Rome, known as the “Caput Mundi” and the “Eternal City,” is the cradle of Western civilization and the beating heart of Christianity.
Walking through its streets feels like walking through a vast open-air museum, where every corner tells a thousand-year-old story.

Let me clarify one thing: visiting a city like Rome in one day is truly impossible! You could spend an entire week there and still have a sea of things to discover! For this reason, I have divided the itinerary into two days, and I will add more information about some of the attractions that you unfortunately won’t be able to visit.
Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be doing a lot of walking!
On the first day, we’ll cover about 6 km as we explore Rome, while on the second day, we’ll only cover 4 km in Vatican City!
I created this guide together with Federico, a Roman guy with whom I studied to become a licensed tour guide, and whom I would like to thank!
Introduction & History of the city
Rome is a city where every stone seems to whisper a story. Known as the “Eternal City,” it blends over two millennia of history with the vibrant rhythm of modern Italian life. Here, ancient temples and imperial forums stand just steps away from bustling cafés and sun-soaked piazzas. The Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the winding streets of Trastevere create a landscape that feels both timeless and alive. Exploring Rome means diving into a world where art, culture, and everyday charm meet at every corner.

But let’s not waste too much time chatting and start our visit with a brief overview of this city’s history. To avoid boring you, I’ll try to be brief but still include the key facts!
Historical Background: History of Rome
Once upon a time… there was a she-wolf!

Everyone knows the legend: Romulus and Remus , suckled by a she-wolf (not a dog in disguise, but a real one!), founded Rome in 753 BC . Romulus decides that the right place is the Palatine, Remus disagrees, and bang! The first fratricide in Roman history.
Fun fact: Did you know that “lupa” in Latin could also mean… a woman of easy virtue? Some historians believe the famous she-wolf was actually a somewhat unconventional wet nurse . But we prefer the version with the animal, which is decidedly more epic.
Royal Rome (753–509 BC)
Seven kings rule Rome. Some do great things (like building sewers: long live hygiene!), others less so. The last, Tarquinius Superbus , was truly unpleasant, and the Romans, tired of his ways, decide to expel all the kings. Away with the monarchy, hello with the Republic !
Fun anecdote: it’s said that the first king, Romulus , vanished into thin air during a storm… and was later deified! Either he was “killed” by someone tired of his rules, or he invented history’s first strategic escape.
Republican Rome (509–27 BC)
Here Rome begins to get serious: wars everywhere, expansion, alliances, betrayals, the Senate, gladiators, and fluttering togas. In the midst of all this, he arrives: Julius Caesar , acclaimed by the people, hated by the senators. Guess who wins? No one: 23 of them (!!!) stab him, shouting “You too, Brutus? “
Fun fact, useful for selfies: the spot where Cesare was supposedly killed is still visible… in the middle of a colony of cats! It’s located in the Sacred Area of Largo Argentina , and yes, today it’s a cat sanctuary. From Cesare to Kitty in an instant.
Imperial Rome (27 BC–476 AD)
Octavian Augustus becomes the first emperor, and Rome explodes with grandeur: streets, amphitheaters, temples, conquests, legions, and plenty of marble. The Colosseum? Built shortly thereafter to entertain the crowds with bloody spectacles.
Funny anecdote: Emperor Caligula was so out of his mind that he apparently wanted to appoint his horse a senator . Was this a gesture of protest or a celebrity’s folly of the time? Posterity will decide… and horses will get a front-row seat.
Medieval and Papal Rome
The Western Empire collapses and Rome seems to lose its luster, but then comes the dramatic turn of events: the Church takes over . The Popes transform the city into the center of Christianity, and over the centuries some of the most beautiful churches in the world are built.
Fun fact: In the Middle Ages, Rome was so depopulated that the ancient ruins were used… as stables! Imagine the Colosseum with cows inside. What a spectacle!
Renaissance and Baroque: Rome superstar
During the Renaissance, Rome became more beautiful: they called Michelangelo , Bernini , and Caravaggio (who occasionally showed off his skills in the streets). The squares filled with fountains and statues, the churches became works of art, and the Popes behaved a bit like patrons of the arts, a bit like rock stars.
Anecdote: Michelangelo , while painting the Sistine Chapel, hated the head-up position so much that he wrote to a friend: “I feel old and crooked… my beard is falling down my face and the brush is dripping all over me!”
After centuries of popes and foreign powers, in 1870 Rome became part of the Kingdom of Italy and its capital. After dominating the ancient world, converting half of Europe, and inspiring artists for centuries, Rome once again takes center stage.
Historical curiosity: the Italian army took Rome through Porta Pia , a gate opened by cannon fire. Today there’s a plaque commemorating it, but no one expects to find it next to a bus stop!
Today, Rome is a city that relies on itself : above the cobblestones lies the present, below lies an open-air museum. Every corner is a postcard, every ruin has an anecdote, every trattoria has a fantastic carbonara.
Tip from a true Roman: if you get lost, just ask for directions. But if a Roman says, “It’s really close, go straight ahead,” be prepared: it could be a 25-minute hike. In Rome, distances are relative … like time!
Origins of the name
The origin of the name “Roma” is shrouded in mystery!
According to Servius (4th-5th century AD), the name derives from the archaic term for the Tiber, Rumon or Rumen , linked to the Latin verb ruo (“to flow”), and therefore means “City on the River”.
Greek historians, however, linked the name to a Trojan figure named Rome , associated with the journey of Aeneas and his descendants. In various versions, Rome was a Trojan woman who founded the city or the mother of Romulus and Remus. In Greek, romé means “strength,” recalling the vigor of the new city.
According to the most famous legend, reported by Varro, Rome was founded by Romulus on April 21, 753 BC, but it was probably Romulus who took his name from the city and not the other way around.
Another theory links the name Ruma , of Etruscan origin, to the Latin term for “breast” or “udder”, a symbol of nourishment and vital force, concepts captured in the famous image of the Capitoline Wolf suckling the twins.
There are therefore different interpretations related to the origin of the name Rome.
The legend of Romulus and Remus
According to legend, Ascanius, son of the Trojan hero Aeneas—a descendant of the goddess Venus and the mortal Anchises—founded the city of Alba Longa on the right bank of the Tiber. His descendants ruled here for many generations, until the rise of Numitor and his brother Amulius. The latter, driven by ambition, usurped the throne and forced Rhea Silvia, Numitor’s only daughter, to take a vow of chastity to prevent the birth of any possible heirs to the throne.
However, the god Mars fell in love with the young priestess and gave birth to twins: Romulus and Remus. To prevent threats to his power, Amulius ordered the newborns killed, but the soldiers in charge, moved with pity, abandoned them in a basket on the Tiber.

