Cappella Sistina

4.6 (159 reviews)

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Cappella Sistina - Churches Near Me - Rome, RM

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Sara G.

The Sistine Chapel is the ultimate example of my boss made me do it because poor Michelangelo just wanted to sculpt forever and Pope Julius II basically threatened him with eternal damnation unless he painted a 12,000 square feet ceiling. Oh and on his back, oh and for four years. The creation of Adam is my favorite scene. I could spend hours in this room! No pictures!

Maruko X.

The Sistine Chapel is a chapel in the Apostolic Palace, the pope's official residence in Vatican City. It has served as a place of both religious and functionary papal activity. Please note photos are not allowed inside the chapel, I've only attached the hallway and exit looks, which are still a couple of rooms away from the actual chapel. It's overly crowded inside, as lots of people come to visit the museum wouldn't want to miss this spot.

Michelangelo's corridor inside Hall of Maps of Italy at the Vatican Museum

Christopher S.

Michelangelos' corridor above in the wall of Italy Maps is actually the treasure to see en route to the Sistine Chapel. Many may not even notice but be sure to look up to see the grand gold frescoes! :) Inside the Sistine Chapel itself is impressive too, Man Touching God, id say is the centerpiece as i did sneak a clandestine pic with a loan phone i had with a silhouette head of mine in between which was being preserved by natural sunlight from an adjacent window! :) Flash photography is not permitted inside the Sistine Chapel. If you like art, definitely a world class experience to see! Obviously the back story is Pope Julius II commissioning Michelangelo to paint all of this on his back using a scaffold! :)

Kim G.

It's a masterpiece for a reason! The ceiling and walls are adorned by many, many individual frescoes, a very difficult art form where the pigments are washed into the plaster. It was a discipline that a Michelangelo didn't like and he actually had no interest in painting. However he was ordered to paint it by Pope Julius II so between 1508 - 1512, Michelangelo dedicated his days and nights to painting the frescoes. The result is spellbinding. so much going on, so much to take in! That being said, with the crowds and the small space, it's not always easy to get up close and personal with the art. There are benches along the edge and if a space opens up, go for it. I found that this was the best vantage point to view the art, by staying in one spot and letting my eyes gaze around the walls and ceiling. Since the Sistine Chapel is an actual chapel, which is a sacred place, that means no photographs or videos. It also means silence as in no talking. Whispering is NOT silence! Even though they tell everyone before entering, and there are signs everywhere, and the guards make repeated announcements, obnoxious people just ignore the rules. Don't be one of them, it's disrespectful. Both to the sacred nature of the chapel and to all the others that are here to experience this incredible body of work. The chapel is very small and with everyone talking it was so loud making it near impossible to appreciate the art. For the few minutes when there was silence immediatelly following the guard's announcement, it was a beautiful place of meditation and art appreciation. Until the obnoxious people all started talking again. To set expectations: - The Sistine Chapel is at the far end of the Vatican Meuseum. The museum is filled with gorgeous tapestries, painted ceilings, Roman sculptures and artifacts so do try to enjoy this along the way to the real destination. - Like you, everyone wants to get to the end so it can feel like cattle being herded through a narrow hallway. Know this up front. - The chapel is small and in a hot day, can be stifling. - Since this is a chapel, it means no photographs and silence. To be clear, whispering is NOT silence. - Clothing must cover shoulders and knees inside the chapel.

Musei Vaticani: To the Sistine Chapel... And the story begins... Ti voglio sempre al mio fianco, ti amo

Eric R.

