PANTHEON

Piazza della Rotonda
Hours; 9:00-2:00 – Holidays 9:00-1:00

One of the most magnificent structures of Ancient Rome and which has been perfectly conserved. Commissioned by Agrippa in 27a.c., the son-in-law of the Emperor Augustus, who first built this temple dedicated "to all the gods". It is particular for its circular perimeter and Greek style temple, and was restored by the Emperor Hadrian, who rebuilt the monument, erecting the dome, which was one of the highest examples of constructive techniques used by the Romans. It was consecrated to the Madonna in 609 by the Pope Bonifacio IV, and is where the first two kings and the first queen of Italy are buried.

The Roman Forum

Via dei Fori Imperiali

Hours: from 9am until 1 hour before sunset – Sunday 9:00-1:00 – July-September 9:00-6:00
tel. 06-6790333 06-6780782

The Valley of the Roman Forum was originally a marshy swamp, which extends to the feet of the Quirinale, Viminale, Palatine e Capitoline Hills. Even since the beginning of the city it is was a vital centre, where political and economical encounters were held, as well as public and religious ceremonies. With the passing of time some of the most important building of the city were built right in this area, where you can still admire the Curia, where the senate reunited, and which has since been transformed into a medieval church. There is also the Temple of Dioscuri, the Basilica Julia, where justice was administered, the arches of triumph in memory to Titus and Settimio Severo, the Vestali House where the sacred fire is held, the magnificent Massenzio Basilica, the temples of Venus and Rome (commissioned by the emperor, Adriano), and lastly there are the overwhelming ruins on the Palatine of the Imperial Palace (commissioned by Domiziano). Also, don’t miss the ruins of a village from the Age of Iron, which tradition attributes to the “Capanna di Romolo”.

Traiano’s Forum

Dedicated to the Trajan’s victory during the Dacian War and consists of 18 blocks of marble with a 200mt. spiral frieze decorated with 2500 figures narrating the prominence of the expedition. Refined sculptures and close to classic dictatorships, it was rich with colours, of which few traces remain.

ANTONINA COLUMN

Piazza Colonna

It was extracted between 180 and 196 to celebrate the triumph of Marco Aurelio on the Marcomanni, the Quadi and the Sarmati, popular barbarians who threatened Rome on the Danubio front. It is almost 30mts. tall and is formed by 28 blocks of marble, an internal staircase of 190 steps brings you to the peak, where the statue of the emperor originally was. The spiral winds found at the base of the column and with their symbolic figures makes it one of the first examples from the end of the classic conception of roman sculpture.

THE ARCH OF COSTANTINE

It is found alongside the Coliseum, and it is the biggest and most well-kept of the ancient arches of triumph. The Arch of Costantine was built in 1315 and was dedicated from the Senate and from the people of Rome to the victor of Massenzio during the Ponte Milvian Battle. Many decorative elements originate from preceding monuments, primarily from Traiano, Adriano, Marco Aurelio e Domiziano.

Some Roman monuments ask that you request for written permission to tour the monument and that you reserve the visits in advance, this particularly regards archaeological areas, which at times may be closed for excavation. In order to make this request you can write to:

Comune di Roma
Ripartizione X
Piazza Campitelli:

tel. 06-67103064  06-67103118.

You can speed up the process by delivering the request in person to the “ufficio protocollo” (third floor). After having received the permit you can reserve your visit by calling directly to:

Ufficio monumenti antichi

e scavi, Via del Portico d’Ottavia 21

06-67103819  06-67102077 06-67102475

Office of ancient monuments and excavations, Via del Portico d’Ottavia 21

Tel. 06-67103819  06-67102077 06-67102475

ROMAN CHURCHES

The number of churches, chapels and other parson structures in Rome is enormous. It couldn’t have been different within a city that for centuries has been the capital of Christianity. Many are private, found within houses and buildings and many others are closed all year, with the exception of certain liturgical holidays. Nevertheless, the major ones are always open in order to welcome yearly pilgrims, tourists and religious followers who come from all over the world. The most significant in size, the four basilicas, were founded by the emperor Costantino after the announcement which had liberated the Christian religious group. Many trace back to the first centuries of Christianity and were built on the Catacombs, like Saint Sebastian’s Basilica and that of Saint Pancrazio, or on the houses of Romans already converted to Christianity, just as SS. Giovanni and Paul, Saint Prudenziana, Saint Prisca, or others in the places where the first martyrs were tormented.

