Things to do for free in Rome
Looking for a bit of spirituality? The majority of churches are open to the public and free but they require a respectful level of dress. As a rule neck to knee coverage and no bare shoulders or belly buttons. It also pays to come back later if a service or mass is in progress.
The place to be seen would have to be the Spanish steps. This has been a local hangout place since the 18th C when it was built by the French but named after the Spanish embassy in the piazza. Check out Keats's house, on the right of the steps looking up, where he and his romantic contemporaries like Bysshe and Shelley gathered or just hang out yourself on the steps and people watch . You could also spread your mates around the steps and take a 'Where's Wally?' shot.
The typewriter, the Wedding cake, love it or hate it the monument has its uses as a good lookout point over central Rome. Not a good place to sit down on the steps though as the heavily armed guards may take exception to it. It also houses the tomb of the unknown soldier with its eternal flame and has a great view from the top of the steps down into Piazza Veneto. This piazza was home to Italy's most famous dictator Mussolini, where from his balcony he would address the nation with his impassioned fascist speeches.
An incredible example of Roman building techniques , this was originally the site of a Roman temple built by Emperor Agrippa between 27-25BC by an unknown architect. The current building dates back to the period of Emperor Hadrian when he had it rebuilt in 125AD. The dome is a perfectly constructed hemisphere , the diameter is the same as its height, and has an open circle at the apex, or the eye to the gods. This was the largest dome until Brunelleschi's one in Florence. What once was a one stop Roman gods shop, where seven deities were housed in the niches, became a Christian church in the 7thC and is now home to the remains of Raphael and two Italian kings. The Pantheon is open from 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday to Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on holidays that fall on weekdays except for Christmas Day, New Year's Day and May 1, when it is closed. Admission is free.
Prepare yourself for some incredible sculpture and atmosphere . The long oval shape owes its origins to an ancient Roman racetrack, but the main attraction is its centrepiece, the Fontana dei Fiumi, created by Bernini to represent the four main rivers of the four quarters of the earth. Looking down onto the fountain is the equally impressive church of Sant'Angnese in Agony constructed by Bernini's nemesis Borromini . Legend tells that Bernini, disgusted at Boromini's design, has his statues cowering below with their hands over their heads for fear Boromini's structure will fall on them. Numerous cafes, shops and restaurants line the sides along with many art and craft stalls.
This is free to walk around in and can be pretty confusing as the excavations have revealed ancient Rome on several levels. Find a guide to make the ruins come to life and you will really begin to see how the ancient Romans went about their daily business and dealt in politics. During the summer there are many history students willing to impart their knowledge and professional companies that offer extensive tours. The forum is closes at dusk.