Location: Piazza Venezia / Ancient City
Top Things to do in Piazza Venezia / Ancient City
The 10 Best Things to do in Piazza Venezia / Ancient City, Lazio
Rome wasn't built in a day--and you'll need much more than a day to take in this timeless city. The city is a real-life collage of piazzas, open-air markets, and astonishing historic sites. Toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, contemplate the Colosseum and the Pantheon, and sample a perfect espresso or gelato before spending an afternoon shopping at the Campo de’Fiori or Via Veneto. Enjoy some of the most memorable meals of your life here, too, from fresh pasta to succulent fried artichokes or a tender oxtail stew.
Restaurants in Rome
1. Natale di Roma
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Celebrate Rome’s birthday in style on April 21 each year. There is an impressive parade of about 2,000 participants, which begins at the Circo Massimo with historically accurate costumes, ranging from fierce centurions with armor and bearskins to Vestal Virgins and Roman children. Throughout the day there are reenactments of battles and rituals, and the day ends with a light show on the imperial forums and fireworks over the Colosseum
2. Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12,067 reviews
Reviewed By Llubi - London, United Kingdom
This place is free to visit. Is a beautiful place , is imponente... every corner is perfect from the stairs to the main part.... is full of details and sculptures....in there is located the tomb of the anonymous soldier where the eternal flame is on. If you carry on walking you can reach easily the Roman forum , Constantino arch and the coliseum. Highly recommend to take pictures from the top of the monument and to walk inside is simple beautiful
3. Palatine Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24,994 reviews
The commercial, political and religious center of ancient Rome, which features the Arch of Septimus Severus, Temple of Saturn, Arch of Titus and the House of the Vestals.
Reviewed By genie26c - Plymouth, United Kingdom
I would certainly advise pre-booking your tickets, or join a group tour to avoid the very long queues and group tours get to use a separate entrance too, which makes it even easier. We'd just been on an express tour of the Colosseum with 'Tour in the City' and wanted to see the Palentine Hill and Forum as well (your Colosseum ticket includes entry to Palentine Hill and Forum) so our Colosseum guide was able to arrange for us go with another tour company that they are affiliated with ('Fun Tours'), which meant we were able to get into the Palentine Hill/Forum and also tag onto that tour too - which was really informative and didn't take too long, maybe about 45 mins. Then we were left to our own devices. The Palentine Hill is surprisingly tranquil and has some beautiful views. it wasn't crowded and it was nice to simply walk about and take in the scenery and history of everything at our own pace. Thoroughly enjoyed it here and if we'd been a bit more organised, it would have been nice to bring refreshments/food and find a quiet place to sit and have a picnic.
4. Piazza Venezia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,370 reviews
Close to many tourist attractions such as the Roman Forum and Capitol Hill, this large sunny square is the true hub of Rome, which features the impressive monument of King Vittorio Emmanuele II.
Reviewed By MissEmilyMc - London, United Kingdom
Piazza Venezia doesn’t just serve as a central hub in Rome as there’s several intersections and it’s close to nearby attractions such as the Roman Forum, The Colosseum and Capitol Hill. Regardless of it serving as a central hub, there is one landmark that dominates Piazza Venezia which is a monument called Il Vittoriano (Victor Emannuel II) - the first King of Italy. Not only is this landmark one of the largest in Rome as well as being one of the most majestic but a very recent addition to Rome’s scenery as it was built during the 20th century. The unmissable centrepiece is the bronze equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel II riding a horse, it’s so large that when it was completed there was a celebratory dinner held in the horse’s stomach (fitting approximately 20 people). Even though this landmark in itself is a magnificent work of art many Romans would disagree and refer to it as “The Wedding Cake” since they dispute the marble clashes with existing architecture. Not only is the architecture a problem for Romans but the history behind it with churches and homes being demolished in way for it as well as a place where Mussolini and Hitler were pictured. Mussolini took over the monument for political use which has left bad memories for Romans. There’s even more symbolism found when looking closer at Victor Emmanuel II such as the two fountains at either side of the monument representing the seas surrounding Italy - Adriatic Sea and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The friezes at the top of Victor Emmanuel II represents the different regions of Italy being personified as statues, an incredible idea and sight adding to the incredible architecture. The most spectacular features are the everlasting flame, eternally shining and burning in front of the altar, which are always guarded by two soldiers - representing and marking the grave of the “Unknown Soldier” who died during World War I. The same principle applies to those who were never identified but died during the war, they’re given a tribute as well as everyone being given a symbolic reminder of the deaths during this war. Overall, the monument was constructed to represent and celebrate the unification of Italy and furthermore the power of Rome as the capital of the country. There are countless buildings surrounding Piazza Venezia such as The Via del Corso, Palazzo Bonaparte and most famously Michelangelo's House. Before leaving Piazza Venezia our tour guide brought us to Trajan’s Column which was built by Emperor Trajan in 113 AD - hence the name. The triumphal column commemorates and represents the Trajan’s victory over the Dacians to which can be seen on the column itself explains the entire campaign. The Trajan Column doesn’t proudly show the Emperor Trajan in all his glory but one of Rome’s patron saints there - St Peter, since during the 19th century Pope Sixtus V changed the statue. The great influence and reach that numerous Pope’s had throughout Rome during all eras, with such a large influence still standing today.