A she-wolf, attracted by their cries, found them and nursed them in her lair on the Palatine Hill. Later, a shepherd and his wife found them and raised them as their own.
As adults, Romulus and Remus killed Amulius, restoring Numitor to the throne of Alba Longa. The twins then decided to found a new city near the place where they had been saved by the she-wolf.
There is also the hypothesis that the “wolf” was not an animal, but a woman: in archaic Latin, the term lupa disparagingly referred to prostitutes, suggesting that their savior may have actually been a common woman.
Tradition also recounts the tragic quarrel between the two brothers. Seven hills rose on the banks of the Tiber: Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Palatine, Quirinal, and Viminal. Romulus and Remus, unable to agree on which hill to choose for founding the city, relied on the omens of birds, following the Etruscan custom. Romulus saw twelve birds flying over the Palatine, while Remus saw only six on another hill.
Romulus thus plowed the furrow of the future city and declared the boundary sacred. Remus, in defiance, crossed the boundary, and Romulus, true to his oath, killed him. Left alone, Romulus became the first ruler of the new city, Rome, whose foundation is traditionally dated to 754 BC, according to ancient historians.
First day itinerary: Rome
Map Preview & How to use it
Let me show you the preview of our route! By scrolling the guide you will find buttons to click that will always take you to the next attraction/monument (so this map is just to give you an idea about the itinerary, no need to use it now)!
The yellow markers are the monuments and attractions we will see.
The brown markers are some extras not included in our tour but which you can visit if you have time left.
The green markers are the monuments we will visit on the second day.
The red indicators, on the other hand, are some of my favorite restaurants (I tell you more about them at the end)!
I would say we are ready to get started!
A. Colosseum
The Flavian Amphitheatre, better known as the Colosseum, still represents an icon of ancient Rome and Italy today, almost two thousand years after its construction.
Furthermore, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in the world and is also part of the 7 Wonders of the World!
Construction of the Flavian Amphitheater began in 72 AD, commissioned by Emperor Vespasian, and was completed by his son Titus in 80 AD. The monument was intended for public spectacles, particularly gladiatorial combat and animal games.
The name “Colosseum” likely derives from its proximity to a gigantic bronze statue of Emperor Nero, known as the “Colossus,” of which only the base remains today.

The construction of the amphitheater was commissioned by the Flavians, the imperial dynasty to which Vespasian and Titus belonged, to provide the people with a space for entertainment.
The chosen site was the Domus Aurea, Nero’s sumptuous residence, part of a project aimed at restoring to the community vast areas previously used for the emperor’s private purposes.
The inauguration of the Colosseum was celebrated with one hundred days of games, during which an estimated 5,000 wild animals were killed.
After more than two centuries of use as a center for entertainment, the Colosseum began to be gradually abandoned with the rise of Christianity, which condemned gladiatorial games.
In the Middle Ages, the building was used as a refuge, a fortress, and finally as a quarry for building materials: in particular, over 100,000 cubic meters of travertine and more than 500 tons of iron used in metal clamps were removed.
Only in the 16th century did the remains of the monument begin to be preserved, thanks to the construction of a chapel and, later, the initiative of Pope Benedict XIV, who consecrated the Colosseum as a sacred place, symbolically connecting it to the Stations of the Cross.

In 1980, the Colosseum was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, along with the historic center of Rome, consolidating its role as a universal cultural emblem.
The Colosseum was built on a large drained artificial basin and has an elliptical plan 189 meters long and 156 meters wide, with an original height of approximately 46 meters.
The outer ring, of which approximately 40% survives today, was built on four levels: the first three were characterised by arches framed by semi-columns of different styles (Doric, Ionic and Corinthian), while the fourth was decorated with pilasters without openings.

At the top were 240 beams that supported the velarium , a system of large sails operated by sailors from the naval base at Misenum, whose task was to protect the public from the sun.
The amphitheater had 80 entrances, each numbered and designated for different social classes.
The emperor entered through a dedicated entrance on the north side, while magistrates, vestal virgins, and guests of honor had privileged access on other sides.
The tiers were organized by social class: senators sat in the front row on marble seats; behind them were the knights, then the commoners, and, in the furthest and least prestigious seats, the women.
Social hierarchy was also reflected in the materials used: marble for the most prestigious seats, brick for the lower levels, and wood for the highest stands.

The central arena, originally covered with wooden planks and sand, concealed a complex system of underground corridors used to stage shows and introduce gladiators, animals, or stage sets.
The Colosseum hosted a wide range of spectacles: gladiatorial combat, exotic animal hunts, battle reenactments, and even simulated naval battles.

The gladiators, central figures in the events, came from a variety of backgrounds: prisoners of war, slaves, convicted criminals, but also free men who had fallen into disgrace.
Some gladiators became famous and managed to achieve fame, riches, and, in rare cases, freedom.
The Colosseum featured a complex underground system of corridors and rooms, known as the hypogeum , used to house gladiators and animals before they entered the arena. These structures remained hidden until their discovery in the 19th century.

Despite being the site of violent spectacles, over time the Colosseum has also acquired a spiritual and symbolic meaning for Christianity. Numerous Christians are believed to have been martyred there, and since 2005, a Stations of the Cross have been celebrated near it every Good Friday, an initiative initiated by Pope Benedict XVI.
Tickets & Schedule
A full-price ticket costs €18. This ticket allows you access to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Imperial Fora. Here’s the link.
The Colosseum is open every day from 9:30 am to 7:15 pm from March 30th to September 30th, from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm from October 1st to 25th, and from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm from October 26th to December 31st.
Basilica of San Clemente
The Basilica of San Clemente is one of Rome’s most fascinating churches, not only for its artistic beauty, but also for its value as a layered testimony to the city’s history, from Roman times to the Middle Ages. Dedicated to Pope Clement I, this basilica serves as a veritable archaeological record, preserving centuries of faith and urban transformation.

In the 2nd century AD, the area where the basilica stands today was occupied by a Roman domus, likely belonging to Senator Titus Flavius Clemens, one of the first Roman nobles to convert to Christianity. At that time, Christianity was still a persecuted religion, and meetings of the faithful took place in secret within private homes.
Later, a Mithraeum was built on the same site, an underground temple dedicated to the Persian god Mithras, a deity highly venerated by Roman soldiers. This space was used until the 3rd century for initiation rites related to the Mithraic cult.

With the end of the persecutions against Christians in 313 AD, thanks to the Edict of Milan, it was possible to officially build a church over these buildings. Thus was born the first early Christian basilica, blessed by Pope Siricius.
However, in 1084, the Norman sack devastated the church, which was gradually abandoned and buried. In its place, Pope Paschal II ordered the construction of a new sacred building, completed in 1108: it is the basilica that can be admired above ground today.
At first glance, San Clemente may seem like any other medieval church, but its underground vaults hold true artistic and archaeological treasures. Inside, splendid 12th-century mosaics stand out, including the one in the apse, which displays remarkable iconographic refinement.
Through the sacristy, you can access the 4th-century basilica, an evocative place where you can still see ancient frescoes on the walls and fragments of mosaics that once decorated the floor.

Deeper down, there are the remains of ancient Roman houses, built of brick. One of the rooms still flows with water from the Cloaca Maxima, one of the largest sewer systems in ancient Rome, still in operation.
Visiting the Basilica of San Clemente means taking a journey through time, through architectural and religious layers that reveal centuries of transformation. Among damp corridors, hidden passages, and the remains of overlapping civilizations, you have the opportunity to experience Rome’s history in an immersive way.
Tickets & Schedule
Tickets to access the excavations cost €10. Reservations are required; here’s the website where you can purchase your tickets
The church is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 12:30pm and from 2pm to 6pm, while on Sunday it is open from 12pm to 6pm.
Domus Aurea
The Domus Aurea was built by order of the emperor Nero after the devastating fire of 64 AD, which destroyed much of Rome, including his previous home, the Domus Transitoria.

