Rome. Teeming with a rich history as you turn every corner, Rome has become a favorite destination for honeymooners, art aficionados, and vacationers. What are some of the sights to visit in bella Roma?

The Collosseum. A must-see for all tourists in Rome, the Colloseum is an architectural wonder in stone. It’s an amphitheater with about 80 entrances and can accommodate up 50,000 spectators. You cannot help but be in awe of the timeless quality of the Colloseum; having withstood centuries of change, upheaval, and development. Even more surprising is how it provides a startling contrast against the bustle of present-day Rome. Stepping out of the subway station, you see the Collosseum. Right then, you are instantly taken back to the days of ancient Rome and its gladiators.

The Trevi Fountain, or Fontana di Trevi. In the middle of the fountain stands the Roman god of the sea, Neptune. On either side are tritons or sea deities, each side an exact opposite of the other. On one hand, the tritons are calm and constant; on the other, turbulent and fickle. They are said to represent both facets of the sea. Legend has it that visitors who throw a coin into the fountain will surely return to Rome.

Authentic Italian restaurants and cafes. This is not the time to think about your diet. Let go and enjoy the delights that Rome is famous for—mouth-watering pastas and pizzas, crisp, fresh salads, and every flavor of gelato (Italian ice cream) you can get your hands on. The Romans sure know how to live it up!

The Vatican City. The city-state of the Vatican is found in Rome itself—a city within a city. Despite its location, The Vatican operates autonomously of Rome and Italy. It has its own head (the Pope), government...even its own police force! The Swiss Army Guards protect the Vatican, although you wouldn’t guess it looking at their colorful, harlequin-like uniforms. Needless to say, these guards are an attraction in themselves.

Take a visit to a sleepy seaside town. If you have some time to spare, hop on a train at Rome’s Termini Station and head off to Civitavecchia. It’s an hour and twenty minutes away. Here you will find tiny shops and restaurants where the mood is quiet and lazy—nothing like the bustle of Rome. Quaint coffee shops line the boardwalk facing the sea—you could sit for hours hypnotized by the water with coffee cup in hand.

The only days that Civitavecchia is busy are when cruise ships are in port. Being the gateway of cruise ships into Rome, Civitavecchia welcomes hundreds of cruise ship passengers and crew on any given day; especially in the summer. (You have been warned!)

Rome is bursting with culture and history—every corner, it seems, holds a discovery. On your trip to Rome, do not be limited by the places on this list. Instead, think of this list as a starting point by which to explore, to drink up, and take in the wondrous sights of Rome.