Rome Stay 4 nights - 3 days
- Isabelle Lemoine
- Jun 2, 2024
- 7 min read
Three days are definitely not enough to visit Rome in full. So we had to make choices. For this first stay, we wanted to see at least: the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.
Before leaving we had bought tickets for guided tours of the Colosseum and the Vatican on specific dates. We did not regret it at all. There are at least two significant advantages. First of all, it allows you not to waste time queuing to buy tickets on site. When we saw the waiting times on site, we were very happy to have our tour booked. Then, the guides give another dimension to the sites visited. The two guides we had were very interesting and above all passionate.
For the Pantheon, we also bought skip-the-line tickets at the tourist office in Piazza Navona to avoid waiting at the entrance ticket office.
Our stay in Rome
Day 1 :
Trevi Fountain
Colosseum
Forum and Palatine Hill
Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli
Presidential Palace
Piazza di Spagna
Day 2 :
Vatican (museum, Sistine Chapel, basilica and St. Peter's Square)
Castel Sant'Angelo
Pantheon Square
Church of San Luigi dei Francesi
Piazza Navona
Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone
Day 3 :
Pantheon
Area Sacra di Largo Argentina
Basilica di Sant'Andrea della Valle
Campo de Fiori
Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara coeli
Piazza del Campidiglio
Piazza Navona
Day 4 : départ de Rome
Day 1
Trevi Fountain
On the advice of our host, we went early to visit the Trevi Fountain. Very wise advice! We came back at the end of the day. It was crazy. Impossible to get near the fountain.
Morning:
Afternoon::
Colosseum
The guided tour of the Colosseum lasts about 1h30. Our guide gave us several interesting details that bring the place to life and allow us to imagine how the Romans lived in ancient Rome.
The site is impressive, but unfortunately it has been largely destroyed over time.
You have to imagine the retractable canvas roof that sheltered the spectators from the sun. This roof (or awning) was operated by sailors, because they were used to working at height in the ropes like on a boat.
A whole system of pulleys, machines and ropes was installed under the arena to allow the gladiators and animals to climb on stage and create special effects that the crowd loved so much.
A few steps from the Colosseo Metro exit, there is a staircase that allows access to via Nicola Salvi, this is one of the best viewpoints to see and photograph the exterior of the Colosseum.
Forum and Palatine Hill
The Forum and the Palatine Hill are right next to the Colosseum. We spent almost 3 hours visiting the site, and we are far from having seen everything.
The Palatine Hill is the mythical place where according to legend Romulus founded the city of Rome.
The Forum was the nerve center of political, economic, legal, cultural and religious activity.
Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli
The Basilica of San Pietro in Vincolo was built between 432 and 440 on foundations dating back to the Roman Republic to house the chains used to bind St. Peter during his imprisonment in Jerusalem.
The Basilica is also known for housing the magnificent sculptural and architectural project of the famous Italian artist Michelangelo, called the Tomb of Julius II. It is in fact a funerary monument erected in memory of the latter. Initially, it was intended to be installed in St. Peter's Basilica as a sepulchral monument. It ultimately took more than 40 years (1505-1545) and 6 different projects to achieve the magnificent work that we can see today.
Presidential Palace
The Presidential Palace was originally a papal residence, it is now the official residence of the President of the Republic of Italy.
Piazza di Spagna
Piazza di Spagna is a very touristy square in the center of Rome. It is located in the luxury shopping and Spanish embassy area. We were staying right next door. On our way back in the evening after a busy day, we had the pleasure of attending an impromptu recital by a French choir on the steps of the Trinità dei Monti staircase. A magical moment in this splendid place.
Day 2
Vatican
We started our visit to the Vatican with the museum. In fact, when we talk about the Vatican Museum, we are talking about 12 different museums. Needless to say, in half a day like we had, it is impossible to see them all. These museums house masterpieces, including paintings and sculptures, collected over the centuries by the popes. Our guide took us to visit the Pio Clementino Museum, the Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of Candelabra and the Gallery of Tapestries.
Then, we visited the Sistine Chapel where we were able to admire Michelangelo's frescoes up close.
Then, we went to St. Peter's Square.
Finally, we entered St. Peter's Basilica.
