One Day in Rome: Colosseum, Pantheon and the Spanish Steps

We had one day in Rome on our Mediterranean cruise, so we focused on the sights that mattered most to us. Rome is the capital of Italy and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The city has a rich history that dates back over two thousand years, and it is full of ancient ruins, Renaissance art, and stunning architecture. Rome is full of incredible sights to see, and there is something for everyone.

Street scene in central Rome on our day in the city — © Copyright , ZombieBunny.Org

If you want to explore the ancient ruins, you can visit the Colosseum or the Roman Forum. For a taste of Renaissance art, you can check out the Sistine Chapel or St. Peter’s Basilica. And if you want to experience the Vatican City, you can visit the Museums or attend mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.

In addition to the normal tourist spots, make sure to find time to explore the city. Spend an hour getting lost, who knows what you might find.

Start One Day in Rome at the Colosseum

Exterior arches of the Colosseum in Rome — © Copyright , ZombieBunny.Org

The Colosseum is a large amphitheater in the center of the city of Rome. Built of concrete and stone, it was the largest amphitheater of the Roman Empire and is considered one of the greatest works of architecture and engineering ever built. It is one of Rome’s most popular tourist attractions.

Inside the Colosseum looking over the arena floor — © Copyright , ZombieBunny.Org

The amphitheater could seat up to 50,000 people and be used for both entertainment and public executions. It was later used as a quarry until it was restored in the 20th century.

Crowds outside the Colosseum in the morning — © Copyright , ZombieBunny.Org

The Colosseum Rome, Italy is a popular tourist destination, so plan to arrive early. It receives over six million visitors each year and is one of the Seven Wonders of the World as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Pantheon

The Pantheon in Rome is one of the world’s most famous and impressive buildings. It was constructed in AD 118-128 under Emperor Hadrian and is a remarkable example of Roman engineering.

Light through the oculus of the Pantheon dome — © Copyright , ZombieBunny.Org

The Pantheon is a massive dome with a diameter of 142 feet (43 meters), and it is said to be the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world. The height of the dome is also impressive, at over 100 feet (30 meters).

The Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps in Rome are a must-see for any visitor to the city. Located in the heart of the city, the steps are a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

As you can see from the photo, it gets busy, so don’t necessarily expect to find a spot to sit. We lucked off and found a small area to rest and have a snack with the kids, but it was definitely crowded. This was mid-day, so if you’re looking for a picture with fewer people consider going in the morning.

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