Visiting the wonders of historical Rome

As both the capital of the vast Roman Empire and subsequently, as the home of the Papal See, the city of Rome has enjoyed centuries of global political and cultural influence

The NH Bellboy’s Tips

Rome tips: The Colosseum

Perhaps the most impressive of historical Rome's many ancient sites, the Colosseum is a monument to both the grandeur and barbarity of the Roman Empire. It was here that gladiators battled for their lives either against each other or against wild animals captured as trophies in the Empire's many military campaigns. First opened to the public in AD 80, the Colosseum is large enough to seat 50,000 people. Vaspasian was the Roman emperor who had it built but he died before its completion. His son Titus finished it a year later and to celebrate the grand opening he held a hundred day long festival. Thousands of animals were killed for sport. It was to be only the beginning of such lavish and obscene slaughter staged at the venue.
Repurposed as a fortress during the Middle Ages, the Colosseum was for some time abandoned before undergoing extensive restoration. Today the Colosseum’s interior is as impressive as ever. Visitors can enter for a fee and guided tours are available. Advance booking online is recommended so make sure you check opening times and dates before your visit. This place is a must even if you just have a short stay in Rome.

The Roman Forum

This field of ruins was once the centre of historical Rome. It was here that grand temples rose and the public gathered to see parades of soldiers returning from their victories abroad. First built as burial grounds during Etruscan times, the Forum grew over the years to become the empire’s social space and the centre of the old town of Rome. Crowds came to hear politicians, shop at markets and meet publicly. It was the equivalent of today’s large shopping malls in urban cities. Inside, you will find the Arco di Settimio Severo, the Curia and the Casa delle Vestali . The Arco di Tito was constructed in AD 81 after Vespasian and Titus’ armies conquered and defeated their enemies in Jerusalem.

Bath of Caracalla

At the Thermae of Caracalla visitors can take a walking tour and enjoy beautiful views of the Circus Maximus where chariot races were once held. The Bath of Caracalla was one of the most extravagant baths ever built in ancient Rome. Whilst only ruins remain of the baths, they are still one of the city's most popular attractions. Visitors can purchase special tickets online for discounts and to avoid the long queues. The Domus Aurea also provides an insight into the daily life of the Romans centuries ago.

Historical Rome: The Pantheon

Seeing the sights of Rome would not be complete without walking inside the Pantheon. Built over 2,000 years ago as a temple to the gods, it was converted to a Christian church but the sculpted art still remains. It is one of the most beautiful monuments of historical Rome and has withstood the ravages of time and various conquerors who claimed the city. You will find yourself marvelling at its bronze doors and exquisite, intricate architecture as well as its famous domed ceiling with its circular opening.

Renaissance Rome

Historical Rome contains a wealth of attractions from later eras which include the Vatican, home to St Peter's Basilica or the Sistine Chapel, with its ceiling fresco by Michelangelo, as well as the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps to name but few. But it offers other kind of culture to choose like the mix of cultures in the large culinary roman's history or the best theatres in Italy.

Planning your trip to Rome? Check out our best city center hotels in Rome.

Where to stay in Rome

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NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento

Piazza dei Cinquecento, 90,. 00185 Rome

The luxury 5 star NH Collection Roma Palazzo Cinquecento is perfect for business or leisure travelers, and oozes Italian style. Located in Piazza dei Cinquecento, it's literally a couple of minutes from the platforms of Roma Termini Station. With a private garden featuring part of the ancient Roman ruins, the hotel is a calm charming oasis in a busy city. A metro, bus and tram stop are all on the doorstep, as well as onsite parking for guests arriving by car. Many world-famous sights such as Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, Teatro dell'Opera, Roman Colosseum, Circus Maximus and the Quirinal Palace lie just a short walk away.

2.0km Bioparco Zoo
2.93km Castle of Sant'Angelo
13.61km Ciampino Airport
2.28km Circus Maximus

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NH Collection Roma Giustiniano

Via Virgilio, 1 E/F/G,. 00193 Rome

The NH Collection Roma Giustiniano hotel puts you footsteps from the Vatican and right on the doorstep of the Prati shopping district with its high-end designer stores. This hotel in Rome has direct connection with Vaticano city, St Peter's Basilica, Sant'Angelo Bridge, Sant'Angelo Castle, Trastevere neighborhood and Rome’s historical center, meanwhile, is just 10 minutes away on foot.

2.16km Bioparco Zoo
15.78km Ciampino Airport
2.82km Circus Maximus
21.73km Fiumicino Airport

Free Wi-Fi
Parking
Gym
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NH Collection Roma Centro

Via dei Gracchi, 324,. 00192 Rome

The NH Collection Roma Centro hotel has undergone a sophisticated refurbishment and ideally located in the exclusive Prati neighborhood, a residential area of Rome, near the Vatican City, the magnificent Sant'Angelo Bridge, Sant'Angelo Castle, Piazza Navona, Pantheon and direct connection to nearby neighborhoods such as Trastevere. It's location makes it perfect for both business and leisure trips.

1.81km Bioparco Zoo
0.74km Castle of Sant'Angelo
15.85km Ciampino Airport
2.94km Circus Maximus

Free Wi-Fi
Parking
Air conditioning - Climate Control
Eco-friendly
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Modern Rome: Art, architecture and fashion

Modern Rome boasts a thriving arts scene, contemporary architecture and collection of modern boutique stores that show the city offers much more than just a walk through its past glories.