In response to the tragedy, Nero commissioned the architects Severus and Celer to design a new imperial residence, even more sumptuous and imposing. Construction took about four years to complete, and the painter Fabullus oversaw its decoration, creating one of the most luxurious environments of antiquity.
The complex included pavilions for ceremonies, thermal rooms with fresh and sulphurous water, and banquet halls.
Upon Nero’s death, his successor Vespasian undertook a process of erasing his memory, ordering the destruction of the Domus Aurea. The buildings were leveled and covered with debris, and the Colosseum was built in place of the artificial lake. Later, Titus and Trajan also used the area to build baths. The decorations were removed, the rooms filled in and used as foundations for new buildings.

Paradoxically, this act of destruction contributed to the preservation of the interior frescoes and stuccoes, sealed by the earth and protected from humidity, similarly to what happened in Pompeii with volcanic ash.
In the 15th century, a young Roman man accidentally fell into a cave on the Oppian Hill, finding himself in richly frescoed rooms. The discovery attracted numerous artists, including Raphael, Michelangelo, and Pinturicchio, who drew inspiration from those underground paintings. These frescoes, known as “grotesques” due to their discovery in cave-like environments, profoundly influenced Renaissance art.
From the eighteenth century onwards, several excavations allowed the recovery of rooms and decorations.

The rooms were lined with precious marble, gold, and mother-of-pearl. The “coenatio rotunda,” a circular dining room, featured a rotating ceiling and a central oculus for light. The main rooms had no kitchens or service rooms, suggesting an exclusively ceremonial and recreational function.
One of the most revolutionary innovations was the use of mosaics not only on floors, but also on ceilings, influencing Christian and Byzantine art.

In 2018, during restoration work, a new room was discovered that had remained hidden for two thousand years. Known as the “Hall of the Sphinx,” it features frescoes of mythological animals, deities, and natural motifs. However, much of the room remains underground to preserve the site’s stability.
Tickets & Schedule
The Domus Aurea is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There are two types of tickets: the first costs €26 and includes a guided tour, while the second costs €18 and does not include a guided tour. If you purchase the first ticket, you can visit from 9:15 am to 5 pm, while for unguided tours, the Domus Aurea is open from 1 pm to 5 pm. Here’s the website where you can purchase tickets.
Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is one of the capital’s most iconic archaeological complexes, located between the Colosseum and Capitoline Hill. Once the hub of the Empire’s political, religious, and commercial activities, the forum was the nerve center of Roman public life.

The history of the Roman Forum dates back over two thousand years. During the Republic, the forum became the seat of political power, commerce, and religious ceremonies.

Since Rome’s founding, the area was used as a meeting point for exchanges and assemblies among the early communities. Over time, the city’s expansion led to the construction of public buildings, sanctuaries, and commemorative monuments, transforming the forum into a symbol of Roman power. The structures that arose during this era testified to the city’s growing importance and the desire to assert Roman identity through architecture.
Elections for magistrates were held here, as were rallies and public speeches by candidates. The forum was a place where citizens could listen, decide, and actively participate in political life.

The basilicas housed the courts, and the trials, often public, became real events followed by crowds of onlookers.
The forum was also a bustling marketplace. Stalls and shops offered goods from across the Empire: food, spices, fabrics, handicrafts, and luxury goods, making it a crossroads of cultures and trade.
Among the most significant monuments stand out:
- The Temple of Saturn : dating back to the 5th century BC, it served as a state treasury and a symbolic place of worship for the god of agriculture. The eight surviving columns testify to the magnificence of Roman temple architecture.

- The Temple of Vesta and the House of the Vestals : the former housed Rome’s sacred fire, kept burning by the Vestal priestesses, who lived in the nearby residential complex. The latter included gardens and statues honoring the most illustrious Vestals, patrician women who dedicated thirty years to worship, bound by celibacy and religious discipline.
- The Arch of Septimius Severus : built in 203 AD to commemorate the military victories of the emperor and his sons, it is decorated with reliefs narrating the campaigns against the Parthians. It is one of the best-preserved triumphal arches in the city.
- The Basilica of Maxentius : built at the behest of Maxentius and completed by Constantine, it was the most imposing civil basilica in the forum, used as a courthouse and a place for public meetings. Its imposing vaults still impress today for the engineering mastery that made them possible.
Tickets & Schedule
To access the Roman Forum, there is a combined ticket that allows you to visit the Forum, the Colosseum, and the Imperial Forums within 24 hours of booking your Colosseum visit. This ticket costs €18. Here’s the website where you can purchase it.
The forum is open every day from 8:30 am to 7:15 pm.
B. Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is one of the capital’s most iconic archaeological complexes, located between the Colosseum and Capitoline Hill. Once the hub of the Empire’s political, religious, and commercial activities, the forum was the nerve center of Roman public life.

The history of the Roman Forum dates back over two thousand years. During the Republic, the forum became the seat of political power, commerce, and religious ceremonies.

Since Rome’s founding, the area was used as a meeting point for exchanges and assemblies among the early communities. Over time, the city’s expansion led to the construction of public buildings, sanctuaries, and commemorative monuments, transforming the forum into a symbol of Roman power. The structures that arose during this era testified to the city’s growing importance and the desire to assert Roman identity through architecture.
Elections for magistrates were held here, as were rallies and public speeches by candidates. The forum was a place where citizens could listen, decide, and actively participate in political life.

The basilicas housed the courts, and the trials, often public, became real events followed by crowds of onlookers.
The forum was also a bustling marketplace. Stalls and shops offered goods from across the Empire: food, spices, fabrics, handicrafts, and luxury goods, making it a crossroads of cultures and trade.
Among the most significant monuments stand out:
- The Temple of Saturn : dating back to the 5th century BC, it served as a state treasury and a symbolic place of worship for the god of agriculture. The eight surviving columns testify to the magnificence of Roman temple architecture.

- The Temple of Vesta and the House of the Vestals : the former housed Rome’s sacred fire, kept burning by the Vestal priestesses, who lived in the nearby residential complex. The latter included gardens and statues honoring the most illustrious Vestals, patrician women who dedicated thirty years to worship, bound by celibacy and religious discipline.
- The Arch of Septimius Severus : built in 203 AD to commemorate the military victories of the emperor and his sons, it is decorated with reliefs narrating the campaigns against the Parthians. It is one of the best-preserved triumphal arches in the city.
- The Basilica of Maxentius : built at the behest of Maxentius and completed by Constantine, it was the most imposing civil basilica in the forum, used as a courthouse and a place for public meetings. Its imposing vaults still impress today for the engineering mastery that made them possible.
To access the Roman Forum, there is a combined ticket that allows you to visit the Forum, the Colosseum, and the Imperial Forums within 24 hours of booking your Colosseum visit. This ticket costs €18. Here’s the website where you can purchase it.
The forum is open every day from 8:30 am to 7:15 pm.
C. Altar of the Fatherland
The Altar of the Fatherland was born from a decision by the Italian Parliament to honor the memory of Vittorio Emanuele II, the first king of Italy, after his death in 1878.

