30 Famous Landmarks in Rome, Italy, That Can't Be Missed

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Found in the Latium region of Italy, Rome is one of the most iconic destinations in the world. The city is known for its numerous acclaimed attractions, including Ancient Roman and religious landmarks.

Famous landmarks in Rome, Italy, range from renowned places like the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain to lesser-known yet incredible spots like the Catacombs of Rome and Largo di Torre Argentina.

If you're overwhelmed by the number of sights to see in Rome, this list will highlight which landmarks can't be missed. A map of Rome landmarks is also included to make planning a sightseeing schedule easy!

Planning a last-minute trip to Rome?

Before traveling to Rome, book your entrance tickets and tours ahead of time. We've pulled together top suggestions below.

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Rome

• Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, & Basilica Tour (likely to sell out)
• Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & StPeter's Basilica (very popular)
• Skip-the-Line Tour to Colosseum, Forum, Palatine Hill (very popular)
• Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum Guided Tour Skip the Line (very popular)
• Colosseum VIP Access With Arena & Ancient Rome Tour

30 Famous Rome Landmarks

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome and is also the largest Catholic Marian church in the city. The building was originally constructed in 435 AD, yet the structure seen today was completed in 1743.

During a visit to the basilica, you can admire the architecture and learn more about its history and uses since its construction.

☂️ Explore the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore with a tour

• Rome Private Guided Tour by Golf Cart (highly rated)
• Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica Guided Tour

Crisfotolux/Depositphotos.com

Catacombs of Rome

The Catacombs of Rome are one of the lesser-known but still incredibly interesting landmarks in the city. It's believed that the catacombs were first created as a burial place in the 2nd century AD.

Approximately 40 catacombs have so far been unearthed beneath Rome, with the Catacomb of Callixtus being one of the largest and most well-known. If interested in seeing the catacombs, you can take a guided tour of the small part of the underground burial system that's open to the public.

Via Appia Antica

Appian Way, or Via Appia Antica, is one of the earliest roadways built in the Roman Empire. The road is believed to have been constructed between 312 and 264 BC. A range of significant events have occurred along the roadway since its construction and you can see many landmarks if you walk or bike on the route.

These historic Rome sites include the Church of Domine Quo Vadis, some of the Roman Catacombs, and the Baths of Caracalla.

☂️ See the Via Appia Antica on a tour

• E-Bike Tour Through Via Appia Antica (frequently earns a five-star rating)
• Golf Cart Driving Tour in Rome - 25 hrs Catacombs & Appian Way

Spanish Steps

One of the most famous places in Rome, Italy, is the Spanish Steps, located in Piazza di Spagna. This monument that was opened in 1725 is a staircase comprising 135 Roman-Baroque steps.

Walking to the top of the steps will bring you to Piazza della Trinità dei Monti and another landmark, Trinità dei Monti church, which was founded in 1502.

☂️ Explore the Spanish Steps with a tour

• City Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off Bus With Audioguide (often fully booked)
• Rome by Golf Cart Private Tour (very popular)

Trevi Fountain

Constructed in the 1730s, the Trevi Fountain is one of the most renowned landmarks in the city and is Rome's most famous fountain. The water fountain features Baroque-style sculptures and is connected to the Vergine aqueduct, which dates back to 19 BC.

Even if you're only in Rome for one day, going to the Trevi Fountain has to be on your to-do list!

☂️ Visit the Trevi Fountain on a tour

• Rome in a Day Small Group Tour With Vatican & Colosseum (often fully booked)
• Golf Cart Tour in Rome (highly rated)

ilfede/Depositphotos.com

Sistine Chapel

Another world-renowned landmark to see when visiting Rome is the Sistine Chapel. The iconic chapel opened in 1483 and is found in Vatican City.

The structure is most well-known for the interior frescoes painted by Michelangelo. These artworks include The Creation of Adam, featured on the chapel's stunning ceiling, and The Last Judgment.

