Rome, the capital of the world's most powerful ancient empires, is a fascinating place that has inspired people to visit for ages. With amazing food, breathtaking architecture, and incredible work of art, The Eternal City is absolutely worth a visit. Here are seven things you should do in Rome, though it would take a lifetime to see all that the city has to offer.
1. Piazza Navona is considered one of Rome’s most beautiful squares. It displays the genius of Bernini, Borromini, and Giacomo Della Porta with its three amazing fountains and a church. Piazza Navona is featured in scenes in the 2000 movie "Angels and Demons", and in the 1964 movie "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" it is the setting of the main character’s apartment. It is also featured in the 1970 movie "Catch-22", and in the 1990 movie "Three Coins in the Fountain".
2. Trevi Fountain: The Trevi Fountain is one of the oldest water sources in Rome. The massive monument has been featured in many films including "Roman Holiday" and "The Lizzie McGuire Movie".
3. Spanish Steps: The Spanish Steps were built in 1723-1725 by the architect Francesco de Sanctis. Their unique design and elegance have made it a popular place for artists, painters, and poets who have inspired them in return after their first visit.
4. Sistine Chapel: 25,000 people a day, or five million people a year, visit the chapel. The Sistine Chapel is most famous for Michelangelo’s frescos (paintings on the wall). Michelangelo began work on the ceiling in July 1508. The completed frescoes were unveiled in October 1512.
5. The Vatican Museums: The Vatican Museums were founded by Pope Julius II in the 16th century. There are a total of 54 museums, with the last one being the Sistine Chapel with its ceiling decorated by Michelangelo. It is said that the Vatican Museums contain the world's largest collection of art with nine miles of pieces, which could wrap four and half times around the Vatican walls.
6. The Pantheon: The word 'Pantheon' is a Greek adjective meaning “Honor all Gods”. In fact, the Pantheon was first built as a temple to all gods. The exact age of the Pantheon remains unknown. The most fascinating part of the Pantheon is its giant dome. With its famous hole in the top, the dome was the largest in the world for 1300 years and until today it remains the largest unsupported dome in the world!
7. The Colosseum: The real name of the Colosseum is the “Flavian Amphitheater,” named after the Flavian family line of Roman Emperors. It received the name 'Colosseum' because of a statue that was located alongside the amphitheater called ‘The Colossus of Nero’. About 50,000 people could enter it and it would only take about 20 minutes for everybody to find their seat, due to 84 gates.
If you want to visit Rome, consider applying for the upcoming program! The application deadline for the Spring 2022 Rome program is coming up on October 1st, 2021, so don't delay, it's going to be the experience of a lifetime! To learn more about the Spring 2022 program join the information meetings this fall. Find all info on the program page.
Ready to apply? DEADLINE OCTOBER 1st 2021!