| Although one could easily spend a month or more in | | | | actually the end of an aquaduct that supplied water to |
| Rome and never see everything there is to see, there | | | | the fountains in Rome's historic center. Legend has it |
| are 8 must-see sights for the first-time visitor. | | | | you will return to Rome if you throw a coin into the |
| 1. St. Peter's Basilica -- One of the most famous | | | | water. You should toss it over your shoulder with your |
| churches in the world, St. Peter's is monumental in | | | | back to the fountain. |
| scope. Its majesty is evident both inside and out. The | | | | 6. Victor Emmanuel Monument -- One of the grandest |
| Piazza San Pietro is a grand entrance to the church | | | | tributes to any man, this massive structure was begun |
| itself. A special treat within is Michelangelo's Pieta that | | | | in 1885 and completed in 1911 to honor Victor |
| some consider his greatest work. Also, climb 537 | | | | Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy. Its bulk hides |
| steps to the top of the great dome for a breathtaking | | | | another grand attraction of much greater antiquity -- |
| view of all of Rome. In addition, you might want to take | | | | The Capitoline Hill with its museums of some of the |
| in the Sistine Chapel with its frescoed ceiling by | | | | finest sculptures in Rome. |
| Michelangelo and the scenes from Genesis. Allow at | | | | 7. Spanish Steps -- A gathering place for literally |
| least 3 hours after entry to fully appreciate everything | | | | thousands of people both day and night, the Piazza di |
| St. Peter's has to offer. | | | | Spagna is the most famous square in Rome. It is at |
| 2. The Colosseum -- One of Rome's most famous | | | | the end of the Via Condotti, one of Rome's most |
| attractions, the Colosseum will not disappoint. There is | | | | fashionable shopping districts with names like Gucci, |
| much to explore, and a recent addition of Rome's | | | | Armani, Valentino and Bruno Magli on the storefronts. |
| history in pictures and words can easily eat up a few | | | | As a side treat, don't miss one of most differently |
| hours. Plan accordingly. | | | | designed McDonald's in the world just to right of the |
| 3. The Pantheon -- Rome's best preserved ancient | | | | Spanish Steps. |
| building, the Pantheon was built in the 1st century A.D. | | | | 8. Piazza Navona -- The area around the Piazza |
| The only light entering the interior is from a circular | | | | Navona has been is known as the centro storico |
| opening - the oculus -- in its huge, hemispherical dome | | | | (historic center) and has been inhabited for over 2000 |
| hidden behind the classical facade. Be sure to check | | | | years. The plaza itself follows the shape of a |
| visiting hours as the Pantheon tends to close early at | | | | 1st-century stadium that was used for chariot races, |
| times. | | | | athletic contests and other sports. Today it is the social |
| 4. Roman Forum -- Wandering through the Forum, one | | | | center of the city. The plaza is lined with palaces and |
| can feel the ghosts of ancient Rome haunting what | | | | sidewalk cafes punctuated by outlandish Baroque |
| was one of the most active arenas in daily their daily | | | | fountains. Watch your pocketbook here. An espresso |
| life. Although much of the Forum has been reduced to | | | | and a biscotti (Italian coffee and a cookie) could run 15 |
| seemingly rubble, it is nonetheless of great historical | | | | Euros (including tip). Ouch!! |
| significance. One used to able to roam the Forum at | | | | Of course, there is much, much more to Rome -- |
| will. Unfortunately, today it is another tourist trap with | | | | more than one person could see in a lifetime. If you |
| entrance fees. It is still a must-see sight. | | | | have more time to spend in The Eternal City, check |
| 5. Trevi Fountain -- Rome's largest, most famous, and | | | | guide books for other attractions of interest. |
| one would say most beautiful fountain, the Trevi is | | | | |