Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Italy

"No visit to Rome is complete without briefly leaving Italy to light a candle in St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Almost all of the great Renaissance architects and artists had a hand in its design and it can be visited for free. There is a papal audience every Wednesday morning while on Sundays at noon the pope imparts his blessing on crowds for the Angelus."

"A breakfast buffet with Italian delicacies was served daily on the rooftop restaurant, that enjoys views of St Peter’s Basilica. The neighborhood was lovely with the Vatican and a metro stop just steps away. There was also a great choice of restaurants, bars, and shops nearby."

"It is a showcase of ancient Western civilization, with marvels such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon. It takes days and days to truly explore Rome. The city is enormous and it is filled with enough churches, Roman ruins, and exceptional restaurants that you could spend weeks here and never get bored. But most people don’t have weeks to spend in Rome."

"Witness a mysterious and ancient marvel of Rome, the Pantheon. Tour the pagan-temple-turned-church to learn how this historic monument has remained preserved despite raids and regime changes. Be sure to head to the most fascinating section of the monument’s interior¬ – the center of the Pantheon¬ – and raise your gaze to see the giant “eye” or oculus."

"This treasure trove of classical and historical artwork has been built up over many centuries by various popes and includes some of the most important pieces of artwork in the world. Located within the confines of the Vatican state, the museums hold over 70,000 pieces of artwork. A dual ticket can be purchased to see both the Sistine Chapel and the museums and it is advised to devote enough time to see both properly."

"The Vatican Museums are the public art and sculpture museums in the Vatican City complex. They're housed in former wings of the Vatican Palace. Much of the work was collected by Pope Julius II, the imperious "warrior" pope who left a staggering legacy."

"It is said that if you stood at each piece for just one minute, it would take you four years to see everything. Created by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, the museums have expanded..."

"At the time of its creation, this was the largest amphitheater of its day, having been able to hold 50,000 to 80,000 spectators!. Built as a giant centerpiece right in the heart of the ancient city of Rome, Emperor Vespasian saw to the construction of the Colosseum, which was built somewhere between 70- 80 A.D…. Though partly in ruin, much of the structure is available to visit and take in."

"After ducking into a bar (aka coffeeshop) for a traditional Italian breakfast of a cappuccino and a pastry, head directly to the Colosseum to soak in some incredible history! It’s impossible to get lost heading here–take the metro to the stop marked “Colosseum”, and it will practically smack you in the face as you walk out of the station."

"The most famous sight in all of Rome is its ancient gladiatorial arena, the Colosseum. Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the 2,000-year-old structure once held up to 50,000 spectators. As the site of epic gladiator battles, roaring crowds and jeering emperors, the historic atmosphere of this bloody arena is palpable."

"The incredibly ornate Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is the most famous fountain in Rome, and perhaps all of Italy. Centered around the Greek sea god Oceanus—as well as Tritons, seahorses, and other mythological figures—the baroque Trevi Fountain has made cameos on the silver screen and is a popular spot of superstition; throw in a coin and make a wish.More"

"The Trevi fountain was completed in 1762, and today stands as one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions. It’s not as popular as the Colosseum, or the Vatican, but still attracts large crowds. The statues of the fountain make excellent backdrops for portrait photos."

"Rome's world-famous Trevi Fountain depicts the mythological Neptune, backed by two Tritons. A fun place to grab a gelato, throw a coin in the fountain, and people-watch."

"The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of the lesser visited churches in Rome. A beloved church for locals, not many outside the country actually realize this is one of the oldest basilicas ever built!. In fact, the church was built upon wishes of Roman Emperor Constantine I over what was recognized to be the burial place of Saint Paul."

"It is one of the four papal basilicas in Rome and is the second largest after St. Peter’s Basilica. Visiting this basilica could turn out to be the highlight of your travel. The interior of the church makes you feel the soft marble and gold touch with your eyes."

"This martyrium, or sanctuary dedicated to a martyr, lies hidden within the cloister of San Pietro in Montorio, on the supposed site of St. Peter’s martyrdom on the cross on the Gianicolo—one of the seven hills of Rome. King Ferdinand II and Queen Isabella I of Spain owned the land and ordered the construction of the complex in 1480 as fulfillment of a vow taken after the birth of their firstborn child. It was completed in 1504."

"Bramante's Tempietto (little temple) is considered the first great building of the High Renaissance. It is a perfect little surprise squeezed into the courtyard of the Chiesa di San Pietro in Montorio, on the spot where St. Peter is said to be crucified. Its classically inspired design and ideal proportions epitomize Renaissance zeitgeist."

"19/07/2021: Che dire RossoDiVino è sempre una scoperta, purtroppo negli ultimi periodi non sono potuto andare molto spesso, ma come sempre Stefano e il suo staff non deludono mai!. Antipasti da paura… le patate tartufate sono una delizia… bistecche e filetti di primo ordine… non resta che tornarci il prima possibile. 19/07/2021: Complimenti a tutto lo staff soprattutto a Stefano padrone di casa esemplare ."

"Now housing the French Embassy, the Palazzo Farnese contains the famous Farnese gallery with its fresco cycle depicting the loves of the gods by artist Annibale Carracci. Tickets should be booked online (here) at least a week in advance. The Colosseum and the Vatican Museums are two attractions that don’t require you to buy tickets in advance, but you may be able to reduce your time in line if you do: Short lines for sights in Rome, Italy"

"The most beautiful Renaissance palace in Rome, the Palazzo Farnese is fabled for the Galleria Carracci, whose ceiling is to the Baroque…"

"By now, the Orange Tree Garden on the Aventine Hill has become a little bit famous. If you haven’t been, by all means, head over there!. The Giardino degli Aranci, or Orange Tree Garden, on the Aventine Hill, is a favorite for many."

"The Regoli family opened their business in Rome in 1916 — at the time, they were recently arrived Tuscan charcoal makers — and transformed their small operation into one of the city’s most beloved pastry shops. The display cases are packed with cakes, wild strawberry tarts, maritozzi (whipped cream-filled buns), and seasonal treats like bignè in late winter, colombe at Easter, and pandoro at Christmas. Have pastries packaged to take away, or order at the counter and the kitchen will send the items to your table at the neighboring Caffé Regoli."

"There’s something to be said for longevity—Pasticceria Regoli recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, so dolce afficionados should be sure to stop by to taste a piece of Roman history. The bakery opened in 1916, and they pride themselves on using traditional recipes to make classic desserts. Don’t miss the crostatine con fragoline, a pastry filled with Chantilly cream and tiny wild strawberries."

"Located inside the ornate Galleria Esedra, near Rome’s Termini Station, this Sicilian bakery is a go-to for sweets, such as cannoli, cassate and marzipan. Pasticceria Dagnino opened in Palermo in 1896 but has operated a branch in the Eternal City since 1955. The décor hasn’t changed much since; it’s an elegant place with old-world charm."

"If you’re in the mood for cannoli, Pasticceria Dagnino is the place to go. That said, this Italian pastry shop has a wide variety of sweets and pastries to choose from. Additionally, Pasticceria Dagnino has ample outdoor seating, so it is a great place to enjoy a pastry and soak in Rome’s beauty."