From Florence to Rome: Vatican Museums and Historic Centre by Train

Highlights

• Fast train from Florence
• Vatican Museums admission
• Historic centre on foot

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1

   Spanish Steps

   15min

   The Spanish Steps, built between 1723 and 1726 based on a design by Roman architect Francesco De Sanctis (1693-1740), form a dramatic connection between the slopes of the Pincio, dominated by the Church of the Holy Trinity, and the Piazza di Spagna below.

2. 2

   Spanish Steps

   30min

   The romantic center of 19th-century Rome, it already assumed a highly important commercial role by the 15th century due to the presence of many hotels and homes occupied by foreigners, attracted to the area by Spanish and French government representatives. Under the pontificate of Innocent XIII, and under the direction of the Roman architect Francesco De Santis, the Spanish Steps (1723-26) were built, a spectacular connection between the slopes of the Pincian Hill, dominated by the Church of the Santissima Trinità dei Monti, and the Piazza di Spagna below, intended to be a gathering place for all citizens.

3. 3

   Trevi Fountain

   30min

   The most famous of Roman fountains: a jewel of water and stone. The Trevi Fountain, the terminal point of the Virgo Aqueduct, the only ancient aqueduct in continuous use to this day, is the most famous of Roman fountains. Its name derives from a place name in use in the area since the mid-12th century, regio Trivii, referring to the confluence of three streets in the square, or from the triple outlet of the water from the original fountain. The construction of the current Trevi Fountain is owed to Pope Clement XII, who, in 1732, announced a competition in which the greatest artists of the time participated. Among the various designs submitted, that of architect Nicola Salvi was chosen.

4. 4

   Pantheon

   15min

   "The most beautiful remnant of Roman antiquity. A temple that has suffered so little that it appears to us as the Romans must have seen it in their time," was how the French writer Stendhal described it in the 19th century. A source of inspiration for the greatest architects of all time and long admired for its beauty, harmonious lines, and perfectly calculated geometric shapes, the Pantheon is indeed one of the best-preserved examples of Roman monumental architecture. Its history begins in 27 BC, when Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, son-in-law, friend, and collaborator of Augustus, built a first temple in this area dedicated to "all the gods." Its current form, however, is due to Hadrian, who rebuilt it between 118 and 125 AD, expanding it, reversing its orientation, and opening a large porticoed plaza in front of the new temple.

5. 5

   Piazza Navona

   20min

   One of the most spectacular urban complexes of Baroque Rome Piazza Navona is one of the most spectacular and characteristic urban complexes of Baroque Rome. The square is bordered by buildings that arose on the ruins of the Stadium of Domitian, whose track still retains its shape and dimensions. The original shape of the current square, in fact, faithfully imitates the perimeter of the ancient stadium that Domitian built in 86 AD for athletics and horse racing. The remains of this ancient structure are located 5-6 meters below the current street level and can still be seen beneath a modern building in Piazza di Tor Sanguigna and in the basement of the church of Sant'Agnese in Agone. The modern name of the square derives from the Latin term Agones, meaning "Games."

6. 6

   Vatican Museums

   3h

   The Vatican Museums are the national museum of the Vatican City, in Rome.[2] Founded by Pope Julius II in the 16th century,[3] they occupy a large part of the vast Belvedere courtyard and are one of the largest art collections in the world, since they exhibit the enormous collection of works of art accumulated over the centuries by the popes: the Sistine Chapel and the papal apartments, frescoed respectively by Michelangelo and Raphael, are part of the works that visitors can admire on their tour.

Before you go

Location