# Italy Tour: Rome in a Day > ITALY TOUR: ROME IN A DAY (OR TWO) A friend of mine is going on an Italy cruise and asked me to suggest some places for the cities where he has a day or two. I was going to put… > URL: https://billpetro.com/italy-tour-rome-in-a-day/ > Last modified: 2026-05-27T14:09:22+00:00 Reading Time: 8 minutes ## * ## ITALY TOUR: ROME IN A DAY (OR TWO) A friend of mine is going on an Italy cruise and asked me to suggest some places for the cities where he has a day or two. I was going to put together a spreadsheet, but I didn’t have enough time, so I wrote this [Italy Tour](https://billpetro.com/tag/italy-tour/?order=asc) travel guide instead. There is a famous Italian saying: A lifetime is not enough to see Rome (“Non basta una vita”) While “the eternal city,” imperium sine fine (“empire without end” — Virgil’s Aeneid) is that deep historically, there is still a lot you can see in a day (or two.) History is everywhere. Modern manhole cover in Rome: **S**enātus **P**opulus**q**ue **R**ōmānus,* “Senate and People of Rome”   I’ll rank these as: - A: must see if you have only one day - B: valuable to see, but might take a second day - C: good, if you have time   Table of Contents Toggle - [Rome: Vatican Museum/St. Peter’s: A](#Rome_Vatican_MuseumSt_Peters_A) - [Rome: Forum/Colosseum: A](#Rome_ForumColosseum_A) - [Rome: The Pantheon: B](#Rome_The_Pantheon_B) - [Rome: San Giovanni in Laterano/Scala Sancta (St John’s Lateran): B](#Rome_San_Giovanni_in_LateranoScala_Sancta_St_Johns_Lateran_B) - [Rome: Piazza Navona: B](#Rome_Piazza_Navona_B) - [Rome: Trevi Fountain: C](#Rome_Trevi_Fountain_C) - [Rome: Spanish Steps: C](#Rome_Spanish_Steps_C) - [Rome: Campo de’ Fiori: Honorable Mention](#Rome_Campo_de_Fiori_Honorable_Mention) - [Related](#Related) ### **Rome: **Vatican Museum**/**St. Peter’s: A It’s like *Rick’s Café Americain *in the movie *Casablanca:* “Everybody comes to the Vatican.” **Napoleon** was given a private tour and returned years later to steal some of its treasures. **Hitler** repeatedly called the Pope to get invited for a visit, but the pontiff was always away from the phone. You’ll need to get a timed tour, or else the lines are prohibitive: budget about 4 hours to see the world-class **Vatican Museum** and **St. Peter’s Basilica**. In between the two, you’ll walk through the **Sistine Chapel**. Michaelancelo’s La Pietà, St Peter’s The museum was kept private for centuries and housed unimaginable treasures of art and sculpture. **Mussolini**, during WWII, signed a treaty with the Papal State: “I won’t invade the Vatican if you open your museum to the public.” **St Peter’**s is the largest cathedral in the world, with bronze labels inlaid on the floor to show you the relative size of other large cathedrals. The next largest is in Washington D.C. at Catholic University. The artwork, the marble of St. Peter’s… is breathtaking.   Sarcophagus in porphyry stone of St Helena, Vatican Museum   ***Special Note***: Keep your eye out for *porphyry* stone. St. Peter’s is full of it, as is the Vatican Museum, Forum, Pantheon, and Scala Sancta (below.) It is an igneous rock similar to granite. Unlike common granites, porphyry has large, light-colored crystals of quartz or feldspar floating in a red or *purple* fine-grained matrix of smaller crystals. The word “porphyry” comes from the Latin word for purple, which was the color of nobility to the Romans. Porphyry was Imperial Rome’s most prestigious stone for columns, vases, alters, busts, and sarcophagi.  Imperial porphyry in ancient times had only one source, in one of the most inhospitable places on earth, the eastern Egyptian desert, where it was discovered in A.D. 18.   There are a number of “add-on” tours you can take at the Vatican that involves more money and time. I’ve done only the first one:   - The **Dome Climb** (this *cupola* was designed by **Michelangelo** when he was 71) takes you inside the slanted dome and then onto the roof, where you can see the colonnade surrounding the piazza (St. Peter’s Square). The dome is the tallest dome in the world at 448.1 feet.   St Peter’s Square from the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica   - The **Crypt** (Necropolis) takes you below the altar to see the burial places of former Popes. I’ve heard some say they saw the one of St. Peter himself, but I [doubt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vatican_Necropolis#:~:text=St.%20Peter) it.   Entrance to the Crypt, under the Altar   ### **Rome: **Forum**/**Colosseum: A If you liked [*Gladiator*](https://billpetro.com/history-of-telemachus) you’ll love these. I’ve written about this area in several of my articles. Check days/times on **Forum** tours; it used to be free, but it’s now a paid entrance. It goes back to Roman Republican times. You’ll see the ruins of *Julius Caesar’s shrine* beneath the **Palatine Hill**. **N.B.** We get the word *palace* from the Palantine Hill. It was the location of the palatial residences of many of the emperors. The *capitol* was located on the hill next to it, on the west side of the Forum: **Capitoline Hill**. It was the religious nucleus of Rome.   Julius Caesar shrine, Forum. Palatine Hill is behind it to the right.   You can see the *Temple of the Vestal Virgins* (holders of Julius Caesar’s will)   Temple of the Vestal Virgins, Forum   This is the [*Rostra*](https://billpetro.com/history-of-the-ides-of-march#:~:text=Marc%20Antony%20would%20have%20delivered%20his%20Shakespearean,at%20right)%2C%20directly%20across%20from%20the%20Curia.) from which Marc Antony gave his “Friends, Romans, countrymen” speech (according to Shakespeare). Rostra, in the Forum   On the edge of the Forum is the **Mamertine Prison**. It is essentially a honeycomb of underground cells, but tradition has it that both **St Peter** and **St Paul** were imprisoned here for a time.   Interior wall of Mamertine Prison, off the Forum. Sts. Peter and Paul at top. Mamertine exterior, off the Forum   The **Colosseum** is on the far east side of the Forum (you can’t miss it) and is worth the time and money to take the tour. I’ve written more about the [history of the Colosseum here](https://billpetro.com/history-of-damnatio-memoriae/#:~:text=Q%3A%20What%E2%80%99s%20the%20part%20of%20Damnatio%20Memoriae,proximity%20to%20the%20Colossus%2C%20as%20the%20Colosseum.). It is not from the Republican period, but the Imperial period (think: *[Star Wars: Episode 4](https://billpetro.com/history-of-star-wars)*). It was built near the end of the 1st century to honor the 2nd dynasty, the *Flavian Dynasty*, and was originally called the *Flavian Amphitheatre*. [This is why no Christians were martyred there during the reign of the last 1st Dynasty ruler *Nero*… but they certainly were thereafter.] You’ll hear about the Imperial, Medieval, and Renaissance periods on the tour there. There was even a church there at one time. And [**Paul McCartney**](https://billpetro.com/concert-review-paul-mccartney-at-pepsi-center-in-denver/#:~:text=Yet%20another%20history%20trivia%3A%20When%20Paul%20performed,floor%20of%20the%20Coliseum.%20A%20historical%20first!) performed there (see his performing platform?)   Paul McCartney’s stage in the Colosseum, from back in 2003   ***Special Note***: as you pass from the Forum to the Colosseum, you’ll walk through the **Arch of Titus.**   Arch of Titus, Forum   Inside the arch, it depicts the Jewish captives of Jerusalem (following its fall. in 70 A.D.) with their candelabra (menorah), being led as part of his[triumph in Rome](https://billpetro.com/history-of-chanukah#:~:text=Customs%20of%20Chanukah,of%20Jerusalem%20to%20Rome%20in%2070%20A.D.).   Beneath the Arch of Titus, Forum   Near the Colosseum, you’ll also see the [**Arch of Constantine**](https://billpetro.com/history-of-fall-of-roman-empire/#:~:text=You%E2%80%99ll%20remember%20from%20our%20discussion%20of%20the,Constantinople%20in%201453%20to%20the%20Ottoman%20Turks.). He was the first “Christian” Emperor, but ironically with no references to Christ on the arch, but a few to the Sun god.   Arch of Constantine, next to Colosseum   ### **Rome: **The Pantheon: B You may not be able to include this in a single day, but if you have more time, it’s worth seeing. The movie about Dan Brown’s *Angels and Demons* (worth reading/watching before you go for the city geography, but not for the history) erroneously calls this “the oldest church in Rome.” It isn’t, but it is the church in the oldest continuously used *building* in Rome. The church, since the early 7th century, is called *Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres* but everyone calls it the [**Pantheon**](https://billpetro.com/history-of-the-founding-of-rome#:~:text=Astronomical%20Coincidence%3F,gate%20to%20the%20vestibule%20of%20the%20building.), after the worship of the dozen Greco-Roman gods there 2,000 years ago. It’s near the modern Senate building. I’ve been here over half a dozen times; it’s *gobsmacking*.   Pantheon   The *rotunda* is under a coffered concrete dome, with an [*oculus*](https://billpetro.com/holy-saturday/) at the top to let the sacrificial smoke/incense out. And yes, when it rains, some rain falls on the floor. The dome is one and a half meters larger in diameter than that of St Peter’s.   Pantheon oculus   There is a nice square (Piazza della Rotonda) in front of the Pantheon; it’s worth catching your breath there. There are coffee shops and gelateria, starring **Nutella**. Try the *sorbetto* *limone* (lemon sorbet).   Nutella   ### **Rome: **San Giovanni in Laterano**/**Scala Sancta (St John’s Lateran): B The **Papal** **Archbasilica Cathedral of the Most Holy Savior and of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist in the Lateran** is of great historical importance, as it is *THE* cathedral of Rome. St. Peter’s, for all its glory, is *not* in Rome; it’s in the city-state of the **Vatican**, having become independent from Italy with the **Lateran Treaty** of 1929.   St. John Lateran. Author’s photo Papal cathedra (chair) Behind the altar at St. John’s, the bishop’s chair (*cathedra*) is where the **Bishop of Rome** (the Pope) may speaks *ex-cathedra,* or “from the bishop’s chair,” which the Roman Catholic Church deems *infallible*.   St John’s is the oldest and highest ranking of the four major papal basilicas as well as one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome, and is the ***oldest*** public church in Rome, dating from 324 AD. Emperor *Septimius Severus* built a fort there (you can see his impressive *arch* back at the Forum) — and gave his name to Hogwarts’s Professor Snape.   Arch of Septimius Severus, Forum   **Constantine** used the fort as part of his [*Battle of the Milvain Bridge*](https://billpetro.com/history-of-the-40-martyrs-of-sebaste#:~:text=Roman%20Emperor%20Constantine%2C%20who%2C%20before%20a%20battle,toleration%20toward%20Christians%20across%20the%20Roman%20Empire.), where he was victorious in battle over **Maxentius** — following his vision/dream “In this sign [of Christ] conquer.” Parenthetically, the origin of the name came from the patrician *Lateran* family, who, in the 1st century, were accused of conspiracy against Emperor [**Nero**](https://billpetro.com/history-of-damnatio-memoriae/#:~:text=Emperor%20Nero,showered%20his%20subjects%20with%20theatres%20and%20games.), and their lands and wealth were confiscated by the State. The **Lateran Palace** became Constantine’s when he married Maxentius’ sister. He eventually gave it to the Bishop of Rome in the early 3rd century. The 313 A.D., a synod against *Donatism* was held there. The *Holy Door (Porta Santa)* of the church is a pair of 50’ bronze doors (if I recall correctly, the largest in the world) that have a storied past. These bronze doors were of the *Curia Julia *(Senate House), originally in the Forum. They were first started by **Sulla** in 80 B.C. They were rebuilt by **Julius Caesar** in 44 B.C. They were finished by [**Augustus**](https://billpetro.com/history-of-august/). These doors probably date back to [**Emperor Diocletian,**](https://billpetro.com/history-of-santa-claus#:~:text=He%20was%20imprisoned%20during%20the%20great%20persecutions,freed%20by%20the%20decree%20of%20Emperor%20Constantine.) when he restored the Curia after a fire in A.D. 283, and were moved here at the request of **Pope Alexander VII** in the mid-1600s. They are opened only once every 50 years for *Jubilee* by the Pope for pilgrimages to Rome. For those who cross the threshold, they get a [*plenary indulgence*](https://billpetro.com/history-of-st-james-day/#:~:text=Pilgrimage%20of%20Camino%20de%20Santiago%20The%20Way,plenary%20indulgence%20from%20the%20Roman%20Catholic%20Church.)!   Holy Door of St. John’s   There are statues of each of the Apostles, fabulous artwork, and a charming garden behind the church. It is less crowded than the Vatican and absolutely beautiful.   Saint Simon the Zealot, by Francesco Moratti, south wall of  St. John’s Lateran. One tradition says he was martyred by being sawn in half. Scala Sancta, across from St. John’s. Author’s photo Most importantly, across the street from St. John’s are the [**Scala Sancta**](https://billpetro.com/history-of-martin-luther-part-2#:~:text=While%20in%20Rome%2C%20the%2027-year-old%20monk%20climbed,%E2%80%9CWho%20knows%20if%20this%20is%20really%20true%3F%E2%80%9D). While in Rome in 1510, the 27-year-old monk **Martin Luther** climbed the famous *Sacred Stairs*, which were said to have been the very marble stairs of [Pontius Pilate](https://billpetro.com/history-of-pontius-pilate)’s pretorium in Jerusalem, where **Jesus** was condemned to be crucified. It was widely believed that **St. Helena**, the mother of Emperor **Constantine**, had brought this relic back from the Holy Land. If a pilgrim to Rome climbed the steps on their knees and said a prayer on each of the 28 steps, it was believed that one of their relatives would have their time in Purgatory cut short. But the excited monk, upon reaching the top of the stairs, wondered to himself *“Who knows if this is really true?”*   ### **Rome: **Piazza Navona: B This is the largest square in Rome, built on the old *Stadium of Domitian*. It’s the old *Circus Agonalis,* the “arena of games*.”* Live concerts are held now on occasion, art is for sale, and fabulous baroque fountains, like the *Fountain of the Four Rivers*, are a nice respite from the ancient monuments. Charming. Piazza Navona   ### **Rome: **Trevi Fountain: C Do you remember the song “Three Coins in a Fountain”? This is the place featured in the 1954 movie of the same name.   Trevi Fountain   You sit on the edge facing away from the fountain and throw a coin over your left shoulder with your right hand. - 1 coin: you’ll return to Rome - 2 coins: you’ll find true love and romance, and happily marry there. - 3 coins: you’ll have an amicable divorce (Those Italians!)   American visitor in 2004 tossing a coin in Trevi Fountain hoping to return to Rome. He did. Author’s photo   ### **Rome: **Spanish Steps: C “Everyone goes there,” which means it’s usually crowded with young, healthy tourists. At the bottom by the **Piazza di Spagna** is a tea shop started by two British ladies. At the top is a church with some interesting artwork on the walls. The Spanish Embassy is at the top, hence the name.   Spanish Steps   ### **Rome: **Campo de’ Fiori: Honorable Mention This is “the cafe lifestyle” on steroids. Sit and have a *cappuccino* (before 11 am) or a glass of wine in this “field of flowers.” There is an open-air flower and vegetable market. Kids run around. Lots of little shops around it. It’s lovely.   Campo de’ Fiori   It’s near **Pompey’s Theatre** (where the Senate was meeting when Julius Caesar was assassinated, on the [Ides of March](https://billpetro.com/history-of-the-ides-of-march#:~:text=Ides%20of%20March%20Senate%20Meeting%20Place,the%2020th%20century%2C%20they%20were%20fed%20tripe.).) The motto in Rome: *La Bella Roma*   Bill Petro, your friendly neighborhood historian [billpetro.com](https://billpetro.com)   If you enjoyed this article, please consider leaving a comment. 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