Things to see in Roma
The Domus Aurea: the Golden House of Nero
After the Great Fire of Rome, the Roman Emperor Nero ordered the construction of an ostentatious palatial complex, a relic of his megalomaniac eccentricities – Domus Aurea.
The Ara Pacis: an altar dedicated to Pax Romana
The Ara Pacis Augustae is proudly displayed behind protective glass walls in a museum next to the Tiber River. It is one of the best remaining examples of Roman relief sculpture.
Villa Borghese: the ‘Central Park’ of Rome
Villa Borghese is Rome’s green oasis and the location of the Borghese Museum and Gallery, which houses masterpieces by Bernini, Canova, Caravaggio and Raphael.
The Circus Maximus in Rome: the largest sports stadium in history
There is very little left of what was once the largest sports stadium in history. Even so, it is well worth visiting the Circus Maximus and getting to know a little bit more about its history.
Castel Sant’Angelo: from a mausoleum to a papal fortress
Located on the right bank of the Tiber, Castel Sant’Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman emperor Hadrian and is connected to the city centre by Ponte Sant’Angelo, dotted with Baroque statues of angels
Piazza di Spagna: Renaissance splendour
The iconic Piazza di Spagna is one of the most photographed landmarks in the Eternal City. Stroll up the gleaming marble Spanish Steps and take in the breathtaking old-world architecture.
Palatine Hill: home of emperors
Palatine Hill was where Romulus founded the Italian capital in Roman mythology. The emperors of the Roman Empire made it their home. Discover its history and legends.
Piazza del Popolo: ‘twin’ churches
Rome’s Piazza del Popolo may be famous for its ‘twin’ churches but it has plenty of secrets waiting to be discovered.
Bocca della Verità: the mask that reveals the truth
The giant marble disc of Bocca della Verità, the Mouth of the Truth, is one of the most popular attractions in Rome. Legend has it that if you put your hand in the mouth and tell a lie, the Bocca will slam shut and you’d lose your hand. Would you be willing to test the veracity of the legend with your own hand?
Orvieto: an escapade to Gothic Italy
If you are looking to escape Rome for the day, head to the absurdly photogenic town of Orvieto. Perched on top of an enormous flat-topped volcanic cliff in the middle of the countryside, it boasts a monumental 14th-century cathedral whose beauty rivals that of the Sistine Chapel.