To choose the design for the future national monument, two international competitions were held (in 1880 and 1882), which resulted in the selection of the proposal by architect Giuseppe Sacconi from the Marche region. His design was inspired by the great sanctuaries of classical antiquity and aimed to create a monumental and scenographic composition that, in the heart of imperial Rome, would celebrate the Risorgimento and the unity of the nation.
Although work began in 1885, construction progressed slowly and underwent several changes. Even the intended material, travertine, was replaced with botticino, a white stone from Brescia. The urban development project affected the entire area at the foot of the Capitoline Hill: between 1885 and 1910, numerous medieval and Renaissance buildings were demolished, and even the Palazzetto Venezia and the Church of Santa Rita were moved to clear the view of the monument.

After Sacconi’s death in 1905, the direction of the works passed to the architects Gaetano Koch, Manfredo Manfredi, and Pio Piacentini. On June 4, 1911, during the International Exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of Italian Unification, the large gilded bronze equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel II was inaugurated. Subsequently, in 1921, the Unknown Soldier was buried in the crypt designed by Armando Brasini, making the Vittoriano also a place of remembrance for all the nameless fallen.

Precisely for this reason this section of the moment is called the “Altar of the Fatherland”.
Between 1924 and 1927, the two monumental quadrigas were erected on the Propylaea: the Quadriga of Unity, by Carlo Fontana, and the Quadriga of Liberty, by Paolo Bartolini. The entire complex was finally completed only in 1935.
Admission is free and the monument is open daily from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm.
Capitoline Museums ⭐⭐
The Capitoline Museums were founded in 1471, thanks to a donation from Pope Sixtus IV, who gifted the Roman people a group of bronze statues previously housed in the Lateran. Thus, the oldest public museum in the world was born.

Over time, the popes enriched the collections with finds from archaeological excavations, from the Vatican, or through purchases, such as the important Albani collection.
A significant expansion took place at the end of the 19th century, when the urbanization works of Rome, which had become the capital of Italy, led to the discovery of numerous archaeological finds.
The Capitoline Museums span two historic buildings that, together with the Palazzo Senatorio, form the famous square designed by Michelangelo on the Capitoline Hill: the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo . The two buildings are connected by an underground passage, the Galleria Lapidaria , which passes through the ancient Tabularium , whose arches overlook the Roman Forum.
- Palazzo Nuovo: This building houses a vast collection of classical sculptures, many of which belonged to noble Roman families. Among the masterpieces on display are the famous Dying Gaul, the exquisite Capitoline Venus, and Marforio, one of Rome’s talking statues, located in the courtyard.

- Palazzo dei Conservatori: It retains part of the original architecture and is decorated with frescoes depicting episodes from Roman history. Some of the most iconic bronzes in the Capitoline collection are housed here, such as the Capitoline Wolf , Brutus , and the Young Spinario .

On the second floor of the Palazzo dei Conservatori is the Capitoline Art Gallery, which offers a chronological journey through Italian painting, from the Middle Ages to the 18th century. Among the masterpieces on display are works by Caravaggio, such as The Fortune Teller , Guercino’s large painting The Burial of Saint Petronilla , and a significant collection of paintings by Guido Reni and Pietro da Cortona.
Finally, in the Palazzo Caffarelli-Clementino are the Capitoline Coin Cabinet, with important collections of coins, medals and ancient jewels, and the rooms dedicated to temporary exhibitions.
Tickets for a visit to the Capitoline Museums vary depending on the temporary exhibitions on display, so I recommend checking the website for the various options. Here’s the museum website.
The museums are open every day from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm.
Colonna Gallery ⭐⭐
Palazzo Colonna is one of the oldest noble buildings in Rome. The residence is still owned by the prestigious Colonna family, a prominent figure in Roman history for centuries.

The idea for the Galleria originated in the first half of the 17th century at the behest of Cardinal Girolamo Colonna, a prominent figure in the Church. Construction began in 1654 based on a design by architect Antonio Del Grande, who had already been entrusted with the renovation of the palace. After decades of work and various interventions, the Galleria was finally completed and inaugurated in 1703 by Filippo II Colonna, great-nephew of Cardinal Mazarin and Constable of the Kingdom of Naples.

The Gallery is composed of sumptuously decorated rooms, including the spectacular Great Hall, which gives the entire structure its name. Other significant spaces include the Hall of the War Column, the Hall of the Apotheosis of Martin V, and the Hall of Landscapes.
The entire Gallery was conceived to glorify the victory of the Holy League against the Turks in the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, in which Marcantonio II Colonna led the papal fleet.

The Battle of Lepanto was one of the most important and decisive naval battles in modern history, fought between the Christian coalition and the Ottoman Empire. The Battle of Lepanto in 1571 marked the Ottoman Empire’s first major naval defeat in the Mediterranean. This military success temporarily halted Ottoman expansion into Western Europe and took on a powerful symbolic significance, being celebrated as a victory for Christianity over Ottoman Islam.
Artists featured include Tintoretto, Guercino, Salviati, Lanfranco, and Salvator Rosa. The Great Hall also houses a valuable portrait gallery of members of the Colonna family. The Hall of Landscapes houses a faithful reproduction of Michelangelo’s Last Judgement, while the Hall of Apotheosis features Annibale Carracci’s Bean Eater , along with works by Tintoretto, Veronese, and other Renaissance masters.
In addition to the Gallery, Palazzo Colonna also houses the Wax Museum and the former Caffè-Haus, where you can admire the fresco Fable of Cupid and Psyche created by Francesco Mancini.
Little curiosity
The Galleria was the site of the coronation of Vittorio Emanuele I in the early 19th century. It is also famous for hosting the final scene of the film Roman Holiday , starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck.

Unfortunately, over time, part of the original collection was lost. To support the Papal State during a difficult economic period, the Colonna family sold masterpieces by Raphael, Titian, Correggio, and Veronese.
Little Curiosity
A cannonball set in the marble staircase of Palazzo Colonna is a silent witness to the brief and turbulent experience of the Roman Republic of 1849. In that year, in the wake of the revolutionary uprisings of 1848, Rome freed itself from papal power to proclaim a republic inspired by the ideals of the French Revolution.

Palazzo Colonna, linked to a family historically independent of papal power, was hit during the bombings that marked the clashes between French troops, sent by Pius IX, and Republicans led by Garibaldi. After fierce fighting, especially in the Janiculum area, the French retook Rome, restoring papal rule.
The cannonball on the marble staircase is a tangible fragment of that moment when, for a few months, Rome attempted to become a laboratory of freedom and secularism, before the dream was shattered on July 4, 1849, with the return of the Pope to absolute power.
There are several ticket options for visiting the Gallery. They cost around €15 for self-guided tours and around €30 for guided tours. Here’s the website where you can find more information on the various prices.
The complex is open only on Fridays from 9:30 to 12:30 and on Saturday mornings from 9:00 to 1:15.
D. Trevi Fountain ⭐⭐⭐
The Trevi Fountain is undoubtedly one of the capital’s most beloved and recognizable attractions. This imposing structure dramatically concludes the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, originally built in 19 BC by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa to supply the Roman baths.