Heaven is in your eyes. Nei tuoi occhi c'è il cielo... Cappella Sistina is what Italians call the iconic Sistine Chapel. It is located within the Vatican in Vatican City, Roma. To my knowledge it can only be accessed via the Musee Vaticani, unless you're a Bishop;). It has been on my bucket list in what seemed like forever. I mean Michelangelo is all I need to say to explain why... Anyone can recite Wikipedia... that's way too easy, instead I want to share my actual experience with you. Cappella Sistina is considered the highest point of the Renaissance age. It's breathtaking just to close my eyes and remember everything. You must understand it is sacrilege to take photos, video, or use any electronic devices while in the chapel. So all the photos you see on Yelp and other social media sites are highly discouraged. In plain English... just don't do it and be respectful! After walking the long hallways I arrive to the open doors of the Capella Sistina. Before entering, a large sign clearly states no photography, no video, no electronics. The Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, is the essence of Renaissance art. Cappella Sistina was built within the Vatican between 1477 and 1480 by Pope Sixtus IV, for whom the chapel is named. But did you know... Michelangelo was more known as a sculptor in the Renaissance world?! Indeed. In fact, at first, he refused to paint the ceiling mainly because he considered himself a sculptor and not a painter. However, he finally gave in to Pope Sixtus and the Church knowing he would be doing this work for God. And The Creation of Adam was born... I enter to a calmness. I was on a private tour pre-opening so not many were present which definitely helped my experience. Just note that the ceiling is over 60-feet high so most of the time, like some mention, you'll be looking up! The Last Judgement is on the entrance wall. The Creation of Adam high up on the ceiling. And once again as tempting as it is... keep your smartphones in your pocket! Enjoy the beauty around you. Enjoy the moment! In the end, I highly recommend Cappella Sistina to all. Although I was on a private tour, it's really not necessary when you enter Capella Sistina. Remember you'll be looking up into the heavens! Do I regret not taking any photos in the chapel? Absolutely not! It's that moment in time when you realize you're witnessing one of the greatest works of humankind. I can close my eyes and see Michelangelo painting The Creation of Adam 500-years ago. This experience will forever live in me. Until my last breath in this lifetime. And this, this is why we live...

Sanjay G.

You'll find one of Vatican City's most notorious attractions housed within these walls - the Sistine Chapel (and Michelangelo's famous frescos). A tour of the Vatican Museums grants access to various sections of the palaces, the Sistine Chapel included. Vatican Museum tickets cover this too and you will have to walk the museum to reach here. Again, I will repeat, buy your tickets online. it will save you time. It was built in 1477 and various artists contributed to decorating it, but it is the ceiling and front wall that get all the attention and rightfully so. Starting in 1508 Michelangelo painted around 5000 square feet by himself in four years. It really goes to show you what one man can accomplish when he puts his mind to it. this Chapel is famous for Michelangelo's Last Judgment, however, he was not the only painter who created the masterpieces in this Chapel. Other famous artists such as Sandro Botticelli, Domenico Ghirlandaio, and Pietro Perugino also worked on these magnificent works of art. While most people are checking out the ceiling, don't forget the front wall where Michelangelo painted the Last Judgement. It is amazing how much of a story he was able to tell in this work of art. Imp one: Chapel has been used for the conclave, the meeting in which cardinal electors select a new pope. yes, you have seen this in Robert Langdon Movie Angel & Demons. Some beautiful facts: # there are beautiful paintings that altogether cover 1,100 square meters of the surface. # Originally the Sistine Chapel was the private chapel for the different popes. The paintings, which are based on the Bible, represent important messages for the Catholic Church. # The Sistine Chapel features the first representation of God with a muscular body and a white beard. # The Last Judgment is painted in a way intended to convey awe and respect for the power of God. When you are done with Sistine Chapel (there is a lot to take in so take your time and enjoy it) you have two choices on which exit to take. If you take the one on the left you will be taken through more of the museum and to the exit. The one on the right is the secret. This one is marked for tours only, but use it because it takes you to St Peter's Basilica and will save you from having to wait in another line. I recommend taking the one to the left and seeing the rest of the museum because it is worth it. Guys, photo ios prohibited in Chapel. Aah, I am full of thrill even when I am writing this review. it was so amazing

Identification map given by our tour company of what's what...you'll need this! (1 of 2)

Patricia L.

