Things to do in Rome

Virtually everything in this ancient city is a key attraction, so unless you have a few weeks to spend in Rome, you will have to prioritise. Besides the obvious world-famous ruins which warrant a visit, youll have to decide which of the staggering pieces of art you most want to see. It can seem a bit overwhelming, but at least theres plenty to choose from, and many of the truly great treasures of Rome are concentrated in a few locations.

But dont neglect present-day Rome. Some of your most memorable experiences may be simply wandering around the old streets or sitting in one of the timeless plazas, watching Roman life go by.

Basilica di San Pietro

The largest church in the world is also the most astonishing architectural masterpiece of the Renaissance. Built over the tomb of St Peter, this complex simply oozes history. The present basilica, which was completed in the 16th and 17th centuries, contains some of the greatest art ever produced in Italy. The basilica is meant to be awe-inspiring, and you wont be disappointed. From Michelangelos Pieta to the Vatican treasury and the Historical Museum, the wealth of art and antiquities is incomparable. A visit to the grottos, which contain the tombs of all the Popes and of St Peter himself, is a must. But the Vatican has a strict dress code: no shorts, no skirts above the knee and no bare shoulders; and there are no exceptions (tel: +06 69881662).

Catacombs of St Domitilla

The oldest catacombs in Rome are also the most enjoyable. Only small groups can be guided through the vaults and most guides are truly entertaining and personable. After entering through a sunken 4th century church, your tour will last from 30 minutes to an hour (tel: +06 5110342).

Colosseum

You cant go to Rome and not visit the Colosseum. This sports arena was built to hold 50,000 screaming Romans as they watched gladiators battle with exotic wild animals. The proportions of this structure are so perfect, it seems an illusion. Be sure to visit at night when the arches are dimly lit, creating an unforgettably romantic atmosphere (tel: +06 39967700).

Galleria Borghese

In another of this great citys art galleries, you will find a treasure trove of masterpieces such as Caravaggios Jerome, Raphaels Deposition, Titians Sacred and Profane Love and Berninis Apollo and Daphne. And this is just naming a few. No more than 360 visitors are allowed at a time on the ground floor and only 90 on the upper floor, making for a more intimate experience. Tour reservations are absolutely essential (tel: +06 32810).

Musei Vaticani

The Vatican Museums house the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms and dozens of artistic masterpieces. The museums are just a part of the Vatican Palace, with its 1,400 rooms, chapels and galleries. This is one of the worlds great repositories of art and should not be missed (tel: +06 69883332).

Ostia Antica

This excavated port city provides a Pompeii-like glimpse at the everyday life of ancient Rome in its heyday. The port was a city in itself and has been so well-preserved, youd think it had just been abandoned. Ostia was immensely prosperous for over 800 years and this prominence is obvious by the number of temples, theatres and grand homes (tel: +06 56358099).

Pantheon

A visit to this perfectly proportioned pagan temple will take you back to the early days of Rome as you stand under the opening in the roof and look up at the eye of heaven. The Pantheon sits in the lively Piazza della Rotonda, a wonderful plaza with cafs which is excellent for people-watching. It was in this very piazza that Julius Caesar was stabbed to death by Brutus.

Piazza Navona

This square is the home of Berninis fantastic Fountain of the Four Rivers and it is one of the greatest piazzas in Rome to immerse yourself in the spirit of this city. It still looks just as it did in the 17th century and is Romes most popular meeting place for a gelati and a stroll around the fountain. Be sure to throw a coin in the fountain and make a wish.

San Luigi dei Francesci

This is one of the highlights for art lovers, as the chapel of St Matthew is adorned by the three greatest Caravaggio paintings ever made. The Baroque master of light and dark is at his finest in this chapel (tel: +06 688271).