It was desired by the emperor Costantine, in the place of the valvary at Saint Peter’s, where you can find his burial ground, it was completed It was restored in the 16^th century, and at the head of this restoration were great artists such as Bramante, Raffaello, Giuliano e Antonio da Sangallo, Baldassarre Peruzzi and even Michelangelo, to whom is given the magnificent work of the dome. In the 1600’s the architect, Maderno designed the centre terrace and projected the present façade. The magnificent oval-shaped piazza extends of 240 meters and is bordered by Bernini’s 248 columns, along with 88 obelisks. Internally, between 5 terraces and the many statues dedicated to the late popes, we can remember the bronze statue of Saint Peter’s and the magnificent Pietà that Michelangelo sculpted at only 25 years old. At the centre of the church, under the immense dome, we find the placement of the bronze statues, Canopy, Bernini’s masterpiece. Don’t forget the long walk to the top, although it may be tiring, you will get an unbelievable view of Rome.

Measurements of Vatican Basilica, from centre door to the cathedral, mt. 185x37; Saint Paul’s of London, mt. 157x20; Saint Maria of the flower in Florence, mt. 148x12; the Dome of Milan, mt. 134x17; the Cathedral of Cologne, mt. 132; Saint Petronio in Bologna, mt. 131x73; Saint Paul’s in Rome, mt. 126x64; Saint Sofia in Constantinople, mt. 108x93. According to the facts written in the “Unità Cattolica” on October 4 1864, Saint Peter’s Basilica holds 54,000 people. The comparison to other large churches is as follows: the Dome of Milan, 37,000; Saint Paul’s in Rome, 25,000; Saint Sofia in Constantinople, 23,000; Cathedral of Paris 21,000; the Dome of Florence, 20,000; Cathedral of Pisa, 13,000; Saint Marco in Venice, 7,000. It is considered, however, that Saint Peter’s Basilica can hold more than the number indicated above, and that it can easily hold up to 60,000 people.

The Basilica, founded by Constantine, is included by a compound of monuments. One of which is the Palace of Laterano, who established the place where the government of the church gathered. In 1650, after various restorations, the pope, Innocenzo X commissioned the Borromini di radically restore the church internally, which still hold the five original balconies. The facade is the work of Alessandro Galilei and you can admire the Battistero from the 5^th century, which is alongside the alter of the Basilica. This structure has been used as an architectural example of excellence.

On the summit of the Esquiline Hill, camps the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore founed by the pope Libero, where he had the dream that it was snowing in the summer. This event is celebrated every year in August. Along the walls of the central there are 36 mosaic windows of the Sisto III’s temple. During this period it we can also see the noted mosaics on the Arch of Triumph, representing Jesus’ life. Recent restorations allow us harmonious works of the architect Ferdinando Fuga from the middle of the 18^th century. Once you are outside of the church don’t forget to admire the staircase alongside the Basilica.

Emerging during the beginning of the fourth century, as mausoleum of Constantine’s daughters, Costanza and Elena. It was transformed into a church in 1254 and carries, above-all an articulate part of Roman architecture. The “ambulacro” is covered by a dome, where you can  see magnificent mosaics from the fourth century. Not far away we can see the Sant’Agnese church outside of the walls, which were built on the catacombs, where the Saint’s remains are contained. Internally you will find three balconies, and the ceiling decorated with elegant wooden notches. A visit to the catacombs, which date back from the second to the fourth century, would be advisable and interesting.

Constructed before 385 and dedicated to San Clamente, the third pope after Saint Peter. The compound consists of two different churches. The higher church is from the 12^th century, you can internally find a precious surrounding wall, where the “Schola Cantorum” is engraved. On the alter you will see a magnificent mosaic with the “Trionfo della Croce”. In particular, you can find the frescoes of Masolino of Panicale (around 1431), which deeply decorate the walls of the chapel, only discovered in 1861. The lower Basilica holds numerous frescoes from the 9^th and 12^th century.

