Admire the beauty of the Eternal City
through its monuments
Rome has a neverending list of must see points of interest and to fit them all in would be to remain in Rome for years!
The obvious monuments and sights that are most commonly are the Colosseum, St. Peters Basilica and Vatican museums, Spanish Steps, The Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona but for those wanting to fit in even more Yes Hotel rome has created a list of major churches and basilicas, museums, piazzas, streets and historic sites that could be of interest to you during your stay in the eternal city.
Upon arrival in Yes hotel rome maps will be provided to help you find your way around the city and our experienced staff are always on call for all of your queries and would be more than happy to indicate to you the best way to tackle the points of interest that appeal to you.
Located near Termini it is a 5 minute walk from the station or on the metro stop Cavour ( B Line direction Laurentina from Termini.)
The whole creation of Basilica Santa Maggiore is based on a dream by Pope Liberio who during the night of the 5th August 356 dreamt that the Virgin invited him to construct a church wherever the next morning he found snow. The miracle came true as the next day it was snowing over Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore.
The bell tower was constructed in 1375-76 and is the highes in Roma at 75 metres. Te inside of the Basilica has been maintained quite close to that of the original design, 86 metres long it is the proud keeper of wonderful works of art including that of D. Fontana who illustrates the Sistine Chapel for Sisto V. Entrance is free.
Founded in 324 by Constantino in 1506 work began on the Bramante project which transformed the church into the splendid cathedral that can be appreciated today. Inside one can view the great works of Bramante, Raffaello, Sangallo of whom all worked on the church up until 1547 when Michelangelo sub-entered to create the inside of the dome, the largest work of wall art ever realised.
The inside of the church is spectacular and visitors can feast their eyes on the ‘Porta Santa’, the large bronze door only opened during Jubilee years, the bronze statue of St. Paul by A. di Cambio with the right foot worn by the millions of pilgrims who kiss his foot, and la Pietà to name just a few. It also possible to enter the dome and the long walk up is well worth the amazing view that one can feast their eyes upon from up top, you literally have Rome at your feet.
Entering the lower level of the Basilica you can view the tombs of the late Popes including that of Giovanni Paolo II who passed away in 2005 and who had a successful reign as head of Christianity of 26 years, the 3rd longest papacy in history. The church is free to enter.
Constrcted by Adriano in 130 d.c with a tower being added in the 11th century.
In 1277 the Castel became the property of the Vatican and papal apartments were added to the structure and within it’s long history has been used as a place of refuge for pope’s and prisoners with a secret passageway linking the castle to the walls of the Vatican city.
Today it’s purpose is slightly less adventurous!, the Castle is home to the national museum where you will find a collection of weapons and documents regarding the history of the fortress. You have the possibility to go to all rooms within the castle walls including the prisons and the Popes apartments and many richly decorated halls and drawing rooms.
The museums are open from 09:00 until 20:00 and closed on Mondays.
Built in 72 d.c the Colosseum can be found at the bottom of the Palatine hills and at the end of the roman forum. The actual construction was instigated by the Emperor Vespasiano but the actual grand opening was not until 80 d.c witnessed by his son Tito.
The purpose of the colosseum was to host large shows of Gladiators for the entertainment of the crowds, and over the years many a show of it’s kind evolved before the eyes of thousands of spectators.
After this period the Colosseum ceased to be used and suffered a great deterioration until Pope Benedetto XIV blessed the church in the name of all Christian martyrs who fell to their death within the walls of this arena and in 1808 it was then restored by Pope Poi VII. Certainly not to be missed. Open from 09:00 until 1 hour before sunset.
First used by the Etruscan kings of Rome as a location for public games and later in the 2nd century BC by the greeks, The Circus was expanded by Julius Caesar in 50 BC and after it’s completion the track was approximately 600 metres in lengh and wide 80 metres with the possibility to hold over 250,00 spectators. Additional amendments were made by the emperor Domitian who linkes his Palace up on the palatine hill to the Circus in order to better view the games and at a later date emperor Trajan expanded the area reserved for his seating while also adding 5000 seats also t better his visibility.
Probably the most common sport showcasing at the circus was chariot racing with the immense space being an ideal circuit. Today little remains that symbolises the history of this circus and important monuments such as the obelisk are now placed in Piazza del Popolo.
Located in Piazza Rotonda, the pantheon was transformed into a church by Pope Bonifacio IV, having been donated to him by the emperor Foca in 609.
Probably one of the most particular features of the Pantheon is the hole in the roof!, from where the natural light can shine down on the insides of the building.
The enormous bronze doors are also an incredible feature as you will notice upon entering the church. Apart from marvellous structural features the Pantheon is also the resting place of the great master of art Raffaello and Italian royalty. The outside of the building is just as impressive with 16 columns 14 metres high, a perfect photo opportunity!
It is free to enter the Pantheon and is open from 08:30 until 18:30 and on Sundays from 09:00 until 18:00. Public holidays have a restricted opening time from 09:00 until 13:30.
The square itself is actually surrounded by Restaurants where you can experience a meal whilst enjoying the pleasant atmosphere. Outdoor eating is very popular in the square and even during the winter months heated gas lamps are provided. Located in the centre of the Piazza you will find many artists where you can have a portrait done or simply purchase some of the art work on display. The modern day Piazza Navona is a great place to relax and saunter around enjoying the architecture that makes this square so idyllic, and as with all of Rome Piazza Navona has it’s own history.
The actual shape of the stadium is that of an antique stadium, in fact in ancient times it was the stadium of Domiziano built by the emperor Domiziano in 85 D.C to be later restored by Alessandro Severo during the 3rd century. The actual stadium was immense and was able to accommodate over 30,000 persons. The design was lavish with many statues and the main purpose of the stadium was for athletic tournaments.
Piazza Navona is an architects paradise with sculptures and buildings designed by the great masters of art such as Bernini (creator of the main fountain that you will find at the centre of the Piazza) Borromini and Rainaldi (creators of the church Sant’Agnese that can be found in front of Bernini’s fountain) and De Cortona who was the author of the frescoes displayed inside the Pamphili building. A must do whilst staying in Rome.
Built in 1885 from a project by G.Sacconi to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Kings reign this magnificent building I situated in Piazza Venezia.
You will find that two soldiers are always on guard at the centre of the monument in front of the tomb of the unknown soldier (an unknown soldier who lost his life in the first world war). This monument also offers a great view of the Via dei Fori Imperiale with the Colosseum at the end. Open from 09:00 until 17:30 during the winter months and until 19:30 during the summer.
It’s features include the door of the people designed by Bernini which became the most important entrance to Rome for travellers from the north. At the centre of the piazza you will find the second largest obelisk in Rome, an Egyptian column dating back to 1200 a.c. From the piazza you can also climb up to the terraces of Pincio from where you can take advantage of one of the most spectacular panoramas of Rome.
The piazza also holds 2 churches that on first sight may even seem dentical Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli both created by Bernin in the 16th century.
Probably at their most scenic during the spring time when they are adorned with vividly coloured azaeleas, the Spanish steps are always a delight. In the actual square at the bottom of the staircase you will find yourself surrounded by some of the worlds most prestigious boutiques inclusing Dolce & Gabbana and Iceberg and the small cobble stoned streets leading off of this Piazza give way to even more exclusive shops and restaurants.
To the left of the staircase it is possible to take a tea break at the Babbingtons tea room although many prefer to take an ice cream sitting on the steps. In general the Spanish steps are used as a meeting place.
Designed by the architect Salvi in 1735 a visit to Rome is not complete without a photo stop at one of the worlds most impressive fountains.
Thousands of people visit the fountain everyday and throw a coin into the bottom of the fountain guaranteeing a return to the eternal city.
The fountain was raised even more famous by Fellini’s film ‘La Dolce Vita’. In the centre you can see the statue of the ocean placed upon a platform in the shape of a shell pulled by horses.
The new entrance was opened in 2000 on the 7th February by Pope Gioanni Paolo II, it is a large spiral ramp long 165 metres and inspired by the pyramid of the Louvre creating a one way entrance to the museums avoiding queues and added confusion to what is a heavily visited museum.
The actual museums are developed over 4 floors over an area 10,000 square metres and the first nucleus of the museums dates back to the renaissance up until the present day that sees the Popes continuing to collect and select some of the worlds greatest treasures to showcase to the public.
The museums house various departments beginning with the Egyptian section which has no less than 10 rooms, the rooms of Raffaello containing his famous frescoes and those also began by Bramante and then later completed by Raffaello and over 55 rooms dedicated to approx. 800 religious works of art and sculptures. The trip to these splendid museums is not complete without passing through the Sistine Chapel , which recently restored showcases Michelangelo’s great masterpieces.
Open from 08:45 until 15:45 Mon – Fri and Saturday 08:45 until 13:45. Closed on Sundays except the last Sunday of every month when you will find the museum open and free of charge.
The park is an oasis of green and houses a small lake full of turtles where it is possible to hire a rowing boat and the city zoo. It is also home to the Borghese Gallery.
The park also offers entertainment for children with pony rides during the summer months and miniature fairground rides and bar and ice cream stalls. It is the perfect place for a picnic and a chance to take a break from a heavy day sightseeing!
YES HOTEL
BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN ROME
Via Magenta, 15 - 00185 Rome, Italy
Phone: +39 06 44363836
Fax:+ 39 06 44363829
info@yeshotelrome.com
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