Please take me back to Rome!! Last summer my family was fortunate enough to spend 3 fantastic weeks in the South of France and Italy. We only had 48 hours in Rome but we certainly made the most of it and saw a lot of gorgeous architecture, art and history. One can easily spend a week in Rome and not experience all of the beauty this city has to offer. If you are planning a trip to Rome and have limited time this post is for you! 2 Days in Rome, The 7 Sites You Must See!
Let me start by saying that the time of year you go visit Rome makes a big difference. We were there the first week in August and so was literally everyone else, ohh and did I mention it was during a 30 year heat wave! 39 degrees C which is 102 F! August is when most European countries are on vacation so it will be quite busy. If you choose to go during off peak seasons like fall and spring it will be far less crowded and the temperature will be milder. But if your travel plans occur during the summer months let me give you one tip. Take advantage of the paid tour groups! You will pay for admission, the group will meet you at a designated location outside of the attraction (ie: Vatican or Colosseum) provide you with your tickets and fast track you through security. Once inside you can leave the group and tour at your own speed. Totally worth the investment! Especially when the line to get into the Vatican was winding around the street corner.
Here were some of our favorite must see destinations in Rome!
Colosseum
Probably one of the most well known sites in Rome is the Colosseum! Located just east of the Roman Forum, the massive stone amphitheater known as the Colosseum was commissioned around A.D. 70-72 by Emperor Vespasian of the Flavian dynasty. Many know from History lessons that the Colosseum was house to several gladiator and animal fights. Fun fact- in ancient Rome they would occasionally place a floor on the bottom of the Colosseum and flood a portion of the amphitheater to recreate famous Roman naval battles.
Roman Forum
The Roman Forum was ancient Rome’s showpiece center, a grandiose district of temples, basilicas and vibrant public spaces. Within the Forum are the remains of the Temple of Saturn, Basilica Giulia and the Rostri, an elaborate podium where Shakespeare had Mark Antony make his famous ‘Friends, Romans, countrymen…’ speech. Walking through the ruins you can not help but get swept up in how grandiose Ancient Rome was. The architecture and history is simply fascinating!
Pantheon
The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, on the site of an earlier temple commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD). The present building was completed by the emperor Hadrian.
The most fascinating part of the Pantheon is the Oculus. The Oculus is a round opening at the center of the roof. Open to the weather, it allows rain to enter and fall to the floor, where it is carried away through drains.
The Italian kings Vittorio Emanuele II and Umberto I as well as the famous Renaissance painter Raphael and his fiancée are buried in the Pantheon.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi fountain located in the district of Rome is part of the oldest aquaduct system in Rome. The fountain was built at the end point of the aqueduct, at the junction of three roads. These three streets (tre vie) give the Trevi Fountain its name, the Three Street Fountain.
It is said that whoever throws a coin into the Trevi Fountain over their shoulder is ensured a return to Rome. What is done with all of the coins that are thrown into the fountain?? Well, they are gathered every night and given to a charitable cause called Caritas. Caritas will then use the money for a supermarket program giving rechargeable cards to Rome’s needy to help them get groceries.
The Spanish Steps
The Spanish steps were built in 1723-1725 by a design of the rather little known architect Francesco de Sanctis. There are a total of 135 steps that have you climbing a steep slope between the Piazza di Spagna at the base and Piazza Trinità dei Monti, with the Trinità dei Monti church at the top. The public fountain in the Piazza di Spagna was a nice respit from the scorching August heat!
Altare della Patria
The Altare della Patria, also known as the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II or Il Vittoriano, is a monument built in honor of Victor Emmanuel, the first king of a unified Italy. The Altare della Patria is located at the Piazza Venezia and is just a short walk from the Colosseum and the Forum. While this site is not as ancient as the Forum or Colosseum and other would prefer to visit say Castel Sant’Angelo, for some reason I am drawn to the architecture and beauty of this monument. Plus there is a fantastic rooftop bar in a building just behind to the right where you have fantastic panoramic views of Rome.
The Vatican City
Vatican City is a city-state surrounded by Rome, it is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope. The Vatican Swiss Guards are Swiss soldiers who have served as guards at foreign European courts since the late 15th century, their bright blue, yellow and red uniforms represent that historical factor. Not only does the Vatican City house St. Peters Basilica but a very impressive museum as well. We could have literally spent all day strolling through the grand hallways lined with statues, tapestries and mosaics. The most famous piece of art in the Vatican is the fresco on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel painted by Michelangelo. Plan on spending at least half a day exploring the museum.
Keep in mind that when visiting inside the Vatican there are strict wardrobe guidelines. Women and girls must have their shoulders covered and wear skirts, shorts or pants that cover their knees. Men and boys must also have their knees covered or it is possible that you will not be let into the Vatican and Museum. You will typically find vendors selling large scarves outside of the Vatican for covering your shoulders.
There are so many gorgeous historical sites to see in Rome it definitely takes longer than 48 hours to see all of them, but if you are short on time this is a great list to start with. And if you do visit the Trevi Fountain don’t forget to throw that Euro coin over your shoulder into the fountain to ensure your return to Rome!
Buon Viaggio!
If you are planning a trip to Rome these guides are great planning tools!