What can I say about the Sistine Chapel that hasn't already been said or stuff that everyone doesn't already know? I'll start with a few facts: The Cappella Sistina (in Italian) was erected from 1473-81 by the architect Giovanni dei Dolci for Pope Sixtus IV (hence the name). It is most famous for its Renaissance frescoes by Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni. Michelangelo painted the ceiling between 1508 and 1512. The most famous of the frescoes is "The Last Judgment" on the altar wall and Genesis on the ceiling. The Sistine Chapel is used for ceremonies such as electing and inaugurating new popes. Although there are several pictures online, taking pictures in the chapel is strictly forbidden. If you get caught, you may be escorted out. It can be rather crowded in there, however, they have areas along the side walls where you can stand or sit and a large area in the middle to stand. They keep an area free for those that just want to pass through. I suggest standing in the middle so you can turn and see it all. I have placed a copy of the identification maps here on yelp and they are extremely helpful. I didn't realize this was a hot item until I was standing in the middle using it and folks from all sorts of countries were approaching me to look at it (so happy our tour company gave it to us {kudos}). I had previously visited the chapel a few decades ago and always wanted to return...this was it! We don't always get that chance to have a do-over, so treat it like "this is it" and you'll never be able to return. Take it all in and truly enjoy what is before you. It doesn't matter how many tourist are there, don't rush...simply enjoy for it is truly breathtaking! About booking a tour: St. Peter's Basilica is free to enter, you just have to wait in line to go through security. However, the Sistine Chapel is separate and has an entry fee. That said, you can book online in advance through the Vatican website to go on your own. If you book a local tour, you not only get some great historical information, but depending on what you book, you can get skip-the-line entry. Just remember...this is one of the most popular places in the world to visit! End note: my family and I visited pre-pandemic and I'm trying to finish and/or post incomplete reviews...can't believe I never posted this one.

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Larry J. H.

Elite 18

725

9 years ago

''We were here in 2011 my wife and I on our European tour. . Awesome art work, lots of people and talking is forbidden as well as camera's!'' . But that didn't seem to phase too many of them as they wouldn't shut up ? you heard a lot of please SSSSH' by the guards! But stupidity seems to win out? we were quiet and respectful though? The artwork by Michelangelo makes one yearn to simply stand quietly and look up to appreciate the effort by this man !'' I have seen plenty of Nat'l Geo photos of this but no comparison to seeing it in person!'' 5 stars for the Sistine chapel*****! But 1 star* for the noisy loose lip assholes we had to put up with that day? ''Thank you'' read more

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Chris G.

Elite 23

116

315

372

9 years ago

If you're visiting the Vatican museums, you might as well see the Sistine chapel while there. Its not as appealing for the general tourist. Anyone interested in the Catholicism, art, or history should be find the Sistine chapel interesting. The guards will constantly advise no talking or taking photos, but this is the real world. read more

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Tom B.

3846

3493

18097

8 years ago

One of the most amazing places I've ever been in it was actually overwhelming with the beautiful art actually have to go a couple times to really appreciate everything. Go early it's busy busy busy and you can't take pictures but you'll remember the art forever plus pictures do no justice to it's beauty read more

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Brigette C.

9 years ago

A must see. You have to experience it for yourself. Great paintings and it's so cool to know this is where cardinals come to pick the new Pope as guided by the Holy Spirit. read more

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Veenu B.

107

954

8 years ago

Humbling and an honor to be here, and to open the Chapel with the Vatican Key keepers.

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Stanley C.

Elite 13

901

714

3485

13 years ago

The Sistine Chapel is a site to behold, offering artwork of such majesty as to bring people closer to God! Of particular brilliance and beauty is the Last Judgement by Michelangelo. It is amazing how beautiful the chapel is, and it certainly reaches to the Heavens. read more

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Samantha M.

Elite 17

621

11 years ago

This place WILL take your breath away. It's quite overwhelming to go in though. The entire room is packed with people and you kind of getting shuffled along so don't have a lot of time to really stop and admire the walls and ceiling. You're also not allowed to take photos, they really patrol that and will make you delete photos if they see you taking one. I also found it hard to stomach how extravagant it is in comparison with the homeless people sleeping outside the gates. Nevertheless, it's a truly spectacular sight to see. read more

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Tara W.

Elite 20

489

599

133

13 years ago

How does one review the Sistine Chapel. It took Michelangelo and his team four years to paint the ceiling and it left him with a whole bunch of ailments due to the poor quality paint he used. Sorry Mike, but it was worth it! I don't want to ruin any of the story, you have to go with the tour guide in another of my reviews. But if you can go when it's not crowded, and read up beforehand, you will appreciate it that much more. read more

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Ann F.