Built in the sixth century on top of the remains of a big roman hall from the first century, which was later modified and destroyed. It is set alongside a bell which is tall seven floors. Internally you can admire the pavement from the 13^th century, with “cosmatesca” rich decorations. In the back door you will find the “Bocca della Verità”, ancient settings in stone. The legend tells us that whoever puts their hand in the mouth while telling a lie will have it bitten off.

Another world exists under the surface of the Roman city, a mysterious underworld of Catacombs awaits. Excavated by the first Christians, in order to escape from the roman prosecutions, but above all to bury the dead (only some of these are still available today to visit). The slope going down to the catacombs is cold and tight and walls show a slight hint of frescoes. It seems like a jump back into the past, history which allows you to still hear the sounds of the left spirits.

SAN SEBASTIANO'S CATACOMBS

Via Appia Antica, 136

Hours: 8:30-12/2:30-5:00 (winter) – 8:30-12/2:30-5:30 (summer). Closed Thursday
tel. 06-7887035

THE DOMITILLIA CATACOMBS

Via delle Sette Chiese, 283

Hours: 8:00-12:00/2:30-5:00. Closed Tuesday
tel. 06-5110342

Via Appia Antica, 110

Hours: 8:30-12:00/2:30-5:00 (winter) -8:30-12:00/2:30-6:00 (summer). Closed Wednesday
tel 06-5136725

Via Nomentana, 349

Via Salaria Nuova, 430

Hours: 8:30-12:00/2:30-5:00 (winter) -8:30-12:00/12:30-6:00 (summer). Closed Monday
tel. 06-83840882

Water, in the past a symbol of wealth, has never lacked in Rome. For centuries it has been carried by the magnificent roman aqueducts, even today the soul of small and large cities. Many are the fountains, some famous all over the world, but evenly known are the drinking fountains, kindly known as the “Nasone”, where on every corner tourists stop to refresh themselves on the hot summer days.

FOUNTAIN OF TREVI

The most monumental fountain of Rome, the great work of Nicola Salvi, who in 1751 finished the construction. It was the original fusion of architecture and sculpture, with natural elements, rock and water. Twenty meters wide and twenty-six meters tall, this structure dominates almost all of the small piazza, offering a unique sight to tourist able to admire the fountain from the promontory staircase. Rendered even more famous from the unforgettable scene of the swim in the fountain with Anita Eckberg and Marcello Mostroianni in the movie “La Dolce Vita”, by Fellini. The legend says that the tourist in love within the city tosses a coin in the fountain, this is the only way to be sure to one day come back to Rome.

TRITON FOUNTAIN

In the centre of Piazza Barberini stands out the beautiful Triton Fountain built by Bernini in 1643. Four dolphins, symbol of immortality, bloom from the beneath the vase, holding up with its tail the coat of arms belonging to the Barberin family, while a triton blows upwards spurts of water.

FOUNTAIN OF RIVERS

Found in the centre of Piazza Navona, this Fountain of Rivers is one of the most beautiful and fully developed structures by Bernini. Innocenzo X liked the design of this fountain so much that the pope decided to revaluate his opinion of the artist. In a game of caves, cliffs and realistic animals emerges four characters who symbolize the four longest rivers in the world: the Nile, the Gange, the Danubio, the Rio and the Plata. It is currently the one fountain “most visited”, seeing that most people who sit along side are tourists and not Romans.

THE BARCACCIA

At the foot of the Trinità dei Monti staircase you can find the Fount of Barcaccia. Built by Bernini’s father in 1629, it represents a ship which is sinking in a short basin. The representation is inspired by numerous shacks from the near-by port of Ripetta, it is a reminder of a counter which portrays Piazza di Spagna as and ancient place of naval battles.

THE “TORTOISE” FOUNTAIN

We can admire at the centre of Piazza Costaguti the “Tortoise” Fountain, a great work of Giacomo della Porta (1584). Four agile characters in bronze holding in one hand a dolphin and in the other they are pushing a turtle in the higher bath. It is a composition of harmony and movement, a true jewel for the late Renaissance.

