The Most Popular Attraction in Rome: A Ranking of Unmissable Landmarks and Sights

Choose the attraction you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Jun 16, 2023 10:18 (Updated on Dec 7, 2023 06:59)
Step into the enchanting world of Rome and make your voice heard as we embark on a journey to discover the most popular attraction in this eternal city! StrawPoll invites you to join thousands of avid travelers and history buffs in ranking Rome's awe-inspiring landmarks, from the grand Colosseum to the mesmerizing Trevi Fountain. Will the Vatican City's heavenly aura reign supreme, or will the ancient Pantheon steal the show? The choice is yours! Cast your vote now or suggest a hidden gem that deserves the spotlight. Immerse yourself in the captivating tales of Rome's magnificent past and help us weave a story for the ages! Let the battle of the Roman attractions begin!

What Is the Most Popular Attraction in Rome?

  1. 1
    44
    votes
    The Colosseum
    Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0
    The largest amphitheater ever built, where gladiatorial contests and public spectacles were held.
    Description
    The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an ancient Roman amphitheater located in the heart of Rome, Italy. It is considered one of the most iconic and beautiful man-made structures in the world, serving as a symbol of the grandeur of the Roman Empire. Built between 70-80 AD, the Colosseum was a monumental feat of engineering and architectural design.
    • Location: Rome, Italy
    • Date Built: 70-80 AD
    • Architectural Style: Roman
    • Purpose: Amphitheater for public spectacles, such as gladiatorial contests and mock naval battles
    • Shape: Elliptical
    The Colosseum in other rankings
  2. 2
    26
    votes
    The Vatican Museums
    Andreas Tille · CC BY-SA 4.0

    The Vatican Museums

    Pope Julius II
    A collection of museums and galleries containing an extensive collection of art and sculptures.
    Description
    The Vatican Museums is a collection of art museums located within Vatican City. It is one of the most popular cultural destinations in Rome and attracts millions of visitors each year. The museums house an extensive collection of artworks and historical artifacts spanning over 2,000 years of history.
    • Size: More than 9 miles of galleries
    • Collection: Over 70,000 works of art
    • Artists: Pieces by famous artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci
    • Sistine Chapel: Contains Michelangelo's iconic frescoes, including The Creation of Adam
    • Raphael Rooms: A series of four rooms adorned with frescoes by Raphael
  3. 3
    33
    votes
    The Pantheon
    Moonik · CC BY-SA 3.0
    A former Roman temple turned church, renowned for its innovative architecture and impressive dome.
    Description
    The Pantheon is an ancient Roman temple located in the heart of Rome, Italy. It is widely regarded as one of the most remarkable architectural achievements in history. Originally built as a temple to all Roman gods, it now serves as a church and a popular tourist attraction.
    • Dome Diameter: 43.3 meters
    • Height of the Portico: 33 meters
    • Height of the Dome: 43.3 meters
    • Rotunda Diameter: 43.3 meters
    • Material Used: Concrete and brick
    The Pantheon in other rankings
  4. 4
    21
    votes
    The center of ancient Roman life, featuring ruins of government buildings, temples, and public spaces.
    Description
    The Roman Forum, also known as Forum Romanum, is an ancient archaeological site in Rome, Italy. It was once the center of political, religious, and commercial activities in the city. Today, it remains a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the grandeur of the Roman Empire.
    • Size: The Roman Forum covers an area of approximately 130,000 square meters.
    • Time Period: It was in use from the 7th century BC until the 4th century AD, encompassing over a millennium of Roman history.
    • Architectural Style: The structures in the Roman Forum showcase various architectural styles, including Roman, Greek, and Etruscan influences.
    • Temples: The Forum was home to several important temples, such as the Temple of Saturn, Temple of Vesta, and Temple of Julius Caesar.
    • Arch of Septimius Severus: The triumphal arch dedicated to Emperor Septimius Severus stands as a prominent structure in the Forum.
    The Roman Forum in other rankings
  5. 5
    12
    votes

    The Trevi Fountain

    Nicola Salvi
    A Baroque fountain depicting the mythological figure of Neptune, famous for its coin-throwing tradition.
    Description
    The Trevi Fountain is a stunning Baroque masterpiece located in Rome. It is the largest and most famous fountain in the city, and it has become an iconic symbol of Rome's beauty and grandeur. The fountain is known for its magnificently sculpted figures and intricate details, making it a must-visit attraction for tourists and locals alike. It is situated at the end of the Aqua Virgo, one of the ancient aqueducts that supplied water to Rome.
    • Location: Rome, Italy
    • Style: Baroque
    • Height: 26.3 meters (86 feet)
    • Width: 49.15 meters (161.3 feet)
    • Materials: Travertine stone, Carrara marble, and various metals
    The Trevi Fountain in other rankings
  6. 6
    9
    votes

