Things to do in Artena

Nearly 2,000 years ago, this was the site where tens of thousands of spectators would flock to see gladiators in combat, public executions, and the re-enactment of famous battles. Construction on the Colosseum was finished back in the year 80 AD, and while these days the crowds may not visit to enjoy the spectacles of the blood sports of ancient Rome, huge numbers still visit this famous spot to see the great structure still standing.

The ruins that make up the Roman Forum today are a nostalgic, almost tragic reminder of an ancient empire that once covered 6.5 million square kilometres across Europe and beyond.

Discover Via Veneto, Rome’s elegant street filled with cafés and luxury hotels. The great Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini made this sophisticated street famous in the 1960s. See the Piazza Barberini, a square featuring a 17th-century fountain. Tour a 17th-century church and see a crypt housing the bones of many monks. Follow Via Veneto north to a gate of the Aurelian Walls. This street is located near one of Rome’s largest public parks, filled with historic attractions. Spend a day outside in this delightful spot.

Now a long grassy expanse, Circus Maximus was once a colossal sporting venue providing entertainment to the inhabitants of the ancient capital. Stand in the middle of this vast open park and imagine the speeding chariots that once raced around the track.

Walk along Via del Corso and see the residence of the Italian prime minister and several Roman churches. Shop in designer stores for fashionable clothing and shoes. With the Pantheon and other spectacular historic buildings nearby, the Via del Corso is an excellent place to start a tour of Rome’s historic center.

Via Nazionale is a major street linking Piazza della Repubblica, near Rome’s Termini Station, to Piazza Venezia in the center of the city. Visit St. Paul’s Within the Walls, an important place of worship filled with stunning artworks.

This is the perfect place to stop off after taking in some of Rome’s rich ancient history such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. Grab a coffee and relax for a while. This square is close to many of the most popular attractions and is worth visiting in its own right, before moving on to the next must-see on your list.