For centuries the most powerful city of the ancient world and cradle of Christianity, Rome boasts a millenary history and the vitality of an adolescent. The golden Tiber is becoming navigable once again and the visitor can rediscover the Eternal City from a totally new point of view.
Rome can shed its historical appearance and turn into a modern city with countless shopping streets and business and government centers.
Basilica of Saint Peter
At about 2 minutes from the Starhotels Michelangelo, it is considered as the symbol par excellence of Christianity. Inside, visitors can admire among many others, various works of art such as: “La pietà” by Michelangelo, “Il trionfo della croce” (the triumph of the cross) by Giovanni Lanfranco, sepolcro Innocenzo XIII’s sepulchre, Saint Peter’s Chair by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and the dome designed by Michelangelo.
Open from 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. every day from October to March, till 7.00 p.m. from April to September.
Dome: entrance every day from 8.00 a.m. to 04.45 p.m. from October to March, till 05.45 p.m..
Ticket only entrance.
Underground line A – Ottaviano station.
Basilica of Saint jhon Lateran
It is the cathedral of Rome. It was founded by Costantino in the IV century, it was demolished and rebuilt several times. The current basilica dates back to the XII century.
At the end of the large central nave, under the great triumphal arch, rises the papal altar with the striking and elegant tabernacle dating back to the second half of the XIV century with the frescoes attributed to Barna da Siena. Here the remains of Saint Peter’s and Saint Paul’s heads are kept in precious silver cases.
Opening/Closing Time: from 07.00 a.m. to 07.00 p.m.
Where: Piazza san Giovanni in Laterano, 4; underground line A, San Giovanni station, at 10 minutes from the Starhotels Metropole.
Information: telephone 06.69886452.
Basilica of SanPaolo
It is the second basilica by dimension after Saint Peter’s. It is situated outside the walls on via ostiense, built by Constantin on apostle Paul’s tomb. It is famous for its vast quadruple portico with Saint Paul’s statue in the center.
Opening/Closing Time: from 07.00 a.m. to 06.00 p.m.
Where: via Ostiense, 190; underground line B, San Paolo station.
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
The third church in order of importance, but the first wanted by a pope and not by an emperor: Sisto III. Santa Maria del Popolo has also been witness to numerous historical events among which the arrest of Pope Gregory VII during the Christmas mass of 1075 and Charles the Great’s Baptism.
Below the altar, there is the “Crucifixion” covered with precious materials, where relics of the Bethlem cave are kept, among which a piece of the manger.
In addition to Sisto V’s tomb, the chapel of Santa Maria del Popolo hosts Bernini’s very plain funerary monument.
Opening/Closing Time: from 07.00 a.m. to 0.8.00 p.m.
Where: Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, underground line A, Termini station, Bus 16, 70, 71. 360, 649, 714. At about 5 minutes from the Starhotels Metropole.
Pantheon
This great monument is considered a masterpiece of Romen architecture. Its name refers to the fact that it is a temple dedicated to more than one divinity. Inside, in addition to the royal families’ tombs, it houses Raffaello’s sepulchre.
Opening/Closing Time: weekdays – from 08.30 a.m. to 06.30 p.m.; Sunday 09.00 a.m. – 06.00 p.m.; holidays 09.00 a.m. – 01.30 p.m.
Where: Piazza Rotonda, bus 044.
Information: Telephone 06.68300230.
Free entrance.
The Colosseum
It is the largest Romen amphitheatre where fierce battles between the gladiators and the wild animals, were staged and where the first Christians were put to death.
Opening/Closing Time: from 09.00 a.m. up to one hour before sunset.
Where: Piazza del Colosseo; underground line B, Colosseo station, at 10 minutes from the Starhotels Metropole.
Information: Telephone 06.39967700.
Ticket only entrance.
Imperial Forums
Symbol of the ancient times and core of the Romen civilization, it was the political, juridical and social center in ancient Rome. Visitors can walk through and admire the ancient ruins and the apses from which the orators spoke to the public and the Massenzio Basilica.
Opening/Closing Time: from 09.00 a.m. up to one hour before sunset.
Where: Via dei Fori Imperiali, underground line B, Colosseo station.
