Founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century and enlarged by successive pontiffs, the Vatican Museums boast one of the world's greatest art…
Must-see attractions in Italy
- Top ChoiceVatican Museums
- Top ChoiceColosseum
Everyone wants to see the Colosseum, and it doesn’t disappoint, especially if accompanied by tales of armored gladiators and hungry lions. More than any…
- Top ChoiceSt Peter's Basilica
In the city of outstanding churches, none can hold a candle to St Peter's, Italy’s largest, richest and most spectacular basilica. Built atop a 4th…
- Top ChoiceRoman Forum
An impressive – if rather confusing – sprawl of ruins, the Roman Forum was ancient Rome's showpiece center, a grandiose district of temples...
- Top ChoicePalatino
Sandwiched between the Roman Forum and the Circo Massimo, the Palatino (Palatine Hill) is one of Rome's most spectacular sights. It's a beautiful,…
- Top ChoiceCapitoline Museums
Dating from 1471, the Capitoline Museums are the world's oldest public museums, with a fine collection of classical sculpture.
- Top ChoicePantheon
With its revolutionary design, this awe-inspiring temple has served as an architectural blueprint for millennia.
- Top ChoicePiazza Navona
With its showy fountains, baroque palazzi and colorful cast of street artists, hawkers and tourists, Piazza Navona is central Rome’s elegant showcase…
- Top ChoiceMuseo e Galleria Borghese
If you only have time for one art gallery in Rome, make it the Museo e Galleria Borghese.
- Top ChoiceBasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
This monumental building is Rome’s official cathedral and the pope’s seat as the bishop of Rome.
- Top ChoiceVia Appia Antica
Via Appia Antica is a beautiful cobbled thoroughfare flanked by grassy fields, ancient Roman structures and towering pine trees.
- Top ChoiceMuseo Nazionale Romano: Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
One of Rome's pre-eminent museums, this treasure trove of classical art is a must-see when you're in the city.
- Top ChoiceBasilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
One of Rome's four patriarchal basilicas, this 5th-century church is an architectural hybrid.
- Top ChoiceCastel Sant'Angelo
This castle is an instantly recognizable landmark now home to the Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo.
- Top ChoiceChiesa di San Luigi dei Francesi
This opulent baroque church is home to a celebrated trio of Caravaggio paintings.
- Top ChoicePiazza di Spagna & the Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are the perfect place for some people watching and great views over Rome.
- Top ChoiceVilla Farnesina
Admire the interior of this gorgeous 16th-century villa, fantastically frescoed from top to bottom.
- Top ChoiceCatacombe di San Sebastiano
Extending beneath the Basilica di San Sebastiano, these underground burial chambers were developed in the 1st century.
- Top ChoiceBasilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
Tucked away in Trastevere, this is said to be Rome's oldest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.