The Legend of the Virgin
According to tradition, in 19 BC, some Roman soldiers were searching for a source of water to supply their camp. A young girl (virgin) pointed out to them a pure spring near the site of the aqueduct today. The water they discovered was so appreciated that Emperor Augustus commissioned his general Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa to build an aqueduct to bring it to Rome.
To commemorate the event, the aqueduct was called Aqua Virgo (“Water of the Virgin”), and the fountain that marked its monumental terminal took the name of Trevi Fountain , linked however to the district in which it is located (probably deriving from “ trivium ”, that is, the crossroads of three streets).
In the 6th century, during the Gothic Wars (535–553 AD), many of Rome’s aqueducts were damaged or abandoned. Of the original 14, several were deliberately interrupted by Vitiges, king of the Ostrogoths, during the siege of Rome in 537. Others were blocked by order of the Byzantine general Belisarius, in order to hinder the enemy’s advance, as he had already done in Naples.
History and structure
The Acqua Vergine aqueduct is one of the few still active. Its water comes from an area rich in springs near the Aniene River, about 10 km from Rome, in the Salone area. The aqueduct’s route follows a broad path: after the Via Collatina, it heads north along the Via Nomentana and Via Salaria, and passes through areas now known as Villa Ada, Parioli, and Villa Borghese.
This aqueduct fed, in addition to the Trevi Fountain, the Baths of Agrippa and other famous fountains such as the Barcaccia, the Fountain of the Four Rivers, and the Nicchione. The low calcium concentration in its waters has ensured its preservation over time, although various maintenance interventions have been necessary over the centuries.

During the Middle Ages, many fountains were dismantled to reuse their materials. In 1410, at the end of the Acqua Vergine aqueduct, a fountain composed of three basins, each with its own water spout, was built. In 1453, Pope Nicholas V commissioned Bernardo Rossellino and Leon Battista Alberti to restore the system, creating a new water display in Piazza di Trevi. Their work unified the three basins into a single, simple, linear structure, which forms the basis of the current Baroque monument. On that occasion, a commemorative plaque, now lost, was also placed celebrating the restoration of the aqueduct.
In 1640, the renowned artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini was commissioned to renovate the Trevi Fountain and Piazza di Trevi. His project called for enlarging the square and rotating the fountain’s axis to align it with Piazza Venezia. The design included two large concentric semicircular basins and a central statue placed below the water level, possibly representing the nymph Trivia.
However, the project was never completed due to the pope’s death, lack of funds, and the legal dispute involving the Barberini family. Subsequently, the new pontiff Innocent X entrusted Borromini with the creation of a similar work, but in Piazza Navona. Again, it was Bernini who ultimately created the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers.
In the 18th century, a more detailed design phase for the new Trevi Fountain began. The Accademia di San Luca organized several competitions, in which Italian and foreign architects, such as Nicola Michetti and Luigi Vanvitelli, participated.

However, it was only with the competition announced in 1731 by Pope Clement XII that a concrete solution was reached. Vanvitelli was initially chosen, but the project was then entrusted to the Italian Nicola Salvi, today considered the fountain’s main architect.
Description
Structurally, the Trevi Fountain is integrated into the façade of Palazzo Poli, creating an imposing and unified visual effect. The architectural composition is organized as a large triumphal arch, with a central niche surmounted by an attic decorated with the papal coat of arms of Clement XII.
The lower section features pilasters, Corinthian columns, windows with tympanums, and two large bas-reliefs: one depicts Agrippa, the other the legend of the discovery of the Aqua Virgo. Above them are the allegorical statues of Abundance and Health.

The centerpiece of the structure is the central sculptural group: the statue of Oceanus (or Neptune) dominates the scene, flanked by tritons and seahorses. The entire structure unfolds on three main levels (base, central niche, and attic), unifying architecture and sculpture into a single monumental entity.
The traditions of the fountain
The Coin Toss:
The most famous tradition invites visitors to throw a coin into the fountain, facing backwards, with their right hand on their left shoulder. This is said to guarantee a return to Rome. Tossing three coins promises, in order: a return to the city, a new love, and finally marriage.
The glass of love:
A now almost forgotten custom required fiancées to give their departing lovers a sip of water from the fountain, poured into a new glass, which was then broken to seal the promise of eternal fidelity.
Lovers’ Fountain:
A more modern and less risky version of the ritual involves drinking together from the “Lovers’ Fountain,” a small side fountain that symbolizes eternal union.

Curiosities about the Trevi Fountain:
The amphora that obscures the view:
During the construction, a pharmacist (or barber) frequently criticized the choices made by designer Nicola Salvi. To quell the complaints, Salvi had a large travertine amphora placed right in front of his shop, obscuring the view of the construction site. Today, Romans call this statue the “Ace of Cups.”

The fountain dyed red:
In 2007 and 2017, artist Graziano Cecchini dyed the fountain’s water red as a performance art piece. The act was widely discussed and, although no permanent damage was caused, it provoked strong reactions.

Federico Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita” (1960):
One of the most iconic scenes in Italian cinema sees Anita Ekberg enter the fountain, inviting Marcello Mastroianni to follow her. The scene, set in the Trevi Fountain, has become a symbol of the international cinematic imagination.

Church of Sant'Ignazio da Loyola⭐⭐
Its construction began in 1626, designed by Giovanni da Perugia, as the chapel of the Roman College, established by Ignatius of Loyola to offer free education to young people. Its main sponsor was Bishop Ludovico Ludovisi, nephew of Pope Gregory XV, who canonized Saint Ignatius in 1622.

Saint Ignatius, founder of the Jesuit order, is remembered on July 31 , the day of his death. In 1534, together with other companions, he took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, founding a missionary congregation willing to follow the Pope’s will wherever he went.
The church was completed according to the designs of the Jesuit Orazio Grassi, based on plans by Carlo Maderno. The façade, similar to that of the Church of the Gesù, features Corinthian columns, decorated windows, and niches with tympanums and scrolls. The Latin cross interior is embellished with interconnecting side chapels, polychrome marble decorations, gilded stucco, and richly ornamented altars.

The church’s masterpiece is the fresco on the ceiling, “The Glory of Saint Ignatius ,” created by Jesuit artist Andrea Pozzo . Using a sophisticated optical illusion, Pozzo depicts the saint being welcomed into Heaven by Christ and Mary, surrounded by allegories of the four continents reached by the Jesuit missionaries. The painting measures 36 by 16 meters and is best appreciated from a specific point in the nave marked by a marble circle. Here, you’ll find a mirror that allows you to better see the details of the ceiling artwork.
The apse and the presbytery contain other frescoes by the same artist, which illustrate key moments in the life of the saint and of the Society of Jesus, such as the siege of Pamplona, the vision of La Storta and the missions in Asia.

