Rome, Italy 72-Hour Vacation

The Colosseum

Imperial Forums and Colosseum
www.capitolium.org
The elevated Imperial Forums includes Trajan's Market, a remarkably well-preserved section of commercial structures that allow for a glimpse of everyday life in ancient Rome. If the Colosseum was the first sports stadium, many consider Trajan's Market the first shopping mall.

Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains
Piazza San Pietro
www.stpetersbasilica.org
At the Basilica of Saint Peter in Chains, or San Pietro in Vincoli Renaissance art aficionados will revel in Michelangelo's statue of Moses, created in 1515.

Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna
Viale delle Belle Arti, 131
00196 Rome
39-06-322-981
www.gnam.beniculturali.it
This galleria showcases works from Italian artists from the late 19th century to 1945. While the museum restaurant is not coveted for its cuisine, the sprawling outdoor terrace draws diners in search of a sun-drenched afternoon lunch.

Museo dell'Ara Pacis
Lungotevere in Augusta
00100 Rome
39-06-82-059-127
en.arapacis.it
Renowned Architect Richard Meier designed a vast travertine and glass container for the monument, an elaborate altar, built in 9 BC to commemorate the beginning of the Pax Romana.

Castel Sant'Angelo

Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo
Lungotevere Castello, 50
00100 Rome
39-06-39-967-600
www.castelsantangelo.com
The rotund fortress of Castel Sant'Angelo, Roman Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum, is connected to Vatican city with an escape tunnel for Popes on the run. The museum inside contains art objects, paintings, furniture and even weapons. The Castel's inviting café is perfect for an afternoon break.

Museo Nazionale di Villa Giulia
Piazzale di Villa Giulia, 9
00196 Rome
39-06-32-01-951
www.ticketeria.it
Within the Villa Borghese gardens is the Villa Giulia, where classical concerts are held in the evening during the summer.

Villa Giulia

Museo e Galleria Borghese
Villa Borghese
Piazza del Museo
Borghese, 5
00197 Rome
39-06-84-13-979
www.galleriaborghese.it
At the Villa Borghese, Rome's principal park, you'll find the exquisite Borghese Gallery. This small museum houses Renaissance paintings by Rubens, Raphael, Titian and Caravaggio, as well as several sensuous statues by Bernini. Due to the gallery's popularity, visitors must purchase tickets in advance in order to obtain a time slot during which to view the collection.

The Vatican Museums and Galleries
Viale Vaticano
39-06-69-83-333
my.vatican.va
You can spend a whole day alone at Vatican City, the sacred papal residence. The Vatican Museums house the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel.