5 Must Visit Places for an Ancient Rome Experience

If you’d told me five years ago I would be spending my days guiding people around some of Rome’s coolest sights I would never have believed you! But here I am, doing just that and I absolutely love it!

It’s been a while since my last post, for which I apologise, but having lived in Rome for a while now it really feels like home. It’s a wonderful city with a surprise around every corner and full of incredible, friendly people. If Rome isn’t on your destination list…it should be! I feel so lucky to be able to make a difference to people’s holidays and show them some incredible places. Being a tour guide here really is the best job!

We all know about the big hitters in Rome…the Colosseum, the Forum, Trevi fountain, Pantheon etc but there is so much more! Places where there aren’t hordes of people elbowing each other to take selfies or follow their humungous tour groups. I thought I’d share some of them with you. If I had limited time in Rome these places would be top of my list. The best thing is, I can show you them if you like!

1. Baths of Caracalla

This archaeological site is right up there in my list of recommendations for your time in Rome. In order to truly get a sense of what Roman baths were really like, without leaving the city, this is the place. They were built between 212 and 216 AD by Emperor Caracalla and whilst not being the largest baths here in Rome (the Diocletian Baths were bigger) they give the best impression of what an Imperial bath complex was really like. There’s still intact towering archways and walls which would have been adorned with marble and the mosaics that lined the bottom of the pools and rooms are incredibly well preserved. The best thing? It’s usually much quieter than many of the other sights. The reason for this is it’s slightly further away from the city centre. However it’s still only a 15 minute walk from the Colosseum.

Top Tip: If you’re visiting in Summer why not check out their Summer concert programme.

Open: Tuesday – Sunday. Entry: 8 euros. Location: Viale delle Terme di Caracalla , 52

2. Via Appia Antica

If you continue heading out of the city past the baths of Caracalla, through Porta San Sebastiano you’ll eventually find yourself on the Appian Way. This is a wonderful place to visit to escape the crowds of the city. Built in 312BC this is the most important of all the Roman roads and once linked Rome to Brindisi, 580KM away. Lined with the quintessentially Roman stone pine trees and winding parallel tracks the uneven flagstones of the Appia Way provide a peaceful haven for walkers, cyclists and even horse riders alike. Adorned with ruined tombs, Roman villas and catacombs there’s still plenty to see. The Appia Way can be reached by public transport or you could hire bikes and explore on two wheels. If you’d like a guide to show you the way and tell you more then please get in touch.

Top Tip: If you chose to hire bikes make sure you also explore the nearby Parco Caffarella on your way back. It’s a green, tranquil oasis perfect for pedalling.

Open: All the time. Entry: Free Location: Via Appia Antica

3. Case Romane del Celio

This unassuming, tucked away museum on the Celio hill was such a wonderful surprise. Don’t let first impressions fool you, this site is much bigger than the entryway leads you to believe. As you enter you wind down into the underground of Rome where the layers of time are seemingly so apparent. This site is a historical lasagna, showcasing in all its glory each stage of its life from it’s origins as a 2nd century luxury house (domus) to multi-storey living quarters (insula) and back to a domus in the 4th century linked to the Basilica of St John and St Paul which stands above. The 20 underground rooms are a delightful rabbit warren of tangible history. If that wasn’t enough some are still gloriously decorated with the original frescoes.

Top Tip: The Archaeological Park of Celio is situated behind the Case Romane and offers an escape from the hustle and bustle as well as a view of the colosseum. Best thing is….it’s free!

Open: Monday – Sunday. Entry: 10 euros. Location: Clivo di Scauro, 00184 Roma RM

4. The National Roman Museum – Palazzo Massimo

If your time in Rome allows for only one museum visit, surely this one is a strong contender. Particularly if you are interested in Ancient Rome. Unlike many of it’s city’s counterparts this museum is often more tranquil but boasts a superb collection of archaeological exhibits. A collection made up of mosaics, frescoes, sculptures, stuccoes and sarcophagi; a beautiful selection carefully curated to showcase the findings from archaeological digs in and around Rome since 1870.

Top Tip: Start at the top! Go straight to the third floor because you don’t want to run out of time and miss the incredible frescoes from the Villa of Livia (third wife of Emperor Augustus. Take a few moments to sit and surround yourself with the beautifully delicate garden frescoes from Livia’s Dining Room (triclinium) depicting a laurel grove, from where the laurel wreaths that adorned the heads of Emperors grew.

Open: Tuesday – Sunday. Entry: 8 euros. Location: Largo di Villa Peretti, 2, 00185 Roma RM

5. Ostia Antica

Think Pompeii….but with way less tourists! That’s the best way to describe this often over-looked archaeological site of Rome’s first colony. Of all the tours I do, I have to say this has become my favourite. The remains of this ancient town provide visitors with an unparalleled sense of what life was really like back in Ancient Rome. Just a 25 minute train journey out of the city, Ostia Antica can be reached quickly and economically, making it the perfect destination for a morning visit (I recommend longer if you have time!) and not sacrificing your precious time travelling. All characteristics of a Roman settlement can be found here; from temples and houses dating back to the Roman Republic era to huge warehouses, bath complexes, mills, a theatre and even a wine bar. There is so much to see. Why not allow me to guide you around so you don’t miss the best bits! There’s also a cafe and museum which houses many of the artifacts discovered on site.

Top Tip: Most of the statues on display are copies but the originals are housed in the museum….a must visit.

Open: Tuesday – Sunday. Entry: 18 euros Location: Viale dei Romagnoli, 717, 00119 Roma RM

Whether you decide to visit the above places or not, I really hope you have a wonderful time in Rome. The Eternal City already has my heart and I can’t wait for the all the adventures to come.

Please feel free to email me if you’d like more information on what tours I offer. Or check out my Facebook and Instagram (@rome_with_rebecca) pages.