What is Rome Italy Known For?

Rome is the capital of Italy and one of the most visited cities in the world. Rome played a significant role in World History. Before you visit this city or for many other reason you’ll probably wonder, what is Rome Known For?

Rome is known for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and cultural significance. Famous for the Colosseum, Vatican City, and Pantheon, Rome is often called the “Eternal City” due to its ancient roots as the heart of the Roman Empire. It’s also renowned for its art and architecture and being a global center of Catholicism.

There’s a lot more to learn about Rome. We will tell you all about the great history of this city and the places you need to visit during your trip to Rome.

What is Rome Known For?

Rome, often referred to as the “Eternal City,” is one of the most historically significant and culturally rich cities in the world. Known for its ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and as the heart of the Roman Empire, Rome captivates millions of visitors each year. Beyond its iconic landmarks, Rome is famous for its delicious food, unique souvenirs, and bustling shopping districts. Below, we’ll explore what makes Rome truly special.

What is Rome Known for Food?

Rome is world-renowned for its simple yet flavorful cuisine. Roman dishes often highlight fresh, local ingredients and traditional recipes passed down through generations. Rome’s food scene combines street food and fine dining, giving visitors a wide array of authentic flavors to enjoy. Some of the most famous foods in Rome include:

Cacio e Pepe: A pasta dish made with pecorino cheese and black pepper.
Carbonara: A Roman favorite, made with eggs, guanciale (pork cheek), pecorino cheese, and black pepper.
Pizza al Taglio: Unlike the round pizzas found elsewhere, Roman pizza is sold by the slice and has a thin, crispy crust.
Supplì: Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella cheese, often compared to Sicily’s arancini.
Artichokes: Romans enjoy artichokes in two ways—Carciofi alla Romana (Roman-style, braised with garlic and herbs) and Carciofi alla Giudia (Jewish-style, fried until crispy).

What is Rome Known for Historically?

Rome’s history spans over 2,500 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. It was the center of the Roman Empire, which influenced much of Western civilization, law, architecture, and governance. Key historical landmarks include:

The Colosseum: A massive amphitheater that hosted gladiatorial games and public spectacles.
The Roman Forum: The political, commercial, and social center of ancient Rome.
Pantheon: A former Roman temple, now a church, with its famous dome and oculus.
Vatican City: An independent city-state within Rome, home to the Pope and the heart of the Catholic Church. The Vatican Museums house world-renowned art, including Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.

Rome’s history is visible at every corner, making it a living museum that tells the story of an empire that shaped much of the modern world.

What is Rome Known for Souvenirs?

Rome offers an array of unique souvenirs that reflect the city’s culture and history. Some popular items to bring home include:

Vatican Souvenirs: Rosaries, religious icons, and items blessed by the Pope can be found near Vatican City.
Italian Leather Goods: From handbags to belts, Rome is known for its high-quality leather products.
Murano Glass: Although Murano glass originates from Venice, you can find stunning glassworks in Rome’s shops.
Pasta and Olive Oil: Authentic Italian pasta and olive oil make excellent souvenirs for food lovers.
Roman Gladiator Replicas: From small figurines to helmets, replicas of ancient Roman gladiator gear are popular among tourists.

These items capture the essence of Rome and make great mementos of your trip.

What is Famous in Rome for Shopping?

Rome is not just a historical city but also a thriving hub for fashion and shopping. Some of the best places to shop in Rome include:

Via del Corso: One of the main shopping streets, lined with both local and international brands.
Via Condotti: A luxurious street where you’ll find high-end fashion brands like Gucci, Prada, and Valentino.
Campo de’ Fiori Market: A lively market where you can buy fresh produce, spices, and local products like olive oil and cheese.
Porta Portese Flea Market: Rome’s largest flea market, held every Sunday, offers everything from antiques to vintage clothing and collectibles.

Whether you’re after designer fashion or artisanal crafts, Rome’s diverse shopping scene offers something for everyone.

Conclusion

Rome is a city that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern culture. From its rich culinary traditions to its historic landmarks, unique souvenirs, and vibrant shopping districts, Rome offers an unforgettable experience for travelers. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or enjoying local delicacies, the Eternal City is sure to leave a lasting impression.

10 Facts About Rome

Here are 10 fun and interesting facts about the Eternal City that highlight its uniqueness and charm.

1) Rome Has a Fountain for Every Square

Rome is home to over 1,500 fountains, making it one of the most fountain-filled cities in the world. The Trevi Fountain is the most famous, where tradition says throwing a coin ensures a return to Rome.

2) Rome Has More Churches Than Any Other City

Rome is known for its religious significance, particularly as the center of the Catholic Church. The city boasts around 900 churches, including the stunning St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

3) Rome Is the Only City with a Whole Country Inside It

Rome is unique in having a city-state, Vatican City, within its borders. The Vatican is the smallest independent country in the world, home to the Pope and iconic religious sites like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.

4) Cats Have Free Reign in Rome

Rome’s cats are protected by law and can roam freely throughout the city, even in ancient ruins like the Colosseum and Roman Forum. The city’s love for cats stems from ancient times when they were revered for keeping rodent populations in check.

5) Rome’s Colosseum Could Hold Over 50,000 Spectators

The Colosseum, one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome, was the largest amphitheater in the ancient world. It could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators for gladiator games and other public spectacles.

6) Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day, but It Was the First City with 1 Million People

During the height of the Roman Empire, Rome was the first city in the world to reach a population of 1 million people. After the fall of the empire, the population declined dramatically and did not reach this number again until the 20th century.

7) The Pantheon’s Dome Is the Largest Unreinforced Concrete Dome in the World

The Pantheon, a marvel of ancient Roman engineering, has the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. The building, which dates back to 126 AD, is still in use today as a church and a mausoleum for Italian kings.

8) You Can Drink from Public Water Fountains for Free

Rome has 2,500 public drinking fountains, called “nasoni” due to their nose-like spouts. These fountains provide free, clean drinking water from ancient aqueducts to residents and visitors alike.

9) The Vatican Is Rome’s Largest Museum

While Vatican City is technically an independent country, it’s located entirely within Rome. The Vatican Museums house some of the world’s most famous art collections, including works by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci.

10) Rome’s Nickname Is the “Eternal City”

Rome is often called the Eternal City because of its long history and its significant influence on Western civilization. The name reflects the belief that no matter what happens to the rest of the world, Rome will endure.

The Famous City of Rome

When you ask people what they know about Italy, most of them will answer the question as followed. ‘Italy is known for its architecture, great food, amazing landscapes, and beautiful cities such as Rome.’ Of course, there is not a wrong answer to that question, but there’s a lot more to see and do in Italy. You can read this in our different Italian articles.

The City of Rome is perhaps the most famous city in Italy and maybe in the world. Rome was built 753 BC and was the capital of the Roman Empire during its reign over the European Continent. Nowadays, Rome is one of the most visited cities in Italy and the world. Combining world history, fantastic architecture, and luxury life with a great climate, Rome is a fantastic place to spend your time during your holidays.

The historic center of Rome is listed as a Unesco World Heritage site. Did you know that Italy has 51 Unesco World Heritage sites? It’s the country with the most Unesco World Heritage sites in the world!

One of the most famous buildings in Rome is the Colleseum, and according to Tripadvisor, in 2018 the Colleseum was the world’s most visited tourist attraction with 7.4 million visitors in a year! You reckon that a visit to Rome will be a busy visit, but it’s definitely worth your time.

Roman Influences In Our Daily Life

The City of Rome built in 753BC, which makes the city over 2500 years old. The Roman empire which dated 27BC until 1453AD was one of the biggest and long-lasting empires in the world. Because they ruled over a big part of the European and Eastern Asian continent, we still see the influences in our daily life of the early roman civilization. The Romans were experts in engineering, so not only beautiful historic buildings, we thank the Romans for, but also things that improve our way of living.

Sewage, Public Toilets, and Baths

The Romans designed aqueducts, where the first one dates back 312BC! They didn’t invent aqueducts (first canals were found in early Egypt for irrigation) but took the knowledge to a new level. With concrete pipelines for freshwater supplies into the cities. Which improved health and sanitation. Some of the aqueducts are still in use nowadays; a historical (restored) aqueduct supplies the water in the Trevi Fountain!

Newspapers

Romans were known to involve the public with the things that were happening within the city and empire. Early newspapers contained messages about military and legal issues. But also human interest stories and birth and death notices. First newspapers date back around 131BC. The old newspapers are known as ‘Actia Diurna’ (Daily Acts) and are very similar to the newspapers as we know nowadays.

Subsidized programs

The Romans were known for their welfare. Many government programs, as we know, now, are originated in ancient Rome. One of them is the help for the needy and the poor. Subsidized programs for food, education, and clothing date back to 122BC. The first program in Rome consisted of a list with different goods that had a fixed low price, so it was affordable for every citizen.

Highways and Roads

The Roman Empire was so big it ruled over almost the whole European continent. It was essential to maintain a good administration and communication within the different cities of the Roman Empire. So the engineers developed a sophisticated road system, curved roads that allowed water drainage. Many of the ancient roads are still in use today.
They used the roads for military purposes, pass on intelligence, and other essential messages.

The Historical Centre of Rome – Famous Highlights

Walking around the historic center of Rome is like walking in an open-air museum. We often say that Italy feels like walking around in a museum, but that’s simply because there are so many beautiful buildings to find.

When you are preparing a trip to Rome, it’s important to know which buildings you’ll find in the historical center. So we made a list of the most important sites in the historical city of Rome.

Colleseum

The world’s biggest Amphitheatre. Built between 72 and 80 AD. The Colleseum was used for gladiator fights and public spectacles. It could hold 80.000 visitors! Later, in the Early Medieval era, it was used for housing, religion quarters, and as a fortress. The Colleseum is partly damaged because of many earthquakes, and also stone robbers. It is one of the buildings that belong to the New 7 World Wonders of the World.

Pantheon

Maybe this is one of the best-preserved buildings of al ancient roman buildings. The construction date is uncertain, but probably somewhere around 126AD. The Roman emperor Hadrian completed the pantheon. One of the most impressive features of the Pantheon is the coffered dome with the central opening on top.
Since the 7th century, the Pantheon is used as a church. Two Italian Kings, Vittoria Emanuelle II, Umberto I, and Queen Margherita are buried in the Pantheon.

Piazza di Spagna (Spanish Stairs)

With 135 steps, it’s the most impressive stairs in Rome. Dating back from the Baroque period and sculpted by the Benini family. The Spanis Steps are a beautiful place to visit, with the many garden terraces on the different levels, and on the foot, Fontana Della Barracia Fountain of the Boat.

Trevi Fountain

It’s maybe the most famous fountain in the world. Constructed in 1732 and designed by the famous Italian architect Nicola Salvi.
Fun Fact, coin throwing with the right hand over the left shoulder, which seems to give you good luck, is a regular thing in the Trevi Fountain. Around € 3000 is thrown in the fountain every day!

St. Peters Basilica

The main basilica in Vatican City. Constructed in 1506. Described as the greatest of all churches in Christendom. The Catholic tradition says that this is the burial site of St. Peter, the first bishop of Rome.
Nowadays it’s a famous place for pilgrimage and the place where the Pope presided several liturgies a year.

Roman Forum

This place consists of several ruins of ancient government buildings of the City of Rome. In ancient Rome, this was the center of day to day life. It has been called the most celebrated meeting place in the world. Many of the oldest and important structures dating back from the 8th Century BC!.

Altare Della Patria (Vittoriano)

Also known as Altar of the Fatherland. Constructed in 1888, one of the newest buildings in Rome. It’s a monument built in honor of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy.

Vatican City

Officially its called Vatican City State. Since 1929 the Vatican City is recognized as an independent county within the city of Rome. It’s also the smallest country in the world, with only 44 hectares and 1000 people living within the country.
It’s ruled by the Pope, who’s not only head of the Vatican City but also Bishop of Rome and leader of the worldwide Catholic Church.