Information: Telephone 06.39967700.
Free entrance.
Traianus Markets
A complex made of 150 units used as shops and wanted by Traianus. In fact, it can be considered the first covered shopping center in history. Worth seeing the Torre delle Milizie (Militia Tower) and the large red brick building.
Opening/Closing Time: Winter from 09.00 a.m. to 04.30 p.m., Summer from 09.00 to 06.30 p.m.
Where: via IV novembre, 94; underground line B, Colosseo station.
Information: Telephone 06.69780532.
Free entrance.
Altare della Pace (“Ara Pacis”)
It is a squared barrier with an altar in the center decorated with bas-reliefs sculpted by Greek artists.
The Ara Pacis was built to commemorate Augustus’ prodigious victories in Spain and Gallia.
Opening/Closing Time: from 09.00 a.m. to 05.00 p.m., holidays from 09.00 a.m. to 01.30 p.m.
Where: Lungotevere in Augusta; underground line A, Barberini station.
Information: Telephone 06.68806848.
The Constantinian Arch
It is the most important among the triumphal arches in the world. Built to celebrate Constantine’s victory over Massenzio it marks the border between the Romen Forum and the Colosseum. This monument is particularly interesting, as it was built in a period not very prosperous for the Romen Empire and that’s why the materials used were taken from other buildings and readapted to construct the arch. Among the various decorations, special attention should be given to Marcus Aurelius’ statue representing him in one of his greatest battles.
Where: Via di s. Gregorio, underground line B, Colosseo station.
Castel S. Angelo
Conceived as emperor Adrianus’ mausoleum, it has housed the remains of the imperial dynasties up to Caracalla and it was subsequently transformed into emperor Aurelianus’ castle. For a long time it has been used as a refuge for the Popes and that is why a fortified passage was built connecting the castle to the Vatican.
It is currently the seat to the National Museum of Castel S. Angelo, where visitors can admire weapon collections and documents related to the history of the castle. All areas are opened to visitors, from the dungeons to the papal apartments.
Opening/Closing Time: from 09.00 a.m. to 07.00 p.m., closed on Monday.
Where: Lungotevere Castello, 50, metro A fermata Lepanto a 5 minuti dallo Starhotels Michelangelo.
Information: Telephone 06.6819111.
Ticket only entrance.
Ancient Via Appia
It is the most famous consular road. It is a real open air museum where the passers-by can admire numerous pagan funerary constructions, the first Christian cemeteries and various mausoleums. Cecilia Metella’s tomb stands out for importance.
Where: ancient via Appia area – Ardeatina, can be reached with bus 118.
Campidoglio (The Capitol)
The project of the square is by Michelangelo Buonarroti. In the center, the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius. Opposite the square, the Senate building, today seat of the city council of Rome. On the left, Palazzo Nuovo which houses the Capitoline Museum.
Where: Piazza del Campidoglio, underground line B, Colosseo station, or Bus 40 and 64.
Capitoline Museums
The museum houses the most ancient public collection of works of art in the world, founded in 1471 by Sisto IV and enriched in time by the pontiffs who reigned after him. It is divided into the two buildings of Piazza del Campidoglio (Capitol Square), Palazzo dei Conservatori and the opposite Palazzo Nuovo. Here, among the many works of art, are kept the Galata Morente (Dying Galata, a naked warrior wounded to death) and Amendola’s sarcophagus with the battle between Greeks and Galatians.
Theme exhibitions are staged during specific periods of the year.
Opening/Closing Time: from 09.00 a.m. to 08.00 p.m., closed on Monday.
Where: Piazza del Campidoglio, underground line B, Colosseo station, or Bus 40 and 64.
Information: website www.museicapitolini.org; –
email info.museicapitolini@comune.rome.it; Telephone 06.39967800.
Ticket only entrance.
Trevi Fountain
It is the most famous fountain in Rome, designed by architect Nicola Salvi in 1735, with the sea as the central theme.
The Duchi di Poli building is set on the background.
Situated in the homonymous square, it is certainly the most visited site in Rome. In fact, thousands of people visit this fountain to throw a coin in it: the legend says that by doing so the tourist will come back to Rome again.
