1. The Colloseum

This ancient monument to the violent habits of the Rome’s antique, founding inhabitants is one of the most fascinating sights in the city. It dates back well over one and a half thousands years, and was the site of many a vicious battle between man and wild beast, or, worse still, between gladiator and prisoner. Unless you’re keen to wait in a long, long queue, you’ll definitely want to pre-book your entry tickets.

2. The Pantheon

This is another of Rome’s most popular ancient icons. Originally a temple and now a church, the pantheon is around two thousand years old and stands as staggering testimony to the prowess of Roman engineering. This enormous domed structure is famed for its dramatic scale and as the tomb of numerous celebrated artists and ancient leaders.

3. St Peter’s Square

The Piazza San Pietro was designed by the celebrated sculptor Bernini and today, is one of Rome’s focal points. Its central feature is an ancient obelisk, used by the emperor Nero as a marker in his chariot races. Expect crowds of people and multiple queues.

4. The Arch of Constantine

The Arco di Constantino dates from 315 AD and was erected to commemorate victory in battle. It is famous for its sheer size. At over 21 metres high, the ancient monument is the largest structure of its kind in Rome, and its plinths, friezes and inscriptions remain beautifully preserved to this day. A real must-see for any classics enthusiast.

5. The Vatican Museums

This enormous labyrinthine museum is housed in the Palazzo Apostolico Vaticano and is a vast treasure trove of historical and cultural artefacts. Get there early and be prepared to face lengthy queues and to endure stringent security checks; once inside, however, you’ll find that the waiting (and frisking) has been worth it.

6. St Peter’s Basilica

There are hundreds of churches in Rome and almost every one is a beautiful-designed, artistic masterpiece. Out of these, however, St Peter’s is undoubtedly the most astounding. Like everywhere in Rome, you’ll find yourself in a vast crowd of tourists; get up early to ensure you don’t spend the whole day in a queue. In addition, you’ll want to cover up; sight-seers are not allowed into the Basilica in shorts, miniskirts or with bare arms and shoulders.

7. The Trevi Fountain

Designed by Nicola Salvi in 1732, the Trevi is Rome’s biggest, not to mention most famous, fountain. The water that bubbles through the baroque statues of Neptune and his horse is transported to the site through an ancient aqueduct that dates to the first century BC.

8. The Sistine Chapel

This chapel’s famous ceiling, painted by Michelangelo, attracts thousands of visitors each day. As with every cultural hotspot, you’ll want to make sure you arrive as early as you can in order to minimise the time spent in queues, and again, you’ll find that once you’re inside, any waiting that you’ve done has been worth it.

Rome is an epicentre of history and culture, and as a result, it’s visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists, all keen to get a peek at the most fascinating monuments, museums and artefacts. As a visitor, you’ll need to be both patient and persevering in order to make the most of your trip, and if you can get over the crowds and queues, you’ll find the city is like none other. Hopefully, my list of 8 sights to see in Rome will help you to navigate the labyrinth of attractions; do you have any suggestions to add to it?

Top Photo Credit: jonrawlinson