5. Musei Capitolini
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,757 reviews
The creation of the Capitoline Museums has been traced back to 1471, when Pope Sixtus IV donated a group of bronze statues of great symbolic value to the People of Rome. The collections are closely linked to the city of Rome, and most of the exhibits come from the city itself.
Reviewed By GreenThumb331 - San Fernando, Philippines
It is surprising that the Capitolini Museum is not at the top list of one of the most popular things to do on the tripadvisor list. It should be at least in the top 20. We bought a Roma pass in order to enter this museum. The pass includes the Capitolini Museum as one of the options for entrance access. Once you enter, you will see the courtyard with ancient scultures most notably the Head of the colossal statue of Constantine I. The second floor of the Palazzo dei Conservatori is occupied by the Conservator's Apartment, housing such famous works as the bronze she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus, which has become the emblem of Rome. The Conservator's Apartment is distinguished by elaborate interior decorations, including frescoes, stuccos, tapestries, and carved ceilings and doors. The third floor of the Palazzo dei Conservatori houses the Capitoline Art Gallery which houses the museums' painting and applied art galleries The Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius is the stand out attraction inside the Capitoline Museum. It is made of bronze and stands 4.24 m (13.9 ft) tall. Although the emperor is mounted, it exhibits many similarities to standing statues of Augustus. The one now standing in the open air of the Piazza del Campidoglio is a replica made in 1981 when the original was taken down for restoration.
6. Colle Capitolino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 357 reviews
The political and religious center of ancient Rome, this is the smallest, but the most famous, of the Seven Hills of Rome, which features the Senate.
Reviewed By JohnSt_2 - The Hague, The Netherlands
We visited the Capitoline Hill several times, to enter the musei capitolini and to enjoy the view over the forum romanum from here. What a stunning view! Especially on a clear sunny day you can see the monuments very well and identify the buildings with the help of a guide book. Some tours start here to prepare for a visit to the forum and a string of groups can be seen in the course of the day. There is a cafettaria to the right of the capitolini museum entrance, around the corner after fifteen meters or so, second floor. There is excellent coffee/cappuccino here, very nice pastry and some sandwiches. Its free terrace again provides an excellent view of the north western side, including at some distance the St. Peter’s dome. Enjoy!
7. Arco di Costantino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,686 reviews
Built in 315AD and noted by its triple arches, this structure commemorates Constantine's victory over Maxentuis.
Reviewed By Moonamuslim
The three-door Arch of Constantine (Arco di Constantino) is the largest of the three triumphal arches in the Roman Forum. It was built in honor of Emperor Constantine (Flavius Valerius Constantinus) in 312-315 and commemorates the victory over Emperor Maxentius, whom Constantine won in the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, and his 10-year reign. A large and magnificent structure 21 meters high and 25.7 meters wide. Unfortunately, the size next to the Colosseum is not important - but impressive. Some of the reliefs and columns were taken from earlier structures and inserted in the Arch of Constantine. Certainly one of the most fascinating buildings in the Roman Forum. Like so many buildings in Rome, architecture is impressive, above all due to its details, size and old age.
8. Piazza del Campidoglio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,359 reviews
This beautiful square, designed by Michelangelo Buonarroti (1538-1584,) features an elliptical courtyard with a central figure sculpture.
Reviewed By alessandrofL127YD - Milan, Italy
Wonderful square with ingenius design of pavement to solve the problems of the space. Pope Paul III commissioned it to Michelangelo in 1536. The center of the designed pavement is the basement of the Equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, Palace Senatorio and two gemini palaces close the scenic square.
9. Basilica di Santa Maria in Aracoeli
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 705 reviews
Reviewed By Margo7850p
One of the most wonderful basilicas in Rome. Located near Piazza del Campidoglio, at the top of the spectacular 124 marble steps. Plates comes from various ancient buildings. It was built in the 13th century, probably on the site of the ancient temple of Juno. The church was built by Franciscans , probably according to the design of Arnolfo di Cambio. In 1348, on the initiative of Cola di Rienzi , a staircase was added as a votive offering of thanks to the Mother of God for stopping the plague epidemic . The stairs were designed by Lorenzo di Simone di Andreozzo . The interior is an absolute spiritual feast. However, the temple is known primarily from Santo Bambino - the fifteenth-century figurine of the Baby Jesus. The figurine was reportedly stolen on February 1, 1994, and replaced by a copy.
10. Palazzo Nuovo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By alessandrofL127YD - Milan, Italy
This palace with Palace Conservatorio is the scenic left side of the square designed by Michelangelo. Both palaces are the site of the Capitoline Museum, there’s a tunnel under the square that connects them.