Federico Fellini’s movie, “La dolce vita”, has contributed to increasing the world fame of this fountain.
Where:Piazza Fontana di Trevi, underground line A, Barberini station, at a short distance from the Starhotels Metropole.
Vittor Emmanuel II’s Monument
An impressive monument built to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Kingdom of Italy. It has been the symbol of Italian unity since 1921 and it is also the homeland altar. Two sentinels of honor stand guard constantly to the “Tomba del Milite Ignoto” (Tomb of the Unknown Soldier), containing the mortal remains of a soldier fallen during World War One.
Where: Piazza Venezia, underground line B, Colosseo station.
Palazzo del Quirinale
It was the papal seat, later to become the residence of the Italian royal family; it is currently the residence of the President of the Republic. It is quite imposing, but does not have a great architectural value, though many important artists, among whom Bernini, collaborated to its construction.
Opening/Closing Time: Inly on Sunday from 08.30 a.m. to 12.30.
Where: Piazza del Quirinale, Bus 40.
Information: Telephone 06.46991.
Ticket only entrance.
Piazza del Popolo
An elegant pedestrian area, where political events and end of season concerts are staged. The classic stroll along Via del Corso, Via del Babuino and Via Ripetta starts on this square lined by famous boutiques framed by historical-cultural beauties from the Renaissance period.
The Flaminian obelisk, brought here from Egypt by emperor Augustus rises in the center of the square.
The church of S. Maria del Popolo (Saint Mary of the People) is situated at the bottom right corner of the square.
Church of S. Maria del Popolo
Piazza del Popolo, 12
Opening/Closing Time: every day 07.00 a.m. – 12.00, 04.00 p.m. – 07.00 p.m.
Underground line A, Flaminio station.
Piazza di Spagna
Characterized by the majestic stairs connecting the Square to the church of Trinità dei Monti, Piazza di Spagna has become the scenario of important and spectacular events. Climbing the steps and turning left, visitors can reach the Terrazza del Pincio, from which they can enjoy a breathtaking view of Rome.
Trinità dei Monti
Piazza Trinità dei Monti
Opening/Closing Time: 9 – 13; Sunday from 11.30 a.m. French mass.
Underground line A, Piazza di Spagna or Barberini stations.
Piazza Navona
This square is the symbol of the Baroque style and here it is possibile to admire various masterpieces by famous sculptors such as Bernini, Borromini and G. Della Porta. It is one of the most patronized placet in Rome, as in addition to representing a touristic destination, it is also a meeting point for the Romen night life. Nearby are clubs and restaurants for all tastes. Its peculiar elliptic shape recalls that of a stadium, in fact it rises right on the ancient Domitian stadium. The square features three fountains: the central fountain (Fontana dei Fiumi – the Fountain of the rivers) is Bernini’s work and represents the four most important rivers in the world; the side fountains are Fontana del Moro (Moor Fountain), designed by Bernini, and the Fontana di Nettuno (Neptune’s Fountain) designed by Giacomo Della Porta. The church of Saint Agnese in Agone is a typical example of Baroque style by Borromini, peculiar for its concave façade.
Where: Piazza Navona, Bus 64, at 2 Km from Strahotels Michelangelo.
Villa Borghese
Famous city park where it is possibile to visit the Gallery of the well known Borghese family. Here one can admire many important artworks among which the paintings by Caravaggio and the sculptures by Antonio Canova.
Borghese Gallery:
Opening/Closing Time: from Tuesday to Friday 09.00 a.m. – 07.30 p.m., Saturday 09.00 a.m. – 11.00 p.m.
Where: Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, underground line A, Barberini station; electric bus #116
Information: Website: www.galleriaborghese.it Telephone: 06.32810.
Ticket only entrance, free of charge for visitors under 18 and over 60.
Via del Corso
This pedestrian area is characterized by about a km of shop windows, mostly woman fashion apparel stores, made even more fascinating by the Renaissance and XVIII century buildings and a few important churches, such as the Chiesa di Gesù e Maria (Church of Jesus and Mary), where some of Lanfranco’s paintings are exposed.
