All seasons are beautiful to take a trip to Rome but there is something special about Rome in January. The weather in January is mild with low temperatures at night which are nearly freezing and highs during the day. The feeling you get while you visit Rome is like turning pages of history as you hop from one tourist attraction to another. Enjoy a Colosseum Guided Tour as you learn about intricate details about this Flavian Amphitheatre. Next to the Colosseum is the Roman Forum which was once the central place of all social activities now lies in ruins. Trevi Fountain is known for its tradition of tossing of coins and adds more charm to the romantic image of Rome. A trip to the Vatican is inevitable where monumental marvels like the Vatican Museums, and St Peter’s Basilica await the visitors to share their legacy and stories .St Peter’s Square designed by Bernini is a massive-sized piazza which is located at the base of St Peter’s Basilica. The Spanish Steps lie between Piazza di Spagna where you can relax and become a keen observer of the bustling life of the city. Shop for ceramics to fresh products at the Campo de Fiori.
Colosseum
The best way to enjoy a visit to the amphitheatre is you take a Colosseum Guided Tour. The tour is worth the time as you skip the line and access the iconic landmark and avoid the crowd. This a good opportunity to learn and hear stories from your guide. The most fascinating feature of the Colosseum is its elliptical shape. Colosseum is the biggest ancient amphitheatre and still is the largest standing facade. The construction began under Vespasian Emperor and was completed by his heirs and successor. It was used for entertaining the Roman crowds where gladiators fought, battles were recreated and the execution of prisoners took place. The Flavian theatre could accommodate around fifty thousand spectators at a time. The Colosseum measures 620 by 513 feet and saw four centuries of active use. But by the 20th century due to weather, neglect and natural disasters nearly destroyed two third of the facade.
Roman Forum
Rome in January is best enjoyed as you visit the Roman Forum. This is a vast expanse of an excavated area where ruins of government buildings, squares and Roman temples lie dating back to some two thousand years. It was once the political centre of the city where court meetings and assemblies which were directed towards the affairs of the republic were held. The Arch of Titus is the oldest Roman triumphal arch which was erected by Domitian the successor of Titus after his death. The most striking feature of the Roman Forum is the three high-rising vaulted arches of the Basilica of Constantine which was the largest building in the Forum. The Curia was once the meeting place of the Roman Senate and is one of the well-preserved historical buildings of the Forum. Another best-preserved building of the Forum is the Temple of Romulus which was dedicated by Maxentius to his son Valerius Romulus in 309 BC.
Piazza Navona
Colosseum Guide Tour leads you towards Piazza Navona a beautiful square which dates back to the 1st century AD known for its street artists and Baroque fountain. This elegant square lies in the centre of Rome which used to be the Stadium of Domitian. On the southwest end of Piazza Navona is the Piazza Pasquino here you will find the statue of Pasquino the namesake of the Piazza which has served the purpose of being a message board for protestors who were in pursuit of freedom of speech. As you enter Piazza Navona one of the attractions that catch your attention is a Circus -Maximus-like forum as it was built over the remnants of the Stadium of Domitian. Bramantae Cloister or better known as Choistor Del Bramantae is a sixteenth-century structure which was authorized by Cardinal Oliviero Carafa is a two-storied courtyard with beautiful colonnades (stone columns with equal spaces between them with a supporting roof ). The Church of Santa Maria Della Pace was commissioned by Pope Sixtus IV in 1482 the present church is erected on the foundation of Sant Andrea de Aqarizariis and was restored by famous architect Pietro di Cortona.
Castel Sant Angelo
Rome in January is captivating as you visit the Castel Sant Angelo which dates back to the second century and is a circular facade with a collection of paintings and furniture in Renaissance-styled apartments. The Mausoleum of Hadrian is also known as Castel Sant Angelo a cylindrical building located in Parco Adriano Rome was earlier appointed by Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. But as time passed it was used by Popes as a castle and a fort and now is a museum. The facade was once the tallest building in Rome.
Piazza del Popolo
Visit this Colosseum Guided Tour tourist attraction which is an iconic landmark square with Rome’s oldest obelisk at the centre and is also the site of the city’s northern gate. It connects many areas of the Eternal City and is a good place to kickstart some sightseeing. At Piazza del Popolo are located the twin churches and as you turn left you to come across the enormous statue of Neptune with a trident in his hand and riding mermen and dolphins. And on the opposite side of the piazza is the statue of Dea Roma imitating Neptune. Dea Roma stands for Goddess of Rome as these statues are aqueducts which were built to bring water to the city in the nineteenth century. Villa Borghese and the Borghese Gallery belong to one of the most influential families in Roman history. They were quite similar to the Medici family of Florence as they gathered great wealth and power. On the edge of Villa Borghese and above the piazza lies the great viewpoint of IL Pincio as it is christened on the name of the hill from which it was carved -Pincian Hill. From up here you get to view the twin churches along with the Flaminian Gate of Rome and a great spot for clicking insta worthy selfies.