Things to see in Roma

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 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 is Rome’s green oasis and the location of the Borghese Museum and Gallery, which houses masterpieces by Bernini, Canova, Caravaggio and Raphael.

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.

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

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 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.

Rome’s Piazza del Popolo may be famous for its ‘twin’ churches but it has plenty of secrets waiting to be discovered.

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?

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.