Rome Museums and Historic Sites

Rome is a mesmerising metropolis in a spectacular setting and with unsurpassed character. Ancient ruins from the Roman Republic and Roman Empire, architectural and artistic masterpieces from the Renaissance and Baroque eras, the centrality of the city in the history of Christianity and the Catholic Church- create an intoxicating aura. Rome also has a modern and contemporary buzz as a leader in cinema, fashion, luxury goods, restaurants and just plain old "people watching." Nevertheless, it can be overstimulating. Big crowds, frightening traffic, never ending construction and boisterous locals can overwhelm the senses of a standard issue tourist. Sheer exhaustion is a distinct possibility even if you consider yourself a savvy globetrotter. You will be tempted to swear off future culture oriented trips and abandon museum and gallery visits forever and retire to a pastoral farming community. The chaos of Rome is intimidating and the solution is to have a PLAN. Identify your targets, avoid over scheduling, eat pasta and drink wine with passion and learn to stop and smell the roses. I already shared a Roman churches grand tour. Today, let us focus on the “can’t miss” museums and historical sites. Do your preparatory reading, purchase a detailed map and conquer The Eternal City. A final note: People are often afraid of museums- thinking they are dry and boring. I disagree with this attitude but it is particularly inappropriate when visiting Rome. Here the history is inspiring and your imagination and creative juices should flow. I experience a “hit” of adrenaline when I enter many of these places. Don’t fight it- embrace the education and think about the past and what we should learn from it. DRUMROLL PLEASE!

1) The Vatican Museums:

A little irony. Choice Number 1 is actually in Vatican city as opposed to Rome proper. The Vatican is an independent state established after a 1930 Concordat with the Italian Republic. As home base for the Papacy, it is ground zero for absorbing the power and scope of the Catholic Church.

The Vatican Museums are visited by 7 million people a year- second only to The Louvre in Paris. They have 20,000 works on regular display and the total collection approached 70,000 pieces. A quality visit will require a multi hour commitment and repeat visits are encouraged. Choose an experienced guide, arrive early and avoid the lines. Logically, complete a tour of St Peter’s Basilica and St Peter’s Square the same day. Reserve a luncheon spot at a great restaurant in Prati.

The museums are world class. The Sistine Chapel, with the renowned ceiling by Michelangelo is a wonder of the world. The powerful dignity of the visit can be undermined by the carnival spirit associated with a large crowds so coordinate with your guide on low traffic times. The sculptures, artifacts and paintings reflect the history of the church and a good number of its myths. The treasures are endless. The Raphael Room is humbling and the Galleries of Maps and the Galleries of Tapestries should be on the menu. The Belvedere Courtyard, the Borgia Gallery and the Gregorian Etruscan museum are outstanding. Separate galleries are Giotto, Bellini, Titian, Perugia, Correggio and Caravaggio are head spinning. GO!

2) Colosseum Archaeological Park:

This large and recently renamed site includes the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Again, a visit is absolutely required and can take the better part of an entire day. This is the heart of the Roman Republic and Empire and is the most important archaeological site in Rome.

The Colosseum was completed in 80AD. It was the largest amphitheater in the ancient world, held 50,000 to 70,000 people and hosted gladiator contests, naval battles, executions and festivals of all kinds. Think of the CIRCUS component of bread and circuses. It has been excavated and restored aggressively and the views are stirring. It is a true engineering marvel and its grandeur and majesty will capture your imagination.

The Forum was the beating heart of Rome in the Classical Era. Visit the Arch of Constantine, walk the Via Sacra, imagine Mark Antony delivering Caesar’s eulogy and eyeball the Roman Senate and the Temple of the Vestal Virgins. Visualise the political intrigue, the triumphant processions and the vibrant commercial markets.

Palatine Hill rises above the Forum. The leadership of Rome lived here. It is an open air museum and new excavations are accelerating each year. Augustus ruled from here and the home of Tiberius, the second emperor has recently been discovered. The views over the Forum and central Rome are wonderful.

3) The Pantheon:

Located at Piazza Rotondo in the center of old Rome. It is currently a Catholic church but was originally a Roman temple. The stunning dome is a focal point and remains the subject of study in major university engineering and architecture departments. Fix your eyes on the Oculus. The marble floors are exquisite and well preserved and the interior is lined with imposing structural columns. Pay tribute at the tombs of Raphael and Victor Emmanuel. The audio tour is high quality. You don’t need a guide but buy a ticket in advance with a guaranteed entry time. If you visit in the morning, reserve a table for lunch at Armando Al Pantheon- a great, if traditional restaurant.

4) Galleria Borghese:

The most enjoyable art museum in Rome. The historic residence of the powerful Borghese clan set in the corner of Villa Borghese- the best park in Rome. The building is beautiful, austere and surrounded by splendid gardens. There are multiple works by Caravaggio, Raphael and Titian. The unquestioned centerpiece of any visit is spending some time with Bernini and his magnificent sculptures. “Apollo and Daphne”, “David”, “ The Rape of Prosperina” and “the Ecstasy of Saint Teresa” are part of the permanent exhibit. They also organise outstanding visiting exhibits. We saw a Damien Hirst show in 2022 that was off the charts. Follow your museum visit with a leisurely stroll through Villa Borghese. It is huge and you will certainly hit your daily quota of steps. Roman families congregate here on the weekends and the people watching is entertaining.

