The Rome is a beautiful city, full of ancient architecture, temples, churches and museums. Exploring it might need more than a week and probably if you want to visit all places of interest even 3 months might be not enough. It attracts tourist from all over the World. However, that means that you can’t take a picture without people during daytime. Luckily at late night the streets are almost empty and the objects in most cases are well lit, so exploring Rome at night can be a real adventure! During the day don’t forget sunscreen so that you don’t get burned!
- The Chiesa del Gesù
- Campidogli, Rome at night
- Columns of Temple of Venus Genetrix
- Statues of the Emperors, Rome at night
- Altar of the Fatherland, Rome night
- Trajan’s Colum, Rome at night
- The Basilica Ulpia, Rome at night
- Trajan’s Market, Rome at night
- Temple of Mars Ultor, Rome at night
- Le “Colonnacce”
- The Colosseum, Rome at night
- The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina
- The Curia di Pompeo (Curia of Pompey)
- The Lateran Obelisk, Rome at night
- The Buco della Serratura (Key hole), Rome at night
- Fountain di Trevi, Rome at night
- The Four Fountains
- The Basilica of Saint Mary Major
- Trattoria Vecchia Roma
- The Church of Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
- The Fontana dei Monti, Rome at night
- Fontana del Viminale, Rome at night
- The Pantheon, Rome at night
- Pizzeria Rossopomodoro
The Chiesa del Gesù
The Chiesa del Gesù is a Roman Catholic church. It is the mother church of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and is considered to be one of the most important Baroque churches in all of Europe. The interior is lavishly decorated with gilded stucco, frescoes, and sculptures. The church also houses a number of important artworks, including frescos by Ignazio Danti and Guercino.
Campidogli, Rome at night
Campidoglio is an iconic piazza located at the top of the Capitoline Hill in Rome. It is home to some of the most important monuments of the city such as the Palazzo Senatorio, Palazzo dei Conservatori, and Palazzo Nuovo, as well as Michelangelo’s famous equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius. The piazza also houses a museum and several gardens, offering incredible views of the city.
Columns of Temple of Venus Genetrix
The Temple of Venus Genetrix was a Roman temple in the Forum of Caesar. It was dedicated to the Roman goddess Venus Genetrix, the mythical ancestress of the Roman people. Built by Julius Caesar in 46 BC, it was one of the first buildings in the imperial forum and is considered an important example of Augustan architecture.
Statues of the Emperors, Rome at night
While walking via dei Fori Imperiali you can see the magnificent statues of Roman Emperors.
Altar of the Fatherland, Rome night
At night, the Altar of the Fatherland is a breathtaking sight at night, well lit against the dark sky. The monumental white marble structure stands out, creating a striking contrast with the surrounding buildings. The grandeur of the monument is further enhanced by the vibrant lights that highlight its architectural details. You can purchase a ticket to visit the top of this monument and enjoy the breathtaking view of Rome, but you should do it during the day though as it is closed at night.
Trajan’s Colum, Rome at night
Trajan’s Column is an ancient Roman column. It was constructed between 106 and 113 AD by the Roman emperor Trajan to commemorate his victory in the Dacian Wars. The column stands at a height of 30 meters and is decorated with a spiral frieze that depicts the story of Trajan’s military campaigns. The column is topped with a statue of Trajan which has since been replaced several times over the centuries. It is considered one of the greatest works of Roman Imperial art and architecture and is a popular tourist attraction in Rome today.
The Basilica Ulpia, Rome at night
The Basilica Ulpia was a large basilica located in the Forum of Trajan. It was built by the Emperor Trajan from 106 to 113 AD and was one of the largest buildings in the ancient Roman world. A number of columns which historically formed the Basilica Ulpia have remained on site, and have been re-erected in their original positions. These columns are made of marble, and some are decorated with carved reliefs depicting scenes from Roman history. The columns vary in height and diameter, but the tallest are around 32 metres high and 3 metres wide. The re-erected columns provide an impressive view of the ancient building and provide an insight into its former grandeur.
Trajan’s Market, Rome at night
Trajan’s Market was an ancient shopping mall located in the Trajan Forum. Constructed during the reign of the Roman Emperor Trajan in the early 2nd century AD, the market was built to serve as a commercial hub and was one of the first examples of an urban shopping mall. The complex consisted of multiple levels with a variety of shops, offices and apartments that are connected by a network of narrow streets, staircases and ramps. The market is now home to several tourist attractions, including a museum that showcases its architectural and archaeological significance.
