Landmarks in Rome

Rome is a city of many wonders, and you could make time to see them all when carefully planning your trip to the Italian capital.



The Pantheon is the first port of call for many people visiting Rome, widely held to be one of the finest examples of Ancient Roman architecture that was repurposed as a Catholic church once Christianity became the dominant religion. But just because you've seen the Pantheon doesn't mean you've seen all that Rome has to offer.



Some of Rome's most famous landmarks are mysterious in origin, including the mighty Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. No one knows the details of who built this epic theatre, believed to be constructed between 70 and 82 AD, but in its day it was capable of hosting audiences of 50,000, attending sport events and gladiatorial battles in the city.



The so-called Mouth of Truth is similarly enigmatic, and historians and architects are still unsure of its original function, though it's believed to have been a vast drain. The statue's name comes from the myth that its mouth would be capable of biting off the hands of liars. Other aspects of Rome's ancient sewer system are equally fascinating, including the Cloaca Maxima which dates as far back as the seventh century BC, and aided drainage from the valleys into the River Tiber.

Water is a common theme in several of Rome's iconic attractions, including the famous Trevi Fountain, dedicated to Italian King Vittorio Emanuele II and built between 1885 and 1911. While the statue is often overrun by splashing tourists during the busier months, visiting off-peak can be a better option if you'd prefer to see Rome's sights at your leisure, as well as ensuring availability of Rome hotels.



If you're drawn to the culture of Ancient Rome and want to find out more, visiting the Roman Forum should be considered a must, which houses many ancient monuments and is a marvel in itself. Many sections of the ancient city walls and gates are still standing too, giving a clearer idea of what Rome may have looked like 2,000 years ago.



Not all of Rome's landmarks are man-made, and you shouldn't ignore the city's natural wonders when visiting the city. From the Seven Hills of Ancient Rome to the River Tiber itself, you'll never be stuck for options to get out of the city and explore the great outdoors when visiting Rome.