THE “NAVICELLA” FOUNTAIN

In the shape of a Roman ship and sculpted from marble, it sits upon a pedestal embellished with the name of the pope Leon X. Built in 1513, it is the inspiration of ex soldiers who lived near by of an ancient epoch period.

NAIADI FOUNTAIN

Right next to the central station, Termini, at the entrance of Via Nazione, and in the monumental arcardes of Piazza della Repubblica, you will find the Naiadi Fountain. It is presented with a large, circular bath ornate with bronze statues that represent the children who played with the naval monsters. Built in 1885 and is one of the most beautiful fountains in Rome.

ROMAN MUSEUMS

UPPER MIDDLE AGES

Viale Lincoln 3 – tel. 06 5422811 (civilization and culture from the late IV-X). Hours: from Tues. to Sun. 9:00-7:30; holidays 9:00:2:00 .- Closed on Monday – Entrance: €2; free entrance under 18 yrs. old and above 65 yrs. old.

ORIENTALE ART

Via Merulana 248: tel. 06/4875077 (from prehistorical objects of art until today, from regions consisting of Iran to the far east). Hours: Mon., Wed., Fri. and Sat. From 8:30-2:00pm; Tues., Thurs., Sun. and holidays from 8:30-7:30pm. Closed on the first and third Monday of the month –Entrance fee: €4; free entrance under 18 yrs. old and above 65 yrs. old.

ART AND COMMON TRADITION

Piazza Marconi 8 – tel. 06 5926148 – www.popolari.arti.beniculturali.it (costumes, jewellery and a wide range of objects for common use). Hours: Tues. and Sun. 9:00-8:00pm, entrance until 7:30pm. Closed Mondays - Entrance fee: €4, €2 reduced; free entrance under 18 yrs. old and above 60 yrs. old.

BORGHESE

Piazzale Scipione Borghese 5 – tel. 0632810 (ancient sculptures and paintings which are master pieces and sculpture dating back to the XVI-XVII centuries: Bernini, Botticelli, Antonello da Messina, Raffaello, Ghirlandaio, Lotto, Dossi, Veronese, Bellini, Caravaggio, Bassano, Correggio, Tiziano, Canova)- Hours: Tues.-Sun. 9:00-7:30pm – closed Mondays - Entrance fee: €8,50, 5,25 reduced; free entrance under 18 yrs. old and above 60 yrs. old.

SAINT ANGELO’S CASTEL

Lungotevere Castello,50 tel 06/39967600 (sculture, mobili, ceramiche, armi, ecc. di varia provenienza). Orari: da mar. a dom. 9-20. Ingresso: 5 euro.

Lungotevere Castello 50 – tel. 06 39967600 (sculptures, furnisher, ceramics, armour, etc. from various parts) – Hours: Tues.-Sun. 9:00-8:00pm: Entrance fee: € 5

MUSEUM OF ANTIQUE CARRAIGES

Via Andrea Millevoi 693 – tel. 06 51958112 – Various types of antique carriages from different nations found in one space of around 3,000 mq – Hours: everyday 10:00-1:00pm/3:00-7:00pm, Saturday and Sunday 9:30-1:30pm/3:30-7:30pm – closed Monday – Entrance fee: €5

NATIONAL ROMAN MUSEUM – CRYPTA BALBI

Via delle Botteghe Oscure 31 (building completed in the middle ages, in the area in which Roman epoch was beginning, here we find the terrace call “Crypta Balbi”) – must buy your tickets in advance at tel. 06 39967700 – Hours: Tues.-Sun. 9:00-7:45pm – closed Monday – Entrance fee:€4, reduced €2 – free entrance under 18 yrs. and above 65 yrs.

