World Guide

Rome

Capital of Italy

Rome
Photo: Bert Kaufmann from Roermond, Netherlands, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Rome, the capital of Italy, has a population of about 2.75 million. The city is known for its extensive collection of ancient ruins, historic basilicas, and public squares that serve as major points of interest for travelers.

What to see

The city contains many ancient structures, including the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill, and the Pantheon. Visitors can explore sites such as the Circus Maximus, the Baths of Caracalla, the Arch of Constantine, the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Caesar, and the Temple of Saturn. Remnants of the city's defenses remain visible at the Servian Wall and the Pyramid of Cestius. Religious architecture is prominent, featuring UNESCO sites such as the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Santa Maria Maggiore, and the Scala Sancta. Other notable churches include Santa Maria in Trastevere, the Church of the Gesù, and San Pietro in Vincoli. Public life centers around areas like Piazza Navona, Piazza Venezia, and the Spanish Steps. The Trevi Fountain and the Victor Emmanuel II Monument are key landmarks. Cultural collections are housed in institutions like the Capitoline Museums, Galleria Borghese, and Palazzo Barberini.

When to go

Rome experiences hot, dry summers and mild but rainy winters. July and August are the warmest months, with daily highs reaching 30 °C and minimal rainfall. Travelers seeking milder temperatures may prefer spring, specifically May, or early autumn in September, when daily highs average 22 °C to 26 °C. Rainfall is most frequent and heaviest from October through December, with November seeing the highest precipitation levels. January and February are the coolest months, with daily highs around 12 °C and lows of 4 °C.

Getting there

The nearest airport is Ciampino–G. B. Pastine International Airport (CIA), located 14 km from the city.

Top sights in Rome

  1. ColosseumColosseum
  2. Pantheon, RomePantheon, Rome
  3. Trevi FountainTrevi Fountain
  4. Archbasilica of Saint John LateranUNESCOArchbasilica of Saint John Lateran
  5. Castel Sant'AngeloCastel Sant'Angelo
  6. Circus MaximusCircus Maximus
  7. Roman Forum
  8. Appian WayUNESCOAppian Way
  9. Santa Maria MaggioreUNESCOSanta Maria Maggiore
  10. Stadio OlimpicoStadio Olimpico
  11. Spanish StepsSpanish Steps
  12. Palatine HillPalatine Hill
  1. Victor Emmanuel II Monument
  2. Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the WallsUNESCO
  3. Arch of Titus
  4. Trajan's Column
  5. Mausoleum of Augustus
  6. Arch of Constantine
  7. Baths of Caracalla
  8. Quirinal Palace
  9. Scala SanctaUNESCO
  10. Piazza Navona
  11. Galleria Borghese
  12. Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi
  13. Ara Pacis
  14. Pyramid of Cestius
  15. Capitoline Museums
  16. Church of the Gesù
  17. Curia Julia
  18. Column of Marcus Aurelius
  19. Piazza del Popolo
  20. Santa Maria sopra Minerva
  21. Santa Maria in Trastevere
  22. Temple of Caesar
  23. Baths of Diocletian
  24. Servian Wall
  25. San Pietro in Vincoli
  26. Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri
  27. Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
  28. Santa Maria della Vittoria, Rome
  29. Campo de' Fiori
  30. Ponte Sant'Angelo
  31. Temple of Saturn
  32. Lapis Niger
  33. Piazza Venezia
  34. Arch of Septimius Severus
  35. Chigi Palace
  36. Santa Maria del Popolo
  37. Santa Sabina
  38. Theatre of Marcellus
  39. San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane
  40. San Luigi dei Francesi
  41. Palazzo Barberini

Weather by month

The warmest month is July, with an average high of 30 °C. The wettest is November, with about 110 mm of rain.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average high, °C121215182226303026211613
Average low, °C446913172020171496
Rainfall, mm65655673513022297010211097
Rainy days119108117369111311

Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Rome (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.

Also worth a look

  • Basilica Aemilia
  • Caelian Hill
  • Historic district of Rome
  • Janiculum
  • Mosque of Rome
  • Palazzo Farnese
  • Palazzo della Cancelleria
  • Piazza di Spagna
  • Ponte Milvio
  • San Lorenzo fuori le mura
  • Santa Maria in Ara Coeli
  • Tabularium
  • Temple of Antoninus and Faustina
  • Temple of Castor and Pollux
  • Tiber Island
  • Trinità dei Monti
  • Villa Farnesina
  • Villa Medici

Other cities in Italy