Ten Must See Attractions in Rome and Venice, Italy

Italy’s beauty extends from the top to the bottom of “the Boot,” and that is reason alone to make a trip. Italy is extraordinarily unique, and there are so many parts of the country to see. You could spend years going back to Italy, each time seeing something different.. Traveling to Rome and Venice for ten to twelve days can be done with ease, and so here’s a teaser of the top ten attractions in each city.  

Rome

You’ll see Vatican City. You’ll climb to the top of the Cupola of St. Peter’s Basillica. You’ll gawk at the Colosseum. There are so many destinations in Rome that are not only tourist attractions, but  landmarks straight out of a history book. But there are also a few off-the-beaten-path locations that may not always appear in your guidebook.

1. Knights of Malta Gate – Atop the Aventine Hill at Piazza Cavalieri di Malta in Via di S. Sabina

A hidden gem, if you look through the keyhole in this Piazza, you will catch a glimpse of an arched garden path that perfectly frames St. Peter’s Basilica. The gardens are part of the property of the Knights of Malta (the Villa del Priorato di Malta), one of the last surviving orders of knights from the Crusades. Don’t forget to place your camera lens in front of the hole to get a unique shot.

2. The Catacombs of St. Callixtus – Via Appia Antica, 110/126

Rome in the summer is hot! Cool down in a place that is required to maintain a low temperature: the Catacombs. Buried in this somewhat unnerving, but definitely amazing, underground cemetery are thousands of martyrs, 16 popes, and plenty of other Christians. Take a tour and see for yourself!

3. House of the Vestals – Roman Forum

There are so many points of interest at the ruins of the Roman Forum that it can definitely be overwhelming. One of the major stops is the House of the Vestals, the residence of the Vestal Virgins. These women were the priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the Hearth. The priestesses were freed of the usual duties of women to marry and have children; instead taking a vow of chastity to devote themselves to the study of state rituals that were off limits to the male colleges of priests.

4. Gladiator School – Via Morsasco, 9

Escape tourist crowds and bring a museum to life by taking a lesson at Gladiator School. Your instructor will demonstrate the use of authentic ancient weapons used in Rome. It’s the best way to learn a lesson about life as a gladiator—dressing in a tunic and being one yourself! Fun for all ages.

5. The Pieta – St. Peter’s Basilica

Often overlooked by the Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s Pieta depicts the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Christ in her lap. Although it was a common portrayal in French and German art, Michelangelo’s monument made it famous in Italy. Michelangelo is said to have envisioned the state already existing in the marble, it just needed to be “set free.”

Venice

When you are in Venice, there is nothing odd about the streets being waterways that lead to the Grand Canal. Easy to travel to from Rome, Venice is a hot tourist stop in Italy. Here are a few places and things to do that may be different from touring the Doge’s Palace or seeing the view atop the Campanile.

1. Gelateria Paolin – Campiello Santo Stefano

Quite possibly the greatest shop to get gelato in Venice, Paolin is a sit-down café style location. Choose two flavors of gelato, and it will be presented in a delicate glass bowl with a cookie. Adults can also indulge in a glass of prosecco and a snack while enjoying the aura of Santo Stefano, a campo great for people watching.

2. Masks

Whether or not you’re in town for the Carnevale di Venezia, finding your own beautiful Venetian mask is a must. The carnival is  held annually right before Lent, ending on Mardi Gras. Venetians typically have contests to find “the most beautiful mask.” Every street corner has a shop with a variety of masks, the perfect souvenir or gift to bring home.

3. Gondola rides

You simply cannot go to Venice without riding along the Canal in a gondola. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or not, seeing Venice by gondola is an incredible experience. Often, restaurants on the water will offer rides preceded or followed by dinner.

4. Glassblowing in Murano

A quick vaporetto, or water boat ride, to Murano will open your eyes to the glass blowing part of Venice. Venetian glass is famous for its delicacy and beauty, and much of the production is in Murano. A great town to amble through, stopping for lunch and trinkets, Murano has plenty to offer. Some shops may offer viewings of experts blowing the glass themselves, which is an amazing sight to see.

5. Bridge of Sighs – Rio di Palazzo, Doge’s Palace

The Bridge of Sighs, enclosed and made of limestone, connects a prison to the interrogation rooms of the Doge’s Palace. The name comes from the idea that convicts in Venice would see their last view of Venice as they were headed to be imprisoned, and sigh deeply at the beauty. Legend has it that lovers who kiss on a gondola under the bridge as the bells of the Campanile toll will be granted eternal love.