Â鶹APP

How to Experience Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome rises and shines in our minds every time we think about the Eternal City. And it couldn’t be different: Rome has nearly 3,000 years of stunning art, monumental architecture and vivid culture influence, and one cannot say he has visited Rome if he has not experienced its ancient gems.

Wondering how to get the most out of this breathtaking open-air museum? Read on and learn how to experience Ancient Rome!

Walk through the Seven Hills

The Seven Hills of Rome – WikiCommons

Hills? Yes, you read it right! Rome is composed of seven hills: Palatine, Capitoline, Quirinal, Viminal, Esquiline, Caelian, and Aventine. More than just geography, the Seven Hills on the east side of the Tiber River have played an integral role on Rome’s history.

Rumor – and archaeological evidence – has it, the Palatine Hill is where Rome’s first stones were laid. According to the legend, the city was founded by Romulus and Remus, twin brothers who were rescued by a she-wolf after being left to die as newborns at the Tiber.

When both brothers decided to create a new city, Romulus killed Remus after a fight and consolidated the city on his own, naming it after himself. Some versions of the story say the brothers fought over where to build the new city; while Romulus would have chosen the Palatine Hill, Remus would have preferred the Aventine.

The Palatine Hill

Domus Augustana on Palatine Hill by Larry Koester – Flickr

Legend aside, walking through the green and quiet Palatine Hill is a very relaxing and enriching experience. The area was the home of many aristocrats and emperors and has beautiful ruins and pieces of art to be seen.

To explore the hill and visit the museum that lies inside, all you need to do is have your ticket to the Colosseum in hand, which gives you additional access to the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum.

The Capitoline Hill

Piazza del Campidoglio, on the top of Capitoline Hill by Larry Koester – Flickr

The other hills are equally precious and you can have free access to them as they have become residential areas and bohemian neighborhoods. The Capitoline Hill, just few minutes away from the Palatine, was once the seat of the Roman government and holds a number of temples to Roman gods underground.

The Esquiline Hill & the Aventine Hill

Mouth of Truth at the Aventine Hill – WikiCommons

You should also visit the National Gallery of Ancient Art at the Quirinal; the Baths of Diocletian in the National Museum at the Viminal; the fourth-century nymphaeum at the Esquiline (erroneously named Temple of Minerva Medica); the mosaics of the Baths of Diocletian at the Caelian; and the Temples of Portunus and Hercules Victor (and, of course, the Mouth of Truth) at the Aventine Hill.

Although the ancient treasures will catch your eyes, don’t miss the chance to look around. Each one of the Seven Hills has a unique view of the city!

Gelato with a view of the Colosseum

Colosseum by MaxPixel

The Colosseum, also known as Flavian Amphitheater, is the largest amphitheater ever built. No wonder it’s the symbol of Rome and one of the most famous attractions in the world! However, all its glory comes with a price: it is always crowded. Always. Even on calm days. Taking a photo without an unknown person appearing on it might be quite difficult, unless you are extremely lucky or know how to work with photo angles like a pro.

Chilling and taking a moment to admire the Colosseum can also be hard, as there might not be so many spots to sit available. But don’t worry, I have a very good piece of advice for you – and it involves Italy’s darling and everyone’s favorite gelato!

If you are heading to the Colosseum by metro, stop at the Colosseo metro station.

Colosseo metro station – WikiCommons

From here simply walk to the exit (there is only one, so just follow the crowd). When you are about to get out, but still inside of the station, you will see a cafeteria on your left, the street right in front of you, and a little path that will lead you to the stairs on your right. Turn right and go upstairs! That will make you leave the metro station from a different street, above the Colosseum’s ground-level.

If you are moving by bus or tram : lines 75, 81, 673, 175, or 204, or Tram 3 .

Disembark  at the nearest stop to the Colosseum and walk few meters towards the metro station. You will see stairs at the street, which will lead you to the same place we are going!

Arrive at the café with a view

Once you are by the second metro entrance upstairs, you will find right next to you a gelateria/cafeteria/restaurant (so many things in there!) called . Go inside and buy your favorite flavor of gelato! With that in hand, step out and enjoy the view! You’ll be able to see the Colosseum much better from above, far from the crowds, while comfortably eating your gelato!

