Downtown Rome, The Vittoriano Monument (The wedding Cake)

When in Rome: Top 10 Sights to enjoy Rome in 48 Hours!

Everybody knows the Eternal City is the world’s biggest open air museum.
Rome’s history spans over two and half thousand years, and the Historic Centre of Rome is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site!
So, if you only have 48 hours in Rome what are the 10 top sights you can’t miss to visit?

Colosseum (Colosseo)

Also spelled “Coliseum” this massive marble structure is one of the most famous monuments of ancient Rome. It was built around 2000 years ago to accommodate up to 80,000 spectators happy to enjoy bloody contests between gladiators and lions. With the same 12 Euro ticket you get access to the nearby Palatine and Roman Forum.
Don’t forget to take a picture with the modern-day Gladiators!

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)

The Fontana di Trevi is the most famous and arguably the most beautiful fountain in Rome. This impressive monument dominates the small Trevi Square located in the Quirinale district. Legend has it you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the water. You should toss it over your shoulder with your back to the fountain.

Trevi Fountain in Rome

After the spectacular Trevi Fountain take a break for an Ice Cream at the nearby Giolitti Parlour where Michelle Obama’s daughters made and then ate blackberry and banana gelato. Needless to say: A must for first time visitors!

Capitoline Square and Capitoline Museums

Enjoy the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelio and the great view over the Roman Forum from the square designed by Michalangelo. Visit the Capitoline Museums, the most ancient publicly owned museum in the world dating back to 1471.

The Pantheon

Another Landmark you can’t miss when visiting Rome! Once inside look at the top of the dome and see the large opening, the oculus, which was the only source of light! The Pantheon contains the tombs of Raphael and of several Italian Kings.

Check San Crispino for a gelato or Caffe’ Tazza d’Oro for a traditional granita!

Vatican City, Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums

The Holy See–Vatican city is a country in its own right owned by the Catholic Church.  St. Peter Basilica is the world’s largest church while the Vatican Museums own the biggest collection of art in Rome, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling as well as a 500 year old collection of statues, paintings, tapestries including the Octagonal Court (Cortile Ottagono), the Upper Galleries of the Vatican Museums (Candelabra, Tapestries and Maps) the Raphael Rooms and the Galleries of the Apostolic Library.

St. Clemente Basilica (Basilica di San Clemente)

This Medieval Church has a beautiful interior, but it is especially notable for its 3 historical layers. The 12th-century Basilica is built on top of a well-preserved 4th-century Church, which was built next to a 3rd-century Temple. For a fee, it is possible to explore the excavations of the lower levels, which is a fascinating journey into the history of Rome.

Tiber Island (Isola Tiberina)

The little island in the middle of the Tiber River had long been dedicated to Aesculapius, the roman god of medicine. There is a Church on the island, named after Saint Bartholomew, which stands above the ruins of the ancient temple dedicated to Aesculapius. Another interesting landmark further down the river is the Ponte Rotto (the Broken Bridge) one of the oldest stone bridges built in Rome.
From here you can walk east to the Jewish Quarter for delicious Kosher food or west to the popular Trastevere area for the real pizza!.

Navona Square (Piazza Navona)

This stunning Piazza, the most famous Baroque Square in Rome, has at its central focus Bernini’s spectacular fountain erected in 1651. Get an artist in the Piazza to draw your cartoon portrait and relax in Rome’s liveliest square sitting at one of the outdoor cafés while watching musicians and street-artists.

Spanish Steps (Piazza di Spagna)

Piazza di Spagna was at the center of the Strangers’ Quarter, the triangle made by Via del Corso, Via Frattina and Via del Babuino, where most foreigners used to live. Today it’s a vibrant and elegant square from where to start your Made in Italy shopping tour by strolling around the famous fashion streets like Via dei Condotti, Via Bogognona and Via del Babuino.

Here is located the famous Antico Caffè Greco

Campo dè Fiori

I love the previous nine sights but my favorite place in Rome is Campo dè Fiori!Lively daily food & flower market, outdoor cafés, good restaurants, trendy shops,   the freshly baked pizza bianca, posh people, and much more!

What is your favorite and unmissable place in Rome?
Look forward to hear your comments!

Ciao from Rome!
Nancy Aiello

www.NancyAielloTours.com

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© Copyright 2010, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in private family oriented Rome and Vatican tours led by friendly and entertaining official Rome tour guides designed to satisfy the curiosity and attention spans of the whole family visiting Rome.

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