5 Free Things To Do in Rome

When all roads lead to Rome, it’s obvious that it becomes one of the most expensive cities to visit in Italy. Entrance fees at monuments and museums are high and given the current beating that the Rupee has taken, a family of four will easily be shelling out a mini fortune to see the main sights such as the Colosseum, the Vatican Museum (which includes the Sistine Chapel) and Villa Borghese. However, the city does have several things you can do without spending those precious Euros. Here’s our pick of the 5 free things to do in Rome:

I. St Peter’s Square & Basilica

Sure, Piazza San Pietro and the Basilica di San Pietro are in Vatican City but the smallest country in the world is right in the middle of Rome! The impressive square designed by Bernini leads to the holiest of all Catholic sites. The Renaissance era church is richly decorated and holds one of Michelangelo’s masterpieces, the Pieta. Be sure you follow the dress code – no bare shoulders, no shorts, no miniskirts – and this applies to all churches in Italy.

II. The Trevi Fountain

The massive Fontana di Trevi that stands at the junction of three streets is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome and one of the most iconic sights in the world. Besieged by tourists at all hours of the day, it’s a bit of a struggle to get down to the lower steps, to stand with your back to the fountain and toss a coin over your left shoulder – in this way, ensuring your return to the city! Try visiting the fountain earlier in the day and then again around dusk; the late evening light coupled with the fountain’s illumination, give it a golden glow that make the sculpted figures almost look alive.

III. Piazza del Campidoglio

Rome has several famous piazzas such as Piazza Navona, Piazza del Popolo and Campo de’ Fiori. However, it’s the 16^th century piazza designed by Michelangelo that is the most striking – not for what it holds but for what it looks out over. Climb the steps of the Capitoline Hill that lead up to the piazza and you’ll find ancient Rome laid out right before your eyes – remains of temples, the Roman Forum and beyond it, the Colosseum rises majestically in the background.

IV. ‘The Bone Church’

The actual name of this church is quite a tongue-twister – Chiesa di Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini or the Church of Our Lady of the Conception of the Capuchins. The 17^th century church is located in Via Veneto (made famous by Fellini’s 1960 film La Dolce Vita) close to Piazza Barberini and the Trevi Fountain. While the church’s interiors are definitely worth a look, it’s the Capuchin crypt here that is of more interest. Bones of some 4,000 Capuchin friars rest here and have been assembled into huge sculptures. Each of the five crypts holds a different bone sculpture – it sure is an eerie sight to behold!

 V. Exploring Trastevere

The Tevere or Tiber River runs through Rome and the part of the city on the other side of the river is (quite literally) called as Trastevere. This fashionable neighbourhood is a maze of tiny alleys, cobbled roads, pretty gardens, numerous churches and excellent restaurants. Grab a map or just lose yourself in this medieval part of Rome.

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