Within Vatican City, there are many historical buildings to find. So even for people who are not catholic and on a pilgrimage, it’s interesting to visit. The Vatican Museums are maybe the most impressive to visit. With a wide collection of Roman sculptures and renaissance art. The Vatican Museum contains over 70.000 different works, but only 20.000 are on display.

Trastevere – unique Roman Neighborhood

The historic center of Rome is famous all over the world. But when you are visiting the city of Rome, it is also good to know where you can go after you visited all the historical beauty. Many different neighborhoods are surrounding the historical center of Rome, but our favorite is Trastevere. And mainly because we are food lovers and enjoy excellent cuisine and drinks! And let’s face it, a famous city without a great neighborhood for food and drinks is not complete!

Foodlovers Paradise

Trastevere is easily to get to from the historical center of Rome. It’s a nice walk at the end of the day among the Tiber river. Make sure to start at the beginning of the night with some drinks and finger food. It doesn’t matter which trattoria (classic Italian restaurant) you choose, their all good!

After some drinks, it’s nice to walk around the old streets of the neighborhood. Finding another restaurant where you can have a classic Italian dinner, which you’ll end with homemade tiramisu and Limoncello!

The city of Rome is one of the oldest cities in the world. Famous for its role in world history. And with the unique mixture of many Unesco World Heritage sites, ancient buildings and, modern cafes and restaurants its, a must-visit for every traveler.

What is Rome known for FAQs

Is Rome a country?

Rome is not a country. It is the capital city of Italy and also home to Vatican City, which is an independent city-state within Rome.

What is Rome best known for?

Rome is best known for its ancient landmarks, such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, and Roman Forum, as well as its role as the center of the Roman Empire and the Catholic Church.

What was the city of Rome known for?

The city of Rome was historically known as the heart of the Roman Empire, one of the most powerful and influential empires in history. It was famous for its architecture, law, military, and engineering achievements.

What are the Romans most known for?

The Romans are most known for their contributions to architecture (like the Colosseum and aqueducts), law, road-building, and their establishment of the Roman Empire, which shaped much of modern Western civilization.

Why was Rome so famous?

Rome became famous for its immense power during the Roman Empire, its cultural achievements, and its role as a political, military, and religious center. It continues to be famous for its art, architecture, and historical significance.

What food is Rome known for?

Rome is known for dishes like Cacio e Pepe (pasta with cheese and black pepper), Carbonara (pasta with eggs, guanciale, and cheese), Supplì (fried rice balls), and Pizza al Taglio (pizza by the slice).

What is the number one must-see in Rome?

The number one must-see in Rome is the Colosseum, an iconic ancient amphitheater where gladiatorial games took place. It’s one of the world’s most famous landmarks.

How Many Days do You Need to Spend in Rome?

You need at least 2-3 days in Rome at minimum. Visiting several historical sites and museums can take a lot of time. It is essential to plan ahead so you know what you want to see during your visit. We wrote a city guide to the best of Rome to help you plan your stay.

How Can I Go to Italy for 10 Days?

To visit Italy for 10 days, follow these steps:

Plan Your Itinerary: Choose the cities and regions you want to visit, like Rome, Florence, Venice, and the Amalfi Coast.
Book Flights: Find round-trip flights to major Italian airports, such as Rome (FCO) or Milan (MXP).
Accommodation: Reserve hotels, hostels, or Airbnbs in advance. Look for places in central locations for convenience.
Transportation: Use trains like Trenitalia or Italo for intercity travel. Rent a car if visiting rural areas or scenic drives.
Budget: Plan a budget that includes flights, accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities. For 10 days, expect to spend around £1,500–£2,500 ($2,000–$3,000) depending on your preferences.
Visa Requirements: Check if you need a Schengen visa. Citizens from many countries, including the US, UK, and EU, can visit Italy visa-free for up to 90 days.
Packing: Pack for the season, considering Italy’s varied climate. Don’t forget comfortable shoes for walking and any necessary travel documents.
Book Attractions in Advance: Popular sites like the Colosseum or Vatican Museums may require advance booking to avoid long queues.

By following these steps, you can enjoy a smooth and memorable 10-day trip to Italy!

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