The Trevi Fountain is arguably the world's most beautiful. Photo courtesy of FireCask Rome
Rome: View from the hill. Gianicolo Flickr/ Moyan Brenn
View from the hill. Gianicolo Flickr/ Moyan Brenn

Rome is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. But have you ever wondered what places are favorites with the locals?  

In order to find out what locations in Rome are the most popular amongst Italian locals, Autoclick.co.uk conducted a survey of 678 people in the Centro region of Italy.  Here are 10 places that Italians love to visit in Rome.

Gianicolo

Coming in tenth on the list is a hill where you can get a stunning view of Rome — Gianicolo.

Gianicolo is close to the historic center, just above the Vatican, and those who venture to the top are rewarded with the sight of the city laid out before them.

If you go at noon, a cannon is fired – a tradition that dates back to the 19th century.

The Pantheon

Rome: The Pantheon Flickr/ Neil Howard
The Pantheon Flickr/ Neil Howard

One of Rome’s best preserved ancient buildings, the Pantheon is an architectural marvel.

Almost two thousand years after it was built, the Pantheon’s dome is still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome.

Piazza Navona

Rome Piazza Navona in Rome. Flickr/ Assia Carannante
Piazza Navona in Rome. Flickr/ Assia Carannante

The Piazza Navona is one of many squares in Rome, but it is possibly the most beautiful. This is a lively place to visit – the square has cafes, restaurants and fountains.

It is built on the site of the Stadium of Domitian, and was called the Circus Agonalis, or competition arena, because ancient Romans would gather there to watch competitions and games.

It’s now an open public space with the Fountain of the Four Rivers in the center. The piazza has been the gathering place for many theatre productions and Christmas markets.

Trastevere

Rome: Trastevere. Flickr/ mozzercork
Trastevere. Flickr/ mozzercork

Trastevere is full of character. It is the 13th rione — meaning a district in a town –of Rome, on the west bank of the Tiber and south of Vatican City.

To the north of Trastevere is the rione called Borgo. It is also near the Gianicolo hill. Trastevere  has many cobbled streets and ancient houses.

People love to wander its narrow passageways and take in the feeling of being in ancient Rome.

You’ll find many universities in Trastevere, and at night the area comes alive with excitement from local bars.

Piazza di Spagna

Rome: Piazza di Spagna Flickr/ Alessandro Silipo
Piazza di Spagna Flickr/ Alessandro Silipo

Piazza di Spagna draws tourists, locals and photographers because of its location and stunning archaeology.

The square sits at the base of the Spanish Steps, an elegant and large staircase. Trinità dei Monti is a French church in the square that draws visitors for its beauty.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Rome: St. Peter's Basilica Flickr/ Dennis Jarvis
St. Peter’s Basilica Flickr/ Dennis Jarvis

St. Peter’s Basilica is the world’s largest church. The large dome is one of the world’s biggest. Once inside, the size becomes even more impressive and the opulent architecture draws the attention of visitors.

The central door is by the Florentine sculptor Antonio Averulino.The Holy Door stands on the right, cast in bronze by the sculptor Vico Consorti.

When you walk down the nave in the interior of the basilica, be sure to look at the floor as there are markings so visitors can compare the size to the world’s largest churches.

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is arguably the world's most beautiful. Photo courtesy of FireCask Rome
The Trevi Fountain is arguably the world’s most beautiful. Photo courtesy of FireCask

Dream of returning to Rome? Make sure to throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain. Approximately 3,000 € are thrown into the fountain daily.

This fountain is more than a sculpture, it is a work of art that symbolizes the importance water has in Rome.

The Imperial Forums

Rome: The Imperial Forums Flickr/Francisco Anzola
The Imperial Forums Flickr/Francisco Anzola

The Imperial Forums were an important aspect of politics and society in ancient Rome.

They are a series of public squares surrounded by impressive buildings. Many emperors contributed to the forums to gain public favor.

Old Town

Rome: Old Town Flickr/Luca Biada
Old Town Flickr/Luca Biada

Old Rome is the historic Renaissance center of Rome. Old Town Rome is the city’s most charming.

Old Town is a district of Rome (Old Rome), and there are a number of hotels and apartments there as well as the Pantheon, Piazza Navona and the Temple of Hadrian.

Visiting Old Town allows travelers to check off a number of the locals favorite spots at once.

And coming in at number one is…

The Colosseum

Locals vote on attractions in Rome: Coming in at number one is The Colosseum. Photo courtesy of FireCask
Coming in at number one is The Colosseum. Photo courtesy of FireCask

The Colosseum is the most popular attraction in the city, an iconic symbol of Imperial Rome. It attracts an average of 4 million tourists a year. The Colosseum is the world’s 39th most popular tourist destination.

Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum is made of concrete and sand. It is the world’s largest amphitheater and is located in the center of Rome.

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