Top 10 historic things to do in Rome

Roman ruins on the Palatine Hill

A walk through the grass-covered ruins on the Palatine Hill, overlooking the Roman Forum, conjures up the glory of ancient Rome. Emperors built their palaces here, but the ruins give only a hint of their former grandeur. The 16th-century Farnese Gardens are especially memorable in spring.

Mouth of Truth

Thought to be a manhole cover, the bizarre Mouth of Truth (La Bocca della Verità) sculpture is in Santa Maria in Cosmedin church, west of the Roman Forum. Dare to put your hand in the ancient sculpture’s mouth – according to legend, you’ll lose it if you tell a lie – for a classic “when in Rome” photo opportunity.

Piazza della Bocca della Verità

Catacombs and tombs on the Appian Way

Imperial Romans were buried in elaborate mausoleums lining the Appian Way, south-east of the city walls. Follow the tomb-lined road on a Sunday, when it’s free of traffic, to visit the underground catacombs where Rome’s early Christians were buried.

St John Lateran, Rome’s oldest basilica

In the south-east of the city, Rome’s oldest basilica is also the city’s cathedral. For Roman Catholics it outshines St Peter’s in importance. Dating back to the fourth century, there are marble mosaic floors, Roman bronze doors, Papal tombs and 13th-century cloisters to admire.

Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano

Wine-tasting at Enoteca Buccone

This former coach house south of Piazza del Popolo dating back to 1870 has been transformed into an enoteca (wine bar). Surrounded by brick arches, wrought-iron chandeliers, century-old furnishings and wooden shelves groaning with wine bottles, it’s an atmospheric den for a tasting of local wines.

Via di Ripetta 19/20

Bones in the Capuchin Crypt

For decoration with a difference, drop into the church of Santa Maria della Concezione on the Via Veneto to see the extraordinary Capuchin Crypt. The decor is rococo but the detail is made up of thousands of bones of dead Capuchin monks, used for interior decoration between the 16th and 19th centuries.

Via Veneto 27

Fountain pen heaven at Stilo Fetti

Near the Pantheon, Stilo Fetti is a haven for lovers of fine stationery. One of the oldest continually operating shops in Rome, in business since 1893, the pen shop has kept its original display windows to exhibit its collection of antique and modern fountain pens – the ultimate Rome souvenir.

Via degli Orfani 82