    The Spanish Steps

    Francesco de Sanctis
    A set of steps leading from the Piazza di Spagna to the Trinita dei Monti church, popular for its stunning views and romantic atmosphere.
    Description
    The Spanish Steps is a magnificent staircase located in Rome, Italy. It is a renowned landmark and one of the most beautiful parts of the city. The steps consist of 135 individual steps of varying widths and heights, leading from the Piazza di Spagna at the base to the Trinità dei Monti Church at the top. The Spanish Steps are known for their grandeur, elegance, and the stunning views they offer. The staircase is adorned with blooming flowers during springtime, creating a vibrant and picturesque atmosphere.
    • Location: Rome, Italy
    • Number of Steps: 135
    • Material: Travertine stone
    • Width: Approximately 27 meters
    • Height: Approximately 23 meters
    The Spanish Steps in other rankings
  7. 7
    7
    votes
    A large public square featuring the Fountain of the Four Rivers and the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone.
    Description
    Piazza Navona is one of the most popular and lively squares in Rome, Italy. Located in the historic center of the city, it showcases impressive Baroque architecture and a vibrant atmosphere. The square is well-known for its iconic fountains, stunning palaces, and bustling cafes. It has a rich history dating back to the 1st century AD when it was built as a stadium.
    • Location: Rome, Italy
    • Architectural style: Baroque
    • Fountains: The square houses three famous fountains: Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) in the center, Fontana del Moro (Moor Fountain) at the southern end, and Fontana del Nettuno (Neptune Fountain) at the northern end.
    • Palaces: The square is surrounded by three impressive palaces: Palazzo Pamphilj, Palazzo Braschi, and Palazzo De Cupis.
    • Obelisk: The center of the square features an ancient Egyptian obelisk, known as the Obelisk of Domitian, which adds to its historical significance.
  8. 8
    3
    votes
    The Sistine Chapel
    Michelangelo · Public domain
    A chapel in the Apostolic Palace, famous for its ceiling painted by Michelangelo.
    Description
    The Sistine Chapel is a renowned chapel located in Vatican City, Rome. It is considered one of the greatest masterpieces of Renaissance art and is known for its stunning frescoes adorning the interior. The chapel serves as the official residence of the Pope and is a significant religious place for Catholicism.
    • Construction Period: 1477 - 1483
    • Size: 40.9 meters long, 13.4 meters wide
    • Total Area: 560 square meters
    • Ceiling Frescoes: Painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512
    • Fresco Themes: Nine central panels depict episodes from the Book of Genesis
  9. 9
    8
    votes
    A large public park featuring numerous museums, art galleries, and sculptures.
    Description
    The Villa Borghese is a renowned art gallery and public park located in Rome, Italy. It was originally a vineyard and garden estate owned by the Borghese family in the 17th century. Today, it stands as one of the most popular attractions in Rome, offering visitors a tranquil escape from the bustling city while showcasing impressive art collections and landscaped gardens.
    • Size: It spans an area of 80 hectares (197.7 acres).
    • Art Collections: It houses a vast collection of sculptures, paintings, and antiquities, including works by renowned artists such as Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael.
    • Gardens: The Villa Borghese gardens feature a variety of flora, fountains, and statues, creating a picturesque landscape for visitors to explore.
    • Galleria Borghese: The art gallery within the villa houses masterpieces like 'Apollo and Daphne' by Bernini and 'The Deposition' by Caravaggio.
    • Villa Borghese Pinciana: The historic building of Villa Borghese Pinciana, also located within the park, offers a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Borghese family.
  10. 10
    4
    votes

    The Castel Sant'Angelo

    Emperor Hadrian
    A towering fortress and museum, originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian.
    Description
    The Castel Sant'Angelo, also known as the Mausoleum of Hadrian, is a historical fortress located in Rome, Italy. Originally built as a mausoleum for the Roman Emperor Hadrian and his family, it later served as a castle and is now a museum. The structure stands on the right bank of the Tiber River, just outside the boundaries of Vatican City.
    • Location: Rome, Italy
    • Architectural Style: Roman
    • Construction Period: 135–139 AD
    • Type: Mausoleum turned fortress
    • Height: 57 meters (187 feet)

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Ranking factors for popular attraction

  1. Historical Significance
    Consider the attraction's historical importance and its role in shaping Rome's history and culture.
  2. Cultural Significance
    Evaluate the attraction's cultural importance, such as popular festivals, events, or art that take place there.
  3. Architectural Importance
    Evaluate the architectural marvel or distinct design aspects of the attraction, which make it unique.
  4. Popularity
    Determine the popularity of the attraction among tourists, measured by the number of annual visitors, social media presence, and reviews.
  5. Accessibility
    Assess the ease of reaching the attraction, including available transportation options, distance from major hotels or city center, and any possible barriers for people with disabilities.
  6. Educational Value
    Consider the information and learning opportunities provided by the attraction, such as guided tours, interactive exhibits, and informative signage.
  7. Recreational Value
    Evaluate the entertainment and recreational opportunities offered by the attraction, such as parks, photo spots, dining, and shopping.
  8. Scenic Beauty
    Rate the scenic beauty in and around the attraction, which adds to the overall experience.
  9. Entrance Fees
    Consider the cost of visiting the attraction, including ticket prices, group discounts, and seasonal offers.
  10. Crowd Management
    Assess the availability of crowd control measures, such as timed entry, limited daily admission, and the general flow of visitors, to ensure a pleasant experience for all guests.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular attraction in Rome. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or attraction is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1575 views
  • 167 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each attraction once every 24 hours. The rank of each attraction is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular attraction in rome

Rome is undoubtedly one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and for good reason. The city is home to a treasure trove of historical landmarks, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that visitors from around the globe flock to Rome each year to experience its charm and beauty. One of the most popular attractions in Rome is the Colosseum, an ancient amphitheater that dates back to the Roman Empire. This impressive structure was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, and today it stands as a testament to the city's rich history. Another must-see attraction in Rome is the Vatican City. This sovereign state is home to some of the world's most famous art and architecture, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica. Visitors can also explore the Vatican Museums, which house an impressive collection of artwork and historical artifacts. For those who love to wander, the city's historic center is a must-visit. Here, you'll find an abundance of beautiful piazzas, winding streets, and charming cafes. Be sure to stop by the Trevi Fountain, toss a coin in the water, and make a wish. With so many incredible attractions to choose from, it's no wonder that Rome remains one of the most popular destinations in the world. Whether you're a history buff, an art lover, or simply looking for a beautiful place to explore, there's something for everyone in this timeless city.

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