I stepped into the heart of Rome, eager to explore its iconic landmarks. My first stop was the famous Trevi Fountain. This stunning Baroque masterpiece sits at the meeting point of three ancient roads. It’s part of an old Roman aqueduct system that brought water into the city.
The fountain’s design is breathtaking. At its center stands Neptune, flanked by two horses representing calm and stormy seas. Goddesses and reliefs adorn the structure, telling stories of health, abundance, and the changing seasons. Many visitors toss coins into the water, hoping for love or a return trip to Rome. From there, I walked along a straight path to the Colosseum. This massive amphitheater, built nearly 2000 years ago, once hosted gladiator battles and even mock sea fights.
Key Takeaways
- The Trevi Fountain blends myth, history, and art in its stunning Baroque design
- A straight path connects the Trevi Fountain to the ancient Colosseum
- The Colosseum hosted various spectacles, from gladiator fights to naval battles
Visiting the Trevi Fountain
The Story Behind the Trevi
I learned that “Trevi” means where three roads meet. The fountain sits at a spot where three streets used to cross in old Rome. It’s part of an ancient water system called Ponte dell’Acqua Vergine that brought water into the city from far away. A general named Agrippa built it way back in 19 BC to supply water for baths and fountains.
The name “Acqua Vergine” comes from a story about a young girl who showed soldiers where to find water. That’s why they called it the “Virgin’s Water.”
The Fountain’s Design
The pope ordered the fancy Baroque design we see today. An architect named Nicola Salvi started working on it in 1732, but he died before it was done in 1762.
The main figure in the middle is Neptune, the sea god. He has two horses next to him – one calm and one wild. They stand for peaceful and stormy seas. There are also goddesses for health and plenty.
Above that, carvings tell the story of finding the water source. Even higher up are four more goddesses for the seasons. At the very top is the pope’s coat of arms.
Traditions at the Fountain
A movie called “Three Coins in the Fountain” started the idea of making wishes here. People say if you throw in one coin, you’ll come back to Rome. Two coins might bring love. Three coins could mean a happy marriage.
Some think two coins help with school or work, and three lead to lasting love. Because of all this wishing, about 3,000 euros in coins end up in the fountain every day. That’s a lot of money for the city!
When I visited, I didn’t actually see anyone making wishes. That seemed strange to me. After seeing the fountain, I headed off to the Colosseum to try my luck at getting tickets.
From the Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum
Planning Your Visit
I recommend starting early to beat the crowds. My phone wasn’t fully charged, so I got a late start. Aim to arrive at the Trevi Fountain around 8:30 AM when it’s less busy. Then walk to the Colosseum – it’s an easy route. Try booking Colosseum tickets a month in advance if possible. If you can’t get tickets, you can still take great photos from outside.
Walking Route and Getting Around
The walk from the Trevi Fountain to the Colosseum is straightforward – just follow one main road. It’s very doable on foot. I prefer walking to taking public transport in Rome. The city is walkable like Florence, with walking tours of major sites close together. On the way, you’ll pass the Victor Emmanuel II Monument. This massive white building honors Italy’s first king and unknown soldiers from World War I.
The Via dei Fori Imperiali
This famous street leads right to the Colosseum. Mussolini built it in the 1930s to show off Rome’s ancient sites. It goes through the Roman Forum and Forum of Caesar. Sadly, many ruins were damaged when it was made. The street offers great views of the Colosseum as you approach. It can get crowded, but the walk gives you a real sense of Rome’s layers of history.
Exploring the Colosseum
The Story Behind Its Name
The Colosseum wasn’t always called that. Its real name is the Flavian Amphitheater. I learned it got the Colosseum nickname because of a huge statue called the Colossus of Nero that used to be nearby. Colosseum comes from the Latin word for “giant.” Even after the statue disappeared, people kept using the name Colosseum.
Building Design and How Many People Fit
The Romans built the Colosseum between 70-80 AD. It’s a massive stone and concrete structure with arches and columns. The builders designed it to hold up to 50,000 people. That’s as many as some modern sports stadiums!
