Location: Piazza Venezia / Ancient City
Top Things to do in Piazza Venezia / Ancient City
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What to do and see in Piazza Venezia / Ancient City, Lazio: The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks
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. 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.
2. 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!
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Via Sacra
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 332 reviews
Reviewed By AMohsen - Port Said, Egypt
Everybody walks through this road between the different attractions of the old Roman city (Colosseum, Roman Forum..etc.).
6. Roma dal Cielo Terrazza delle Quadrighe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 546 reviews
Reviewed By the_Devilyn - Surrey, United Kingdom
It's well worth paying for the lift (which is all glass-encased so consider that if you have motion sickness or aren't comfortable with heights) which takes you to the top of the Vittoriano. the views are fantastic, no annoying netting blocks your view so perfect for photography
7. Monastero delle Oblate di santa Francesca Romana
8. Tempio di Antonino e Faustina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By 750dimitrisl - Sydney, Australia
Tempio di Antonino e Faustina was built in the mid second century by emperor Antoninus Pius to honour his wife Faustina. It was also dedicated in his honour after his death and deification, hence the two names of the temple. It later was converted into a Christian church. Worth stopping by and having a look. It's in the Roman Forum. You can look at it from the outside as entry is not allowed.
9. Palazzo Senatorio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By 82manuelal - Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
Palazzo Senatorio is located on the Capitoline Hill on piazza del Campiogoglio , an very ancient Palazzo with view to the Forum Romanum; near the entrance I saw the most photographed statue of the She-wolf of Rome; the palazzo is an ancient building from I think 13century, official entertainment seat of the Town Council and of Rome's Mayor.
