The vibrant capital of Italy welcomes millions of tourists each year, making it one of the most visited cities on the planet. Bursting with charisma, it’s little wonder that Rome tempts travellers back time and time again. Beyond the irresistible charm, exquisite culinary delights and eclectic culture is a city with a deep history and an abundance of world-renowned sites. The city is lined with architectural marvels that tell tales of Ancient Rome, offering a captivating glimpse into the rich and storied past. Many of the impressive sites have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. UNESCO seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage around the globe. These sites are protected and preserved for future generations and are thought to have ‘Outstanding Universal Value’. With so much to do in the city, it can be difficult to decide how to spend your time and to choose which UNESCO World Heritage sites to visit - especially if you’re short on time. Here, we have compiled a list of some of the most popular UNESCO-listed sites in Rome.
Colosseum
As an iconic symbol of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum is a must-visit tourist attraction in Rome. Over 2,000 years old, the construction of the world-renowned amphitheatre began in 72 AD and was completed in 80 AD. Initially, the Colosseum was named the Flavian Amphitheatre after the Flavian emperors who commissioned its construction as a gift to the Roman people. It is also said that the Colosseum was built in an imperial effort to revitalise Rome. The venue was designed to host celebrations, sporting events, and much more. Over the centuries, the Colosseum has faced many challenges including abandonment, large fires, earthquakes and other natural disasters. These events seriously damaged the building and led to it being repaired and rebuilt on many occasions. Despite this, it’s thought that the reason the Colosseum has remained standing for so long is largely thanks to the travertine stone used to build it. Today, you can take a guided tour of the Colosseum and gain a fascinating insight into what life was like in Ancient Rome.
Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is an impressive, multi-purpose site that served as the centre of religious, political and commercial life in Ancient Rome. The area was once a large swamp that was believed to be unsuitable for any major construction work. The development of the Cloaca Maxima, an ancient Roman sewer considered a marvel of engineering, changed this. As The Forum developed and was built over time, it quickly became the heart of Roman public life. Here, communities gathered for a variety of events, from religious ceremonies and triumphal processions to public meetings, court trials and even executions. It also served as a bustling marketplace where Romans could buy and sell goods. On occasion, the Forum hosted gladiatorial combat, adding to its vibrant and multifaceted role in ancient society. It is arguably most famous for being the stage for the grand and dramatic funeral of Julius Caesar. When visiting Rome, you might choose to visit the Roman Forum to see the ancient ruins, learn about the fascinating history and explore the altar where Julius Caesar was cremated.
St. Peter’s Basilica
Widely regarded as the ultimate symbol of the Vatican, St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest churches in the world. Old St. Peter’s Basilica was constructed between 326 and 333 AD, with the project taking approximately 30 years to complete. After its demolition in 1505, work on the current St. Peter’s Basilica was commissioned, a monumental effort that spanned roughly 120 years before its completion. The Renaissance masterpiece saw contributions from world-class artists and architects of the time. It is reported to be the final resting place of St. Peter who was one of Jesus’s disciples, as well as many other popes, bishops and notable figures. Housing breathtaking masterpieces from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, this site is a must-visit for lovers of art, history, and architecture.
The Pantheon
The Pantheon is a former Roman temple best known for its remarkable design, construction and size. Originally, it was believed to have been a Pagan temple dedicated to all Roman gods, a belief stemming from its name. Derived from Greek, "Pantheon" translates to "all (pan) gods (theos)". However, this interpretation has been debated by scholars in more recent times. Until the mid-1800s, the Pantheon was famed for having the largest unsupported concrete dome in the world. The Pantheon attracts countless tourists eager to explore its rich history, from visiting the tombs of notable figures to marvelling at the magnificent dome. The ancient bronze doors at the entrance are said to be the oldest of their kind in the world.
Trevi Fountain
As one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions, the iconic Trevi fountain attracts countless travellers eager to toss a coin over their shoulder. Legend says that tossing one coin into the fountain will bring you back to Rome, throwing two will lead to romance and three will lead to marriage. The construction of the Trevi Fountain began in 1732 and took over three decades to complete. As the largest Baroque fountain in Rome, it was crafted from travertine stone—the same material used to build the Colosseum—adding to its grandeur and historical significance. Each day, roughly €3,000 is thrown into the fountain. The loose change is collected and donated to Rome’s Catholic charity Carita to fund food banks, soup kitchens and other welfare projects. A visit to the Trevi Fountain adds an extra touch of magic for those on holiday in Rome, creating unforgettable memories for countless travellers.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo has worn many hats throughout its history. Originally built as Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum, it was later transformed into a fortress, a prison, and now serves as a captivating historical attraction. The castle owes its name to a vision experienced by Pope Gregory I, who saw Saint Michael the Archangel atop the structure. In honour of this apparition, a statue of the angel now crowns the building. Adding to its intrigue, the castle is linked to the Vatican by the Passetto di Borgo—a fortified corridor built in 1277 as an escape route for the Pope during times of danger. Today, visitors can tour this iconic site, delve into its rich past, and enjoy stunning views of Rome’s skyline.