Temple of Mars Ultor, Rome at night
Temple of Mars Ultor (Temple of Mars the Avenger) was a sanctuary erected in Ancient Rome by the Roman Emperor Augustus in 2 BCE and dedicated to the god Mars in his guise as avenger. It was located in the Forum of Augustus and was part of an imperial propaganda campaign to glorify and bring about an acceptance of the authority of the new Augustan empire. Within it stood three statues, including a colossal Mars Ultor, Venus and Julius Caesar. The temple served as a meeting place for the Senate and a reception place to meet foreign embassies. Over time, it was restored several times before eventually being closed during the persecution of pagans in the late Roman Empire. In the 19th century, it was home to a convent before being demolished to make way for a new road.
Le “Colonnacce”
Le “Colonnacce” is a large semicircular colonnade located at the Forum of Augustus. The structure was built in the 1st century AD and is one of the most impressive monuments from the Roman period. It is made up of 24 Corinthian-style columns, each about 36 feet (11 meters) high, topped with a pediment. The colonnade was originally used as a place for public gatherings and ceremonies, such as political speeches and religious processions. Today, it remains a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into ancient Roman life.
The Colosseum, Rome at night
The Colosseum (aka Coliseum) in Rome was built between 70 and 80 AD by Emperor Vespasian as a gift to the Roman people. It was the largest amphitheater of its time, capable of seating 50,000 spectators. It was used for gladiator contests and public spectacles such as animal hunts, executions, reenactments of famous battles, and dramas based on Classical mythology.
In 217 AD, the Colosseum suffered extensive damage after a major earthquake hit the city. Emperor Honorius had it repaired, but it was again damaged in 523 and by lightning in 1231. In the 15th century, Pope Sixtus IV transformed it into a source of building materials for other projects. Its stones were used to construct St. Peter’s Basilica and the Palazzo Farnese.
In the 18th century, Pope Benedict XIV declared it a sacred site and had parts of it restored. Beginning in the 19th century, restoration projects have been undertaken to restore the Colosseum to its former glory.
You can take a look at how Colosseum looks like during the day in my other post about Rome.
The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina
The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, an ancient Roman temple in Rome. It was constructed by the Emperor Antoninus Pius in 141 AD and was dedicated to his deceased wife, Faustina the Elder. Later it was re-dedicated to both Antoninus and Faustina after his death in 161 AD. The temple has eight monolithic Corinthian columns that are 17 metres (56 ft) tall and a rich bas-relief frieze under the cornice. Numismatic evidence suggests that there would have been a large seated statue of Faustina inside the cella of the temple.
The Curia di Pompeo (Curia of Pompey)
The Curia di Pompeo (Curia of Pompey) was an ancient Roman public building located in Rome, Italy. It was built between 52 and 50 BCE by the Roman general and statesman Pompey the Great, and was used as a meeting place for the Roman Senate. The building was destroyed by fire in 193 CE but some of its remains can still be seen today.
The Lateran Obelisk, Rome at night
The Lateran Obelisk is an ancient Egyptian obelisk. It is the tallest standing obelisk in the world, standing at 75 feet (23 meters) tall. The obelisk was originally constructed at Heliopolis around 3000 BC, and moved to Rome in the 4th century AD. It is now located in the Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano, the main square of the Lateran Palace. The Lateran Obelisk is decorated with hieroglyphic inscriptions that are dedicated to the Egyptian gods Amun-Ra, Isis, and Horus.
The Buco della Serratura (Key hole), Rome at night
The Buco della Serratura (Italian for “Keyhole of the Order of Malta”) is a keyhole-shaped window located in the wall of the Aventine Hill. It is said to offer a perfect view of the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. The window is part of a former palace of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, and it has become a popular tourist attraction due to its unique shape and its clear view of the dome. Nowadays long queues of tourist wait to see it, so I would suggest visiting at night. Literally I was the only one, but normally during the day there is a long queue to see through it! This is a secret location in Rome as locals say.
Fountain di Trevi, Rome at night
Fountain de Trevi probably one of the most crowded monuments. It literally almost impossible to take a picture without anybody else in it! You should see (in this post) it during the day though, even busier! And don’t throw the coins as it ruins the fountain and regularly needs to be cleaned!
Well actually you can, but you need to really to crop it. Instagram photos are very different from reality.
However, the best trick is to come there at 2am or 3am and you might be lucky to be almost the only one. I saw only 3 people at 2am there when I was passing by to my appartment!
The Four Fountains
The Complex of the Four Fountains, also known as the “Quattro Fontane” in Italian, is a historic architectural complex of four fountains in Rome, Italy. It consists of four fountains, each positioned at a corner of an intersection known as the “croce delle quattro fontane” or “cross of the four fountains.”