To the right of the transept is an altar dedicated to Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, patron saint of youth. The central marble altarpiece, by Filippo della Valle, depicts him ascending to heaven, accompanied by the allegories of Penance and Purity. The urn beneath the altar holds his relics; the saint’s liturgical feast is celebrated on June 21st.
The famous fake dome

One of the most striking features of the church is the false dome : since it was impossible to build a real one, Andrea Pozzo painted an illusory one on a canvas 13 meters in diameter. The perspective effect creates the illusion of a real architectural structure, perceptible only from a specific point in the central nave. As one moves away from that point, the optical magic gradually fades.
The church is open every day from 9:00 to 11:30 p.m., and admission is free. Inside the church there is a large mirror which, when you insert coins, allows you to view the frescoed ceiling at its best.
E. Piazza di Spagna ⭐⭐⭐
Piazza di Spagna, one of the most famous and fascinating squares in Rome, takes its name from the Palazzo di Spagna, the seat of the Spanish embassy to the Holy See. The name became established in the 17th century, when the King of Spain, Philip IV, purchased a palace to permanently house his representatives in Rome.

But the history of the place is even older. Around 1494, Saint Francis of Paola purchased a plot of land covered in vineyards just above the future Spanish Steps, intending to build a convent for the Friars Minor. At the time, the area was still peripheral, dotted with Roman ruins and a few surviving buildings, such as Palazzo Ferratini (which later became the headquarters of the Propaganda Fide) and the palace of the Monaldeschi Barons.
Beginning in the 15th century, the area began to grow in size thanks to the influx of pilgrims heading to the Vatican, attracted by the presence of lodgings, inns, and rental homes. It was precisely in this climate of growth that the presence of the Spanish embassy brought prestige to the square, helping to consolidate its name.

Looking at Piazza di Spagna from above, you can notice a particular shape: it resembles a butterfly, with its wings opening towards the northwest (where the Spanish Steps are located) and the southeast (where the Palazzo di Spagna stands).
Barcaccia Fountain
Created between 1627 and 1629 by Pietro Bernini and his son Gian Lorenzo, the Fontana della Barcaccia depicts a boat that appears to be sinking, with water gently flowing out from various points.

This unique shape was a creative solution to the low pressure problem of the Virgo aqueduct that fed the fountain. Symbols of the Barberini family and two stylized suns adorn the sculpture, perfectly aligned with Via Condotti.
The Spanish Steps
Built between 1723 and 1726 to a design by Francesco De Sanctis, the famous staircase connects the square to the church of Trinità dei Monti, on the Pincio Hill.

It consists of 135 steps divided into 11 flights. Made entirely of travertine, it has become an architectural icon and a popular spot for tourists, artists, and Romans. In spring, the steps are adorned with pink azaleas , creating a unique spectacle on the occasion of the Birth of Rome.
The Column of the Immaculate Conception
In front of the Spanish embassy is the Column of the Immaculate Conception, approximately 11 metres high and made of cipollino marble.

Commissioned by Pope Pius IX and designed by Luigi Poletti, the column is decorated at its base with statues of biblical figures such as Moses, David, Isaiah, and Ezekiel. At the top, a statue of the Virgin Mary tramples on a serpent, a symbol of original sin.
Palace of Spain
Originally owned by the Monaldeschi family, the palace was rented to Spanish ambassadors and then purchased by King Philip IV. It was transformed into an elegant diplomatic center, also known for social events. Today, inside you can admire precious Gobelins tapestries , two sculptures by Bernini (” Beatiful Soul ” and ” Damned Soul “), and works of art from the Prado Museum.
F. Pantheon ⭐⭐⭐
The Pantheon is one of Rome’s most extraordinary and enduring buildings, with nearly two thousand years of history. Originally built as a temple ddicated to all the ancient deities, it was erected in the 1st century BC by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, a close associate of Emperor Augustus. However, the original building was destroyed, and the current structure dates back to the 2nd century AD, when Emperor Hadrian commissioned its complete reconstruction.
Its survival to this day is due not only to the ingenuity of its architecture, but also to its conversion into a Christian church in the 7th century, an event that saved it from the destruction and raids that befell many Roman monuments in the Middle Ages.
Architectural features of the Pantheon
Located in the heart of the Pigna district, the Pantheon consists of a monumental rotunda and a pronaos supported by sixteen Corinthian columns. The façade still bears the original inscription dedicated to Agrippa, although the structure we see today dates entirely to the era of Hadrianic rule.
The building is a masterpiece of geometric proportions: the interior height corresponds exactly to the diameter of the dome (43.44 meters), which is made of lightweight concrete as one ascends towards the central oculus, the dome’s only opening, which lets in light and allows rainwater to drain away through the slightly sloped floor with drainage holes. This dome remains the largest in the world constructed entirely of unreinforced concrete.
From pagan Rome to Christianization
The first building commissioned by Agrippa was constructed between 27 and 25 BC, but the current structure, as already mentioned, was built between 115 and 127 AD under Hadrian. In the following centuries, while other Roman monuments were dismantled for materials, the Pantheon was spared because in 609 AD it was donated by the Byzantine Emperor Phocas to Pope Boniface IV, who consecrated it as a Christian church under the title of Santa Maria ad Martyres.
Over time, the people began to familiarly call it Santa Maria Rotonda, a name that also influenced the name of the square that hosts it: Piazza della Rotonda.
During the pontificate of Urban VIII, a member of the Barberini family, the Pantheon underwent extensive modifications: bronze elements were removed and melted down to create, among other things, the baldachin of St. Peter’s. This decision provoked popular indignation, so much so that the saying spread: “What the barbarians didn’t do, the Barberinis did.”
In 1625, two bell towers were added to the front of the dome, immediately nicknamed “donkey ears” by the Romans. These were removed in the 19th century, during a major restoration project promoted after the unification of Italy.
The Pantheon, which became state property, was intended to house the tombs of the royals of the House of Savoy. The first to be buried there was Vittorio Emanuele II in 1878, followed by Umberto I and other members of the dynasty.
Little curiosity
Though less famous than that of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon’s dome is one of Rome’s most enduring symbols. Originally covered in gilded bronze sheets (later removed for other uses), it is now covered in lead. Its most iconic feature is the oculus , the central hole through which the only natural light enters, illuminating the entire interior.
The designers of the Pantheon created this hole with a symbolic function: during the summer solstice, at noon, a ray of sunlight penetrates exactly through the oculus and strikes the entrance, symbolizing the union between earth and heaven, between man and the divine.
According to popular legend, the opening was once blocked by a giant bronze pine cone, brought to Rome by demons. It is said that, at the time of the Christian consecration of the Pantheon, evil spirits fled through that hole, taking the pine cone with them.
The legend of the pantheon
One of the most curious legends linked to the Pantheon in Rome claims that “it never rains inside”, despite the oculus (the central hole in the dome, 9 metres wide) being completely open to the sky.
According to popular tradition, rain cannot enter the Pantheon because the warm air rising from within the building creates an upward current that repels water droplets, preventing them from falling to the floor. This has fueled, over the centuries, the belief that the Pantheon was miraculous or even protected by the gods or supernatural forces.
In reality, when it rains, water does indeed enter the Pantheon, but in a lesser way for a few reasons:
- The shape of the dome and the oculus reduces the angle at which water can penetrate: only if the rain is vertical or almost reaches the ground.
- The rising air current created by the large internal volume can indeed dampen light rain, but it does not block it completely.
The floor of the Pantheon is slightly convex and has small (almost invisible) drainage holes that allow rainwater to flow away, preventing flooding.
Our tour has come to an end but there still remains an important topic to address: the typical dishes of the city!
Typical dishes and where to eat them
I believe that visiting a city without trying its typical dishes is a missed opportunity! This is why together with Arianna I want to talk to you about the most famous dishes in the city and our favorite restaurants!
Florentine Steak
An icon of Florentine cuisine, the Florentine steak is unmistakable for its imposing size.

