Two days walking tour of Rome

Two days aren't enough to see all that this beautiful city has to offer, but you can visit the most important places. So what to see in Rome in 2 days? Let's start!

DAY 1 

Start from the Pantheon, a circular building with a portico. Built about 2000 years ago is still well preserved and always used throughout history. At the dome's apex  there is a oculus which is, with the entrances, the only source of light. The sunlight through the oculus moves around in a sort of reverse sundial effect.

Walk now to Piazza Navona a famous square where you can admire exemples of Baroque Roman architecture, such as the Fontana del Moro, Fontana del Nettuno and the most famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers), built in 1651 by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. At the top of the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi there is the Obelisk of Domitian brought here from the Circus of Maxentius. This fountain also appears in Ron Howard's Angel and Demons.

Walk to the near Corso Vittorio Emanuele and take a bus (nr. 40, 64 or 98) that will take you to St. Peter's Square just in front of St. Peter's Basilica. The square was designed by Bernini, as well as the colonnades. At the center of the square there is an Egyptian obelisk, brought there in 1568 but that is 4000 years old. Enter now the St. Peter's Basilica, the entrance is free. Remember that is a religious place, so you are not allowed if too much skin is exposed. I suggest to the ladies who wears sleeveless shirt and shorts to bring in their backpack a pair of light trousers and put them on before enter the church and cotton shrug to cover the top, same for the men. Or use a long, light dress with a shrug.

You will spend almost all day here. The church contains the tombs of many popes, sculptures such as Michelangelo's Pietà. The interior is very big, take your time and admire all the treasures in it. Then climb up the 551 steps to the cupola (ticket 5 euros) or take the elevator and climb "just" 320 steps (ticket 7 euros).

Go then to the Vatican Museums that includes the Vatican Art Gallery with paintings by Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio and other artists, several Sculpture Museums and the famous Sistine Chapel, which ceiling was painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512. The ticket for the Vatican Museums is 16 euros.

If you have any time left walk to Castel Sant'Angelo, originally a mausoleum for the Roman emperor Hadrian, then converted in a castle for the Pope and also used as a prison. where Giordano Bruno was held for 6 years. The ticket costs 10,50 euros.

DAY 2

Start with the Colosseum (also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre) that you can reach by walking, by bus or metropolitana depending on where your hotel is. Built in 70 AD it is estimated that it could hold 80.000 spectators. You can buy a ticket that will allow you to visit the Coliseum and the fori imperiali for 12 euros. I suggest to book them before visiting Rome, to avoid to wait in line, here is the website where you can buy them. Be careful with the centurion-dressed guys outside the coliseum, if you will take a pic with them you will have to pay them.
Go now on the Via dei Fori Imperiali that will lead you to the Fori imperiali (Imperial Fora), the square of the Roman Republic built between 6 BC and 113 AD. Take your time and enjoy the ancient roman atmosphere! Not far from there, following Via Petroselli, there is the Mouth of Truth mostly known for the its appearance in the 1953 movie "Roman Holiday". When your tour is over go to Piazza Venezia. Keep walking on Via del Corso then turn to Via delle Murate which will lead you to the Fontana di Trevi. The baroque fountain, built between 1732 and 1762, is one of the most famous fountains in the world. Don't forget to toss a coin in the fountain, so you will visit Rome again for sure.  

Take now Via dei due macelli until you reach Piazza di Spagna, at the bottom of the 135 Spanish steps. In the middle of the square there is the famous Fontana della Barcaccia sculpted by Pietro and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. 

For lunch or dinner don't' worry, there is plenty of restaurants and bars where you can stop to enjoy typical Italian dishes or just grab a sandwich and continue your visit.

Hope you enjoyed this itinerary!