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Once you get to Rome your head would probably spin with so many sights to see. The Eternal City is a sprawling museum of ancient wonders and Renaissance masterpieces. But there we have a list of must see Rome side trips that you would have to visit while you are there. I won't lie... there would probably a couple of blog posts about the Must See series of Rome but to get us started...
Trevi Fountain
Let me tell you, this Baroque beauty is even more stunning in person. Towering at almost 86 feet, the fountain fills an entire piazza, its intricate carvings and statues creating a dramatic scene. The central figure is Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, looking powerful as ever with his chariot pulled by seahorses.
Getting to Trevi Fountain is easy enough... just follow the crowds... When we first got there, we had turned around. It was just too busy. But around the afternoon we were able to squeeze in to stare at the awesome fountain
We came back a couple more times but I must say that the night time scene is the best
Galleria Alberto Sordi
Close to the Trevi Fountain, Galleria Alberto Sordi is a feast for the eyes. Built in the early 1900s, the Galleria boasts stunning Art Nouveau architecture. Think high ceilings adorned with intricate plasterwork, grand marble floors reflecting the light, and a skylit roof bathing the whole place in a warm glow. We did not go shopping but we did want to see this magnificent building.
Temple of Hercules Victor
If you blink, you'll miss it. This unassuming circular structure, though small in stature, boasts a history as rich and powerful as the hero it honors. Built around 120 Be careful the Temple of Hercules Victor is a dedication to the Roman god of strength, merchants, and protectors. This wasn't just any temple; it was the oldest surviving marble building in Rome, a testament to the enduring legacy of Greek craftsmanship.
Its circular design, known as a tholos, follows the Greek architectural style, a beautiful blend of Roman power and Hellenic artistry. Twenty Corinthian columns, each a testament to skilled sculpting, surround the central core, creating a sense of both grandeur and intimacy.
Mouth of Truth
I did not know what to make of the Mouth of Truth. The relic is pretty popular so we headed on to the Piazza Bocca della Verità to check out this famous destination... and... still nothing!
The mask's origins remain shrouded in some historical intrigue. Initially thought to be a Roman sewer cover, it likely dates back to the reign of the last Roman king, Tarquinio the Superb. This era coincides with the construction of the Cloaca Maxima, Rome's impressive ancient drainage system. While the mask's exact purpose remains unclear, it may have served a decorative function among the marble covers adorning the Cloaca Maxima.
According to this folklore, the mouth possessed the mythical power to clamp down on the hand of anyone who dared to utter a lie while placing their hand inside. This playful legend, particularly popular among jealous husbands, transformed the monument into a cultural touchstone, adding a layer of intrigue and amusement. I didn't lie though, because there was a long line behind this waiting for their own photo op and they probably won't appreciate waiting longer while I test out this folklore.
Theatre of Marcellus
Another one of our favorites is the Theatre of Marcellus because it's just a magnificent structure. The Theatre of Marcellus, a majestic remnant of ancient Rome, stands as a testament to the Rome's rich history and love for entertainment.
Unfortunately we were not able to go inside, we still appreciate this structure. Boasting a diameter of 111 meters, the Theatre of Marcellus was the largest and most important theatre in ancient Rome. Tens of thousands of Romans, estimates range from 11,000 to 20,000, could pack its tiers to witness comedies, tragedies, and musical performances.
Again, this blog post only scratches the surface of the incredible day trips you can take from Rome! The Eternal City offers endless opportunities to explore and be amazed. Did I tell you that these are FREE ROME ATTRACTIONS?! So, put on your walking shoes, pack your sense of adventure, and get ready to experience the magic of Rome and its surroundings. Stay tuned for more "Must See" adventures in future posts!
If you want a walking tour that goes through these sites I suggest you look for a tour at Viator, we had used this several times and there are so many options depending on where you want to go and your time investment.
I hope we inspired you to check out these must see Rome side trips. Have you been to any of them?
TTYL