DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Rome

Clockwise from top: Musei Capitolini, Fountain of Neptune (Piazza Navona), Spanish Steps, MAXXI, mosaic at Museo Nazionale Romano, Colosseum, Sistine Chapel fresco

Eternal city. Exuberant feast for the eyes, soul and stomach. Vespas parked by Baroque portals. Evocative ruins. Statues of Roman kings and holy paintings of madonnas. Strong espresso and delectable gelato. Visitors, artists and pilgrims have been flocking here since antiquity With DK Eyewitness Top 10 Rome, its yours to explore.

Once the most powerful city in the world, Rome has been 2,800 years in the making. Ancient Roman columns are embedded in Renaissance palazzo walls, Egyptian obelisks are recycled in Baroque fountains and Christian churches have been built over pagan temples. Experience the city purposefully by exploring the Forum or the Vatican, or sample it casually while pausing under the Pantheons massive portico (providing shade since AD 125) or going for a spin around Berninis fountains on Piazza Navona, once Emperor Domitians racetrack.

Despite its heritage, Rome feels nothing like a dusty museum, mostly thanks to its flamboyant citizens who live much of their life outdoors in cafs and piazzas, negotiating cobbled alleyways, going for their passeggiata and always intent on fare la bella figura that very Italian concept of looking fabulous and making an impression.

Whether you are coming for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything that Rome has to offer, from grand sights such as the Sistine Chapel and Colosseum and tiny piazzas and views you will never forget to stupendous works by Michelangelo and Caravaggio hidden away in churches and the best spots for pizza al taglio and hearty Roman cuisine. The guide has useful tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to places off the beaten track, plus 11 easy-to-follow itineraries, designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book and enjoy Rome.

Exploring Rome

Rome is packed with magnificent piazzas, beautiful palazzi, ancient monuments and churches. There is a lot to see and do, and to help you make the most of your visit here are some ideas for a two- and four-day Roman holiday. Bear in mind that you can save time by reserving tickets beforehand, and that advance booking is obligatory at Galleria Borghese.

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Two Days in Rome

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Day 1

Morning

See the , and dont miss the birds-eye view of the Forum.

Afternoon

Stroll through the centro storico to for atmosphere, ice cream and window shopping. Cross the Tiber by Ponte Sisto to lively Trastevere for a drink.

Day 2

Morning

Get up early to see , preferably having booked tickets in advance.

St Peters Basilica towers magnificently over Rome and is not only a beautiful church, but is also packed with works of art by the great masters.

Afternoon

Spend some time at the lovely .

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Four Days in Rome

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Day 1

Morning

Begin with the . Marvel at the Bernini fountains and street performers, then browse the shops around the piazza.

The Pantheon, constructed in the 1st century BC, is the worlds best preserved Roman temple.

Afternoon

Head to the fantastic , which has an entire frescoed room from the Villa of Livia. Wind down with an evening in appealing Monti.

Day 2

Morning

Explore and return in time for lunch in Testaccio.

Afternoon

Visit .

Day 3

Morning

Explore the , stopping for lunch in the museums roof terrace caf.

The Colosseum, built in the 1st century AD, has served as the prototype for all stadiums since.

Afternoon

See the evocative ruins of the , then wander through the Jewish Ghetto and vibrant Campo de Fiori.

Day 4

Morning

Start early to see for lunch.

Afternoon

Visit make sure to book in advance.

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Top 10 Rome Highlights

Theatrical mosaic masks of Comedy and Tragedy, Musei Capitolini

Top 10 Rome Highlights

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VATICAN CITY

The Vatican is the worlds smallest nation, covering just 50 ha (120 acres), and is a theocracy of just over 550 citizens, headed by the Pope, but its sightseeing complex is beyond compare. Within its wall are the ornate St Peters Basilica, the astonishing Sistine Chapel, apartments frescoed by Fra Angelico, Raphael and Pinturicchio, and some 10 museums. The latter include collections of Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan and Roman antiquities; Paleochristian, Renaissance and modern art; and a world-class ethnographic collection.

NEED TO KNOW

www.vatican.va

Museums and Sistine Chapel: Viale Vaticano 100; 06 6988 3145; open 9am6pm MonSat (last admission 4pm), 9am2pm last Sun of the month (free); closed 1 & 6 Jan, 11 Feb, Easter, Easter Mon, 1 May, 29 Jun, 15 & 16 Aug, 1 Nov, 25, 26 & 31 Dec; adm: 17 (8 ISIC under 26s, under 18s)