After getting a bit of an overview of the city, we decided to do some more focused visiting of historical sights. On the plan was Pantheon, which is actually free, the white Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II, and finally the Baths of Caracalla. Just the Therme has been the most interesting sight for me and completely underrated.
Exploring Rome is like peeling back the layers of time, and in a single day I managed to walk through three of the city’s most extraordinary landmarks: the Pantheon, the Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II, and the Baths of Caracalla. Together, they tell the story of Rome from its pagan beginnings, through its modern unification, and back to the grandeur of its imperial age.
I started at the Pantheon, a building that has stood for nearly 2,000 years and still feels like perfection carved in stone. From the outside, its massive columns and triangular pediment dominate the little piazza. But stepping inside was the real moment of awe. The dome soared above me, perfectly round, with the oculus — the famous open circle at its centre — letting in a shaft of sunlight that cut through the space like a spotlight from the heavens. It was hard to believe this was built in the 2nd century AD, and even harder to grasp that it’s still the world’s largest unreinforced concrete dome. Once a temple to all gods, now a church, the Pantheon feels alive with both history and spirit. Standing there, I understood why Michelangelo called it the work of angels, not men.
From there, I made my way to the Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II, also known as the Altare della Patria or simply the “Wedding Cake” for its gleaming white marble and layered design. Built in honour of Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a united Italy, it’s a statement of pride and national identity. Climbing its grand staircases, lined with statues and fountains, I felt the weight of modern Italy’s story — a nation forged from fragments into unity. At the heart of the monument lies the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by eternal flames and sentinels. From the top, the views were unforgettable: the Colosseum on one side, the domes of Rome stretching across the skyline, and the bustle of Piazza Venezia below. This wasn’t just a monument, it was a reminder of how history never stops — Rome is not only ancient but also modern, alive, and constantly reshaping itself.
Finally, I wandered south to the Baths of Caracalla, one of the greatest surviving ruins of imperial Rome. Even in their ruined state, the scale was astonishing. Towering brick walls, vast open halls, and fragments of mosaic floors hinted at the luxury that once filled this space. In the 3rd century AD, thousands of Romans came here daily not just to bathe, but to exercise, socialise, study, and relax. Walking through the remains of pools, saunas, and gardens, I could almost imagine the laughter, the conversations, and the rhythm of everyday Roman life. The baths were more than a spa — they were the beating heart of the city’s social world.
What tied all three places together was the way they revealed different faces of Rome. The Pantheon showed the genius and spirituality of ancient architecture. The Altare della Patria represented national pride and the rebirth of Italy in modern times. And the Baths of Caracalla captured the scale, ambition, and luxury of the Roman Empire at its height. Walking from one to the next felt like travelling through centuries in a single day.
If you’re planning to see these places yourself, my advice is simple: take your time. At the Pantheon, sit for a while under the dome and watch the light shift across the marble. At the Monumento a Vittorio Emanuele II, don’t miss the elevator ride to the top for one of the best panoramas of the city. And at the Baths of Caracalla, let yourself wander slowly, imagining the grandeur that once was. Comfortable shoes, water, and a little curiosity will carry you far in Rome.
For me, this day was a reminder of why Rome is called the Eternal City. No other place brings together so many layers of history in such a powerful way. From the gods of antiquity to the kings of modern Italy, from imperial luxury to the streets of today’s bustling capital, Rome continues to amaze, inspire, and connect us with the past.
The Castel Sant’Angelo: The Castel Sant’Angelo is a cylindrical castle located on the banks of the Tiber River. It was built in the 2nd century AD and was initially used as a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian. It later served as a fortress, a papal residence, and a prison.
Rome is a city with a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The historic places in Rome offer visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the splendor of ancient Rome and the Renaissance period. Whether it’s the iconic Colosseum, the ancient Roman Forum, or the Vatican City, Rome has something to offer for everyone who loves history and culture.