Piazza Venezia

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.

When you enter the square, you’ll be met by the towering Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele II, better known as Altare della Patria, dedicated to the man who unified Italy in the 19th century. An ornate white marble monument, it caused a stir when it was built as a large tract of the medieval city was bulldozed to make way for it. But today it is an unmissable sight.

Head for the statue of Victor Emmanuel on horseback, behind which you’ll be able to explore the Museo Centrale del Risorgimento Italiano, built to celebrate the country’s unification as well as other important events in the national consciousness. Take the glass lift up to the viewing platform, for some great views across the remains of the city. The Museo offers free entry on the first Tuesday of the month.

When you reach the top of the Altare della Patria, you’ll get a real sense of this broad space, with the 15th century Palazzo Venezia on one side. Originally built by Cardinal Pietro Barbo before he became Pope, it later became Mussolini’s headquarters as well as the site of his dramatic public addresses. Today, you’ll find the Museo del Palazzo di Venezia here, home to historic religious paintings, wooden statues and even famous canvases like Solimena’s ‘Wedding at Cana’ and Creti’s ‘Dance of the Nymphs’.

In this area, there are also two smaller palaces, the Palazzo Generalli and the Palazzo Bonaparte – named after the French emperor’s mother, which are well worth a visit.

Located right in the heart of central Rome, you can reach the Piazza Venezia by bus or take the Metro to the Colosseo station nearby.