Colosseum, Forum & Historical Center

The Colosseum (Colosseo, built 72–80 AD) is the largest amphitheater ever constructed and the undisputed symbol of Rome. Up to 50,000 spectators watched gladiator fights, animal hunts, and mock sea battles here. The architecture is a marvel: four stories, 80 entrances, a sophisticated system of elevators and trapdoors underground (Hypogeum), and a sunshade (Velarium) operated by 1,000 sailors.

What you see

• The Arena: The combat area, under which lies the labyrinth of the Hypogeum — the corridors, cages, and elevators used to transport gladiators and animals into the arena.
• The Stands: Three levels, strictly ordered by social status — emperors and senators at the bottom, the people at the top. The seats bore names and numbers, like in a modern stadium.
• The Underground (Hypogeum): Accessible since 2021 (extra charge). Here you see the machinery behind the spectacle: elevators that catapulted lions into the arena, corridors through which gladiators met their fate.

Practical Information

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the political, religious, and economic center of the Roman Empire — the place where Caesar was murdered, Cicero delivered his speeches, and triumphal processions ended. Today, it is a sprawling field of ruins between the Colosseum and Capitoline Hill, but with a little imagination, the ancient world capital comes to life again.

• Via Sacra: The sacred road where triumphal processions marched to the Capitol. Here walked Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Mark Antony.
• Temple of Saturn: Eight majestic columns — one of Rome's oldest buildings (497 BC). The temple housed the state treasury.
• Arch of Septimius Severus: Three arches of white marble (203 AD), dedicated to victories over the Parthians.
• Curia: The Senate building where the fate of an empire was decided. Surprisingly small and simple.
• Temple of Divus Julius: This is where Caesar's body was cremated. Visitors still lay flowers here today.

Palatine Hill (Palatino)

The Palatine is the hill where Rome was founded (according to legend by Romulus in 753 BC) and where the emperors built their palaces — the word "palace" derives from Palatine. Here you find the ruins of the imperial palaces (Domus Augustana, Domus Flavia), the Farnese Gardens with their spectacular view over the Forum, and the Stadium of Domitian.

Tip: Start at the Palatine (fewer crowds in the morning), enjoy the gardens and the view, and then work your way down to the Forum. The entrance via Via di San Gregorio is often less crowded than the one at the Colosseum.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon (built in 125 AD under Emperor Hadrian) is the best-preserved structure of antiquity and one of the most influential buildings in architectural history. The dome (43.3 meters in diameter) was the largest in the world for almost 1,400 years — and remains the largest unreinforced concrete dome to this day. The oculus, the 9-meter-wide opening at the top of the dome, is the only light source: The beam of light moves across the marble floor like a sundial throughout the day.

The Pantheon has been a church (Santa Maria ad Martyres) since 609 AD and houses the tombs of Italian kings and the painter Raphael. Admission: €5 (since 2023), free on the first Sunday of the month. Opening hours: Mon–Sat 9 AM–7 PM, Sun 9 AM–6 PM. On rainy days, water falls through the oculus — a magical sight.

Piazza Navona

Rome's most beautiful square was built on the ruins of the Stadium of Domitian (1st century AD) — the elongated shape of the ancient stadium is still visible today. Three magnificent fountains adorn the square, most notably Bernini's Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers, 1651): Nile, Ganges, Danube, and Río de la Plata as monumental figures symbolizing the four known continents at the time. Piazza Navona is Rome's living room: street painters, cafés, street musicians, and a Baroque backdrop that makes every film director envious.

Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)

The Trevi Fountain (1762, Nicola Salvi) is the largest and most famous Baroque fountain in the world: 26 meters high, 50 meters wide, adorned with the figure of the sea god Neptune on a shell chariot drawn by sea horses. The tradition: Throw a coin over your right shoulder with your left hand — and you will return to Rome. Two coins bring love, three a wedding. Around €3,000 lands in the basin daily — the money goes to Caritas.

When to visit? The Trevi Fountain is accessible around the clock and always crowded. The quietest times: early morning (before 8 AM) or late evening (after 11 PM). At night, it is spectacularly illuminated.

Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti)

The Spanish Steps (1723–1726) connect the Piazza di Spagna with the church Trinità dei Monti and, with 135 steps, are one of the most famous staircases in the world. In spring, they are adorned with azaleas, in summer they are the city's most popular meeting point. At the foot of the steps: the Barcaccia Fountain (Pietro Bernini, father of the more famous Gian Lorenzo) and Via Condotti — Rome's most expensive shopping street with Gucci, Prada, and Bulgari.

Galleria Borghese

The Galleria Borghese is one of the world's most beautiful art museums — small, intimate, and with a collection that defies size. In the Villa Borghese (17th century) in the park of the same name, you will find:

• Bernini: Apollo and Daphne, The Rape of Proserpina, David — sculptures with a vitality that leaves every viewer speechless. The marble seems to breathe.
• Caravaggio: Six paintings, including Boy with a Basket of Fruit, David with the Head of Goliath (the head is Caravaggio's self-portrait), and Sick Bacchus.
• Canova: Venus Victrix — Paolina Bonaparte as a half-naked Venus on a divan. Scandalous then, breathtaking today.
• Raphael, Titian, Rubens and many more.

Admission: €15, reservation required (max. 360 visitors per 2-hour time slot). Book weeks in advance! Opening hours: Tue–Sun 9 AM–7 PM. Free on the first Sunday of the month.

Campo de' Fiori

The Campo de' Fiori (Field of Flowers) is Rome's liveliest square: In the morning (7 AM–2 PM), the city's oldest market takes place here — fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, and fresh pasta. In the center stands the somber statue of Giordano Bruno, who was burned here as a heretic in 1600. In the evening, the square transforms into an open-air living room with bars and restaurants — touristy but atmospheric.