Rome's top landmarks are as storied as the city itself, relating a history that dates back to 753 B.C. and detailing moments that changed the world, like the rise and fall of the ancient Roman Empire and the formation of the Roman Catholic Church. Here is the list of the greatest locations in Rome that you can include in the route (every locations needs from 30 min to 1 hour of shooting time):
1. Trevi fountain
One of the most recognizable and iconic monuments in the city, the Trevi Fountain was designed and completed in the 18th century. Tourists come to the fountain in order to throw a coin, which is, according to a local legend, supposed to bring good luck. It was also famous for having featured in a major scene of Federico Fellini's 1960 La Dolce Vita.
2. Spanish Steps + viewing deck near Casina Valadier
With its irregular butterfly design, the beautiful “Scalina Spagna”, or Spanish Steps are just one of these must see places when in Rome and a great example of Roman Baroque Style. It’s a great place to just sit down and enjoy the atmosphere and views of the Eternal City. The steps are a wide irregular gathering place consisted of 138 steps placed in a mix of curves, straight flights, vistas and terraces. They connect the lower Piazza di Spagna with the upper piazza Trinita dei Monti, with its beautiful twin tower church dominating the skyline.
3. Popolo square + viewing deck
Piazza del Popolo is a beautiful, oval, neoclassical square, situated close to the Borghese Park. It is one of the largest open areas in the historic center of Rome. It has a long and interesting history dating back to 3th century AD. and was the first or the last thing that travelers met entering or leaving the city. It was designed by Giuseppe Valadier from 1811 to 1822.
4. St. Peter's square + Bernini's colonnade
The Vatican is the smallest independent state in the world, with an area of less than half a square kilometer, most of it enclosed by the Vatican walls. Inside are the Vatican palace and gardens, St. Peter's Basilica, and St. Peter's Square, an area ruled by the Pope, supreme head of the Roman Catholic Church. This compact space offers much for tourists to see, between its museums and the great basilica itself.
5. Castel Sant'Angelo + bridge (might add also a terrace on the roof)
The bridge was built in between the banks of the Tiber river in 134 AD by Emperor Hadrian in order to connect the center of Antique Rome with his newly built mausoleum (today better known as Castel Sant’Angelo). At the time the bridge was known as the “Aelian Bridge”, which simply meant “Bridge of Hadrian”. For many years the bridge was used as a passageway for Christian pilgrims on their way to St. Peter’s Basilica. The current name of Sant’Angelo is used since the 7th century for a legend in which Archangel Michael was seen atop the castle with his sword drawn to indicate the ending of the plague of 590 AD. The impressive Statue of Michael can now be seen on top of Castel Sant.Angelo, facing the bridge.
6. Navona square
Dominitian’s ancient stadium, in the heart of the city, is now adorned with fine Renaissance and Baroque buildings, designed by the most famous architects of the 16C and 17C. The breathtaking magnificence of the piazza was meant to show the authority of Pamphili family, who had their own palace facing the square. The piazza is one of Rome’s liveliest squares, full of tourists, portrait painters, vendors, musicians, mime artists , shops and restaurants.
7. The Pantheon
Even today, almost 2000 years after its construction, the breathtaking pantheon is a remarkable building to see. The spectacular design, proportions, elegance and harmony are a striking reminder of the architecture of the great Roman Empire. When Michelangelo saw this wonder for the first time he said that it looks more like the work of angels, not humans.
8. Capital square (Michelangelo's square) + viewing deck
The piazza del Campidoglio is a symbol, the centre of the city and of its government since the XIIth century. This square, which overlooks the town is considered the most beautiful in Europe and was imagined by Michelangelo in 1536. Its orientation helps us understand the development of the city, which turned its back to Ancient Rome to look over to the Vatican, the new centre of power in those days. It is surrounded by the Capitoline Museum. The Senate Palace, the Palais dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo. Shaped as a trapezium, this square and its harmonious and balanced dimensions are appreciated by visitors.
9. Roman Forum
Walking through the forum, now in the middle of a throbbing modern city, is like stepping back two millennia into the heart of ancient Rome. Although what survives of this center of Roman life and government shows only a small fraction of its original splendor, the standing and fallen columns, its triumphal arches, and remains of its walls still impress, especially when you consider that for centuries, the history of the Forum was the history of the Roman Empire and of the western world. Roman political and religious life was centered here, along with the courts, markets, and meeting places.
10. Colosseum
Rome’s most popular monument was built between 72-80 A.D. The Colosseum is still the largest amphitheater in the world, and stands as an iconic symbol of Rome and the great Roman architecture. The Colosseum was constructed as a gift to the Roman Citizens from the Flavian Dynasty to increase their popularity, to stage various forms of entertainment, and to showcase Roman engineering techniques to the world.
11. Altar of Fatherland (Vittoriano) + terrace
Whether you think the imposing memorial built to mark the winning of Italian unity and honor its first king is a magnificent monument or a monumental eyesore, you must admit that it is an unmistakable Roman landmark. The National Monument to Victor Emmanuel II was built between 1885 and 1911 to celebrate the success of the Risorgimento and achievement of Italian unity in 1870. It is immense: 135 meters long by 130 meters deep, and rears up to a height of 70 meters.
12. Trastevere quarter
Trastevere is the 13th rione of Rome, and one of Rome's most cherished neighborhoods for tourists to stay in.
Why do many who come to Rome like Trastevere? The location is just across the river from the major archaeological monuments of Ancient Rome. The narrow, cobbled streets are loaded with charm and outside the major squares the area can be quite quiet at night. Trastevere seems like a small village (with a large percentage of people who eat out), yet you're smack in the historic center of Rome.The popularity of Trastevere is magnified by the number of places to eat and drink.
13. Fountana dell'Acqua Paola
With its breathtaking view, the Fontana dell'Acqua Paola is one of the most romantic and picturesque places in Rome. Known by Romans as “er Fontanone” (the “Big Fountain”), it is a baroque jewel that graces the Janiculum landscape with its marble splendour. Commissioned by Paul V Borghese in 1600 as a monumental display of the aqueduct, the fountain marks the end of the aqueduct and celebrates its creator, the Pope, in name: Acqua “Paola”.
ROME PHOTOSHOOT ROUTES
All suggested routes are pretty flexible, however these mentioned here are logically laid out and offer maximum efficiency
1 Hour
Photoshoot Routes:
1. Colosseum and Roman Forum
2. Trevi fountain and Spanish Steps
3. A walk in the Trastevere neighborhood
4. Sant'Angelo bridge and Navona square
5. Spanish Steps and viewing deck
2 Hours
Photoshoot Routes
1. The Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Pantheon
2. Colosseum, Roman Forum with viewing deck
3. Spanish Steps, viewing deck and piazza del Popolo
4. Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and Colosseum
5. St. Peter's square, Sant'Angelo bridge and Navona square