☂️ Experience the Sistine Chapel with a tour

• Vatican Museums Sistine Chapel With the Basilica or Rafael Rooms (likely to sell out)
• Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & StPeter's Basilica (very popular)

Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

One of the most important religious buildings in Rome is Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano. Located in Vatican City, the basilica is referred to as the first church in Christendom and is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. The stunning structure is designed in a baroque style and has stone columns and religious statues on the exterior.

☂️ Explore the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano with a tour

• Between Holy Doors (frequently earns a five-star rating)
• The Archbasilica of StJohn in Lateran Entry Ticket

Circus Maximus

One of the many fascinating historical sites in Rome, Italy, is Circus Maximus. The landmark is the site of an Ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium that was opened in the 6th century BCE.

During a visit, you can learn more about the ancient entertainment venue and see what's left of the stadium.

☂️ Experience the Circus Maximus with a tour

• Imperial City Tour by Golf Cart With Optional Transfer (likely to sell out)
• Vespa Tour by Night

salajean/Depositphotos.com

Nero's Domus Aurea

Opened in 68 AD, Domus Aurea was built at the request of Emperor Nero after the great fire of 64 AD. The complex houses multiple buildings, plus gardens and a lake. At Domus Aurea, you can wander around the ruins and learn more about this historical site.

☂️ Visit the Domus Aurea with an experience

• Domus Aurea Guided Group Tour (rated highly)
• Domus Aurea Tour-Golden House of an Emperor With VR Experience

Colosseum

Arguably the most famous place in Rome, the Colosseum is a famous world landmark that can't be missed when in the city. Opened in 80 AD, the venue is the largest amphitheater ever built.

During its use as an entertainment venue in Ancient Roman times, events like gladiator fights, chariot races, and exotic animals shows were held at the Colosseum.

When you visit the Colosseum, taking a small group tour is recommended and will allow you to learn more about the history of the structure. Be sure to keep an eye out for the cats that call the Colosseum home too!

☂️ Discover the Colosseum on a tour

• Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum Guided Tour Skip the Line (very popular)
• Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill Entry Tickets

paanna/Depositphotos.com

Palazzo Doria Pamphilj

Another must-visit in Rome for art lovers is the Doria Pamphilj Gallery housed in Palazzo Doria Pamphilj. Established in 1651, the gallery features paintings, sculptures, and pieces of furniture that date back hundreds of years.

The gallery also has a stunning painted ceiling and many ornate gold accents.

TravelFlow/Depositphotos.com

Piazza Venezia

Another of the notable landmarks of Rome, Italy, is Piazza Venezia. This area connects multiple thoroughfares and is one of Rome's largest squares.

The square also has a famous monument to King Vittorio Emanuele II and is close to a variety of other landmarks and tourist attractions.

☂️ Discover Piazza Venezia on a tour

• Golf Cart Driving Tour - Rome City Highlights in 25 hrs (highly rated)
• Rome 24-Hour Vespa Primavera Rental

Vatican City

The independent-city state of Vatican City is the most significant Roman Catholic landmark in the world. Sitting within Rome, Vatican City houses the Vatican Palace, the home of the pope, plus the Sistine Chapel and other Vatican Museums. It's also the headquarters of the Roman Catholic church.

☂️ Experience Vatican City with a tour

• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Reserved Entrance (a top tour)
• Vatican City - Sistine Chapel Tour With Basilica Access

St. Peter's Basilica

Another iconic place to visit that you have to add to your Rome itinerary is St. Peter's Basilica. Located in Vatican City, the basilica opened in 1626, after taking around 120 years to build. It's believed that the structure sits on top of the grave of Peter the Apostle, who died in 64 AD.

At the basilica, you can climb stairs to the top, where you can admire views of Rome. You can also visit the tombs of saints and see artworks by Michelangelo.