Witness the splendor of the Roman Empire at the Roman Forum

Sunset at the Roman Forum by Benson Kua – Flickr

There is no better place to feel the magnitude and power of the Roman Empire than the Roman Forum: it was there that major political decisions that shaped the world were made. Julius Caesar, Mark Anthony, Augustus, Nero… they have all walked in there. And that’s why you should, too!

Given its great religious and political value, the Roman Forum hosts the ruins of some of the most important monuments of Ancient Rome, including the Arch of Titus, the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Curia, the Temple of Vesta, the Altar of Caesar, the Emilian Basilica, and the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina.

Via Sacra by Carla Tavares – Wikipedia

A walk across the Via Sacra will take you to the center of the Forum. The street, called Sacred Street in English, was the main street at the time and used to go all the way to the Capitoline Hill. Ceremonies after the death of emperors, parades to celebrate military triumphs, and religious festivals have taken place in there.

To experience this vital part of Ancient Rome, , the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum.

Regular tickets cost €16, or €2 if you are a European Union member of between 18 and 25 years old.

If you are handicapped or under 18 years old, entrance is for free.

The three historical sites open at 8:30 and close one hour before sunset (varying during the year).

As mentioned before, the combined ticket is valid for 48 hours, so there is no need to rush to visit the Colosseum, the Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum in the same day. Even though they are all close to each other, walking inside might take a while. So just take your time!

For your visit to the Roman Forum, especially, wear very comfortable shoes and clothes, because the area is large and, believe me, you will lose track of time in there! During very hot and sunny days, I also advise you to wear a hat or bring a small umbrella with you. The Roman Forum is not as green as the Palatine Hill, and therefore is very exposed to the sun.

Visit the Capitoline Wolf

Capitoline Wolf by Andy Montgomery – Flickr

The Capitoline Wolf is the most famous sculpture symbolizing the legend of the founding of Rome. Although the bronze sculpture is not ancient (the she-wolf was made during the 11th or 12th century and the twins during the 15th century), putting a face to the name, as we say, and watching the she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus is very exciting!

According to the legend, Romulus and Remus were twin brothers, sons of princess Rhea Silvia, the daughter of Alba Longa’s King Numitor. When Numitor was overthrown by his younger brother Amulius, the usurper killed his son and forced Rhea Silvia to become a Vestal Virgin, a priestess to the goddess Vesta, to whom celibacy was imposed.

Amulius’s plan was to leave Numitor’s line with no heirs, but things didn’t go as he imagined. Rhea Silvia got pregnant, allegedly from Mars, the god of war, and gave birth to the two boys. Fearing that they would grow and claim back the throne, Amulius ordered a servant to kill them. They were left inside of a basket in the Tiber River and floated down the current until a she-wolf that had just lost her cubs found and suckled them. Romulus and Remus were later found by a shepherd named Faustulus, who raised them with his wife Acca Larentia.

Romulus and Remus discovered by Faustulus by Arnold Houbraken – WikiCommons

When the twins grew older, they became shepherds like their adoptive father. One day, some shepherds of King Amulius picked a fight with Remus and brought him before the king. Romulus rescued his brother with the help of other shepherds and King Amulius was killed, which brought King Numitor back to power.

Romulus and Remus then decided to build a city of their own. After a fight over where to build the city and over who had the support of the gods, Romulus killed Remus and established the city at the top of the Palatine Hill, which he named Rome after himself and allegedly ruled as its first king from 753 BC to 716 BC.

The Capitoline Wolf sculpture, symbol of it all, can be visited at the Capitoline Museums, at the Piazza del Campidoglio.

The museums open at 9:30 and close at 19:30. The price of the ticket varies, and you can check them at the

Chill at the bohemian Monti neighborhood

A fountain at Monti by N i c o l a – Flickr

The perfect way to conclude your journey through Ancient Rome is by visiting the hip shops of Monti! In the ancient times, Monti was one of the poorest and most populated areas of Rome.

Nowadays, it is one of the coolest places in town, full of pubs, restaurants and very good craft shops. Whatever you choose to do – grab a beer, read a book while drinking a coffee, shopping, sightseeing – when you are at the Ancient Rome’s neighborhood of the masses, take a moment to pay tribute to all the individuals who lived in there centuries before your visit!

I hope my recommendations on how to experience Ancient Rome were helpful and made it easier for you to organize your trip!