Tourist Attractions That Charge
The Colosseum is probably without a doubt the most famous attraction in Rome. The Colosseum was able to house as many 50,000 spectators at one time as they watched gladiator shows and has been standing since construction was completed in AD 80. The colosseum is open every day of the week and opens at 9 a.m., with varying closing times depending on the day.
The catacombs of Rome are underground burial places that were used by Christian and Jewish communities. The Christian catacombs began in the second century and excavating continued until the first half of the fifth century. There are five sets of catacombs and all are open to the public; there is a guided tour provided in the language you choose. The tours are in tunnels that are dark, narrow, uneven and rough, with steps at times. The closing days differ for each of the catacombs, but they all have the same hours on the days they are open: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and 2-5 p.m.
Free Outdoor Tourist Attractions
The Pantheon is one of the best preserved and beautiful buildings you will be able to see in the ancient world. This building has been standing for close to 2000 years. The Pantheon is a consecrated church that is used for service occasionally. It is free to tour and opens during daylight hours. There are tons of restaurants and bars outside the Pantheon; they will not be cheap, but the memory is worth the price.
Teatro di Marcello is a theater that Julius Caesar began but Augustus finished. Augustus dedicated the theater to his nephew Marcellus, who later died and became the first to be laid in the mausoleum. The theater has since passed through the hands of many families and was later converted into a palazzo and now houses luxury flats.
Parks and Gardens
Roseto Comunale is a public rose garden on Aventino (Aventine Hill). Before being a rose garden, this area was used as a Jewish cemetery until presented to the city in the 20th century. The garden is huge and can take up several hours as you wander and admire the collection of roses. The Palatine ruins serve as a backdrop. The garden is open every day free of charge from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. during the May-June flowering season.
Valley of the Caffarella is part of an archaeological park, and ruins surround it. The atmosphere here can be both spooky and strange, which makes it unique. The park is protected and is home to several species of animals and birds; you might even encounter sheep and white, shaggy dogs. The park offers free guided tours every Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
