Five Must-See Sites in Rome

Rome has captivated the world for over two millennia. Despite its age, Rome is well developed for tourism, with discount hotels scattered throughout the city. While finding Rome hotels may be easy, planning the rest of the itinerary is more of a challenge. To help focus the planning, consider these five must-see sites in Rome.

1. The Pantheon. The large dome of the Pantheon remains an engineering triumph, still standing as the largest concrete dome not to have additional reinforcements. Since its original construction in the first century BC, it has seen various uses and renovations, all of which have enhanced the appeal for the modern tourist.

2. The Coliseum. There are few sites more widely recognised than the Coliseum. Originally constructed around 70 AD under the direction of several Roman Emperors, the oval amphitheater was once able to seat 50,000 and was used for many public events, including gladiator matches during Rome's heyday. Though the structure has been damaged by earthquakes, visitors still marvel at this architectural wonder.

3. Piazza Navona. This square once served as an area for local competitions. Over time, it evolved into a public space which is still popular with tourists today for its spectacular baroque architecture and art. There are various fountains and monuments in the Piazza, making it perfect for a restful afternoon in the city.

4. The Sistine Chapel. Though the Sistine Chapel was built for the Pope's use in the fifteenth century, modern visitors of all backgrounds should be sure to check out this magnificent structure. The interior boasts frescoes from some of the most famous names in Renaissance art, including Raphael, Bernini, Sandro Botticelli, and Michelangelo.

5. St. Peter's Basilica. Located in Rome's Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica is an inspiring testament of human achievement. As the largest Christian church in the world, St. Peter's Basilica can hold 60,000 people. Catholics believe that St. Peter is buried there, along with other popes from throughout history.

While there is much more to see in Rome, these five sites represent the best this ancient city has to offer. By taking these sites into consideration, holiday-seekers can then peruse the vast selection of Rome hotels in order to find one that fits their budget and interests. There are discount hotels and other Rome hotels near any of these attractions, making it possible to structure a holiday around the sites, and not the accommodations.