☂️ See St Peters Basilica on a tour

• StPeter's Basilica Dome to Underground Grottoes Tour (widely sought after)
• City Highlights, Vatican Pass & Free Transport

Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums, which house artworks and other artifacts collected by the Catholic Church, are another of the must-see Vatican City landmarks. The collection comprises approximately 70,000 pieces and includes some of the most significant Renaissance artworks in the world.

You can also see the famous spiral staircase when exploring the museum. Even if you aren't particularly interested in art, the works displayed at the Vatican Museums are sure to amaze!

☂️ Join a tour to see the Vatican Museums

• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour With StPeter's (a sort after tour)

Castel Sant'Angelo

One of the most fascinating famous monuments in Rome, Italy, is Castel Sant'Angelo. The regal structure was commissioned by Roman Emperor Hadrian in 135 AD. It was intended to be a mausoleum for himself and his family.

Today, the castle acts as a museum with exhibits on the history of the castle, Emperor Hadrian, and Ancient Rome in general.

☂️ Visit Castel SantAngelo with an excursion

• Charming VIP Rome by Night Experience (rated five stars)
• Best of Rome by Golf Cart Private Tour (very popular)

Villa Borghese

Villa Borghese is Rome's third-largest public park. Along with beautifully manicured gardens, the attraction features the Villa Borghese structure which houses a gallery.

As you explore the park, you'll find many paths to follow that take you through pretty gardens and past scenic lakes and ponds. You can then visit the gallery which has classical artworks and antiquities, like an ancient mosaic.

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of many famous Italian landmarks found in Rome. This public square sits on the site of an ancient stadium, the Stadium of Domitian.

When visiting, you can admire the buildings that surround the square and the iconic Fiumi Fountain which sits in the center of Piazza Navona.

☂️ Visit Piazza Navona with a tour

• Colosseum & Forum Small Group Tour With Piazza Navona (very popular)
• Navona Underground Experience

marcorubino/Depositphotos.com

Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi

Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi, or the Fiumi Fountain, was created in 1677 by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The fountain, which sits in Piazza Navona, was created for Pope Innocent X and features sculptures and an obelisk.

Viewing the fountain, considered one of the most beautiful in Rome, can't be missed!

☂️ Experience the Fiumi Fountain with a tour

• Roma's Night Segway Tour (highly rated)
• Rome Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours (a sort after tour)

Palazzo Massimo alle Colonne

Constructed in the 1500s, Palazzo Massimo alle Colonne is one of the lesser-known yet highly interesting famous sites in Rome, Italy. The Renaissance palace was initially built for the Massimo family and today is open to the public one day a year, on March 16.

This date is when a son of the Massimo family was supposedly brought back to life by Saint Philip Neri in 1583. During the rest of the year, you can admire the exterior of the important building, which sits on the street of Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.

Piazza del Popolo

Piazza del Popolo is another beautiful square in Rome. It was created in 1818 by Giuseppe Valadier, and features the Basilica Parrocchiale Santa Maria del Popolo, a church completed in 1099.

Along with viewing this almost 1000-year-old church, you'll be able to see many other interesting buildings and sculptures in the square.

☂️ Discover the Piazza del Popolo on a tour

• Rome City Small Group Bike Tour With Quality Cannondale EBike (very popular)

anamejia18/Depositphotos.com

Museo Nazionale Romano

Museo Nazionale Romano, or the National Roman Museum, is a collection of museums housing exhibits on the history of Rome and the Roman Empire. Items on display include archaeological finds linked to Ancient Rome.

The four museums that make up Museo Nazionale Romano are Palazzo Altemps, Palazzo Massimo, Crypta Balbi, and Terme di Diocleziano. If you're interested in learning more about Ancient Rome, visiting the National Roman Museum venues is a must.

☂️ Visit the Museo Nazionale Romano and Palazzo Altemps with an experience

• Roman National Museum Experience With Multimedia Video

Baths of Diocletian

The Baths of Diocletian were public baths that opened in 306 AD. It's thought that they were the largest imperial bath site in Ancient Rome. Today, the baths are housed within the National Roman Museum site of the same name (also known as Terme di Diocleziano.)