This cut of meat, obtained from the loin of the Chianina beef, usually weighs over a kilo (between 1.3 and 1.7 kg), with a price per kilo that varies between 40 and 60 euros. It is traditionally served rare, with a brief cooking of 3-4 minutes per side. Be careful to ask for it well done: the Florentines are tied to tradition and prefer the steak to be enjoyed as their culinary history dictates, strictly rare. Don’t be impressed by the size and cooking: it is truly delicious!
Florentine Steak
An icon of Florentine cuisine, the Florentine steak is unmistakable for its imposing size.

This cut of meat, obtained from the loin of the Chianina beef, usually weighs over a kilo (between 1.3 and 1.7 kg), with a price per kilo that varies between 40 and 60 euros. It is traditionally served rare, with a brief cooking of 3-4 minutes per side. Be careful to ask for it well done: the Florentines are tied to tradition and prefer the steak to be enjoyed as their culinary history dictates, strictly rare. Don’t be impressed by the size and cooking: it is truly delicious!
Florentine Steak
An icon of Florentine cuisine, the Florentine steak is unmistakable for its imposing size.

This cut of meat, obtained from the loin of the Chianina beef, usually weighs over a kilo (between 1.3 and 1.7 kg), with a price per kilo that varies between 40 and 60 euros. It is traditionally served rare, with a brief cooking of 3-4 minutes per side. Be careful to ask for it well done: the Florentines are tied to tradition and prefer the steak to be enjoyed as their culinary history dictates, strictly rare. Don’t be impressed by the size and cooking: it is truly delicious!
Where to eat all these delicacies?
The range of restaurants and venues is truly incredible in Lucca. I tested several places and these are my favorites:
Gigliola: A current restaurant with high quality products! The menu is super inclusive and experimental! Click here to get there!
St. Anthony’s Hole: Beautiful restaurant located nen historic center, in the vicinity of St. Michael’s Square where the food is impeccable and there is a great attention and research in the ingredients. Click here to get there!
Canuleia Restaurant: Excellent restaurant near the famous oval square with typical dishes. Click here to get there!
Bottega Dell’ Oste: Excellent restaurant serving traditional Lucchese dishes! Click here to get there!
La Tana del Boia: Very quaint little tavern overlooking the beautiful St. Michael’s Square! Click here to get there!
L’isola Che Non C’era: Typical trattoria with excellent homemade pasta! Click here to get there!
Trattoria Pizzeria Da Gherardo Lucca: Restaurant with excellent pizza! Click here to get there!
Paniko Ice Cream Shop: Excellent ice cream shop near the walls of Lucca! Click here to get there!
Second day itinerary: Rome
Map Preview & How to use it
Let me show you the preview of our route! By scrolling the guide you will find buttons to click that will always take you to the next attraction/monument (so this map is just to give you an idea about the itinerary, no need to use it now)!
The yellow markers are the monuments and attractions we will see.
The brown markers are some extras not included in our tour but which you can visit if you have time left.
The green markers are the monuments we will visit on the second day.
The red indicators, on the other hand, are some of my favorite restaurants (I tell you more about them at the end)!
I would say we are ready to get started!
a. Piazza San Pietro
The Flavian Amphitheatre, better known as the Colosseum, still represents an icon of ancient Rome and Italy today, almost two thousand years after its construction.
Furthermore, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheater in the world and is also part of the 7 Wonders of the World!
Construction of the Flavian Amphitheater began in 72 AD, commissioned by Emperor Vespasian, and was completed by his son Titus in 80 AD. The monument was intended for public spectacles, particularly gladiatorial combat and animal games.
The name “Colosseum” likely derives from its proximity to a gigantic bronze statue of Emperor Nero, known as the “Colossus,” of which only the base remains today.

The construction of the amphitheater was commissioned by the Flavians, the imperial dynasty to which Vespasian and Titus belonged, to provide the people with a space for entertainment.
The chosen site was the Domus Aurea, Nero’s sumptuous residence, part of a project aimed at restoring to the community vast areas previously used for the emperor’s private purposes.
The inauguration of the Colosseum was celebrated with one hundred days of games, during which an estimated 5,000 wild animals were killed.
After more than two centuries of use as a center for entertainment, the Colosseum began to be gradually abandoned with the rise of Christianity, which condemned gladiatorial games.
In the Middle Ages, the building was used as a refuge, a fortress, and finally as a quarry for building materials: in particular, over 100,000 cubic meters of travertine and more than 500 tons of iron used in metal clamps were removed.
Only in the 16th century did the remains of the monument begin to be preserved, thanks to the construction of a chapel and, later, the initiative of Pope Benedict XIV, who consecrated the Colosseum as a sacred place, symbolically connecting it to the Stations of the Cross.

In 1980, the Colosseum was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, along with the historic center of Rome, consolidating its role as a universal cultural emblem.
The Colosseum was built on a large drained artificial basin and has an elliptical plan 189 meters long and 156 meters wide, with an original height of approximately 46 meters.
The outer ring, of which approximately 40% survives today, was built on four levels: the first three were characterised by arches framed by semi-columns of different styles (Doric, Ionic and Corinthian), while the fourth was decorated with pilasters without openings.

At the top were 240 beams that supported the velarium , a system of large sails operated by sailors from the naval base at Misenum, whose task was to protect the public from the sun.
The amphitheater had 80 entrances, each numbered and designated for different social classes.
The emperor entered through a dedicated entrance on the north side, while magistrates, vestal virgins, and guests of honor had privileged access on other sides.
The tiers were organized by social class: senators sat in the front row on marble seats; behind them were the knights, then the commoners, and, in the furthest and least prestigious seats, the women.
Social hierarchy was also reflected in the materials used: marble for the most prestigious seats, brick for the lower levels, and wood for the highest stands.

The central arena, originally covered with wooden planks and sand, concealed a complex system of underground corridors used to stage shows and introduce gladiators, animals, or stage sets.
The Colosseum hosted a wide range of spectacles: gladiatorial combat, exotic animal hunts, battle reenactments, and even simulated naval battles.

The gladiators, central figures in the events, came from a variety of backgrounds: prisoners of war, slaves, convicted criminals, but also free men who had fallen into disgrace.
Some gladiators became famous and managed to achieve fame, riches, and, in rare cases, freedom.
The Colosseum featured a complex underground system of corridors and rooms, known as the hypogeum , used to house gladiators and animals before they entered the arena. These structures remained hidden until their discovery in the 19th century.

Despite being the site of violent spectacles, over time the Colosseum has also acquired a spiritual and symbolic meaning for Christianity. Numerous Christians are believed to have been martyred there, and since 2005, a Stations of the Cross have been celebrated near it every Good Friday, an initiative initiated by Pope Benedict XVI.
Tickets & Schedule
According to legend, Ascanius, son of the Trojan hero Aeneas—a descendant of the goddess Venus and the mortal Anchises—founded the city of Alba Longa on the right bank of the Tiber. His descendants ruled here for many generations, until the rise of Numitor and his brother Amulius. The latter, driven by ambition, usurped the throne and forced Rhea Silvia, Numitor’s only daughter, to take a vow of chastity to prevent the birth of any possible heirs to the throne.
However, the god Mars fell in love with the young priestess and gave birth to twins: Romulus and Remus. To prevent threats to his power, Amulius ordered the newborns killed, but the soldiers in charge, moved with pity, abandoned them in a basket on the Tiber.

