Rome Photos

Photos of ancient Rome, monuments, churches, and squares in Rome, Italy

Take a virtual tour with this introductory Rome picture gallery. You'll see photos of Rome's most popular tourist sights including ancient Roman sites, churches, and lavish fountains and squares. Enjoy the splendor of Rome, the Eternal City.

The Roman Colosseum, constructed between 70 and 82 AD by Emperors Vespasian and Titus Flavian, is the heart of ancient Rome. Once used for fierce gladiator and wild animal fights, today it's one of Italy's top tourist attractions. Here's a look at both the exterior and interior of the Colosseum.

The Baths of Diocletian were the largest public baths in ancient Rome, covering 32 acres and accommodating up to 3000 bathers. Today part of the ancient bath complex belongs to the National Roman Museum and holds a display of painted tombs, funerary urns, and sarcophagi. Take a closer look with these photos.

The Basilica of Saint John Lateran, or San Giovanni in Laterano, is Rome's cathedral. The Baroque cathedral holds six papal tombs and the papal altar is said to contain many relics. Take a look inside the Basilica with these photos.

Piazza Navona is lined with luxurious cafes and Baroque palaces but tourists come mainly to view the three lavish Renaissance fountains. Fontana Dei Fiumi, the central fountain, is said to be the most complex of all the fountains in Rome. It was created by Bernini in the early 1650s. Take a virtual walk around Piazza Navona.

Although not nearly as popular as Piazza Navona, Piazza Farnese, between Campo dei Fiori and the Tiber River, is one of my favorite squares in Rome. The square has two unusual bathtub fountains, made of tubs taken from the Baths of Caracalla. Hotel Residenza in Farnese (read my review) is just off the piazza and is a nice place to stay. Enjoy our photos of Piazza Farnese.

Villa Torlonia, a lavish 19th century villa in Rome, was the residence of former Italian dictator Benito Mussolini from 1925 through 1943. The grounds are open to the public free of charge and there are two museums at Villa Torlonia. During summer concerts are held in the gardens. Take a look at the villa and grounds with these photos.

If you're looking for a peaceful place to escape the crowded city, head to Sant' Onofrio Cloister on the Janiculum Hill. There are beautiful frescoes with scenes from the life of the hermit Onofrio, the elaborate tomb of Renaissance poet Torquato Tasso, and the Tasso Museum. Take an armchair visit to the cloister.

Although not technically in Rome, many people include a visit to Vatican City and Saint Peter's Basilica as part of a Rome itinerary. Bernini designed the magnificent square in front of the Basilica and some of the monuments. Take a virtual visit to Saint Peter's Basilica, the square, the Swiss Guards, and the Passetto between Castel Sant'Angelo and the Vatican.