This post outlines my personal top five sites for my next visit to Rome. Unlike a list for a first-timer, this itinerary assumes more leisure time and dives deep into personal interests. We'll explore the hidden 9th-century mosaics of Santa Prassede, the stunning sculpture of Santa Cecilia in Trastevere, the Baroque masterpieces of the Borghese Gallery, the layered history of the Capitoline Hill, and the revolutionary art of Caravaggio in San Luigi de' Francesi.

Visiting Rome with limited time? Focus on the historical layers. The must-see five are the Colosseum, St. Peter's Basilica, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain. Experience ancient grandeur and Baroque beauty efficiently. Prioritize transit (take a taxi to St. Peter's) and check for the original ground level outside the Pantheon! This curated list ensures maximum impact in minimum time.

St. Peter's Basilica is a magnificent basilica. It is the resting place of Peter the Apostle. Originally constructed by Constantine, it was rebuilt in the Renaissance and decorated in the Baroque style. It is lavish and grand and impressive.

Outside of the main city of Rome, along the ancient Appian Way - the main road of Ancient Rome, sits the church of Domine Quo Vadis. The phrase comes from the legend of Peter (specifically, the apocryphal Acts of Peter) and is said to be the words that Peter spoke to the risen Christ. Peter was fleeing the persecutions of Rome, and on the way out of the city on the main road, the Appian Way, he came across the risen Christ, who was headed into Rome.

The church of St. Ignazio is a marvel of decoration and will provide you with an excellent opportunity to exercise your eyes! The most magnificent artwork is above you, for when you look up, the ceiling opens and you are rewarded with the vision of St. Ignatius being taken to heaven. Look around, though, and see the host of characters that are accompanying him at the edges of the ceiling. All is masterfully done. The ceiling was painted by the artist Andra Pozzo in the later

The Tempietto is a beautiful example of Renaissance architecture in Rome. Bramante created this structure in 1502, drawing on classical Roman examples with perfect proportions. It sits in the courtyard of San Pietro in Montorio, commemorating what was once thought to be St. Peter’s martyrdom site. This was based on a misinterpretation of the term “meta,” which we now know referred to the circus in the Vatican area. The Tempietto is a perfect stop during a lovely walk in Trast

You will find the ruins of ancient Rome throughout the city. One reason is that re-use has preserved many of the magnificent structures of Imperial Rome. The Temple of Hadrian is a fascinating example of this. Although the structure as a whole no longer stands, you can easily see the wonder of the building, for the large columns and the entablature survive in a modern building. The remaining wall of the Temple of Hadrian sits in its own Piazza, so there is plenty of time t

The Spanish Steps in Rome lead from Piazza di Spagna, home to a Bernini fountain and the Spanish Embassy, to the Trinità dei Monti church with its Roman obelisk. This area, once home to poet Yeats, offers city views and upscale shopping. Visitors should note that sitting on the steps is prohibited.

The EUR district takes visitors outside central Rome to a virtually deserted area. Planned by Mussolini in the 1930s for the 1942 World's Fair, its architecture reflects the period, making one feel stepped back in time. It is a place to immerse oneself in stark WWII architecture.

Bernini, a master of Baroque sculpture, has a presence felt throughout Rome. The Borghese Gallery holds his Apollo and Daphne, a myth codified by Ovid, depicting Daphne's transformation into a laurel tree while pursued by Apollo. This work, meant to be seen from all angles, shows various stages of transformation. This work was meant to be seen from all angles, and as you walk around the work, you see the vari

The Church of Saint Peter in Chains contains, as the name suggests, the chains that held Peter when he was imprisoned in Rome. They are prominently displayed under the altar. The story about the chains can be a bit confusing. At its core, the chain that held St. Peter was divided at some point in its history, with half going to Jerusalem. It was returned to Rome, however, and upon being placed with the other half, to two pieces joined to become one.

Pope Joan is a female Pope who is said to have served from 855-857, though her story did not gain prominence until the late 1200s, and,...

Overlooking Trastevere is the beautiful Fontanone - the Big Fountain. The fountain is the counterpart to the Trevi Fountain; both mark the end points of Roman acqueducts. Take the time to enjoy the view, then walk down the steps and enjoy a beautiful dinner at any of a number of great restauraunts in Trastevere.

Just off the city center is a large, gleaming pyramid. This is the tomb of Caius Cestius and it was constructed between 18 and 12 BC. At the time of its construction, it would have been in an open area; the city had not yet spread to this point. The Roman walls constructed under Marcus Aurelius in the 270s actually used this pyramid as part of the walls. If you travel on the subway in Rome, Pryamide is a subway stop, and the stop is connected to Rome's secondary train stat

Raphael's Isaiah is a powerful fresco tucked inside Sant'Agostino near Piazza Navona. This Renaissance version of the prophet is inspired by the works of Michelango.

The Basilica of San Silvestro in Capite claims to have the head of John the Baptist.

The church of San Agostino, Rome

The sculpture by Bernini of the Elephant and the Obelisk.

In front of the Castel Sant'Angelo, in view of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, the Ponte Sant'Angelo bridge crosses the Tiber. (The...

In the beautiful Chiesa di San Luigi dei Francesci, just a block from Piazza Navona, is a chapel containing three Caravaggio...