Piazza del Campidoglio is a work of art in itself – as it was designed by Michelangelo, we wouldn’t expect any less! The geometric design of the piazza faces St Peter’s Basilica – which was the political centre of Rome in Michelangelo’s time. Sadly, the piazza took so long to build and complete Michelangelo never got to see his work finished.

Attracting millions of visitors each year, this piazza is one of the most beautiful squares to visit within Rome. Situated on Capitoline Hill, the piazza is right next to the ever-popular Capitoline Museums, the Palazzo Nuovo and the Palazzo Senatorio.

The most striking artefact on the piazza is the full-size bronze replica of the Marcus Aurelius statue (now safely on display in Capitoline Museums). If you walk up the sweeping staircase and head towards the balcony at the rear of the piazza, you’ll be rewarded with an unrivalled view across the Roman Forum to the Colosseum.

The Historic Center

I, Claudius – Robert Graves

Going back to ancient Rome, this classic is widely considered one of the best novels of the 20th century. Graves writes as Roman Emperor Claudius. Covering Rome’s imperial history up until Claudius’ coronation in 41AD, I, Claudius paints a vivid picture of what ancient Rome was like under the rule of Augustus, Tiberius and Caligula.

Experience what ancient Rome was really like with our Ancient Rome Tour.

Lucrezia Borgia – Maria Bellonci

Published in 1939, this is an award-winning, factually-accurate novel about Lucrezia Borgia. Borgia certainly lives up to her family’s reputation for controversy and cruelty, but Bellonci also highlights Lucrezia’s more complex, human side in this riveting book.

The Woman of Rome – Alberto Moravia

Written by Rome native Moravia, The Woman of Rome was first published in 1947. This novel is centered on one of the most vivid female characters in Italian literature, Adriana, and her life under Mussolini’s dictatorship. Definitely not one for younger readers, the novel follows Adriana as she looks to use her beauty better her life and escape poverty. Chronicling the seedy side of pre-war of Rome, Adriana comes against complex issues involving a failed revolutionary student, a deceitful chauffeur, a violent criminal and a secret police officer

History comes alive on Rome’s cobbled streets and a visit to Rome is the perfect chance to get your little ones interested in the past.

Two great options to visit are he Roman Forum and the Colosseum. They’re next to each and right in the middle of the city – so no complex transport arrangements are needed – making your visit as stress-free as possible.

1. See Where the Lions Lived in the Colosseum

Kids of all ages love to go deep beneath the Colosseum’s arena floor and walk where the gladiators once walked. Underneath the Colosseum, there’s a maze of tunnels and the hypogeum (holding area). Animals held in this area included elephants, lions, leopards, bears and tigers!

2. Run Off Excess Energy at The Forum

Great for younger children, the forum is an open area full of ancient ruins and stunning scenery. Many families love to take some time out of their sightseeing schedule to simply sit and enjoy their beautiful surroundings here.

You can visit both the Forum and the Colosseum’s underground on our VIP Ancient Rome Colosseum Underground Tour.

3. Learn to Be a Gladiator

If they loved the Colosseum, this is a great follow up! There are a few companies in Rome that now offer gladiator classes and diplomas – complete with real-life gladiators to show them how it’s done. Run by historical re-enactors, kids get to dress up and learn authentic gladiator swordplay.

Running at two hours long, gladiator schools are suitable for kids six years and over. The class starts at Gruppo Storico Romano museum to see real gladiator artifacts and to try on realistic armor replicas.

Well of course we have to include St Peter’s in this list!

St Peter’s is the world’s largest (and most visited) church and features a striking key-shaped courtyard designed by Bernini.

While you’re here, stand on one of the colored pave stones by the fountain and check out the optical illusion of many rows of columns disappearing into one single column.

The basilica is the result of years of hard work from Bernini, Michelangelo, Raphael and Bramante. Michelangelo’s masterpiece Pieta lives here too – complete with carved sash proclaiming “Michaela[n]gelus Bonarotus Florentin[us] Facieba[t]” or “Michelangelo Buonarroti of Florence Made It”.

If you’re not convinced that this is the world’s largest church, lines on the floor mark where all the other major churches would fit inside St. Peter’s.

With preserved ancient remains to rival Pompeii, Ostia Antica is a delightful excursion from Rome’s busy streets.

Ostia Antica was ancient Rome’s vibrant sea port and is now an awe-inspiring archaeological showcase.

Prepare to be immersed in the 2nd-century world of ancient Rome. You can visit the public baths – Terme di Nettuno – and admire the artistic effort put into the stunning floor mosaic onsite.

After this, stop off at the awe-inspiring amphitheatre. There’s also an ancient cafe – the Thermopolium – that still has traces of the frescoed menu on the walls.

Want to know the secrets hidden amongst the ruins of Ostia Antica? Book into a private tour today.