8 famous buildings in Rome and what makes them so iconic

Rome is one of the oldest cities in the world–ancient Roman engineering has helped shape architecture as we know it today. But whether you favor ancient amphitheaters that have weathered the centuries or innovative architecture with a nod to history, we’ve compiled a list of famous buildings in Rome to visit on your next trip to the Eternal City.

The Colosseum or Flavian Amphitheater can be considered Rome’s most famous building. This ancient amphitheater is the largest ever, built in A.D. 70 at the height of the Roman empire by the Flavian emperors for the public. A cool fact about the Colosseum is that it seated up to 50,000 people who came to watch gladiator battles, dramas, and reenactments. The Colosseum fell into disrepair due to earthquakes and neglect and only a third of the original structure is standing today, but it still sees over a million visitors every year.

A ticket to the Colosseum includes entry to neighboring attractions Palatine Hill, the most famous of Rome’s seven hills as well as the Roman Forum where the remains of ancient Rome’s government buildings can be found. We recommend you get a skip-the-line guided tour to beat the crowds and better understand the historical highlights.

The Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana is colloquially known as Colosseo Quadrato or the ‘Square Colosseum’ because of its striking facade covered with 216 tightly spaced arches. Built in 1938 by three Italian architects, it’s a prime example of Fascist architecture and Italian Rationalism, architectural styles popular in the early 20th century. There are 28 marble statues in the arches on the ground level.

The palazzo is located in EUR (Esposizione Universale Roma), a district in southern Rome, where Italian dictator Benito Mussolini planned to hold the 1942 World Fair that was eventually derailed by World War II. It’s currently the headquarters of Italian fashion house Fendi; take a half-day guided tour around EUR to see other unusual Fascist architecture.

The towering Altar of the Fatherland was built in 1911, on the 50th anniversary of Italy’s unification known as Risorgimento. It’s also known as the Victor Emmanuel II Monument or Vittoriano for Italy’s first ‘Gentleman King’. Nicknamed the ‘wedding cake’ for its neoclassical tiers and white Botticino marble finishing, the monument houses the Central Museum of the Risorgimento as well as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Vittoriano is located at Piazza Venezia, one of the largest public squares in Rome, next to Capitoline Hill and the lovely Piazza del Campidoglio designed by Renaissance artist Michelangelo. It’s especially beautiful at night when lit up–take a night walking tour to see some of Rome’s top attractions after sunset.

The Pantheon is one of ancient Rome’s best preserved buildings. First built by Agrippa in A.D. 27 as a temple for all gods, its current form fronted by an impressive portico entrance and the Piazza della Rotonda was the work of Emperor Hadrian who rebuilt it in A.D. 125. Today it’s also known as the Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres and burial place for the kings of Italy and famous artists including Raphael. The Pantheon’s massive dome roof is the largest unsupported dome in the world at just over 140 feet wide.

The Pantheon is still a working church that runs regular services, so be sure to dress appropriately when visiting. Entrance to the Pantheon is free, but there are official Pantheon paid tours: a guided tour and audio tour will show you the highlights in less than an hour with proceeds used to support the church’s services and missions.

Ancient Roman architecture can be found around practically any corner of the Eternal City, but one rather unusual building is a 118-feet tall Egyptian-style pyramid located in Ostiense, just outside the main Centro Storico area. Known as the Pyramid of Cestius, it was built around 18 to 12 B.C. as a tomb for Gaius Cestius, a high-ranking magistrate whose name can be found in the inscriptions on the exterior of the pyramid. There were other pyramids in Rome before but the Pyramid of Cestius is the only one still standing today.

There used to be limited tours that allowed visitors to see the interior burial chamber–there are scant traces of once-impressive frescoes on the walls, and unfortunately, any precious artifacts were looted at some point in history–but they are currently suspended. You can take a guided tour to see the Pyramid of Cestius among other hidden gems in Rome.

The Auditorium Parco della Musica is a modern multipurpose complex built in 2002 by renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano whose illustrious portfolio includes the Centre Pompidou in Paris and The Shard in London. The auditorium’s main features are its three different ‘beetle-shaped’ halls and the outdoor theater Cavea which brings to mind ancient Roman amphitheaters. It also houses a museum, the ruins of an ancient Roman villa and the musical, art and historical collection of the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia.

The futuristic Auditorium Parco della Musica is located in the north of Rome between the Parioli district and the Olympic Village, built when Rome hosted the games in 1960. The best way to appreciate the auditorium is by watching a performance there, though they do offer hour-long guided tours of the complex. Consider a half-day tour to see Rome’s modern architecture.

St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest Christian church still standing today. The spiritual center of the Vatican City, this Renaissance-style church was built over 100 years from the mid-15th century and features works by prominent artists like Michelangelo and Bernini. You can’t miss the cupola or dome of the basilica which is the tallest in the world at roughly 448 feet high and offers panoramic views of St. Peter’s Square below. The church has a treasury museum containing many historical artifacts and is the burial ground for many past Pontiffs.

The church is free to enter, though tends to be very crowded. Save precious time by joining a skip-the-line tour that takes you to the top sights in the Vatican City including the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.

The cylindrical tower of Castel Sant’Angelo is another iconic building along the Tiber River. Built in A.D. 123 as a mausoleum for Roman emperor Hadrian, it’s most famous for ‘Passetto di Borgo’ or ‘Er Corridore’, a tunnel linked to the Vatican palaces that popes and kings used as an escape route during times of unrest. Sant Angelo Bridge in front of the castle is lined with sculptures of angels and is a lovely place to admire the structure, while the viewing gallery on top of its tower offers panoramic views of Rome and the river.

Located in Borgo, most people visit the castle while checking out Vatican City, which is a short walk away. Take a guided tour to skip the long lines during the day to enter Castel Sant’Angelo and learn about its history, or take a ghost tour at night for something different.

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