Rome: Wandering through a city of history and taste

The Vatican City is the smallest state in the world, hidden in the heart of Rome, and yet it abounds in immense spiritual and cultural wealth. Take a free tour of the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica, which will amaze you not only with its size but also with its many works of art. For a small fee, you can also climb to its dome for a breathtaking view of the whole of Rome. It’s worth arriving as early in the morning as possible to avoid long queues, and remember to wear appropriate clothing – covered shoulders and knees are a requirement for entry.

The Vatican has its own flag, currency, postal system and radio station, and even a small railway station, but it serves a more symbolic purpose. The Pope’s security is provided by the Swiss Guard, a small but famous military force dressed in brightly coloured uniforms that legend has it were designed by Michelangelo himself.

If you’re in the mood for art, don’t miss the Vatican Museums. They house some of the most important collections in the world – from ancient sculptures to Renaissance masterpieces to the famous Sistine Chapel with its Michelangelo ceiling. There is a fee to visit the museums, but the experience is well worth it. It’s a good idea to book tickets online in advance, as demand is huge and queues can be endless. Just allow for the fact that it usually takes around three to four hours to get through the museums – ideally set aside half a day and comfortable shoes.

Castel Sant’Angelo, on the banks of the Tiber, originally served as the tomb of Emperor Hadrian and later as a fortress and refuge for the Pope. Today it is one of the most interesting places in Rome – not only for its history, but mainly for the view.

I definitely recommend going all the way to the top. From there you’ll get a great view of the whole of Rome – you’ll see the river, the Bridge of Angels and St Peter’s Basilica. It’s the perfect place to sit down, take a breather and just enjoy the city.

Piazza Navona is one of the most lively and picturesque squares in Rome, where you can experience the Baroque atmosphere and the charm of everyday life in the city. It was built on the site of an ancient stadium and still retains its oval shape.

The square is dominated by two famous fountains – Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, which symbolises the largest rivers in the world at that time, and the Fountain del Moro with its statues of sea creatures and shells. In addition to these, there is the smaller but elegant Fountain of Neptune.

Directly opposite the main fountain is the beautiful Baroque Basilica of Sant’Agnese in Agone, which, according to legend, stands on the site where St Agnes was martyred. Around the square you can enjoy a coffee or dinner in one of the many cafés, watch street performers or just stroll among the historic buildings.

The Pantheon is one of the most fascinating places in Rome. This imposing structure, which has survived more than two millennia, still fascinates with its beauty and atmosphere. The majestic entrance flanked by massive ancient columns will amaze you at first sight, but the greatest magic awaits you inside. Under the dome with its central opening, the so-called ocule, the space is flooded with daylight, creating an almost mystical atmosphere.

Originally dedicated to all the Roman gods, the Pantheon later became a Christian church and today is the final resting place of the famous painter Raffaele. It is a fascinating combination of architecture, history and spiritual symbolism.

There is an admission fee, but I recommend booking your tickets online in advance. You’ll avoid queues and enjoy your visit without unnecessary waiting.

Few places in Rome evoke as much emotion as the Trevi Fountain. Every day, crowds of tourists flock here to admire its monumental beauty – and, above all, to observe the well-known tradition of tossing a coin over the left shoulder with the right hand. One coin is supposed to ensure a return to Rome, two bring love and three even a wedding. The thousands of coins that end up at the bottom of the fountain every day prove that people really believe this – and what’s more, all the money goes to charity.

But behind this romantic ritual there is also a story of Roman pride. In 1730, Pope Clement XII launched a competition to design a new fountain to finish the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct with dignity. The original winner was Alessandro Galilei, but because he was from Florence, the Romans protested. They wanted an architect of their own – and so the commission was eventually awarded to Niccolò Salvi, whose Baroque design, full of movement, drama and symbolism, has become iconic.

The fountain is dominated by the god of the seas, Oceanus, who emerges from the central niche on a chariot pulled by two horses – one wild, the other calm. Allegories of abundance and health stand along its sides, and water gushes from every corner. The whole scene seems to grow directly out of the palace behind it.

Construction took over 30 years and Salvi unfortunately did not see its completion. Nevertheless, thanks to him, the Trevi Fountain is one of the most impressive monuments not only in Rome, but in Europe.

Piazza di Spagna is one of those places in Rome that wins you over at first sight – whether it’s for its elegance, history or lively atmosphere. At the heart of the piazza are the iconic Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Trinità dei Monti), which lead from the Baroque Fontana della Barcaccia to the Church of the Trinità dei Monti, towering above the Roman rooftops. The stairs are a popular place to take a break, watch the bustle of the city or make a romantic stop during a stroll.

Piazza di Spagna takes its name from the Spanish Embassy, which has been based here since the 17th century. Today, however, it is also known as a centre of fashion and style – the surrounding streets are lined with boutiques of international brands, chic cafés and street artists. No matter what time of day you come here, this place has its own charm – and a slightly different face each time.