12 years ago

Breathtaking. It's amazing to feel like you traveled back in time, being surrounded by things most only learn about from a textbook or the internet. It can get crowded but it didn't take away from my experience. Also- be very careful if you try to take pictures ( they aren't allowed but I'm a rebel and took some anyway) we were discreet and the flash was off. Whoops! Hope my next yelp review isn't from prison. read more

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Samantha L.

Elite 25

818

1104

3538

10 years ago

I spent half the time avoiding tour groups by either speeding past them or sneaking my way through the crowds of them. But, it's worth it in the end! Please don't spend all your time taking photos of every room. It's much better to experience this if you're fully present. Sistine chapel tips: 1) prepare to be in a stuffy room 2) you have to be absolutely silent. someone will SHUSH you 3) no pictures .. though you'll see people try 4) ooooh and ahhh at what Michelangelo created. read more

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Michael B.

Elite 19

140

178

10 years ago

The Sistine Chapel was beautiful! I don't like paintings much, but I really enjoyed the paintings in the Sistine Chapel. I recommend downloading a guide thay explains each painting. Seeing the paintings in person is so much different from seeing the paintings in a picture. You are not allowed to take any photographs of the paintings while in the Sistine Chapel and you will get yelled at if the security catches you. read more

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Arick W.

Elite 18

511

245

12 years ago

How this place isn't one of the great wonders of the world is amazing. This place is breathtaking and certainly be something everyone should experience at least once in their lives. On the downside it is packed shoulder to shoulder inside. They have security guards all over to keep people from taking photos and videos. They'll actually chase you down and make you delete it off your camera or smartphone. If it gets too loud inside they'll get on the loudspeaker and scream out silenzio! which basically means everyone shut the F up in Italian. You're not even supposed to talk in here. The whole experience is both intimidating and surreal but well worth it. read more

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Paolo J.

10 years ago

Truly a place to see and a sight to behold. Was quite upset when video or even taking a picture is not allowed!!! Lol. I guess the flashes ruins the frescoes on the wall. Me and my partners in crime stayed for about 10 to 15 minutes. Another thing, you can't talk loud. The staff and the Italian cops will hushed you in a second just like inside saint peters basilica. Be very, very quite say by Elmer fudd. Lol read more

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Meaghan K.

Elite 14

214

13 years ago

You have arrived! After winding your way through the Vatican museum or maze you finally made it to the Sistine Chapel. Beautiful doesn't seem to cover it, most words don't it's just so incredible. It's one of the many sights in Italy that I wish I could go on the quietest day of the year so I could fully enjoy this without the "tourist baggage". We went on a Friday night which they only allow so many people into the museum and it was still super crowded and noisy in the chapel. However even with the tourist baggage you can't keep your eyes off of the ceiling and your neck will be sore afterwards. Breathtaking. read more

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Kyle K.

Elite 17

174

393

11 years ago

Michelangelo's frescoes atop the high ceilings (much higher than I anticipated) were awe inspiring. I still can't believe a single man was able to complete such gorgeous, massive paintings while hanging upside down. Man's abilities to accomplish the impossible never ceases to amaze me. No photos or talking allowed which I appreciated. Makes it easier to make a vivid mental image of the moving experience! read more

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Buortau L.

152

12 years ago

The Sistine Chapel is absolutely beautiful! You will definitely stay there for a long time capturing the beautiful artwork and its meaning.

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Amber C.

11 years ago

As other have said you will quickly learn Silencio No Photos and they mean business. I just played stupid tourist and siad I thought there was no flash read more

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Sylvia O.

Elite 18

181

175

11 years ago

AMAZING!! I tried my hardest to maximize my stay inside the chapel, as it may be my last time seeing it. The ceiling is stunning. To just think that the pope could summon Michelangelo to paint for soooo long when he was sculptor and not so much a painter... And for him to pretty much compete with Leonardo da Vinci and create this highly revered masterpiece... And to have been fortunate enough to see it with my own two eyes... Simply amazing. You will regret not seeing this is you are visiting Roma. Also purchase tickets ahead!!! Avg wait time during major event, like Easter is 4 hours! read more

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Vanessa T.

