Skip to main content

When in Rome, Rome Around! Things to Do When Visiting the ‘Eternal City’

 

With a rich culture and history that spans almost three thousand years, beautiful heritage sites, amazing food, and breathtaking gardens, it’s no wonder Rome is on top of every traveler’s list.

It is home to the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and has established itself in the film industry.

While Rome wasn’t built in a day and you definitely cannot explore it in a day either, there are certain places you should add to your bucket list when visiting this gorgeous city!

With that in mind, let’s take a list of things you should do while you’re there.

Visit the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel

Founded by Pope Julius II in the 16th century, the museums house one of the largest and most significant art collections in the world. There are a total of 54 galleries, courtyards, and hallways.

Moreover, you’ll find thousands of ancient sculptures, works by Raphael and Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. If you have time, make sure to book tickets in advance for the Vatican Necropolis, which is beneath the St. Peter’s Basilica.

The Opera House

The famous Opera House is a must-see. It was built in the 19th century. The Teatro dell'Opera is a neo-classical opera house that hosts around 200 performances annually, from opera and ballet to contemporary dance.

The Colosseum

No list is complete without mentioning the Colosseum! While Rome is home to multiple amphitheaters, the Colosseum is the one that stands out the most. The Colosseum (or “Flavian Amphitheater”) was built somewhere between 70–80 AD and could hold up to 85,000 spectators. It was built to host gladiators, fights, animal hunting, executions, and even sea battles.

The House of Julia Felix

Who doesn’t known about the famous House of Julia Felix? It’s one of the largest properties in Rome. Julia Felix lived in Pompeii and expanded her business and property, renting out the rooms to the public.

She had converted portions of her property into apartments available for rent and other parts for public use after the major earthquake in 62 AD. The walls of the house are covered with frescoes, which is a tribute to small merchants and Pompeian people.

Her villa, even today, is considered one of the most majestic and beautiful properties in Rome.

Michael D. Thompson takes readers on the adventure of a lifetime with his book, “TheCurious Case of Julia Felix.”

The story follows two friends who assist a woman, Sophia, trying to make sense of her confounded life. She is possessed by a woman, Julia Felix, who lived at the time of Vesuvius’s eruption. The other story line follows Julia Felix in AD 79 as she tries to make sense of the upheaval Vesuvius has wrought. Both stories collide as the spirit of Julia Felix begins to assert herself in her new avatar.

The book is available on Amazon.

Comments