If you like big cities, really, really vast cities, than you will probably love Rome. It is a sprawling metropolis full of beeping scooters, ringing church bells and the constant and jarring juxtaposition of ancient Roman ruins nestled next to vibrant shopping avenues. Thousands of years of history just burst out of every corner; complimented by the free-wheeling modern Italian culture. Surprisingly, for such a larger modern European capital Rome is actually quite affordable. Here are some great free sites to visit:
1. The Basilica de San Pietro- One of Rome’s most important can’t miss experiences is a visit to Vatican City, the home of the pope. While touring the museums and gardens will set you back, visiting the lavish church is free. Designed by Michelangelo and containing beautiful and priceless sculptures and paintings, the experience is awe-inspiring, like walking into an art history textbook. Unlike many churches you are free to take pictures here.
2. The Vatican Museum- is actually quit pricey unless you go on the last Sunday of the month when admission is free. The stores of art and antiquity housed here are terrific, even if the Sistine Chapel is somewhat underwhelming.
3. The Pantheon- The Coliseum is an expensive but worthwhile excursion, however you can wander around another landmark piece of Ancient Roman architecture for free (and this one is actually still intact) The Pantheon was built in the 2nd century AD and originally intended as a temple to all of the Roman gods. In the 7th century it was converted into a Catholic Church. It’s a marvel of ancient engineering and contains the tomb of one of the original Ninja Turtles, Raphael.
4. The Forum- just across the street from the Coliseum, the Forum is a can-not-miss peek into the heart of Ancient Rome. Here you can wander the icon
ic ruins of about a dozen beautiful temples, arches and buildings. I would suggest springing for the audio tour to help make sense of what you are seeing, which is available for 4 Euros.
5. La Bocca della Verità- Most famous for being visited by Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday, The Mouth of Truth is tucked away Santa Maria de Cosmedin on the aptly named Piazza della Bocca della Verità. Be sure to get a photo op acting out the famous scene:
6. Villa Borghese- Rome’s largest public park was originally the grounds of a 17th century palace, and it still retains that elegance now. When you can’t stand the hectic pace of downtown anymore, the park is a quiet and peaceful escape. There are several museums here that you can visit (which do charge admission fees) but it’s lovely just to perambulate the park and appreciate the sculptures, gazebos and the Romans at leisure. If you waunder up via La Piazza De Popolo there is a great view of the entire city.
7. The Fountains- All across the city famous fountains designed by Bernini, Borromini and other great sculptors. The Trevi Fountain is perhaps the most famous. It is gorgeous and always swamped with tourists, but it’s worth a stop to throw some pennies for luck. Other not to miss fountains include the Fontana di Quattro Fiumi in the Piazza Navona and the Fontana della Barcaccia at the bottom of the Spanish Steps. All terrific spots for people watching.
8. All of the churches- every church in Rome is free (although many will request a small donation or will sell a guide for a small fee). Rome has a ridiculous number of gorgeous and historic churches, which contain priceless works of art.
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As you mentioned in this post, churches in Rome almost always look to tourists for a small donation. There are certainly plenty of giving opportunities from when you walk in the door, lighting a prayer candle, paying hommage to a saint, or through buying a souvenir postcard. Rarely do I find myself giving to these churches as my encounter with these magnificent buidlings is always too momentary to make me think of the costs of upkeep. That being said, there is certainly one church in Rome that is worth every euro left in your pocket after buying that behemoth gellato. On the north side of Piazza del Popolo, situated beside the Porta Flaminia, is the rather subdued church of Santa Maria del Popolo. As you enter the dark, musty church, head to the back left where you will find the Cerasi chapel and the of the greatest paintings in the world – The Conversion of Saul (my favorite paintings of all time) and the Crucifixtion of St. Peter by Caravaggio, and the Assuption of the Virgin Mary by Carraci. By dropping a euro coin into a little metal box the visitor can illuminate the entire Cerasi chapel, giving themselves an intimate, light-filled experience with two Italian masters that is nothing but spiritual. It has taken my breath away every time and I continue to crave the experience. If you need to save that euro coin for dinner then it is worth hanging around for someone to light up the chapel for you.
Thanks for the suggestion! I haven’t been to that church but the Piazza Del Popolo is my favorite piazza in Rome.
My favorite way to donate is to light a candle (usually 50 cents to a euro). It’s a nice semi-spiritual way to participate and it always reminds me of my very-catholic late grandmother.
Great post. I absolutely loved the Pantheon when I was in Rome. (I’m an architecture dork.)
Nancy´s last blog ..New Social Network for Travelers: Kungaroo
I’m an ancient ruins dork… I love that Rome has something for everyone!
Thanks for the post, Basilica de San Pietro was my favorite. I can also suggest that a good and free way to enjoy Rome is to walk along the banks of the Tiber River.
Btw, I hope you don’t mind that I linked this entry to my blog post on Rome.
Jerick´s last blog ..Tangier
the Tiber is so pretty! sure go ahead and link!