118

192

11 years ago

We have all seen pictures and read about the Sistine chapel in school... But being there is an indescribable experience. It's overwhelming! There was a moment while I was standing there, and I just wanted to take it all in! A must in Rome! Miguel Angel you were a genius! Buy tickets online to avoid line, no camera rule... Don't try to take pictures, enjoy this masterpiece instead read more

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Bob D.

1044

10 years ago

Oh so impressed spent many hours touring got yelled at endlessly about taking pictures and videos. This historic sight

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April L.

134

165

10 years ago

A must see!! Do buy a ticket in advance, this will help avoid the long lines or street people trying to make $$$ off of you. Don't go on a Monday it is way too crowded as the museum is closed on Sunday's. We too the short itinerary due to the crowd but once inside the chapel we snagged a seat and took in the beautiful masterpiece Michelangelo had to offer. Do spec at lead 20 mins taking it all in. There is so much to be seen and a quick look will not justify all the hard work that was invested in this masterpiece. read more

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Walla D.

315

100

118

8 years ago

Wasn't interested in going inside but my husband wanted to. Was sooooo blown away by the beauty. Wear comfortable shoes and enjoy the views :) you can't take pictures inside so just enjoy the beauty read more

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Rowena Y.

Elite 21

486

1235

653

10 years ago

Well, I finally got to see the Sistine Chapel and quite frankly, I expected something more majestic and grander. Don't get wrong. The wall and ceiling paintings by Michelangelo were phenomenal and extraordinary. But something didn't strike me here as it did when I saw the frescos in the Santa Maria Cathedral or the Vasari paintings in Palazzo Vecchio in Firenze. Maybe the ceilings weren't high enough? Or was I just getting tired of seeing paintings in general? Either way, visiting the Sistine Chapel is like the rite of passage once you step foot into the Vatican City. It's pretty much the end of goal for many. But for me, it was a bit anti-climactic. Then you also have to deal with the crowd and the constant hushing and "silencio" from a guy on a microphone, who kept telling us to be quiet and not to take any pictures. Do they realize that with technologies these days, it's so easy to sneak in a picture or two? I saw so many people taking bottom-up selfies, it's quite hilarious. That's when you can really forgive your double chin. read more

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Pilar W.

10 years ago

Agree with many other opinions on this site. Beautiful building, extremely hard to enjoy given the thousands of people going through at once. There is no place to sit for the older folks (or the younger ones) who need a break. They ask you not to sit on the stands holding the columns (it's marble, for God's sake, sitting will not damage it) The Vatican really needs to work on limiting the number of people going in and making it a more enjoyable experience for all. read more

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Courtney K.

Elite 21

10 years ago

Cappella Sistina is truly an amazing and historical artwork to behold. I would recommend going, but there were a few cons to the experience for me, which were mainly from other tourists and observers. The chapel is actually quite a lot smaller than I had assumed it would be and it felt like we were crammed in there with 600 other guests. It was hot, stuffy, and cramped and I couldn't move without touching someone. Many tourists had headphones on and were sneaking photos which is prohibited. My focus was certainly not on the artwork as it should have been, but instead on how uncomfortable and crowded it was. I actually started to get very excited about the notion of leaving, which, for an art historian, is very, very unsettling a thought to have. Still I am giving this four stars because I cannot bring myself to rate something containing the work of Michelangelo and so many other incredible Renaissance artists and architects anything below that. Just know that my rating has absolutely nothing to do with the artwork held within the chapel and everything to do with the capacity management. read more

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Sarah S.

407

10 years ago

A beautiful part of any Vatican tour. I certainly hope to go again some day. I would strongly suggest paying for one of the tours that lets you have early access to the Sistine Chapel / Vatican. read more

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Linda L.

218

11 years ago

Entry is from the Vatican Museum. The Sistine Chapel is truly amazing. No photos... and they mean it. They have guys standing around watching. On the way out, the guard asked to see photos on some guys phone. I had laugh since he was taking photos the entire time. read more

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John H.

