My travel diary: Three days in Rome
Day 1 - The Ancient Rome
A. Colosseum
B. Palatine Hill/Roman Forum
C. Piazza Venezia
A. Colosseum
Let's start with a visit to the Colosseum, for sure the most emblematic monument of the city. With a capacity of more than 50,000 spectators, it was the largest amphitheater in the Roman world. The Colosseum is where the biggest gladiatorial combats, animals fights and Roman games were held. Getting skip-the-line ticket to visit the Colosseum is your best bet if you don’t want to wait in line for 2 or 3 hours! It will take about 2 hours to roam around all 3 floors of this monument by foot.
B. Palentine Hill/Roman Forum
After your visit to the Colosseum, you will head to Palatine Hill, located in the same proximity. According to legend, the city of Rome was founded on this hill by the twin brothers Remus and Romulus, two abandoned children raised by a she-wolf in a cave located on Palatine Hill. The Roman Forum was the center of the city then. You can stroll across the ruins of the former market and other administrative and religious buildings.
C. Piazza Venezia
The square is dominated by the majestic Vittoriano, a monument dedicated to King Vittorio Emanuele II and the Unification of Italy. The monument houses the Altar of the Fatherland, named for the Unknown Soldier, in honor of all those who died in war. The people of Rome, ironically, like to call it "typewriter" or "wedding cake" because of its particular architectural shape.
Day 2 - The Vatican City
A. Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
B. St. Peter’s Basilica
C. Castel Sant’Angelo
A. Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
On the second day of your three-day trip to Rome, you should spend a good part of the day exploring the Vatican, the smallest state in the world. First, you should go to Vatican Museums for a morning of culture! This group of 13 museums are located in a huge 7km long architectural complex.
B. St. Peter’s Basilica
After your cultural morning at the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, let’s now head towards St. Peter’s Square. You will for sure be impressed by this large square, surrounded by about 280 columns topped by 3 meters tall statues of saints. You also can’t miss the Egyptian obelisk standing in the middle of the square as well as the 2 fountains located on each side. Here again, the waiting line to visit the famous St. Peter’s Basilica (free entrance) are endless. The basilica is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited monuments in the world.
C. Castel Sant’Angelo
When you leave the Basilica, take Via della Conciliazione to get to Castel Sant’Angelo. It takes about ten minutes on foot. The castle is located on the bank of the Tiber River and is connected to the other side by the St. Angelo Bridge. The view over the Castle and the bridge from the opposite shore is very scenic!
Day 3 - The Historical center of Rome
A. Piazza Navona
B. Pantheon
C. Trevi Fountain
A. Piazza Navona
On the third and last day of your 3-day trip to Rome, you should focus on the historical center of the city. You should start by going to Piazza Navona, one of the most beautiful and famous squares in Rome, featuring 3 imposing fountains as well as numerous cafes.
B. Pantheon
The Pantheon is located close to Piazza Navona. It is the best preserved ancient building in Rome. Originally dedicated to mythological deities, it became a church in the 7th century. The place is also famous for its huge dome and its oculus (opening in the dome), granting the building his unique mood requiring 5 euros.
C. Trevi Fountain
Let’s continue your visit of the Italian capital with the Trevi Fountain. Located only 10 minutes walk from the Pantheon, it’s for sure the most famous fountain in Europe: a must see during your 3-day trip to Rome! The tradition here is to throw 2 coins in the fountain: the first one to make a wish and the second one if you want to be sure to return to Rome.