Castel Sant' Angelo
Castel Sant'Angelo, also known as Hadrian's Mausoleum, is now a museum. It was originally built at the request of Emperor Hadrian to be a funeral mausoleum for himself and his family. Over time it was transformed into a castle, a fortress, a prison, a papal residence, a barracks and finally a museum.
We only passed by it, as it was on our way back from the Vatican to our lodging.
We didn't have enough time to visit it. We'll save it for our next visit to Rome.
Pantheon
In the evening, we decided to walk through the small streets of the historic center of Rome and we went to take a tour of the Pantheon square. No matter what time of day or evening, this square is crowded. It is true that the Pantheon is a mythical place in Rome. Our visit to the interior of the building is planned for the next morning.
San Luigi dei Francesi church
After the Pantheon square we headed to another square, Piazza Navona. On the way, we stopped randomly at a church, the San Luigi dei Francesi church. We were surprised to attend a second recital of another French choir. Obviously the holiday season is conducive to this kind of activity.
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona, decorated with three fountains, is one of the most beautiful squares in Rome. In the center of the most imposing of the three, the Fountain of the Four Rivers, is an obelisk bearing Egyptian hieroglyphs.
All around the square there are many terrace restaurants.asse.
Sant'Agnese in Agone church
Opposite the Fountain of the Four Rivers is the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone. The church was built on the site where, according to tradition, the holy martyr Agnes of Rome, exposed naked to the view of the population, was miraculously covered by her hair.
Day 3
Pantheon
Here we are back at the Pantheon. This time we go inside, avoiding the queue thanks to our skip-the-line ticket purchased at the tourist office in Piazza Navona.
The Pantheon supports the largest dome of all antiquity with 43.30 m of diameter inside, which remains the largest in the world in unreinforced cement concrete. Originally, it was a temple dedicated to all the divinities of the ancient religion. It was converted into a church in the 7th century by Pope Boniface IV and became the Basilica of the Holy Virgin of the Martyrs. Today, it is a church, where masses and weddings are celebrated and it is closed to visitors during these ceremonies.
Since the Renaissance, the Pantheon has also served as a tomb. It includes that of the Italian painter and architect Raphael and the King of Italy Victor Emmanuel II.
Area Sacra di Largo Argentina
The Largo di Torre Argentina or more commonly Largo Argentina is a large rectangular square, almost entirely occupied by an archaeological complex comprising four Roman temples whose foundation dates back to the Republican era.
Although the archaeological complex can be visited, you can get a very nice overview of the streets surrounding it.
Basilica di Sant'Andrea della Valle
In Rome, there are churches on every street corner. They are all more beautiful than the others.
It was while walking that we discovered the Basilica di Sant'Andrea della Valle.
Campo de Fiori
Campo de Fiori is a square where a fruit and vegetable market is held every day except Sunday. It is a very lively place and full of good things to eat and drink. You can find all the good local products, all kinds of pasta and the famous limoncello.
Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere
The Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere (Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere) is one of the oldest churches in Rome, located in the Trastevere district. The wooden ceiling is magnificent and the mosaics are impressive.
Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara coeli
The Basilica di Santa Maria in Aracoeli (Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli or "Saint Mary of the Altar of Heaven") is located at the top of the Capitol, behind the monument to Victor Emmanuel II (which we did not have time to visit). Access to the basilica is worth it because you have to take a long marble staircase of more than 120 steps to get there. But the effort of the climb is rewarded. You can discover a panoramic view of the city of Rome and the basilica is superbly decorated. The wooden ceiling is beautiful.
Piazza del Campidiglio
Piazza del Campidoglio (Capitoline Square) is located at the top of the Capitoline Hill right next to the Basilica di Santa Maria in Ara coeli. Here too you have to climb a few steps to get there. This square was built according to Michelangelo's original plans. It is surrounded by several palaces that make up the Capitoline Museum. Unfortunately we did not have time to visit it. It is to add to our list for our next visit to Rome.
Piazza Navona
Our last evening in Rome coincided with New Year's Eve. We decided to ring in the year among the Italians in one of our favorite squares in Rome, Piazza Navona. What an atmosphere!
See you soon !
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