157

101

111

10 years ago

This was one of the most memorable stops during our stay in Rome. It does get a bit crowded, which, can be a bit overwhelming and put a bit of a damper on the ambiance. But with that said, it is still a very awe inspiring experience and definitely a must see. Photos are prohibited in some parts, however I saw more than a few tourists sneaking in a few pictures anyway. Personally I don't really mind the 'no photo' rule as it forces you to put your camera away and really immerse yourself in the experience. If you are not part of a tour, I would recommend getting there early as the line builds pretty fast. From what I recall, the large reserve tours are usually granted entry first so even if you get there extra early, you can still expect it to be rather crowded inside (but at least you'll save yourself from standing Out in the long line In the afternoon sun). Words really wouldn't do justice to the beauty of this place so I'll let you see for yourself. This is one place you should definitely plan to visit if you are ever in Rome. read more

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World T.

11 years ago

Everything I have dreamt and read about and much more. This place is extremely powerful.

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More info about Cappella Sistina

Viale Vaticano
00165 Rome
Italy
Vaticano, Città del Vaticano
Directions
06 69884676
Call Now
Visit Website
http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/CSN/CSN_Main.html

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Review Highlights - Cappella Sistina

“Since the Sistine Chapel is an actual chapel, which is a sacred place, that means no photographs or videos.”

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Campo dè Fiori

4.1(106 reviews)

1.7 km•Centro Storico

Wow I love the Campo de Fiori. The name means the field of flowers, because it used to be a field…read moreof flowers and vegetable gardens here before it became this square. Unfortunately from the 16th to 19th century this place became a public execution site. Yikes. The most famous execution was Giordano Bruno in 1600, in which there is now a statue in his honor for freedom of thought. Happy thoughts, happy thoughts. Pass forward to present day. This area is lively with the open air markets where you can find vendors selling produce, flowers, spices, cheese, and artisanal goods. My boyfriend and I came here to explore the live market and also to look for souvenirs to bring home. The vendors here are really aggressive and I would have enjoyed it more if they gave me space to look instead of hound me to buy buy buy. Like chill dude can I look at what I'm buying. Sigh. We were here til closing time and even get to see how the vendors efficiently and quickly packed up their stalls and belongings to wrap up for the day. And of course... a great area to enjoy some gelato.

We're at Campo de' Fiori, Rome's oldest market and possibly the most enthusiastic display of…read moretourist traps per square meter. Once a site for public executions (Bruno's brooding statue still watches over), it now specializes in overpriced pasta and garlic braids. It's more performance art than produce. Vendors heckle, truffle oil flows freely, and yes, someone will try to sell you limoncello in a boot. I walked through as part of a food tour, which felt like the right way to enjoy the chaos, briefly, and with snacks elsewhere. Not the best market in Rome, but definitely the most theatrical.

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Chiesa di Sant' Ignazio di Loyola

4.9(30 reviews)

2.2 km•Centro Storico

Honestly, save your time and your one euro coin. The church…read moreitself is beautiful, but the entire experience has been completely ruined by social media hype. We waited in line for a literal hour just to reach the famous "selfie mirror" to get a photo with the ceiling fresco. When you finally get to the front, you have to pay 1 euro, and you're rushed through it so fast you can barely even check if the photo turned out.

To think, I almost avoided visiting this STUNNING 17th-century church - Chiesa di Sant' Ignazio di…read moreLoyola, when visiting Rome, Italy (09/25/2025 - 10/01/2025) because it is Tik-Tok and IG "famous" for being the "mirrored church" to take an iconic selfie... yes, you read that correctly..iconic selfie. I was for sure it was going to be crowded w/ social media influencers and I was correct..it was crowded but don't let that deter you from seeing this historical beauty! Chiesa di Sant' Ignazio di Loyola is known as the "mirrored church" because it has a mirror strategically placed to see the beautiful painted ceiling fresco. (see pics & videos included in this review from my visit on Tuesday 09/30/2025 - at 10:56am) It also has a painted illusion of having a real soaring dome on a flat ceiling - very cool for sure and does make you look twice just to confirm it's indeed an illusion! Here are a few helpful fyi(s) that I wanted to pass along: --- - long line for the mirror right as you enter the church - if there is a line of people waiting for the mirror, you don't have to wait in that line if you don't want to take a selfie w/ the mirror and are only wanting to see the church...as someone else mentioned in a previous review, you can get creative w/ taking a selfie w/ the beautiful ceiling. My hubby & I took our selfie pic while we were sitting in the pew and used a timer on our phone (see pic included). ---- visit early to avoid the crowds & to fully enjoy your experience at this church Avoid the crowds so you can really take in how detailed and beautiful the architecture and paintings are. Trust me, you'll enjoy your experience so much more w/ less people. ---- it's free to visit but do bring some money w/ you to give as an offering --- just a reminder to be respectful when visiting because it is a holy place Chiesa di Sant' Ignazio di Loyola truly is something special and of the MANY Rome basilica's I've explored during my 2 visits to Rome, it is now my FAVORITE basilica thus far. Hope this info helps. :)) Rebecca visiting Rome, Italy from Austin, Texas (USA) 09/25/2025 - 10/01/2025

