Piazza Venezia and Altare della Patria
The Altare della Patria (Altar of the Fatherland) is a massive white marble monument on Piazza Venezia, built in honor of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of unified Italy. Free to enter.
Church in Rome
Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio
The Church of Sant’Ignazio near the Pantheon has a ceiling fresco by Andrea Pozzo that creates one of the most spectacular optical illusions in art history: a flat ceiling painted to look like an impossibly tall baroque dome, complete with columns, arches, and figures ascending to heaven. Free. Stand on the yellow marble disc on the floor and the illusion is perfect. Step away and the painting distorts. Budget travelers visit for free and see the moment where painting met architecture and tricked the eye of an entire congregation.
Practical
Before you go
- Address
- Via Sant'Ignazio di Antiochia, 00178 Rome
- Good to know
Nearby
More in Rome
Other places worth the walk, and what each one costs.
Appian Way
The Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) is the ancient Roman road leading south from the city, lined with ruins, tombs, catacombs, and cypress trees. Free to walk.
Aventine Keyhole
The Aventine Keyhole is a small bronze keyhole in the door of the Priory of the Knights of Malta on the Aventine Hill. Free.
Campo de' Fiori
Campo de' Fiori is a lively square in the historic center that hosts a daily morning market selling fruit, vegetables, flowers, spices, and street food. Free to browse.
Castel Sant'Angelo
Castel Sant'Angelo is a cylindrical fortress on the Tiber, originally built as Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum. Entry is paid at a modest price.
Catacombs of San Callisto
The Catacombs of San Callisto on the Appian Way are the largest and most important Christian catacombs in Rome, stretching 20 kilometers underground on four levels with the remains of half a million early Christians. Entry is paid (guided tours only).
Working out what Rome costs?
The whole of Rome