2024 Global AGM

Colosseum

Of course, if you’re in Rome, you must see the Colosseum. This magnificent building is Rome’s shining glory (you know, the kind of stuff you see on postcards), and it’s even better in person. Built between 72-80 AD, it is the largest amphitheatre in the world and could hold up to 80,000 people. Local Romans used to come to see violent gladiator battles or animal hunts, but now it’s a lot more peaceful.

We recommend buying tickets in advance, as the queues here can be crazy. To play it safe, reserve 6-8 weeks in advance.

Colosseum, Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM
w: colosseo.it

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was where religious and public life in ancient Rome took place. The Forum is, along with the Colosseum, the greatest sign of the splendour of the Roman Empire that can be seen today.

After the fall of the Empire, the Roman Forum was forgotten and little by little it was buried under the earth. Although in the 16th century, the existence and location of the Forum was already known, it was not until the 20th century that excavations were carried out.

Roman Forum, Largo della Salara Vecchia 5/6, Roma
w: https://colosseo.it/en/area/the-roman-forum/

Pantheon

Built in 125 AD by Emperor Hadrian, the Pantheon is one of the best preserved buildings from ancient times. Its dome, measuring 142 feet in diameter, is the largest in the world. Meanwhile the Pantheon's oculus, the central opening at the top of the dome, not only provides a unique source of natural light but also serves as a symbolic connection between the temple and the heavens, enhancing the spiritual and architectural significance of this ancient marvel.

Piazza della Rotonda, Rome, 00186 Roma RM
w: https://www.pantheonroma.com/home-eng/

Borghese Gallery and Museum

A superb container for a superlative collection, Galleria Borghese is the 17th-century pleasure house where Cardinal Scipione Borghese kept his Bernini statues and Caravaggio paintings. Two Bernini works alone – Daphne turning into a bay tree as she flees lustful Apollo, and Pluto seizing the grain goddess Proserpine – make the (obligatory) process of pre-booking a visit worthwhile.

The building’s imposing façade was originally adorned with sculptures and ancient reliefs, which, along with many of the gallery’s priceless gems, were sold to Napoleon in 1807 and are now conserved in the Louvre. The interior decoration – which was carried out in 1775-90 by Antonio Asprucci and Christopher Unterberger for Marcantonio IV Borghese – was fully restored during the 1990s.

Piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, Rome, 00197 Roma RM
w: https://galleriaborghese.beniculturali.it/en/visita/

Trevi Fountain

Rome is known as the city of fountains – there are over 2,000 throughout the city, both big and small – but none is grander than the Trevi Fountain. Commissioned by Pope Clement XII in the 18th century, this majestic work of Baroque art was carved out of Carrara marble and took 30 years to complete. It was built on the site of an ancient aqueduct which dates back to 19 BC and features Oceanus, the god of the sea, sitting triumphantly atop a chariot pulled by seahorses at the centre. On either side are Tritons, mythical sea creatures that resemble mermen, blowing into conch shells. According to local legend, if you throw a coin over your shoulder into the Trevi Fountain, you'll return to Rome again in your lifetime. Each year, millions of coins are tossed into the fountain: they're regularly collected and donated to charitable causes.

Piazza di Trevi, Rome, 00187 Roma RM

Spanish Steps

The ‘Spanish steps’ in Rome, built in Rococo style between 1723 and 1726, are the steps that lead from the Piazza di Spagna square to the French monastery church Trinita dei Monti (built between 1502–1587). There are 135 steps and three different terraces, referring to the Holy Trinity (the Trinità). The top of the stairs near the Egyptian obelisk offers a beautiful view, albeit one likely to be shared with throngs of other tourists.

Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful and famous squares in the centre of Rome. In 86 CE, emperor Domitian commissioned this square with its unique, elongated shape. This shape is the result of its original function as the stadium for athletics competitions (Circus Agonalis) with stands for 20,000 spectators. Pope Innocent even organised so-called ‘water games’ during the hot summer months, for which the whole square was put under water. After the fall of the Roman Empire, houses were built where the stands used to be, but the long athletics field remained free of buildings and would later become Piazza Navona.

The Navona square with the fountains is in the centre of Rome in the district of Campus Martius just 300 metres from the Pantheon. You can find Campo de’Fiori, the square with the popular daily market for flowers, vegetables, fruits and even souvenirs, at just 200 metres.

Piazza Navona, 00186 Roma

St Peter’s Basilica

St Peter’s Basilica is a phenomenal church located in Vatican City and is one of the most sought-after destinations in Rome. A classic example of Renaissance architecture, the church is not only the spiritual core of the Catholic church, but also a treasure trove of historic, religious, and artistic masterpieces of Michelangelo, Bernini, and others. Buried over the site of St Peter’s martyrdom, the Basilica hosts much of the Pope’s liturgies.

Dress code: basic guidelines mandate that the knees and shoulders must be covered before entering the Church.

Viale Vaticano, 00165 Roma RM
w: https://www.basilicasanpietro.va/en.html

Ostia Antica

Located only 15 kms away from Rome, Ostia Antica is a hidden gem in the countryside and was one of the most important ports and harbour cities of Ancient Rome. With its wonderfully preserved mix of ancient ruins and cobbled streets, temples, ruined theatres, villas, shops, apartment blocks, and warehouses, Ostia Antica is one of the few remaining sites that gives you a detailed insight into the lives of the Ancient Romans. This seaside just outside Rome has a dedicated light-rail connection with its terminal at Porta San Paolo, right outside the “Piramide” metro stop on the B line and by the Roma Ostiense train station. Metro stop Ostia Antica.

Ninfa Gardens

This tranquil garden is beautifully manicured and tightly controlled by the Roffredo Caetani Foundation—Caetani was the godson of composer Franz Liszt and married a wealthy English woman who cultivated the garden. It's a feast for the eyes with several types of roses, magnolias, wisteria, and other flowers blooming in spring and summer. Don't miss the man-made lake, where divers discovered the foundations of a Roman temple. Tours are held on weekends and must secure tickets in advance. You can take a train and taxi service from the station to reach the gardens.

Orvieto

Orvieto is a small hill town in Umbria. It’s a perfect and easy day trip by train from Rome. Set on a cliff of tufa rock (no worries there’s a funicular), this charming town offers specular views, excellent food, and incredible art. Orvieto is known for its local white wine, known as Orvieto Classico, and its olive oil. This is the place to get lost in the pretty side streets. There are more than 1,200 caves and tunnels that wind below the town that were built by the Etruscans during the third century BC. But the major attraction is the Duomo, built in 1290.

Florence

Florence is a city rich in cultural heritage, its historic centre was named a Unesco Site in 1982 and it is known worldwide as a tourist destination; it is a unique social and urban achievement which includes the greatest concentration in the world of museums, churches, buildings and artworks. The fast train from Rome to Florence is 1.5hrs taking you directly to the city centre. No need for a car. There are usually at least two-three fast trains every hour to/from Florence.