Inside, there was a big arena in the middle. Around it were rows of seats going up high. The Romans even made an awning to give shade on sunny days.
How the Seats Were Set Up
I found out the seating wasn’t random. The Romans had a system:
- Best seats: Close to the action for important people
- Middle seats: For regular citizens
- Top seats: For women and the poor
This way, everyone knew their place in Roman society just by where they sat. It was like a mini-model of how their whole city was organized.
More Sightseeing in Rome
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill is one of the seven hills of Rome. It is also one of the oldest residential areas in Rome. It was a symbol of power and wealth. Many important figures and rulers all lived in here. It’s said that the Palatine Hill is where the she-wolf raised Romulus and Remus, the creators of the city of Rome.
From the outside, I couldn’t see much here. You need a ticket to see what’s inside.
Circus Maximus
I saw the Circus Maximus, which looked like a large, long expanse of open space. It was built in the 6th Century B.C. as the main venue for chariot races in ancient times.
Tiber Island
I saw the Tiber Island. This was known as the sacred island in both pagan cults and the Christian religion. Previously it was home to the Temple of Aesculapius and today the Cathedral is home to the remains of St. Bartholomew.
Fiumi Fountain
At this plaza, the most famous thing is the fountain in front. This fountain is the Fountain of the Four Rivers, completed by the Italian sculptor and architect Bernini in 1651. Fiumi Fountain represents the four main rivers in the known four continents at the time: The Nile River in Africa, The Ganges River in Asia, The Rio de la Plata in South America, and The Danube River in Europe. The central obelisk is adorned with doves and the coat of arms of the Pamphili family.
Panthéon
Constructed during the Roman Republic period in 27 B.C., the Panthéon was destroyed by fire in the year 69 A.D. It was not until 125 A.D. that the Emperor Hadrian rebuilt the Panthéon. The original purpose of the Panthéon was a temple dedicated to all the gods of ancient Rome. In the 7th Century, the Panthéon was converted to a Christian place of worship and has since been used as a Catholic church. During the Renaissance period, the Panthéon became a symbol of classical architecture and influenced many architects and artists of the time. I saw it from the outside, but they have indoor guided tours of the Panthéon as well.
Shopping in Rome
I love shopping! There are many places to shop at the Rinascente, which you can find alongside the Via del Tritone. It’s a a luxury Italian department store chain that sells fashion, accessories, beauty, homeware, design, and food.
Tips for Visiting
Get Tickets Early
I recommend booking tickets for the Colosseum well in advance. When I tried to get tickets on the day of my visit, they were sold out. To avoid disappointment, buy tickets online at least a month before your trip. This applies to other popular sites in Rome too. Planning ahead will save you time and hassle.
Avoid Peak Seasons and Times of Day
Avoid peak seasons and visit these attractions during less crowded times. Like February, when I visited Rome. February is usually not a peak season in Italy. Moreover the temperature is between 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. It’s not super cold and not hot at all. It’s actually quite comfortable and likely to rain. Please don’t visit Rome in the peak season, such as in July or August during summer vacations. Trust me, you don’t want to experience 40 degrees Celsius in Rome, and the crowds can be unbelievable.
Start your day when the sun rises, or before the sunrise, and arrive at the most popular attractions before they open to get the photos that you want. This is especially true for the St. Peters Basilica. You must arrive before it opens. Otherwise, the line will be insane later, winding all around the square. This made me not want to enter.
Use Reputable Booking Websites
The official ticket website can be tricky to navigate. Here are some tips:
- Choose your date and time slot carefully – popular times sell out fast
- Have your payment info ready before starting the booking process
- Print your tickets or save them on your phone – you’ll need to show them to enter
- Double check all details before confirming your purchase
- If you have issues, try using a different browser or device
Remember to only use reputable websites to avoid scams or overpriced reseller tickets. As you wait in a long line, street vendors may try to resell tickets to you at a premium. You can avoid this by booking tours and admission tickets online ahead of time. With some patience, you can get your tickets directly and save money.