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Piazza Navona

4.5(272 reviews)

1.6 km•Centro Storico

Another cool piazza featuring an obelisk, a church, a fountain, outdoor shopping kiosks, indoor…read moreshops and restaurants featuring gelato, coffee and wine. This was my favorite of the piazzas that I visited. This area is walkable from the Pantheon.

Here's one more plaza to walk around & take in the site, very big statues on display, nice…read morefountain. The area is surrounded by restaurant & shops, gives you something to do either before or after you spend some time walking around & checking out the sites, it's a nice walk.

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Piazza Navona -Rome Italy on 09/30/2025

Entertainment in the middle of the Piazza

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Ugly man statue

Piazza San Pietro

4.8(157 reviews)

0.2 km•Città del Vaticano, Prati

When we were in Vatican City in the afternoon, we skipped the plaza. We came back in the early…read moreevening and it was much less crowded. The square is directly in front of St. Peter's Basilica. Both are named after Saint Peter, an apostle of Jesus whom Catholics consider the first Pope. There is an obelisk in the center and 284 columns that create the elliptical shape of the square.

This is the area around the Vatican…read more It's gorgeous! I absolutely love the fountains and statues in this area. So much amazing architecture. When you step into this piazza, I feel like you get a sense of the Holy Spirit. I mean, how can you not when you are so close to the Vatican? There's a peaceful atmosphere here.

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Piazza San Pietro

Fountain

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The lines to enter are not that long - half a mile (maybe) :) 11/14/23

Piazza del Popolo

4.4(100 reviews)

2.0 km•Flaminio

Cool Piazza at the Northern City Wall and also a gateway to Villa Borghese. This piazza has an…read moreobelisk, two churches, two fountains and also restaurants. There is a huge shopping area with parallel streets of shops, one that goes to Piazza di Spagna, at the base of the Spanish Steps. Five Stars!

I came I saw and I conquered. Wow, what a great place is this blessed City. You could spend hours…read morein this area. Great restaurants and shopping too.

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Another shot of the piazza de Popolo and the basilica.

Pantheon - Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres

4.7(482 reviews)

1.9 km•Centro Storico

Buy a ticket online before you come, since we went by several times and there was always a long…read moreline. If you already have your online ticket, there was a very short line to the left to get inside. The Pantheon was built originally as a Roman temple and later changed into a church in the 7th century, so it is one of the best preserved ancient buildings in Rome. The Oculus, circular opening at the top of the dome lets in light and rain. The ceiling above is a work of art. Statues and art around the perimeter also delight the eyes. You can even pray at the pews in front of the altar. Inside, tombs of Raphael, Victor Emmanuel II, and Umberto I and others. Next to the Sistine Chapel, this was one of the most crowded places we visited.

While visiting Roma , this was one of our stops. No time to…read morevisit inside since our time was limited as our stop in Roma was during our Mediterranean cruise. Beautiful structure on the outside so grand, it's nice to see one of these days maybe next time we will be able to go inside.

