We are talking about a monument built as a sepulcher for Emperor Hadrian, so try to think about how much history it has seen over the centuries. Over time it has been used to protect the city from looters. Some popes even used it to take refuge during the Sack of Rome. The defensive purpose has transformed it into the castle we see now. So much so that today you can see (on its left) a stretch of walls that connects the Vatican State to the Castle, it is called “the passetto”.
Piazza Navona
On the sides of the square you can admire the Fontana del Moro and the Fontana del Nettuno. In its heart, however, you can see the beautiful Fountain of the Four Rivers by Bernini and the Church of Sant’Agnese in Agone by Borromini and Rainaldi. One of the Roman legends behind this square is that many assume that Bernini’s fountain has the statue of the Rio de la Plata with the arm placed in front of it for fear of the church collapsing on top of it. This legend perfectly tells the rivalry that the Bernini and Borromini families have always had.
Pantheon
The temple was built in the period of ancient Rome and dedicated to past, present and future divinities. Few people know that the Pantheon in the seventh century was converted into a Christian basilica, it takes the name of the Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres and for this reason you can see it as it is today. Over the centuries, the popes have caused damage to many buildings of Ancient Rome. Thanks to the title of basilica, the Pantheon has remained unharmed over the centuries.
One of the peculiarities for which it is known is that its dome is still the largest in the world to have been built in unreinforced concrete. In addition, at the top of the dome there is a hole that over the centuries has made it possible to study astronomy. One of the best moments to visit the Pantheon is on the day of Pentecost because, thanks to the hole, you can admire a cascade of pink petals falling inside the monument.
Piazza di Spagna
Coming to Rome and not seeing the Spanish Steps is like not having been in Rome. You must make this stop to see Bernini’s Fontana della Barcaccia in the center of the square. Its restoration was completed in 2014 and thanks to this you can see it even more beautiful than ever. Obviously you can’t help but also see the beautiful Spanish Steps which, thanks to its 136 steps, allows you to reach a point where you can have a panoramic view of both the square and Via Condotti, the street that houses the shops. of the best fashion houses in the world.
For some years, beautiful flowers have been placed on the Spanish Steps which embellish the square even more. If you have time, you can also take the opportunity to visit the Church of the Holy Trinity of the Mountains located at the top of the staircase. From there you can also enjoy a view of Rome.
Fontana di Trevi
It was reopened in 2015 after a restoration that made it even more beautiful thanks to this intervention. Travertine and white marble give a perfect touch to the fountain. Moreover, thanks to the new lighting system installed in 2019, the evening is one of the magical moments to see it in all its splendour as there are fewer tourists than the rest of the day.
Altare della Patria
The beauty of the Altare della Patria is that you can have a unique view over the rooftops of Rome while still being in the center. You need to know that you can even climb to the top of the monument and get even better views. In this case, you need a ticket to be able to access the lift that takes you to the top.
Colosseo