Where: Piazza del Popolo area, underground line A, Flaminio station.
Trastevere
It is a true “Romen” area of the capital, where one can still feel the quiet atmosphere of the 19th Century life, a feeling conveyed by the presence of the artisan shops and the historical context surrounding it.
At night, the neighborhood is crowded and is completely transformed thanks to the numerous clubs hidden in the most secluded corners.
Can be easily reached from Termini railway station with Line H.
Campo de’ Fiori
On this square you can breathe an unusual air mixed with history and Romen spirit; in fact, in the morning it becomes the seat of the typical noisy Romen market, while at night it is filled with the people patronising the various clubs lining the square. In the center of it the statue of the philosopher Giordano Bruno, burnt alive right on that spot after being sentenced to death by the Inquisition.
Can be easily reached from Termini railway station, bus 64.
Colonna Gallery
It is one of the most important private collections of the capital, housed in some of the rooms of Palazzo Colonna. The fabulous ornaments of the “Sala Grande” frame the works belonging to the homonymous family. Among the other masterpieces, visitors can admire the works by Bronzino, Jacopo and Domenico Tintoretto, Francesco Albani and Pietro da Cortona.
Tours to Princess Isabel’s apartments are available by reservation.
Opening/Closing Time: Saturday from 09.00 to 01.00 p.m.
Where: Piazza S. Apostoli, 66, bus 64 or 40 from Termini Railway Station.
Information: Telephone 06.6784350.
Ticket only entrance.
Doria Pamphilj Gallery
The Pamphilj family collection includes over 400 paintings dating from the XV to the XVIII century and it is exposed on the first floor of the homonymous marvellous building.
The gallery houses over 400 works, among which the famous portrait of Pope Innocenzo X by Velazquez and “il riposo nella fuga in Egitto” (the rest during the flight into Egypt) by Caravaggio.
Opening/Closing Time: from 10.00 a.m. to 05.00 p.m., closed on Thursday.
Where: Piazza del Collegio Romeno, 2, bus 64 or 40 from Termini Railway Station.
Information: website: www.doriapamphilj.it; Telephone 06.6797323.
Ticket only entrance.
National Gallery of Ancient Arts
The National Gallery of Ancient Arts is housed inside one of the most important buildings belonging to the Romen nobility built by Bernini and Borromini.
Most of the collection comes from the Barberini family. The indoor environments exhibit XVIII century decorations. The large hall on the first floor deserves special attention for the dazzling fresco by Pietro da Cortona of 1633. Other works of specific interest are: the Portrait of Stefano Colonna by Bronzino, the Fornarina by Raffaello, in which the famous artist portrays his beloved, La Venere e Adone (Venus and Adonis) by Tiziano and Canaletto’s views of Venice.
Opening/Closing Time: from 09.00 to 07.00 p.m., closed on Monday.
Where: Via Barberini, 18, underground line A, Barberini station.
Information: website: www.ticketeria.it Telephone 06.4824184.
Ticket only entrance.
Vatican Museums
Here are exhibited is the largest collection of ancient works in the world. Here visitors can admire artistic beauties extending over 7 km. In fact, the Vatican museums occupy more than four floors. The first group dates back to the Renaissance period and from then on the popes have continued and completed the collection of the most precious treasures of art. The museums are divided into two sections: the first is the Egyptian one, followed by the Chiaromonti museum, the Pio Clemente museum, where copies of the most famous Greek works and the Perseus by Antonio Canova are kept. There is also the Etruscan museum and the rooms dedicated to Raffaello. Worth mentioning is the Sistine Chapel, its vault and background decorated by Michelangelo with the famous representation of the Universal Judgement. On the right side of the chapel is depicted Christ’s life, while the life of Moses is painted on the left.
Opening/Closing Time: From Monday to Friday from 08.45 a.m. to 03.45 p.m.; Saturday from 8.45 a.m. to 01.45 p.m. Closed on Sunday.
Where: Viale Vaticano, bus #46 at a short distance from the Starhotels Michelangelo.
Information: website: www.vatican.va; Telephone: 06.69883333.
Free entrance on the last Sunday of the month.
