What Not To Miss In Rome: The Top 5 Sights

For 4 bonus sights watch the video below...

I've the answer to the header question as I share with you the Top 5 Sights in Rome, the sights you do not want to miss.  

My Tip: Combine these top sights in Rome with a few tours of Rome and then go shopping in Rome with my guide to the secret stores.

I've selected some of the best hotels in Rome for you as well - I love the one with the oranges and I know you will too - click here to see what I'm talking about.

Onto those top 5 sights in Rome....

The Pantheon

The Pantheon by Matteo Maggi

One of the most impressive sights you'll ever see and possibly the best preserved of all Roman buildings. When you consider this construction dates back to around the time of Christ you can only marvel at the skill of the builders and the architects.

It is impressive outside, but walk inside the huge wooden doors and you are left open-mouthed and gasping in wonder at the huge dome rising up above... seemingly to the heavens. Even today such a dome would be a huge challenge to construct. 

The Colosseum 

Colosseum

The Colosseum is incredible, but, over 7 million tourists a year visit the Colosseum and most of those visit in June, July and August.  So, if you visit then it can be horrid: hot, sticky and very noisy. 

Our tip is to visit in the winter months and get there early before the crowds. That way you can get to contemplate this incredible place in relative peace. You can almost hear the roar of the crowd, the cries of the  gladiators and feel the stories of many centuries. Moving, sad and inspiring all at once.

Oh, and do try to visit at dawn and sunset too. The blue light of dawn and the flaming reds of sunset are incredible. Here's a Roman explaining it better.

St Peter's Basilica 

St Peter's Basilica by Matteo Maggi

Technically, not in Rome but in Vatican City, the largest and greatest of all Christian churches. The center of the faith for Catholics and a sight of pilgrimage for Christians of all denominations. Whether you are Catholic or not, it doesn't matter; this church will move you immensely and touch your soul for certain.

Visit the Pieta sculpture by Michelangelo while visiting St. Peter's. The sculpture is located in the first chapel to your right after entering, and it is one of the most beautiful works by a human being that you will ever see. Some say God's hand guided that of Michelangelo. Its beauty and poignancy are overwhelming.

One little-known fact about Michelangelo's Pieta is that the sculpture bears the artist's signature, a rare occurrence in his works. The signature is located across the sash, running diagonally across the Virgin Mary's chest. Michelangelo's decision to sign his name on the sculpture was his frustration with the initial lack of recognition for his extraordinary talent. 

The Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel, located within the Vatican Museums, holds a captivating charm that words and images struggle to convey. As you step inside this relatively small chapel, your gaze instinctively rises towards the ceiling, revealing a breathtaking sight that defies imagination. Created by the genius of Michelangelo, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is an unparalleled masterpiece that leaves everyone who sees it awe-inspired.

No photograph or video can capture the true essence of the experience that awaits you. Standing beneath this extraordinary artwork, you will feel as if you have been transported to another realm, gazing into the celestial heavens. The intricate details, vibrant colors, and profound symbolism unfold before your eyes, inviting you to immerse yourself in the sheer brilliance of Michelangelo's talent.

Prepare to be humbled as you witness the grandeur of biblical scenes and the iconic depiction of the Creation of Adam, where the outstretched fingers of Adam and God seemingly yearn to touch. The Sistine Chapel's ceiling serves as a testament to human creativity, artistic mastery, and spiritual transcendence.

Visiting the Sistine Chapel is a pilgrimage for art enthusiasts, a spiritual journey for the soul, and a profound encounter with human ingenuity. Only by standing beneath its awe-inspiring ceiling can one truly appreciate the magnitude of Michelangelo's artistic prowess and the profound impact it has had on the art world for centuries. Prepare to be transported to a realm of sublime beauty and immerse yourself in a sensory experience that will leave an indelible mark on your memory.

The Roman Forum

Roman Forum

Walking through the remnants of the Roman Forum today, you cannot help but feel a profound sense of awe and reverence for the history that unfolded within these hallowed grounds. This was once the beating heart of ancient Rome, where the decisions that shaped the world were made and the grandeur of the Roman Empire was on full display.

Imagine, the vibrant life that pulsated through these streets. As you stand here, surrounded by the remnants of temples, statues, and monuments you can almost hear the lively debates echoing through the walls of the Roman Senate, witness the bustling marketplace filled with traders from far-flung lands, and join the cheering crowds as victorious Roman legions parade through the streets.

The Roman Forum, in its heyday, represented the pinnacle of Roman civilization. It was the center of power, culture, and politics. Today, as we walk in the footsteps of the ancient Romans, we can't help but feel a deep connection to the past.

The stories embedded in these ruins remind us of the enduring legacy of Rome and its influence on the world we know today. Now, the cats seem to have taken over and live dramas, tragedies, and romances of their own on the theatre upon which Rome's own dramas, tragedies, and romances once played out.