When visiting the site, you can see the remains of the bathhouses, plus other Ancient Roman artifacts. There are some pretty gardens to wander around as well.

Pantheon

Built in 125 AD, the Pantheon is one of the most notable historical places in Rome, Italy, as well as being one of the most famous landmarks in Europe. This structure was originally built as a Roman temple and became a Catholic church in 609 AD.

Those that visit the Pantheon will get to appreciate the interior and exterior architecture of this ancient building. You can also take guided and self-guided tours which will allow you to learn more about the Pantheon's history and uses.

☂️ See the Pantheon on a tour

• Pantheon Self-Guided Audio Tour Application

anamejia18/Depositphotos.com

Palatine Hill

Palatine Hill is one of the oldest parts of the city and dates back to the early days of the Roman Empire. Having been a central hub of Ancient Rome, you'll discover a range of ancient ruins here, including churches and entertainment venues. You can also visit the Palatine Museum while in the area that has exhibits on Ancient Rome.

☂️ Explore Palatine Hill on a tour

• Colosseum VIP Access With Arena & Ancient Rome Tour (popular and sought-after)
• Colosseum & Roman Forum Ticket With Multimedia Video

EN-design/Depositphotos.com

Roman Forum

Located in the center of Rome, the Roman Forum is an ancient site that was founded between the 8th century BC and 608 AD. The area was used as a marketplace and commercial hub and today features a variety of Ancient Roman ruins.

Exploring the area will allow you to learn more about life in Ancient Rome, and you can view the incredible over 1,00-year-old structures that remain here.

angelocordeschi/Depositphotos.com

Largo di Torre Argentina

A lesser-known but must-visit spot in Rome is Largo di Torre Argentina. This square notably houses the ruins of the Pompey Theater where Julius Caesar was killed.

Today, Largo di Torre Argentina is also a cat sanctuary that's home to some of the 120,000 feral cats that live in the city. As you explore the historic ruins, you can also say "hi" to the cats and learn more about their care by talking with onsite volunteers.

☂️ Visit Largo di Torre Argentina on a tour

• Rome Street Food Tour With Local Guide (extremely popular)

Changered/Depositphotos.com

Capitoline Museums

Another famous landmark in Rome that has an array of fascinating exhibits and displays is Capitoline Museums. This museum houses artworks and archeological finds.

Founded in 1471, when bronze statues were donated by Pope Sixtus IV, the museum today has a collection of over 400 ancient statues, plus other interesting artifacts.

☂️ Explore the Capitoline Museums on a tour

• Rome in a Day Cannondale E-Bike Tour With Typical Italian Lunch (likely to sell out)
• Rome by Night Cannondale EBike Tour With Optional Italian Dinner (often praised)

angelocalvino/Depositphotos.com

Ara Pacis Augustae

Ara Pacis Augustae is an altar that was created in 9 BC and is dedicated to the Roman goddess of peace, Pax. You'll find the temple in Museo dell'Ara Pacis. Along with seeing the renowned altar, there are some Roman sculptures and other artifacts on display.

☂️ Join a tour to see the Museo dellAra Pacis

• Rome Angels Tour by Segway (widely acclaimed)
• Vatican Night Tour

Pyramid of Cestius

Pyramids are generally associated with Ancient Egypt instead of Ancient Rome. However, you'll be surprised to learn that you can find an ancient pyramid in the city, in Rome's Testaccio neighborhood. The over 2,000-year-old pyramid was constructed in 12 BC as a tomb for Gaius Cestius who was part of the Epulones religious corporation.

In Summary

If planning a trip to the Italian capital, this Rome, Italy, landmarks list should have helped you determine which attractions you can't miss seeing. Whether you're in Rome for a day or a week, visiting at least a handful of these 30 renowned landmarks is a must!

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