There might be no other city on the planet with more historical significance than Rome. With countless artifacts and ancient structures still available for viewing, it is possible to spend days traveling to all of the incredible locations in the area. For anyone attempting to plan a self-guided exploration, however, it is helpful to select a few of the most intriguing monuments. Here are some tips for setting off on a successful walking tour of Rome.
Start at the Colosseum
If time is a factor, there is no better place to start a walking tour than the Colosseum. Not only is this instantly recognizable landmark packed with history, but it is also located in a great spot to kick off a memorable trip. The structure dates back nearly 2,000 years to the reign of Emperor Nero and much of it is still standing today. At its peak, as many as 80,000 Romans would gather inside to watch events such as fights and recreations of famous battles. Modern-day visitors can stand in the same spot that gladiators and Roman rulers occupied all the way back in the first century A.D.
Tour the Roman Ghetto
After leaving the Colosseum, it is only a moderate walk to the Via del Portico d’Ottavia. Located within the Roman Ghetto, this area is where Jews in Rome were forced to live in a segregated society for more than 300 years starting in the 16th century. Then, when Nazi Germany invaded Rome in the 1940s, at least 2,000 Jewish citizens were rounded up and forced into concentration camps where many of them died. Viewing the horrendous conditions in which this population was forced to live is one of the most heartbreaking and eye-opening experiences to be found anywhere in Rome.
Finish Up at the Trevi Fountain
Although it is nearly 300 years old, by Roman standards this is one of the most modern features of any walking tour. The impressive fountain receives water from an aqueduct that has been in operation since the Age of Antiquity. Visitors will surely see individuals tossing a coin over their shoulder into the fountain, which some people interpret as a sign that they will make another trip to the ancient Italian city.