Top 12 Things Rome Is Famous For - Updated 2024

Nicole
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 5 min read
things rome is famous for

If there’s a city that is common on everyone’s travel list, chances are that it is Rome, Italy. Marvelous architecture, globally influential art, rich heritage, and fascinating culture, what’s not to love about this major cosmopolitan city? Rome is the city people love to pay a visit to at least once in their lifetime. If you’re planning a vacation soon, you might not want to miss out on anything that Rome has to offer. For accommodation, you can book one of the luxury villas. If you’re looking to indulge yourself some more, a boutique hotel is your best bet. Also, here’s a list of the famous things that you should look for while in this gorgeous city. Make sure you bring your camera with you and take as many photographs as you possibly can. In the meantime, continue reading our well-curated list of the top things Rome is famous for.

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1. Tourism

Colosseum exterior, inner and outer wall AvL
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user AlexanderVanLoon used under CC BY-SA 3.0

A given fact about Rome, Italy, is that the Eternal City as it is popularly called, attracts tourists from all around the globe. In 2019, it was the second-most visited European city.

Famous for the Colosseum, this ancient city is brimming with many more historical relics that make it a must-visit for every kind of traveler, especially history buffs. Its history, though, is not the only thing that makes it such a popular destination. Rome has so much more to offer such as its mouth-watering food, the Trevi Fountain, beautiful landscapes, and incredible artwork. When in Rome, you must visit the Roman Forum, the Pantheon, and the Vatican Museums.

The Colosseum

Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Opening hours: 9am - 7.15pm (daily)

Price: 12 EUR (13.12 USD)

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2. Ancient Rome

20190406-DSC5193 Panteon
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jfabrix101 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Ancient Rome originated as an Italic settlement along the harboring banks of the River Tiber in the Italian Peninsula. It saw a steep rise in power gradually and controlled the whole of the Italian Peninsula while taking in a vast part of Europe and the lands around the Mediterranean Sea.

Emerging as one of the biggest and most powerful empires across the ancient globe, it made a significant amount of contribution to the fields of language, religion, law, politics, warfare, art, literature, and architecture.

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3. Gorgeous fountains

things rome is famous for | gorgeous fountains
Source: Shoot My Travel

Rome is a beautiful city in Italy with a charming culture and heritage. It boasts of influential architecture and globally renowned art as a whole. An example of this is the plethora of remarkable fountains that add charm and magic to the city. In Rome, be sure to take a selfie at the gorgeous Trevi Fountain. You must also visit the Fontana della Barcaccia in the heart of Piazza di Spagna. You will also find the marvelous Fountain of Four Rivers in Piazza Novanna. Some others are the Moor Fountain and Fountain of Neptune, the Turtle Fountain, the Fontana dell’Acqua Paola, and a lot more.

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4. Roman ruins

When people talk about Rome, they can not miss talking about the Roman ruins that Rome is famous for. These ancient architectural marvels play a huge part in the history of the city, especially its government. Being ruled by different kings and subjected to different leadership styles, Rome has undergone diverse changes in culture and architecture throughout the years. While in Rome, be sure to see some of the fascinating ruins such as the Aqua de Marcia, Arch of Constantine, Arch of Septimus Severus, Arch of Janus, Arch of Ottagona, and many more.

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Rome Tour Guide

Jamie

Jamie

A historian and fearless leader, James studied classics at Leeds University in England and has been a tour guide in Rome for more than 13 years. James has a passion for ancient history, concentrating in the late Roman Republic. If you have a spark of interest in anything Roman, James is the best source of information. A dual citizen of Great Britain and Italy, James was born and raised in Rome ... Read more

Tours by Jamie

5. History and culture

things rome is famous for | history and culture
Source: Shoot My Travel

Rome thrives on its fascinating history and beautiful culture. From Roman mythology to Roman Catholicism, Romans are naturally religious people. They like to pray to their gods and worship at their altar. Thus, the presence of sacred churches in the city. Aside from that, they are fond of art. They incorporate it into their lifestyle from architecture to fashion to paintings and other masterpieces. It is known that Roman culture has a big impact on the whole Western culture, and up to the present, the world acknowledges this influence.