5) Capitoline Museum:

Located at Piazza Campidoglio which is anchored by Marcus Aurelius on horseback. The Capitoline Wolf, the Dying Gaul, the Head of Constantine sculptures are supplemented by a deep collection of Renaissance artifacts, coins, inscriptions, household items and jewels. There is a great view from the Tabularium.

6) The National Roman Museum:

There are multiple locations but the strongest collection is at the museum outpost located close to Piazza Republic and the Baths of Diocletian. Great sculptures include “The Disc Throwers” and “Bones at Rest.” Several actual Roman dining rooms, baths and libraries Numerous bronzes and frescoes- all displayed in a professional and user friendly manner.

7) Palazzo Barberini:

Another great building just down the street from Piazza Nazionale. Easy access and not overcrowded. Works by Holbein, Raphael and Caravaggio and a deep and varied collection of Baroque works from the 17th and 18th century. A cool entry with a long staircase and a beautiful ceiling.

8) Ara Pacis:

Beautiful structure designed by Richard Meier. Close to Augustus Imperatore, a major ongoing excavation and the burial site of Emperor Augustus. Intricate carvings surround the heart of the museum- an altar dedicated to peace that was commissioned in 13BC. Small museum, but a powerful snapshot of imperial Roman culture.

9) The Maxxi:

Contemporary art and architectural museum designed by Zahia Hadid. The permanent collection highlights contemporary Italian artists. Special exhibits focus on architectural movements.

10) National Etruscan Museum:

Located at Villa Guilia and a convenient destination on a Villa Borghese walk. A tremendous collection of artifacts from Etruscan civilisation, the immediate predecessors to Rome. Paintings, sculptures, coins, jewellery, tombs, funeral objects and military objects. Three noteworthy objects are “Chimera of Arezzo”, “ Apollo of the Veil”, and “ The Sacraphogus of the Spouse.”

11) Museo Nazionale Di Castel San Angelo:

Originally, the mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian’s family. It then became a fortress, a site of Papal apartments and then a prison. Great walking tour. A great view from the terrace.

12) Domus Aurea:

This is Emperor Nero’s Golden House, built after the Great Fire of Rome in 68 AD. It is stone’s throw from the Colosseum and adjacent to Palatine Hill. Originally intended to serve as the decadent Nero’s party house. It is opulent and extravagant with gold leaf frescoes, marble statutes, stucco construction and was surrounded by a huge garden and lake. It is an ongoing excavation so access may be limited. Call first! When Nero fell out of favor because of his murderous reign, subsequent emperors buried the site. A palace and then a park were built over the original site. It was rediscovered during the Renaissance and eminent artists such as Raphael and Michelangelo visited the site and were inspired by the ceilings and frescoes. A fascinating tour.

13) The Baths of Caracalla:

A complex built in the 3rd century it is a well preserved site that is a must see for history buffs. The audio tour is very informative. The ancient baths were a center of relaxation, socialising and political networking for Romans. It is also an engineering marvel with vaulted chambers, intricate mosaics and bold frescoes. Visit the Caldarium (hot baths), the Frigidarium (cold baths) and the Natatio (swimming pool).

14) Circus Maximus:

It is an open grass field now used for concerts and public festivals. It was the ancient chariot racing stadium and held 150,000 spectators. It requires some imagination, but the contours of the original design remain and you will rush to rewatch Ben Hur, Spartacus or Quo Vadis after touring the grounds.

15) Largo Argentina/ Theatre Marcellus:

Centrally located and the actual site of the assassination of Julius Caesar. There are 4 ancient temples and the Theatre of Pompey. Cats reside there now in large numbers. Another site that is radically different than it was 20 years ago. After re-enacting Brutus’ attack on Caesar, you can take short walk to Theatre Marcellus. This was the largest open theatre space in ancient Rome. It was built by Augustus and the design emulates classical Greek architecture.

16) National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art:

Beautiful building and a decent collection. Visit the Impressionsist Galleries and also checkout the Picassos and Van Gogh’s.

17) Villa Torloni:

A beautiful park in a neighbourhood populated with foreign embassies and stately residences. Owned by a prominent Roman family, it now has multiple museums and fine gardens. It is historically significant because the main residence was used by Benito Mussolini during the Fascist years as his primary family residence. A recently opened exhibit is the underground bunker built by Mussolini during WW2 to shield himself from Allied bombs.

18) Foro Italico:

Fascist heaven. Creepy tile murals of the “new” man being created by the Mussolini regime. The Italians don’t spend much time with tourists discussing the Fascists and the alliance with Hitler but the site is worthy of a two hour visit. It is immediately north off the city center. An experienced guide who can provide the backstory of the themes behind the tiles and the large statuary area is a good investment.

19) Stadio Olimpico:

Please attend a soccer match. I prefer AS Roma but Lazio plays there as well. An intense and fun window into working class Roman sports fans. You will never forget it. Wear the appropriate hat and jersey- an act of self preservation.