Sightseeing in Rome can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. There are a myriad of things to do and see in Rome gratis. In fact, some of the best things to do in Rome don’t cost a cent. The amount of free fun to have in Rome is staggering, and includes visiting stunning churches that make one feel tiny and insignificant in a good way, walking among ruins that transport one to a forgotten world, viewing awe inspiring art, and experiencing the vibrant modern city that Rome is today.
Churches in Rome
Churches in Rome are free to the public, though some keep strange hours and may charge a small fee to access certain parts of the Church. Here are a few that shouldn’t be missed:
- St. Peter’s Basilica: This one is obvious; the magnificent domed building at the heart of the Vatican was designed by such great Renaissance artists as Bramante, Bernini, and Michelangelo. The enormity of St. Peter’s square has a physical effect on the viewer; it is quite literally breathtaking.
- Santa Maria Maggiore: This basilica on the Esquiline Hill boasts fifth century mosaics, a Romanesque bell tower, and an impressive façade built in 1741.
- Santa Maria Sopra Minerva: The façade of this basilica is humble, but the interior will surprise with its richness. One can see Filippino Lippi’s fresco The Assumption here, as well as Michelangelo’s sculpture, Christ Bearing the Cross. Be sure to bring some change to put in offering boxes that light up the frescoes in the chapels around the church.
- Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (San Paulo Fuori Le Mura): Finished in 395, this basilica is a true historic gem. It contains a beautiful 13th century apse mosaic and medieval murals, among other treasures.
Fountains in Rome
There is plenty of free Rome sightseeing outside of Churches. Roman fountains can be seen for free all over the city - some celebrated creations to be sure to see on a Roman vacation include:
- Trevi fountain: This outrageous monument in the Piazza di Trevi is good old fashioned baroque eye candy. The fountain was completed in 1762 by Nicola Salvi, though it was influenced by earlier sketches by Bernini.
- Fountain of the Four Rivers: Bernini finished this fountain in 1651. It sits in the center of the lovely Piazza Navona, and is flanked by two other renowned fountains which include the Fountain of Neptune (1575) and the Fountain of the Moor (1574) by Giamcomo della Porta, with statues added by Antonio della Bitta and Bernini respectively.
- Fontana Delle Api and Fontana del Tritone: Both of these fountains are by Bernini (1643) and can be found in Piazza Barberini.
Other Free Rome Attractions
More sights in Rome to enjoy on a budget vacation:
- Pantheon: This hulking mass of marble looks almost alien in its age and grace. Everything around the Pantheon looks old until one gets to the Pantheon itself, which makes its surroundings look ordinary in comparison. It was built over an older building dating back to 25 B.C.E. that was commissioned by the consul Marcus Agrippa, and then rebuilt in its present shape by the emperor Hadrian between 118 and 126 (with the help of numerous engineers and laborers, of course). Originally dedicated to the Roman Gods, it was later converted to a Christian Church.
- Pyramid of Caius Cestius: Built in 12 B.C.E. as a tomb for the magistrate that gives it its name, this pyramid is a grand sight. Half of the pyramid lies inside Campo Cestio, the foreigners’ cemetery that houses the graves of Keats and Shelley, two great English Romantic poets. The cemetery is a peaceful haven that emits a sacred feeling of connection to those that lived in and loved Rome in the past. It is filled with luscious plants and is a sanctuary for stray cats that are loved and fed by volunteers.
Organize an Individualized Rome Walking Tour
Plan which neighborhoods or monuments to visit and plot them on a Google map. A simple stroll around the city lets one experience present day Rome- it is easy to get in the “Rome as a museum” mindset, but people watching, chatting, and window shopping can help to alleviate some of the oversaturation that accompanies viewing staggering works of art and historical ruins and monuments all day. With some planning, one could vacation in Rome for a month and never pay for a single activity. Remember that Rome itself is a work of art that requires no entrance fee.
Lindsey Schuhmacher - Lindsey Schuhmacher is a writer and English Instructor in Portland, OR. She has lived in Bologna, Italy, and traveled in England and ...
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