PALACE CORSINI

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Via Lungara 10 – tel. 06 32810 (works from the Italian school during the 1600-1800’s: Tiepolo, Canaletto, Guercino, Giordano) – Hours: 9:00-2:00pm, Sundat 9:00-7:00pm – closed Monday – Entrance fee: €4

COLONNA GALLERY

Piazza Apostoli 66 – tel. 06 6784350 (Italian paintings from the 17th and 18th century Bronzino, Poussin, Tintoretto, Lotto, Salviati. Guercino. Rubens, Reni, Carracci) – Hours: only by appointment – Saturday open to the public from 9:00-1:00pm – Entrance fee: €7, reduced rate: €5

COMUNAL GALLERY OF MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART

Via Reggio Emilia 54 – tel. 06 67107900 (works from the 19th and 20th centuries) – Hours: Tues.-Sat. 9:00-7:00pm: holidays 9:30-1:30pm – closed Mondays – Entrance fee: €5, reduced rate: €4

DORIA PAMPHILI GALLERY

Piazza del Collegio Romano 2 – tel. 06 6797323 (works from the 16th-18th century, Tiziano, Bronzino, Caravaggio, Carracci, Guercino, Algardi, Velasquez, Rubens, Bernini) – Hours: 10:00-5:00pm – closed Thursday – Entrance fee: €8, reduced rated: €5,70 – guides in both English, Italian and French

NATIONAL GALLERY OF MODERN AND CONTERMPORARY ART

Via delle Belle Arti 13 – tel. 06 322981 (works of Italian art from the 19th and 20th century) – Hours: Tues.-Sun. 8:30-7:30pm – Closed Mondays – Entrance fee: €6,50

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ANCIENT ART OF THE BARBERINI PALACE

Via Barberini 18 – tel. 06 32810 (works from the 13th-16th century, Piero di Cosimo, Lippi, Perugino, Bronzino, Tintoretto, Tiziano, Bassano, Caravaggio, Holbein, da Cortona) – Hours: Tues.-Sun. 9:00-7:00pm – closed Mondays – Entrance fee: €6, reduce rate: €3,53

CAPITOLINI MUSEUM

Piazza del Campidoglio 1 – tel. 06 39967800 – Hours: Tues.-Sun. 9:00-8:00pm – closed Mondays – Entrance fee: 6,20, reduced rate: 4,20

VATICAN MUSEUM

Viale Vaticano – tel. 06 69883333 – Pio Clementino Museum, Chiaramonti Museum, New Braccio, Gregoriano Etrusco Museum, Gregoriano Egizio Museum (the largest collection of antiques in the world), Gallery of Arazzi and of the Geographical map, Raffaello’s Room, Niccolò the 5th’s chapel, Borgia apartments (Pinturicchio frescoes), Modern Religious Art Collection, Sistine Chapel, Sacred Museum, Pinacoteca Vaticana, Gregoriana Profano Museum, Ethnological Missionary Museum, Historical Museum – Hours: everyday 8:45-3:20pm – closed Sundays – Entrance fee: €10, reduced rate: €7

NATIONAL ROMAN MUSEUM

Largo di Villa Peretti 1 – tel. 06 39967700 (home the thermal baths of Diocleziano and the Collegio Massimo, it hold Greek, Roman and Christian art)  - Hours: 9:00-7:00pm, Sundays 9:00-8:00pm – closed Mondays: Entrance fee: €6,19

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF VILLA GIULIA

Piazza di Villa Giulia 9 – tel. 06 3226571/06 6412312 (Etruscan culture and civilization, collections and gold by Castellani, Apollo di Veio ed Eracle; Sarcofago degli Sposi, ciste Ficoroni) – Hours: everyday 9:00-7:00pm – closed Mondays – Entrance fee: €4

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PALAZZO VENEZIA

Via del Plebiscito 118 . tel. 06 69994212 (art from the middle-ages and the renaissance, gold, glass and ivory collections. Odescalchi collection of armour, collections painted by Solari, Lippi, Sodama, Giovanni da Milano, and Simone Martini) – Hours: Tues.-Sun. 8:30-7:30pm – closed Mondays – Entrance fee: €4, reduce rate €2

Piazza Marconi 14 – tel. 06 549521 (offers a detailed description of the stone ages, including Australian and African ethnics)
Hours: everyday 9:00-8:00pm: Entrance fee €4

SPADA GALLERY

Piazza Capo Ferro 3 – tel. 06 32810 (works from the 16th century: Reni Baciccia, Guercino, Domenichino, del Sarto, O. Gentileschi) - Hours: Tues.-Sun. 8:30-7:30pm – closed Monday – Entrance fee: €5, reduced rate: €2,50, free entrance under 18 years and over 60 years.