Ara Pacis Museum

Built in honour of Emperor Augustus after his triumphant return from the wars in Spain and Gaul, the Museum of the Ara Pacis houses the Ara Pacis Augustae, an ancient altar dedicated to Pax, the Roman goddess of peace. Visitors can explore the well-preserved marble reliefs and intricate carvings on the Ara Pacis, offering a glimpse into ancient Roman art and symbolism.

• Web:

  www.arapacis.it

• E-mail:

  info.arapacis@comune.roma.it

• Address:

  Lungotevere in Augusta, Rome

• Phone:

  +39 06 0608

• Opening hours:

  Daily 9:30am–7:30pm

Aventine Hill

The Aventine Hill is one of the Seven Hills on which ancient Rome was built. The real off-the-beaten-path gem offers magnificent views of the city and leads to fabulous rose gardens and impressive religious structures, including the Basilica of Santa Sabina — the oldest Roman Basilica in Rome. The highlight here is the keyhole of the Knights of Malta, where people line up to enjoy the stunning view over the Dome of Saint Peter's.

Basilica of San Clemente

The Basilica of San Clemente is more than a simple church; it is a real museum that houses layers and layers of history. Behind the humble doors of this 12th-century church lie the remnants of the original basilica dating back to the 4th century, the remains of a 1st-century Roman villa, and breathtaking Byzantine mosaics beautifully adorning the ceiling.

• Web:

  basilicasanclemente.com/ita

• Address:

  Piazza di San Clemente, Rome

• Phone:

  +39 06 774 0021

• Opening hours:

  Mon–Sat 10am–noon / 3pm–5pm; Sun noon–5pm

Baths of Caracalla

Built under the reigns of Emperors Septimius Severus and his son Caracalla, the Terme di Caracalla is what remains of once functioning ancient public baths. It is, as of today, one of the best (and largest) remaining examples of a similar structure.

• Web:

  www.coopculture.it/it/poi/terme-di-caracalla

• Address:

  Terme di Caracalla, viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome

• Phone:

  +39 06 3996 7702

• More info:

  Check the website for seasonal changing opening hours

• Subway:

  Bus n. 760, n. 628

Borghese Gallery & Museum

Rome falls short of Venice and Florence when it comes to art, but this gallery is an exception. The bi-level art gallery, housed in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana, displays masterpieces by renowned artists such as Botticelli, Raphael, Caravaggio, Rubens and Tiziano. The adjacent gardens are as breathtaking as the artwork showcased in the gallery.

• Web:

  galleriaborghese.beniculturali.it/en

• E-mail:

  ga-bor@beniculturali.it

• Address:

  Galleria Borghese, piazzale Scipione Borghese, 5, Rome

• Phone:

  +39 06 841 3979

• More info:

  Because of its popularity, it is highly recommended to book tickets in advance

Castle of the Holy Angel

Located on the right bank of the Tiber River, guarding one of Rome's oldest bridges, the Castel Sant'Angelo is an imposing cylindrical building, initially commissioned by Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. It was later converted into a fortress, a papal residence, and a prison. Now, it's a museum offering beautiful views of Rome.

• E-mail:

  dms-roma@beniculturali.it

• Address:

  Castel Sant'Angelo, lungotevere Castello, 50, Rome

• Phone:

  +39 06 681 9111

• Opening hours:

  Tue–Sun 9am–7:30pm, Mon closed

• More info:

  Inside Adrian Park