The construction of the complex began in 1588 under the direction of the architect, Domenico Fontana, during the papacy of Pope Sixtus V. The purpose of the complex was to mark the borders of the ancient district known as the “Tridente,” which is formed by three main streets radiating from the Piazza del Popolo.
Each of the four fountains is dedicated to a different river or water deity. They include the Fountain of Juno, representing the River Tiber; the Fountain of Neptune, representing the Acqua Vergine aqueduct; the Fountain of Rome, representing the River Aniene; and the Fountain of Diana, representing the River Arno.
The Basilica of Saint Mary Major
The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, also known as the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, is one of the oldest and most important churches in Rome. It is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and holds a significant place in Catholic history and tradition.
The basilica’s origins can be traced back to the 5th century when Pope Sixtus III commissioned its construction. It is believed that the basilica was built on the site of an earlier church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, which was built by Pope Liberius in the 4th century.
Legend has it that the location of the church was determined by a miraculous snowfall on the Esquiline Hill in August, hence the basilica’s alternate name, “Our Lady of the Snows.” According to the story, the Virgin Mary appeared in a dream to both Pope Liberius and a wealthy Roman patrician named John, instructing them to build a church where the snow fell. The basilica was then erected to commemorate this divine event.
Over the centuries, the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore underwent numerous expansions and renovations, resulting in its current architectural style, which is a blend of various periods and influences. The interior of the basilica is particularly renowned for its beautiful mosaics, depicting scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Trattoria Vecchia Roma
Trattoria Vecchia Roma is highly recommended restaurant in Rome. It is not far from Termini and aparatenly it is famous by its food. I’ve tried to visit it around 8pm and the queue was so long, that probably 1 – 2 hours of wait. If you eager to try, try early dinner and queue just before openning.
The Church of Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori
The Church of Saint Alphonsus Maria de Liguori is a Roman Catholic church located in the Trevi district. It was built between 1732 and 1745 and is dedicated to St Alphonsus Liguori, the Italian bishop and founder of the Redemptorists religious order. The church contains many works of art including paintings, frescoes, sculptures, and an altarpiece by the Italian painter Pietro Bianchi.
The Fontana dei Monti, Rome at night
The Fontana dei Monti is located in Via di S.Vito, along the side wall of the church of SS.Vito and Modesto and is raised above the street level by stepped elements. It consists of an allegorical ensemble inspired by the coat of arms of the Monti district: three overlapping stars (referring to Esquilino, Viminale and Celio, which were once all included in the Monti district), from which water flows down into three suspended and slightly molded basins. The fountain was built in 1927 according to the design of the architect Pietro Lombardi, who was commissioned by the City of Rome to make other fountains, allusive in their decorations to the coats of arms of the districts or to the activities of the places: the Fountain of Amphorae, the Fountain of Arts, the Tiara Fountain, the Fountain of Books, the Cannonball Fountain, Pinecone Fountain, Barrel Fountain and Helm Fountain. [1]
Fontana del Viminale, Rome at night
Fontana del Viminale is a fountain located in Piazza del Viminale. The fountain was built in 1932 by the architect Giovanni Guidi and sculptor Alfredo Biagini. It is composed of an octagonal stepped plinth with four large basins decorated with allegorical figures representing the four rivers of the Italian Peninsula. The central column is topped by a bronze statue of the winged goddess Roma.
The Pantheon, Rome at night
The Pantheon at night in Rome is a mesmerising sight that exudes an aura of magnificence and grandeur. As darkness descends upon the city, the iconic cylindrical structure stands illuminated, casting a warm glow against the night sky. Once with a friend we were sitting on the stairs next to the fountain drinking a bottle of wine and enjoying the view of the Pantheon.It gets very busy during the day!
The Spanish Steps
At night, the Spanish Steps in Rome transform into a peaceful haven, devoid of people. The absence of crowds creates a serene atmosphere, allowing one to fully embrace the beauty and grandeur of this iconic landmark. Bathed in the soft glow of streetlights, the steps take on a captivating allure, their architectural intricacies shining through. You can see only few people on the top.
Pizzeria Rossopomodoro
Finally, the best thing of being in Italy – amazing food! Even in a late night! Though I ate 10pm, not 2am in case you were wondering. I ate at local pizzeria Rossopomodoro. The service was quite fast and the pizza with ham I’ve ordered was also good. I also had a starter of of mussels and some red wine. The total bill was € 34.
Did you know that the name of Tiramisu derives from the Italian phrase “tira mi su” which means “pick me up”, referring to the pick-me-up effect of its caffeine and sugar content.