
Rome's mighty Colosseum
It seems difficult to image a city more captivating, exciting, historic and vibrant that the ‘Eternal City’ of Rome.
For the the avid historian or those with even a slight interest in history, nowhere can compete with Rome. After all, history’s greatest civilisation isn’t afforded such reverential status for no reason. With so much to see and – for those on a budget, at least – so little time to explore, what should be given prominence to the visitor?
It may seem to many as a cliched site to visit, but the mighty Colosseum at the heart of the city cannot be overlooked. An iconic symbol of the once great Roman Empire, the sheer size of the Colosseum is enough to put it on any must-see list.
Entrance to this staggering structure is like a step back in time, with the imaginations of its visitors running a mile-a-minute trying to imagine how those gladiators, victims and spectators must’ve felt entering for the very first time. It is well worth taking a couple of hours to explore the Colosseum, since the grandiosity of the arena will undoubtedly take the breath away.

Inside the Sistine Chapel
Should art be the order of the day, then nothing and nowhere compare with the Vatican Museums. The opulence of Christendom and regal nature of the papacy can be ascertained with a day’s walk around the magnificent museums.
Yes, the Sistine Chapel is singled out by many as one of the greatest feats of art in history, but there is so much more than Michelangelo’s seminal work. Indeed, the Raphael Rooms are equally as captivating, with The School of Athens easily one of the highlights of the museums.
A word of advice for any visitor to the Vatican Museums, however, is to ensure an early arrival. Such is the vast collection, a full day will fly by before you have seen anywhere near what all there is to see.
No visit to the Vatican Museums is complete, however, with a visit to nearby St Peter’s Basilica, the spiritual home of the Catholic faith. If energy permits – and a head for heights is no object – then a climb to the top of Michelangelo’s dome will provide spectacular panoramas of the city.

Trevi Fountain
Perhaps one of the most serene sites in the city – and an ideal spot to unwind after a day’s exploration – is the stunning Trevi Fountain. The work of 18th-century architect Niccolo Salvi, this spectacular Baroque fountain has been immortalised in film in Fellini’s La Dolce Vita. Subtle lighting and the sound of tumbling water makes for a perfect romantic evening, when lovers takes turns to throw coins over their shoulders: tradition says that the tossing of a coin into the water ensures a future return to the city.
There is so much more to Rome than these four attractions. In fact, there is enough in Rome to fill a lifetime. But for the first-time tourist, a visit to those sights listed will be more than enough to whet the appetite.
After all, if you’ve tossed a coin into the Trevi Fountain, chances are you’ll be returning anyway!