6 things to absolutely do in Rome!

Rome, the eternal city, subtly continues to retrace more than 2,500 years of history in its various districts. Each monument, square, garden and alleyway reflects the colors of inspiration, wonder and of course idyllic love.

Full of charm, Rome is characterized by its rich culture, its taste for art and its baroque architecture.

If you are still hesitating about choosing Rome as a destination, whether for sightseeing or for your Italian, let us introduce you to the six things you should definitely do in Rome.

1. THE COLOSSEUM

The Colosseum, located in the center of the city of Rome, is the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It is one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering. Its construction dates back to the year 72 and can accommodate probably 50,000 spectators.

The site, which was the scene of many horrific deaths, is a historical site and a must for any history and architecture lover.

The Colosseum is currently in a state of ruin, due to the damage caused by earthquakes and the recovery of stones, but it continues to give the measure of the ancient power of Imperial Rome. Today it is one of the symbols of modern Rome and one of its most popular tourist attractions in the world.

2. THE PANTHEON

The Pantheon is one of the most representative buildings in the center of Rome. The construction of the Pantheon began in 27 B.C. under the direction of Marcus Agrippa and is one of the few monuments of ancient Rome still intact. The present temple and the characteristic round dome were built in the second century under Emperor Hadrian, after the building was damaged by a huge fire in 80 A.D. and lightning struck again in 110. On the front of the building there is a bronze text “M.AGRIPPA.L.F.COS.TERTIUM. FECIT”, which means “Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, consul for the third time, built this building”. What is remarkable is that this text was affixed under Emperor Hadrian.

3. THE VATICAN

How can you plan to visit Rome without discovering the Vatican?  One of the smallest states in the world and one of the most powerful. Its history is fascinating and its jewels are priceless. Even if you’re not a believer, take a look around St. Peter’s Square to admire the columns and the Basilica San Pietro (St. Peter’s Basilica). Inside, you can admire the Sistine Chapel and especially the fresco on the ceiling of the chapel, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512.

4. THE TREVI FOUNTAIN

The Trevi Fountain is undoubtedly the most beautiful and spectacular fountain in Rome. Millions of people discover it every year and throw coins, hoping that the legend becomes reality.

The legend was born from the movie “Three Coins in the Fountain” and says the following:

• If you throw a coin: you will return to Rome.
• If you throw away two coins: you will find love with a beautiful Italian (or a beautiful Italian).
• If you throw away three coins: you will marry the person you met.

To make it all work, it is said that it is better to throw the coin with your right hand, over your left shoulder.

Did you know that every year almost a million euros are collected from the fountain? Since 2007, all this money has been earmarked for charitable purposes.

5. THE ROMAN FORUM

Located between the Capitol and the Colosseum, the Roman Forum was the focal center of public and religious life in ancient Rome. The Forum is, along with the Colosseum, the greatest proof of the greatness of the Roman Empire that can still be seen today.

To help you better understand this slightly chaotic place, we recommend that you start your visit from the Capitol, which will give you a general view of the ruins and allow you to better understand their contours.

6. TRASTEVERE NEIGHBORHOOD

Trastevere is one of the prettiest neighbourhoods in Rome with its narrow cobblestone streets, colourful buildings dripping with ivy, and balconies enlivened with geraniums.

This beautiful neighborhood is reasonably quiet (at least by day), relaxed, and has far less traffic than other parts of chaotic Rome. It feels more like a small town than a capital city. Yet, it has a convenient location with the historic centre, Vatican, and Colosseum all within a 30-minute walk.

Do you feel like going to Rome now? If so, why not in total immersion with the Scuola Leonardo Da Vinci School?

Scuola Leonardo da Vinci School is a high quality Italian language school recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education.

Since 1977, this school has been offering Italian courses that suit many profiles and all ages: general Italian, business Italian, exam preparation, Italian culture…etc.

We have negotiated some advantages with this school for our students. For more information, contact us or visit the Scuola Leonardo Da Vinci school page.