National Roman Museum (Palazzo Massimo)
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About
Located near Termini Station, this museum holds the world’s most important collection of ancient Roman art, including breathtaking frescoes, mosaics, and sculptures. The highlight is the second floor, which features perfectly preserved frescoes from the Villa of Livia and the Farnesina House, offering a vivid look at Roman interior design. The 'Boxer at Rest' bronze statue is a masterpiece of emotive realism. Expert recommendation: spend time in the mosaic section to see the incredible detail of the 'Nile Scene.' Pro tip: your ticket usually covers entry to the other three branches of the National Roman Museum (Palazzo Altemps, Crypta Balbi, and Baths of Diocletian), valid for one week—don't throw it away!
Highlights
- The Boxer bronze statue
- Ancient Roman garden frescoes
- Intricate floor mosaics
- Roman numismatic collection
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Basillica di Santa Maria Maggiore
As the largest Catholic Marian church in Rome, this basilica is a UNESCO site known for its perfectly preserved 5th-century mosaics and its magnificent gilded ceiling (legend says the gold was the first brought back from the New World). It combines Early Christian, Romanesque, and Baroque styles. The sensory experience is one of golden splendor and immense scale. Expert recommendation: visit the crypt to see the 'Reliquary of the Holy Crib,' believed to contain wood from Jesus' manger. Pro tip: unlike St. Peter's, the lines here are usually manageable, but security is still tight. It is one of the four Papal Major Basilicas, so the 'Holy Door' is a significant site during Jubilee years.
Palazzo Barberini
This grand Baroque palace, a collaboration between rival architects Bernini and Borromini, houses the National Gallery of Ancient Art. Its most famous treasure is Raphael’s 'La Fornarina,' alongside works by Caravaggio and Holbein. The centerpiece is the massive ceiling fresco by Pietro da Cortona, 'The Allegory of Divine Providence.' The sensory experience is one of dizzying Baroque movement and golden light. Expert recommendation: compare the two staircases—Bernini's square one and Borromini's helicoidal (spiral) one. Pro tip: the palace gardens are free to enter and provide a quiet oasis in the busy Barberini district. Your ticket is often valid for the Galleria Corsini in Trastevere as well.
National Gallery of Ancient Art
This gallery is split between two magnificent locations: Palazzo Barberini and Palazzo Corsini. It houses some of the most critical works of the Italian Renaissance and Baroque, including Caravaggio's 'Judith Beheading Holofernes' and Lippi's 'Annunciation.' The galleries are less crowded than the Vatican, allowing for a quiet, contemplative experience with high art. Expert recommendation: at Palazzo Barberini, look for the 'Allegory of Divine Providence' ceiling fresco. Pro tip: your ticket is valid for both palaces (Barberini and Corsini) for a 20-day period. This is an excellent way to see world-class art while exploring two very different Roman neighborhoods (the Quirinal area and Trastevere).
Aroma (Palazzo Manfredi)
Perched on the top floor of the Palazzo Manfredi, Aroma offers what is arguably the most spectacular dining view in the world, directly overlooking the Colosseum. Chef Giuseppe Di Iorio serves sophisticated, Michelin-starred Mediterranean cuisine. The sensory experience is unparalleled as the ancient monument is lit up at night, seemingly within arm's reach of your table. Expert recommendation: the tasting menu provides a journey through refined Italian flavors, but the view is the true headliner. Pro tip: this is a prime spot for proposals and special occasions; book the 'front row' tables along the glass railing months in advance. Dress code is elegant; men should wear a jacket.
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