Things to do in Rome, Lazio: The Best Sights & Landmarks

February 18, 2022 Tynisha Seiler

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. Church of St. Louis of the French

Piazza San Luigi de' Francesi, 00186 Rome Italy +39 06 688271 http://saintlouis-rome.net/
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4.5 based on 5,395 reviews

Church of St. Louis of the French

Closed on Thursdays! The famous painter Caravaggio (1573-1610) was commissioned to paint for this church, where in one of its chapels is his realistic naturalism in three scenes of the life of St. Matthew.

2. Chiesa di Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza

Corso del Rinascimento 40, Rome Italy +39 06 6937 8125 http://www.060608.it/en/cultura-e-svago/luoghi-di-culto-di-interesse-storico-artistico/chiese-cattoliche/chiesa-di-sant-ivo-alla-sapienza.html
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4.5 based on 146 reviews

Chiesa di Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza

Reviewed By dapper777 - Monaco, null

This Baroque marvel is very hard to spot from the outside. Hidden in the porticoed courtyard of Palazzo della Sapienza, this extraordinary church is a masterpiece of baroque architecture. However, once you peak inside the entrance located very close to the Senate of Italy, in Corso Rinascimento, you are amazed by what you see. This Baroque church dates back to 1660, when Rome was at its height between the rivalry of the great master Bernini and his everlasting antagonist Borromini. Throughout the city, Borromini and Bernini’s work can be spotted quite close to one another. The church of Sant'Ivo alla Sapienza was built by Borromini from 1642 through 1660. Borromini redesigned the courtyard of Giacomo della Porta surrounding three sides with porticoes and the back with the magnificent curved facade and glowing white drum, dome, and lantern of Sant'Ivo church. The church rises in the little courtyard of the Palazzo della Sapienza (where it gets its name from), home of the antique university of Rome until 1935 and now home to the Italian state archive. Very particular are the original multifoiled dome and the daring clerestory with a spiral cusp. What makes Borromini’s church a marvel is definitely the ecstatic dome of the church. The swirling and dancing lantern on top of the dome might be the only little sign that helps passerby’s recognize or realize the existence of the church. The interior space is filled with natural light that surrounds you with its geometric play. Not to be missed the magnificent canvas by Pietro da Cortona, representing "Sant'Ivo" and other splendid frescoes. Located very close to Piazza Navona, Sant’Ivo is a hidden gem of Baroque history in Rome. Unfortunately, the church is very rarely open to be visited (only on Sunday morning). You should visit the church if you are in Rome. If it is not open, you can enjoy at least the exterior and the beautiful porticoed courtyard: the best part really is that facade and its unique dome lantern. It is well-worth popping into the courtyard just for a minute to marvel at it.

3. Basilica di Sant'Andrea della Valle

Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 00186 Rome Italy +39 06 686 1339 [email protected] http://santandrea.teatinos.org
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4.5 based on 421 reviews

Basilica di Sant'Andrea della Valle

Reviewed By antomusme_catania

Bellissimo monumento della cristianità. Una chiesa ricca di storia ed arte, con la seconda cupola più alta di Roma. E' stato un tuffo nella bellezza! Beautiful experience in Sant' Andrea della Velle. Inside you can find an interesting audioguide that the volunteers give you for a visit this beautiful church. The audioguides are given to you gratis, and you can give them an offer to help! Really suggest

4. Basilica di Sant'Agostino in Campo Marzio

Via della Scrofa 80 Piazza di S. Agostino, 00186 Rome Italy +39 06 6880 1962 [email protected] http://www.agostiniani.it/comunita-agostiniane-provincia/basilica-s-agostino-roma/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 264 reviews

Basilica di Sant'Agostino in Campo Marzio

Reviewed By dkny364 - New York City, United States

This church has a magnificent Caravaggio, the Madonna of the Pilgrims. Spend the Eur 1 to light the painting and enjoy. It is also within walking distance from San Luigi dei Francesi which is always mobbed, but not as well known as having a Caravaggio in situ.

5. Palazzo Giustiniani

Dogana Vecchia, nel rione Sant'Eustachio., Rome Italy
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4.5 based on 24 reviews

Palazzo Giustiniani

6. Fontana dei Libri

Via degli Staderari, 00186 Rome Italy https://www.prolocoroma.it/la-fontana-dei-libri-roma/
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4.5 based on 46 reviews

Fontana dei Libri

Reviewed By Margo7850p

The fountain, built of travertine, typically Roman stone, is located on via dei Staderari . In the center is the head of a deer , on the sides there are four large books. It is situated into a niche where the famous inscription SPQR has been carved above it. From the top two, water is poured through a straw, which is poured into a small tank. Below the bottom two there are two more pipes, from which water is poured onto two special grilles located at street level. The fountain was design by Pietro Lombardi in 1927 . An interesting fountain in a narrow street that pleasantly surprises .

7. Chiesa Sant'Agostino

Piazza di Sant'Agostino 80, Rome Italy +39 06 6880 1962
Excellent
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4.5 based on 64 reviews

Chiesa Sant'Agostino

Reviewed By risi59 - Bluffton, United States

If I have one suggestion for Rome visitors, never pass up an opportunity to enter a church, no matter how inconspicuous they appear from the outside. This is our second visit, this time we were the guides for friends and family who came along this trip.This was a lesson we learned when, on a lark, we decided to check out the Basilica di Santa Maria Sopra Minerva because it was right outside our hotel...NEVER use the outside facade as an indication as to what is inside. The Art work, craftsmanship, and over the top elaborate side chapels are amazing. Show less

8. Palazzo della Sapienza

Piazza di Sant'Eustachio 83, 00186 Rome Italy
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4.5 based on 4 reviews

Palazzo della Sapienza

9. Palazzo Patrizi Montoro

Piazza di San Luigi De' Francesi 37, 00186 Rome Italy http://www.dimorestoricheitaliane.it/vacanze-location/palazzo-patrizi-montoro/
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4.5 based on 4 reviews

Palazzo Patrizi Montoro

10. Palazzo Madama - Sede del Senato della Repubblica

Piazza Madama, Rome Italy http://www.senato.it/3386?voce_sommario=28&testo_generico=501
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4.0 based on 154 reviews

Palazzo Madama - Sede del Senato della Repubblica

Reviewed By 82manuelal - Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Ancient building, Palazzo Madame is near Piazza Navona in the heart of the old city of Rome, Corso del Rinascimento; palazzo (sec.XVI-XVII ) and is the Sede del Senato della Republica; to visit the 1. saturday in the month, free entrance.

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