What are best stops in Rome when you only have a day to spend there? On a recent solo tour of Europe, this is what I discovered.
ST. PETER’S BASILICA
Given that the Philippines is a predominantly Catholic country, most Filipinos would love the chance to visit St. Peter’s Basilica, assumed to be the biggest church in the world (in truth it is second biggest after a church in Africa). It’s the tallest structure in the center of Rome.
St.Peter’s Basilica is a grand, expansive structure (about 5.7 acres) that took 219 years, 31 Popes and 10 architects to complete. St. Peter’s dome is partially hidden in the clouds in this photo. I did not know at the time I was there, but visitors can actually climb 551 steps up to the top of the dome.The view of the plaza from the Basilica. You can see the 83-foot tall, 4,000 year old Egyptian obelisk standing in the middle of the plaza. The plaza itself is key-shaped, symbolizing the key that Jesus Christ gave to Peter (key to heaven and the church).Waiting for the Pope to appear on the balcony any moment now…With the Basilica’s size, they say the Statue of Liberty can fit inside even with its raised arm!The bronze Baldachin canopy covering the main altar was said to have been sourced from the dome of the Pantheon.Anyone who has seen the Angels and Demons movie would recognize this area as where Ewan McGregor entered and burned himself. This is the burial area of St. Peter. Aside from him, there are 201 Popes buried under the church.The uniforms of the people guarding the Basilica were said to be designed by Michaelangelo.
VATICAN MUSEUM AND SISTINE CHAPEL
From St. Peter’s Basilica, you can go for a tour of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel (approximately 15 euros). To see St. Peter’s Dome the cost is 6 euros.
COLOSSEUM AND THE FORUM
Another interesting stop in Rome and not too far off is the area of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum (both just a few steps away from each other).
Those who don’t want to go inside the Colosseum are happy with pictures of the exterior. The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Theater, is the largest amphitheater in the world. Though unusable now, the exterior is still a favorite backdrop for things like protest activities and concerts (it was the backdrop of concerts by Ray Charles, Paul McCartney and Billy Joel).I didn’t avail of it but a tour inside the Colosseum costs 12 euros. The Colosseum could seat up to 80,000 spectators in its heyday and was the venue for theatrical plays, animal hunts, public performances and most famously for gladiator matches in ancient times.Just a short walk from the Colosseum is the Roman Forum. It is surrounded by the ruins of many ancient buildings. It was said to be a marketplace, a venue for public speeches, criminal trials, processions and the like.
ARCH OF CONSTANTINE
Right between the Colosseum and Palatine Hill is the Arch of Constantine, the largest (and last) Roman triumphal arch. The structure commemorates the victory of Constantine over Maxentius at a certain battle. It stands at the Via Triumphalis (the way taken by emperors entering the city in triumph).
The Arch of Constantine built in 315 is 21 m high and has 3 archways.
TREVI FOUNTAIN
A short drive away is the beautiful Trevi Fountain, said to be the largest Baroque fountain the city. The Fountain was finished in 1762 and is one of the most famous fountains in the world. I’m told there are huge crowds on any given day (such as the day of my visit which was a weekday) so be prepared to elbow your way through to get to the Fountain.
There’s a saying that when you toss a coin into the fountain (to make a wish) using your right hand over your left shoulder, you will return to Rome one day. The money thrown in is used to fund the needs of Rome’s poor. Here’s to wishing!This fountain is famous, thus the crowds. Movies like Roman Holiday, Lizzie Maguire, La Dolce Vita included the appearance of this Fountain. Made from Travertine stone, and standing 86 feet tall and 161 feet wide, it is located at the junction of 3 roads and marks a significant point of the Acqua Vergine aqueduct (which supplied water to ancient Rome).
SPANISH STEPS
For those who still have time, visit the Spanish Steps just a short distance away. People may remember seeing the steps in movies like “The Talented Mr. Ripley” and “Man from U.N.C.L.E.” or hearing mentions of it in songs from Bob Dylan and A-ha.
The 174 steps were built to facilitate the climbing of a steep slope between Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinita dei Monti (with the Trinita de Monti church at the top). At the base of the steps is Fontana dela Barcaccia (“Fountain of the longboat”). It is said that the area of Piazza Spagna is where a poet named John Keats lived and also the site of the Ferrari di Valbona.
CAPPUCCINO AND GELATO
One of the must-try things to do in your 1-day trip to Rome is to have a cappuccino or a gelato outside the sights after all the walking. Wonderful treats!
I’ll come back to Rome in the future! In the meantime, off we went to our next stop in Florence (see Florence story here or see the 10-day itinerary here).