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In front of the Pantheon

Pantheon Rome, Italy on Friday, 09/26/2025 at 09:32pm

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Front far away

Castel Sant'Angelo

4.4(160 reviews)

1.0 km•Prati

There is no cost for walking around the premises of the Castel Sant'Angelo. It does take some time…read moreto walk around the entire building. There are lots of people that visit this landmark; however, it is not overly crowded. The atmosphere is chill, people are just walking around and taking pictures. The landmark is best for people wanting to see the sites of Rome, love history, and architecture. Overall it is a great experience in Rome. You do need to be cautious of people who are trying to engage you in conversation and give you a bracelet, They will start out by saying nice shoes or commenting on your skin color. My husband was a mark throughout all the cities in Rome. Unfortunately, we did engage in a conversation with the person and ultimately got robbed - yes robbed of 30 euros. The man literally grabbed the money out of my hand and began to run away.

Castel Sant' Angelo along the Tiber River, is one of Rome's most captivating landmarks. The…read morestructure is huge and daunting. It was originally built as Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum nearly 2,000 years ago, the castle later became a fortress, a papal refuge, a prison, and eventually a museum.. What makes Castel Sant'Angelo especially memorable is the atmosphere. The thick stone walls, hidden passageways, and spiral ramps. The angel statue atop the castle gives the entire site a dramatic, almost theatrical presence.

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12.3.24

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Piazza Venezia

4.4(39 reviews)

2.4 km•Centro Storico

So sad the Piazza Venezia and its' surrounding area was under construction during the time of our…read morevisit. This is one of the most iconic and central squares in Rome, and I can even see some of its' elegance peeking out from behind the construction area.

A must stop if you're looking for free things to do. There are options to pay like they have a…read moremuseum and some other stuff otherwise you could totally walk through the piazza completely free. Many picture areas and has bathrooms, though it was crowded.

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Piazzo Venezia - rooftop restaurant

Foro Romano

4.5(270 reviews)

3.1 km•Aventino, Centro Storico

Any student of history will appreciate the Roman forum which was the center for the majority of all…read morethe official and major activities that incurred in ancient Rome to include speeches, debate, gladiator fights in some instances, and even the return of victorious armies and new Caesars that you see in so many movies. When I saw the ruins and what was left of the forum I had assumed that this magnificent epicenter of old Rome had been ransacked and destroyed when the Roman empire fell. In fact and unfortunately, it's slowly fell into disrepair and ruins the direct result of lack of maintenance and care by the Roman people and government over time. In addition to the remaining structural ruins and statues that currently reside here you will find placards scattered about these ruins that explain the history of the forum and what each significant ruin stood for and was used for. Very educational and not to be missed as this clearly was one of the most significant ancient centers of the old world.

So much history here. It was hard for me to imagine what once was an empire to be neglected into…read moreruins but that is what happens when empires fall and there is no money for maintenance. People pillaged and plundered these buidings and repurposed the material to build other things elsewhere. This is located right next to the colosseum and you can get a combined admission ticket to see both. FYI that there are metal detectors and scanners at the security checkpoint. I got a lot of steps in that day! Many of the paths here to not connect so need to double-back much of the time. Five stars!

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The Roman Forum at dusk

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Parrocchia Santa Maria in Vallicella

5.0(1 review)

1.3 km•Centro Storico

My son, nephew and I stumbled upon this fantastic building on our last day visiting Rome. We were…read morewandering around after making an attempt to visit The Vatican Museums with no luck, the lines were literally around the block. We were on our way to The Pantheon. This place is awesome, not so much from the outside, yet once you enter..... it's absolutely gorgeous. I googled some information about it, to follow. "Santa Maria in Vallicella, also called Chiesa Nuova, is a church in Rome, Italy, which today faces onto the main thoroughfare of the Corso Vittorio Emanuele. It is the principal church of the Oratorians, a religious congregation of secular priests, founded by St Philip Neri in 1561 at a time in the 16th century when the Counter Reformation saw the emergence of a number of new religious organisations such as the Society of Jesus (Jesuits), the Theatines and the Barnabites. Adjacent to the church is the Casa dei Filippini or the House of the Oratorians. There is a marked contrast between the pale travertine facade of the church and the brick built facade of the Casa. The Casa includes the Oratory designed by the Baroque architect, Francesco Borromini." Reference wikipedia It's located about .5Km from the Pantheon, and easily accessible via bus.

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