Travel tours and things to do in Rome, Italy right now: The name ‘Villa Borghese’ refers to the largest and most beautiful park in Rome. At one time, this estate belonged to the very wealthy cardinal Scipione Borghese, and was built around the villa of the same name. Since 1903, it has been in the possession of the municipality of Rome and serves as a public park. The ‘Galleria Borghese’ can also be found in the park, a museum displaying the large private art collection of Borghese. The gallery contains sculptures and paintings by artists such as Caravaggio, Rubens, Bernini and Leonardo da Vinci. Domus Aurea are the excavations of Nero’s “Golden House”. Since 2014 it is possible to visit the remains of this huge palace in a very nice way; with this guided tour where you can experience what the huge palace must have looked like at the time. The tour is only available on Saturdays and Sundays, as restoration work is underway for the rest of the week. A lesser-known Rome tourist attraction, but one of my personal favorites. Read even more info at things to do in Rome.
One of Rome’s most characteristic Baroque squares, Piazza Navona still has the outline of the Roman stadium built here by Emperor Domitian. It was still used for festivals and horse races during the Middle Ages, and was rebuilt in the Baroque style by Borromini, who also designed the magnificent series of palaces and the church of Sant’Agnese, on its west side. Its facade, campanile, and dome highlight the way Baroque architecture weaves convex and concave surfaces, gables, windows, columns, and piers into a unified design. In the crypt of Sant’Agnese are Alessandro Algardi’s 1653 The Miracle of St. Agnes and the remains of a Roman mosaic floor. Sant’Agnese provided a model for Baroque and Rococo churches in Italy and elsewhere.
Free things to do in Rome : Walk the Ancient Appian Way, The Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) was Europe’s first highway. Built in 312 B.C., the Appian Way connected Rome with Capua running in a straight line for much of the way. The part of the old road close to Rome is part of a nature and archaeological park, the Parco Regionale dell’Appia Antica. Walk on the old road out of Rome on Sunday, when no cars are allowed. There are lots of ancient things to see on the peaceful walk, and the park has detailed routes and maps of the best walking and biking routes. While you are there see the ruins of Roman monuments, two major Christian catacombs, and the Domine Quo Vadis Church. In the nave look for the footprints reputed to be those of Jesus.
Just a stone’s throw from the Colosseum, the Forum marked the heart of Ancient Rome’s political, religious and social spheres. It would have been in this very place that triumphal processions, public speeches, commercial affairs and much more would have taken place. Today, this sprawling archaeological site is made up of different streets that were once bustling at the height of the Roman Empire, temples, the courts of justice and halls of government. Here are some activities that you may find useful to explore this complex and delve into its fascinating history. No trip to Rome would be complete without a visit to Vatican City. Due to its sovereign nature and limited size, it’s considered the smallest country in the world. Despite this, it’s home to impressive works of art and, of course, the Holy See, the central government of the Catholic Church. Find additional info on https://lvtsk.com/.
Delve into Rome’s Underbelly – One of the most fascinating attractions in Rome in fact lies underneath the city. Rome’s ancient catacombs are underground tunnels which served as a Christian and Jewish place of burial during approximately the 2nd-5th centuries AD. Incredibly, these passageways stretch for kilometres underneath the city’s bustling streets. On this Underground Tour of Rome, you can delve into these ancient passages yourself and, accompanied by an expert guide, gain an insight into the lives, beliefs, and burial practices of Romans at the turn of the millennium.
Santa Maria in Trastevere – Santa Maria in Trastevere is one of the oldest churches in Rome, with most historians believing it was first built in the 4th century. The church has impressive mosaics from the 12th and 13th centuries; it has been enlarged and restored over the years. Located in the popular Trastevere neighborhood, its atmospheric piazza is enhanced by the mosaics on the fa?ade, especially at night when the church and its tower are illuminated.
Circo Massimo, Circus Maximus, was an ancient stadium for chariot racing constructed in the 6th century. Like the Colosseum, it was used for games and gladiator fights and was one of the city’s most important public spaces. It is strategically located under the Palatine and Aventine hills and today is used for large concerts and events.