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6. Pasta

You can never leave Italy without trying their pasta. Italy has a wide range of pasta dishes that vary from heritage to personal recipes. Because of this, you can find mouthwatering pasta dishes on every menu of every cafe, restaurants, and regular eateries around Italy. On record, there are approximately 350 pasta dishes in the whole of Italy. Some of them are Lasagna Bolognese, Cacio e Pepe, Penne ala Vodka, Pasta Puttanesca, Stuffed Rigatoni, Italian Pasta Salad, and a lot more.

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7. Art

art
Source: www.viator.com

Art plays a big part in the culture of Rome. The Romans love incorporating it into their lifestyle from majestic architecture to fashion to paintings, and more. Some of the landmarks you see in Rome are a testament to their creative art. Witness the beauty of the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, and the Trajan’s Column. Also, their sculptures are popular around the world from the breathtaking Apollo and Daphne to the Augustus of Prima Porta to Ecstacy of St. Theresa, and a lot more.

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8. Churches

Since the dawn of time, Romans have been drawn to their religion, from the gods and goddesses of ancient Roman mythology to the present Roman Catholic strain of Christianity. These religions inspire their landmarks, architecture, and art. While in Rome you will notice various sacred churches around the city. They are beautiful and feature marvelous artistic concepts. Some of the most popular churches in Rome are St. Maria Sopra Minerva Basilica, All Saints’ Anglican Church Rome, Chiesa di Sant’ Ignazio di Loyola, Santi Cosma e Damiano, and a lot more. Drop by some of them and say a few prayers of thanks and wishes.

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9. Fashion & shopping

One of the many things the Italians are known for, it’s their fashion, style and the way they can introduce this lifestyle into the global market. Italy is known for luxurious brands that are competitive and of great design and quality. Some of the most popular Italian brands are Valentino, Versace, Armani, Dolce and Gabbana, Prada, and a lot more. While in Rome, you should definitely not miss out on purchasing your most desired bag, shoes, or any pieces of clothing. You can find some of the top fashion destinations close to the Piazza di Spagna. Check out the streets of Via Condotti, Via Borgognona, and Via Frattina.

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10. Shopping in Piazza di Spagna

shopping in piazza di spagna
Source: www.viator.com

Not only is Rome popular for remarkable landmarks and majestic work of arts, but it is also a major city with fantastic shopping destinations. While in the city, make sure to drop by the Piazza di Spagna for some good old shopping and dining. Situated right on the lowest level of the Spanish steps, Piazza di Spagna is a melting pot of people from different walks of life. There you will find various restaurants, shops, and other well-visited establishments.

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Book Tours : Shopping Experience

11. Wine

The whole of Europe features vast lands that are perfect for the production of wine. When you travel to Europe you will get to see vineyards from every corner. This is why it is one of the booming markets in the region. Majority of Romans prefer white wines that are accentuated with herbs, but they also love drinking red wines. Plus, wines in Rome are said to be very cheap yet of great quality and flavor. Some of the fantastic wine bars and cafes in Rome are Il Goccetto, Mimì e Cocò, Cul De Sac, VinAllegro, and more.

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12. Michelangelo

If we are going to talk about the best influencers of the culture of Italy, Michaelangelo is one of the names that will be brought up. He is famous not only in Rome, Italy but practically around the globe. He is a renowned Italian architect, painter, sculptor, and a poet during the High Renaissance. He had a big impact on the progression of Western Art and is considered a genius in his field. Some of his works are David, Pieta, some statues in the Sistine Chapel, and more.

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Majestic Rome

Rome is definitely a major cosmopolitan city in Italy that everyone would want to visit in their lifetime. Majestic architecture, renowned art, and fascinating landmarks are just a few of the best things Rome is known for. This article about the famous things in the city informs you of what to expect while in Rome as you immerse yourself in their culture. Use this as your guide and may you have a wonderful experience ahead.

Frequently asked questions about things Rome is famous for


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Nicole, a writer and traveler, also identifies herself as a free spirit with a wild heart. She is dedicated to telling authentic stories in a relatable manner. Nicole also enjoys exploring new,...Read more

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