10 Of The Best Things To Do In Rome, Italy

Italy is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Home to gorgeous art galleries, breathtaking beaches, and delectable dishes, Italy is incredible -- and its capital, Rome, is no exception. Here are some of the top things to do in Rome.

10. Walk on the Spanish Steps

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Whether you're in Rome with a lover or traveling alone, the Spanish Steps are a beautiful place to enjoy Italy and relax. You can sit on a step with Italy's delicious gelato in your hand and listen to Bob Dylan's "When I Paint My Masterpiece" while you enjoy the Roman scene around you.

9. Admire the Fountain of the Four Rivers

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Be sure not to miss the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi or Fountain of the Four Rivers. This fountain, sculpted and designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in 1651 is a spectacular sight to see. The fountain is located in Piazza Navona and will be sure to awe anyone, tourist or local.

8. Make a Wish at Trevi Fountain

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This stunning fountain is one of the largest and most famous fountains worldwide. Millions of people toss coins into the fountain each year, hoping that their wish may come true. You can join them and be sure to throw your coin with your right hand over your left shoulder!

7. Explore St. Peter's Square

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Designed by the brilliant artist Bernini, this huge plaza serves as the forefront to St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican City. The massive colonnades which surround the square embrace visitors in a visual depiction of the "the maternal arms of [the] Mother Church." You may recognize this square from popular movies such as "Angels and Demons."

6. Enjoy the Art at Galleria Borghese

Via wikipedia.org

The Galleria Borghese is an art gallery which features the work of ancient artists such as Bernini, Caravaggio, Titian, Raphael, and Peter Paul Rubens. If you enjoy looking at amazing sculptures such as "The Rape of Persephone," then you'll be sure to love Galleria Borghese.

5. St. Peter's Basilica

Via wikipedia.org

Whether you are religious or not, the Papal Basilica of St. Peter in the Vatican, or simply St. Peter's Basilica is breathtaking. The ostentacious decorations may seem over the top, but they successfully portray the vision that the designers had for the church. This church is one of the most famous pieces of Renaissance architecture and is regarded internationally as one of the holiest sites in Catholicism. Be sure to take a trip to the top of St. Peter's as well so you can catch a specatular view of the entire city of Italy.

4. Michelangelo's Pietà

Via wikpedia.org

Within St. Peter's basilica lies the breathtaking sculpture called Pietà (Pity) created by Michelangelo. Sculpted in at the end of the 15th century, the masterpiece is the only piece that Michelangelo ever signed.

This famous sculpture shows the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother Mary after His Crucifixion. Pictures only show so much, but seeing the masterpiece in person makes many worshippers weep.

3. Take a Picture at the Colosseum

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The Colosseum is located in the center of Rome and is considered one of the greatest works of architecture in history. Back in its prime, the Colosseum could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators. The auditorium was used for gladiatorial contests as well as other public spectacles and today, daily tours awe tourists from near and far.

2. Roman Forum

Via wikipedia.org

Near the Colosseum lies the Roman Forum. This forum or plaza was the home to many important government buildings in ancient Rome. Seeing the ruins today reminds locals and tourists alike of the grand civilization which used to rule Italy and surrounding countries.

1. Let the Pantheon Take Your Breath Away

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While this building may not look amazing from the outside, the inside will take your breath away. Legend has it that when Rome was being sacked, the destroyers planned to tear the building apart; however, when they walked inside, they couldn't bear to touch the building and the Pantheon was left untouched. Even today, we aren't quite sure how they managed to build the amazing dome but we do know that it is amazingly beautiful.

For those who speak English, traveling is easy. You can live for free in Italy and see amazing cities like Rome by applying to be an English speaker with a local famliy through Rome Abroad services.