A she-wolf, attracted by their cries, found them and nursed them in her lair on the Palatine Hill. Later, a shepherd and his wife found them and raised them as their own.
As adults, Romulus and Remus killed Amulius, restoring Numitor to the throne of Alba Longa. The twins then decided to found a new city near the place where they had been saved by the she-wolf.
There is also the hypothesis that the “wolf” was not an animal, but a woman: in archaic Latin, the term lupa disparagingly referred to prostitutes, suggesting that their savior may have actually been a common woman.
Tradition also recounts the tragic quarrel between the two brothers. Seven hills rose on the banks of the Tiber: Aventine, Caelian, Capitoline, Esquiline, Palatine, Quirinal, and Viminal. Romulus and Remus, unable to agree on which hill to choose for founding the city, relied on the omens of birds, following the Etruscan custom. Romulus saw twelve birds flying over the Palatine, while Remus saw only six on another hill.
Romulus thus plowed the furrow of the future city and declared the boundary sacred. Remus, in defiance, crossed the boundary, and Romulus, true to his oath, killed him. Left alone, Romulus became the first ruler of the new city, Rome, whose foundation is traditionally dated to 754 BC, according to ancient historians.
The end?
Unfortunately, we have finished our tour! However, there are several things around Lucca that you could visit: I’ll leave some tips below!
Devil’s Bridge

The Devil’s Bridge, also known as the Maddalena Bridge, is an imposing medieval structure located near Borgo a Mozzano, in the province of Lucca. Built around the 11th century, the bridge is famous for its characteristic asymmetric profile and for the legend that surrounds it, which says that the devil himself contributed to its construction. This bridge, with its slender central arch, is considered one of the masterpieces of medieval engineering and an icon of the Tuscan region.
Submerged village of factories

The Submerged Village of Fabbriche di Careggine is an ancient medieval village located in the province of Lucca, in the Apuan Alps. Founded in the 13th century, the village was submerged in the 1940s with the creation of the hydroelectric dam on the Edron river, which formed the artificial lake of Vagli. The village occasionally resurfaces when the lake is emptied for maintenance, revealing its stone houses, church and other buildings, attracting curious and nostalgic visitors.
Lake Tower

Torre del Lago, officially Torre del Lago Puccini, is a picturesque hamlet located between Lake Massaciuccoli and the Tyrrhenian Sea, a few kilometers from Lucca. This quiet village is famous for being the favorite place of the famous composer Giacomo Puccini, who lived there and composed some of his most famous works. Puccini’s villa, overlooking the lake, is today a museum dedicated to his life and music. Every summer, Torre del Lago hosts the prestigious Puccini Festival, an event that attracts opera enthusiasts from all over the world.
Nottolini aqueduct

The Nottolini Aqueduct is an impressive hydraulic engineering work located near Lucca, built between 1823 and 1851 to supply drinking water to the city. Designed by architect Lorenzo Nottolini, the aqueduct stands out for its long row of stone arches, which extend for approximately 3 kilometers from the source of Guamo to the gates of Lucca. This aqueduct not only represents an important historical infrastructure, but is also a fascinating example of neoclassical architecture, harmoniously inserted into the Tuscan landscape.
Royal Villa of Lucca

The Villa Reale of Lucca is an elegant building located near the city of Lucca, precisely in Marlia. Built in the 17th century and expanded in the 19th century, the villa is known for its large and refined Italian gardens, which include fountains, sculptures and expansive lawns. Originally belonging to the Bourbon family, who ruled Lucca as a duchy, the villa was a summer residence of considerable importance. Today, the Villa Reale is a fascinating location for sightseeing and cultural events, offering a glimpse into the aristocratic lifestyle and scenic beauty of Tuscany.
Pisa

Pisa, located in the Tuscany region of Italy, is a city famous for its extraordinary architecture and its historic university. Famous throughout the world for the Leaning Tower, a medieval bell tower known for its characteristic tilt, Pisa is also home to iconic monuments such as the Duomo and the Baptistery, all part of the magnificent Campo dei Miracoli, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO . In addition to its architecture, Pisa boasts a lively cultural life and an important academic tradition thanks to the University of Pisa, one of the oldest in Europe.
Potholes of the Giants

The Marmitte dei Giganti are a fascinating natural phenomenon located in the Garfagnana, near Lucca. These impressive deep, round holes were formed by water erosion carving out the granite over millennia. The potholes, which are located along the Serchio river, offer a unique geological spectacle and are surrounded by a suggestive mountain landscape. They are a major attraction for geology enthusiasts and those who love exploring nature, also offering opportunities for walking and hiking.
Isola Santa

Isola Santa is a charming village located in the Garfagnana, a mountainous valley in the province of Lucca, Tuscany. This picturesque village, located on the banks of the artificial lake created by the damming of the Turrite River, is known for its enchanting mountain scenery and well-preserved stone houses. Originally a medieval settlement, Isola Santa is today a peaceful place that offers an evocative atmosphere and an excellent base for excursions and walks in the surrounding nature. The beauty of the village and its natural environment make it an ideal destination for nature and history lovers.

First of all, if you enjoyed the tour will be really important for me to have a review on these platforms (also on the platform where you booked, but these platforms that you find below are fundamental).
You can leave a review (no pressure on you for this⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) by clicking on these beautiful buttons!
I know that it takes time (actually 4 seconds 😬) but for me this part is really important in order to continue this activity 🥰!
If, on the other hand, you had problems, have suggestions on how to improve it, or want to contact me, feel free to write me on WhatsApp by clicking here!
Are you going to visit other cities?
I have prepared different digital guides to enable you to other cities as well. All guides were written in collaboration with locals so that the most authentic stories and advice could be included!
In these digital guides you will find:
- Itinerary with the highlights of the city (connected with google maps) 📍
- Historical info, curiosities and funny facts 🤓
- FOOD TIPS from locals ! Every city has it’s own typical dishes so it’s super important to know about them 😬 Also, thanks to my local friends, you will discover real local restaurants to try them 😋!
I already prepared a special discount for you, you’ll find everything by clicking here!
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Bergamo
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Alghero
8,50 €Original price was: 8,50 €.7,00 €Current price is: 7,00 €.
You save - Sale!

Ravenna
8,00 €Original price was: 8,00 €.7,00 €Current price is: 7,00 €.
You save - Sale!

Mantova
8,00 €Original price was: 8,00 €.7,00 €Current price is: 7,00 €.
You save - Sale!

Milan
9,00 €Original price was: 9,00 €.7,00 €Current price is: 7,00 €.
You save - Sale!

Padua
8,00 €Original price was: 8,00 €.7,00 €Current price is: 7,00 €.
You save
Again, if need some support or need any extra info, feel free to write me on WhatsApp by clicking here!

Greetings from your Walking Cap!
Matteo















