Rome ·Visited
Rome
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Rome Virtual Tour
Welcome to the Eternal City, where fascinating ancient history blends with vibrant Italian life at every turn. This virtual tour takes you through the most important monuments of ancient Rome, its grand Baroque squares and the authentic atmosphere of its streets.
Stops on the route
- Colosseum & Roman Forum: The heart of the ancient empire – a monumental amphitheatre and the centre of political and religious life in ancient Rome.
- Trevi Fountain: The world-famous Baroque Fontana di Trevi, a travertine masterpiece wrapped in the legend of the tossed coin.
- Piazza di Spagna: The iconic Spanish Square with its famous monumental staircase leading up to the church of Trinità dei Monti.
- Piazza del Popolo & Piazza di Monte Citorio: Historic squares – one dominating the northern entrance to the city, the other the political centre of Italy, with an Egyptian obelisk and Palazzo Montecitorio.
- Roman life – Metro & Don Nino Gelato: A ride through the city on the Roman metro and a well-earned sweet finale in the form of authentic Italian gelato at the Don Nino café.
Tip: During the tour you can look around freely in a full 360° view. Explore the details of the ancient masonry and the bustling atmosphere of the squares, and switch between the individual points in the top bar.
1. Colosseum
The Flavian Amphitheatre, known as the Colosseum, is the largest structure of its kind ever built in the Roman Empire. For centuries it hosted gladiatorial games and public festivities for up to 50,000 spectators.
- Hypogeum: An underground system of corridors, cages and lifts from which wild animals and gladiators were released into the arena.
- Material: Over 100,000 m³ of travertine, held together with iron clamps, went into its construction.
Tip: Notice the well-preserved arches and the multi-storey structure of the façade – each level used a different architectural order (Doric, Ionic and Corinthian).
2. Roman Forum
For centuries the Forum Romanum was the vibrant political, religious and judicial centre of ancient Rome. Today it is a sprawling archaeological site with the remains of temples, basilicas and triumphal arches.
- Curia Julia: The well-preserved building of the Roman Senate.
- Temple of Saturn: Eight surviving monumental columns of one of the oldest temples in the Forum.
- Arch of Septimius Severus: An imposing white marble triumphal arch celebrating victory over the Parthians.
Tip: Look towards the Palatine Hill, which offers one of the best overall views along the whole axis of the Forum.
3. Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi)
The largest and best-known Baroque fountain in Rome, completed in 1762 by the architect Nicola Salvi, forms a magnificent façade for the Palazzo Poli.
- The god Oceanus: The central statue, riding a chariot drawn by sea horses, represents the calm and the stormy sea.
- Aqua Virgo aqueduct: The fountain is still fed by water from the original ancient aqueduct dating from 19 BC.
Tip: According to tradition, tossing a single coin with your right hand over your left shoulder guarantees your return to Rome.
4. Piazza di Spagna
The Spanish Square is one of Rome's most popular social hubs. It is dominated by the famous Rococo staircase of 135 steps linking the square with the French church of Trinità dei Monti.
- Fontana della Barcaccia: A fountain in the shape of a sinking boat by Pietro Bernini and his son Gian Lorenzo.
- The Spanish Steps: A meeting place for artists and a setting for fashion shows.
Tip: Look out for the luxury shopping street Via dei Condotti, which runs straight out from the foot of the steps.
5. Piazza del Popolo
The historic gateway to Rome from the north, a vast Neoclassical square designed by the architect Giuseppe Valadier.
- Flaminio Egyptian obelisk: One of the oldest and tallest obelisks in Rome, brought from Heliopolis by Emperor Augustus.
- The twin churches: The Baroque churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto frame the entrance to the three main Roman streets (the Tridente).
Tip: Above the square rise the terraces of the Pincio gardens, offering a fantastic panoramic view over the whole square and St. Peter's Basilica.
6. Piazza di Monte Citorio
An elegant square in the historic core of the city, and the political heart of present-day Italy.
- Palazzo Montecitorio: A monumental palace designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, home to the Chamber of Deputies of the Italian parliament.
- Montecitorio Obelisk: An ancient Egyptian obelisk of red granite that served in antiquity as the gnomon of Augustus's giant sundial (the Solarium Augusti).
Tip: Take a close look at the intricate bronze globe and the reliefs at the top of the obelisk.
7. Metro & Don Nino – Gelato
The real Rome is not just its monuments, but also its everyday rhythm, getting around by metro and, of course, its legendary food.
- The Roman metro: A fast link between the sights, where every new stretch of tunnel digging turns into an archaeological discovery.
- Don Nino: A traditional Italian pastry shop famous for its honest artisan gelato, cannoli and strong espresso.
Tip: After a walk among the monuments, try Don Nino's renowned pistachio ice cream (Pistacchio di Bronte) or authentic Sicilian cannoli.
