Walking Through the Eternal City’s Timeless Landmarks

On my recent visit to Rome, I set aside a full day simply to walk—without a fixed plan, without rushing, allowing the city to reveal its iconic places in its own rhythm. Rome is one of the few cities in the world where even a casual stroll becomes a journey through layers of time.

My morning began at the Colosseum, perhaps the most recognizable symbol of ancient Rome. Completed in AD 80, this massive amphitheater once echoed with cheers from tens of thousands of spectators who gathered to witness gladiatorial contests, wild-animal hunts, and elaborate public spectacles. Standing before its towering stone arches, I tried to imagine the drama and intensity of those ancient scenes, and could not help thinking of the brutalities and needless deaths of those who perished solely to entertain the powerful. Today, only its outer shell remains, but even in ruin, the Colosseum captures the ambition and engineering brilliance of the Roman Empire.

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From there, I walked to the Roman Forum, once the bustling center of public life. Though many structures have crumbled, the remains of temples, basilicas, and triumphal arches hint at a world that shaped the political, legal, and cultural foundations of the West. As I wandered its paths, I felt a quiet sense of awe. Here, centuries ago, senators debated, generals celebrated victories, and citizens gathered to witness the unfolding story of their republic.

A short walk away stands the Pantheon, one of the greatest architectural achievements of the ancient world. Originally a temple dedicated to all the gods, it later became a Christian church. Its vast dome—with a central oculus open to the sky—still inspires a sense of wonder. When I stepped inside, sunlight streamed through the oculus, illuminating the interior with a gentle, celestial glow. It felt as though time had slowed, inviting me to reflect on the extraordinary skill required to build such a structure more than two thousand years ago.
My path then led me across the Tiber River toward the Vatican. Outside St. Peter’s Basilica, Bernini’s grand colonnades curved around the square like open arms, embracing the countless pilgrims and visitors who come from all corners of the world. Inside, the basilica’s vastness is overwhelming—the soaring dome designed by Michelangelo, the intricate mosaics, and the quiet presence of the Pietà, a sculpture that reveals the depth of human sorrow and compassion.
Nearby lie the Vatican Museums, home to some of the greatest masterpieces in history. The highlight, of course, is the Sistine Chapel. Standing beneath Michelangelo’s frescoes—The Creation of Adam and the magnificent Last Judgment—I felt a profound sense of reverence. The colors, the movement, the sheer scale of the work speak to the genius that defined the Renaissance and transformed the artistic landscape of Europe.
Later in the afternoon, I wandered toward Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most beautiful squares. Built atop an ancient stadium, the piazza is adorned with Bernini’s Fountain of the Four Rivers, a masterpiece of Baroque sculpture filled with expressive faces and flowing forms. Cafés, artists, musicians, and the gentle hum of conversation give the space an atmosphere both lively and relaxed.
A short walk brought me to the Trevi Fountain, where cascading water flows over sculpted figures of Neptune and sea creatures. Though always crowded, the fountain possesses a charm that never fades. Visitors toss coins into the water, hoping to return to Rome someday—a tradition I happily continued.
As the day softened into evening, I made my way to the Spanish Steps. At their base stands the Keats–Shelley House, where the English poet John Keats spent the final months of his short life. Inside, letters, manuscripts, and personal items preserve the memory of a young man whose poetry continues to move readers around the world. Standing in the quiet room where Keats once looked out at these very steps, I felt a deep sense of connection to the city’s literary and artistic past.
Rome is a city of breathtaking monuments, but what lingers long after the visit is not just the grandeur of its landmarks—it is the feeling that history is always near, that beauty is never far away, and that every corner holds a story.
Every great site in Rome tells its own tale—but together, they reveal the spirit of a city that remains timeless.

(The writer is Professor Emeritus, Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles)