A Guide to the Holy City of Rome, Italy
The rich spiritual and religious history of Rome and the Vatican adds an extra dimension to a visit to Italy, where ancient sites and thriving communities continue to draw modern-day visitors.
Rome, the Eternal City, is home to Vatican City, the 109-acre city-state run by the Catholic Church and the seat of Roman Catholicism. At St. Peter’s Basilica—or St. Peter’s Square if the attending faithful outnumber the 15,000-person capacity of the Basilica—the pope celebrates Mass. St. Peter’s Basilica is soaring, more than 40 stories tall, with a dome designed by Michelangelo. St. Peter the Apostle’s tomb lies under the altar.
Nearby in Rome is the Pantheon, a massive structure that was originally designed as a pagan temple by Emperor Hadrian in A.D. 125. One of Rome’s best preserved ancient buildings, it has been used continuously as a Christian church since the seventh century. The Colosseum, the symbolic, not-to-be-missed Roman landmark built in the first century A.D., was not only the site of gladiatorial fights but also where Christian martyrs were put to death.
When to Go: June and July are high season but also hot. Christian holidays like Easter or Christmas are busy, with many events.
Where to Stay: From Deko Rome, located in a historic, early 20th-century building, you can stroll Via Veneto, the avenue made famous in Federico Fellini’s movie La Dolce Vita, just steps away. The Palazzo Manfredi is a small boutique hotel with a perfect view of the Colosseum from the restaurant on the top-floor terrace.
Cultural Tips: Visitors can climb (or take an elevator for an extra fee) to the top of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica for a view of Rome. The Pantheon is still in use as a Catholic church, with Mass celebrated on Sundays and holy days, and it’s open to the public.
What to Read Before You Go: Mary Beard, a well-known English scholar and professor of classics at the University of Cambridge, recently published SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome. The book, which takes its name from the acronym for a Latin phrase that means “the senate and people of Rome,” is an extensive examination of the Roman Empire.
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- Charlotte, the 'virgin birth' stingray, has a diseaseCharlotte, the 'virgin birth' stingray, has a disease
- See how billions of cicadas are taking over the U.S. this summerSee how billions of cicadas are taking over the U.S. this summer
- Why are orcas ramming boats? They might just be bored teenagersWhy are orcas ramming boats? They might just be bored teenagers
- These pelicans are starving to death—despite plenty to eatThese pelicans are starving to death—despite plenty to eat
- The world's largest fish are vanishing without a traceThe world's largest fish are vanishing without a trace
Environment
- 2024 hurricane season forecasted to be record-breaking year2024 hurricane season forecasted to be record-breaking year
- Connecting a new generation with South Africa’s iconic species
- Paid Content
Connecting a new generation with South Africa’s iconic species - These images will help you see coral reefs in a whole new wayThese images will help you see coral reefs in a whole new way
- What rising temps in the Gulf of Maine mean for wildlifeWhat rising temps in the Gulf of Maine mean for wildlife
- He’s called ‘omacha,’ a dolphin that transforms into a man. Why?He’s called ‘omacha,’ a dolphin that transforms into a man. Why?
History & Culture
- Think customer service is bad now? Read this ancient complaintThink customer service is bad now? Read this ancient complaint
- The tragic backstory of one of the most haunted roads in AmericaThe tragic backstory of one of the most haunted roads in America
- The missing heiress at the center of New York’s oldest cold caseThe missing heiress at the center of New York’s oldest cold case
- When a people's stories are at risk, who steps in to save them?When a people's stories are at risk, who steps in to save them?
- I wrote this article with a 18th century quill. I recommend it.I wrote this article with a 18th century quill. I recommend it.
- Why this Bronze Age village became known as ‘Britain’s Pompeii’Why this Bronze Age village became known as ‘Britain’s Pompeii’
Science
- How being the oldest or youngest sibling shapes your personalityHow being the oldest or youngest sibling shapes your personality
- Tuberculosis is rising in the U.S. again. How did we get here?Tuberculosis is rising in the U.S. again. How did we get here?
- Are ultra-processed foods as addictive as cigarettes?Are ultra-processed foods as addictive as cigarettes?
- Epidurals may do more than relieve pain—they could save livesEpidurals may do more than relieve pain—they could save lives
Travel
- What to eat in Lebanon, from flatbreads to layered dessertsWhat to eat in Lebanon, from flatbreads to layered desserts
- This sunny German city should top your summer travel list
- Paid Content
This sunny German city should top your summer travel list - 7 things you need to know about European travel this summer7 things you need to know about European travel this summer
- These Algerian communities live in the Saharan sand seasThese Algerian communities live in the Saharan sand seas