One Day in Rome (Civitavecchia)
The Roman Forum as seen from the Colosseum
One Day in Rome…
It's hard to say what to do with just one day in Rome. There is so much to see! However, it is relatively easy to get from the cruise ship port to Rome -- a journey of less than an hour. Take the train from Civitavecchia into Rome's Termini station right in the heart of the city.
The Colosseum is one of Rome’s greatest places to visit.
The Roman Forum and the Colosseum
Termini is a huge train station. From here grab a cab or take the city bus (the cab would be easier), and have them drop you off at the Colosseum. BUT go to the Forum first. The lines are really long to get into the Colosseum, but much shorter at the Forum. Buy your tickets for both the Forum and the Colosseum at the Palatine ticket booth. This will get you in to both the Colosseum and the Forum and will allow you to skip the lines at the Colosseum. The Palatine Hill is also interesting if you are going to make a longer day of it. It's a wonderful place to take photos of the Forum below.
Pizza Rustica
I've marked a great place for lunch on the map called Pizza Rustica. It is cheap and they have good food -- pizza for the kids and great gyros, too. There isn't much seating inside, but if you cross the street, there are benches outside the church across the street: San Clemente.
San Clemente
This fabulous church is beautiful inside, but it is underneath where things get really exciting. Beneath the Basilica of San Clemente is a fascinating museum there which really illustrates how old Rome is -- and how many layers of history are under every street. In the museum you can see the excavations under the church -- three layers of the city including a mithraeum and an ancient Roman apartment.
Rome is built layer upon layer upon layer – and you have to dig down to truly appreciate how old and rich the city is.
San Pietro in Vincoli
You shouldn't go to Rome without seeing some great art, and Michelangelo's Moses is within walking distance of the Colosseum. It is in San Pietro in Vincoli. Getting up the hill is a bit of a hike, and the church doesn't look like much from the outside, but Moses is definitely worth seeing.
Resources
For more information about Rome including restaurant and hotel recommendations, reading lists, and other museum and activity recommendations, check out my Rome City Guide. I have included lots of great information about The Eternal City for a trip of any length.
My Books about Rome
A Journey into Michelangelo’s Rome
It will give you some context for the places you’ll see and the monuments you will visit. Plus, it was written by me, your friendly, neighborhood travel blogger!
Rome’s Angels & Demons
The view under the floor level of the Colosseum — a place which can only be visited with a licensed guide.
Michelangelo’s Moses at San Pietro in Vincoli
Map: Cruising Italy
I've marked a few other places on the map that may be of interest, too, including:
The Piazza del Campidoglio
The Mamertine Prison
The Arch of Constantine
Check out the Italy Cruise Week map for all of the locations listed here and more!
