Driving in Rome, Italy

Rome is the capital of Italy and was once the centre of one of the most important empires in world history. Though bombed during WWII, the city’s renaissance and baroque architecture largely survived the war, unlike many other major cities in Europe, and continues to draw tourists to this day. Within the city you'll also find the world smallest nation, Vatican City.

While in Rome you can visit many of the ancient Roman ruins such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, Tabularium and Circus Maximus. Other sights in the city include the Capitoline Museums, the Capuchin Monastery, the Spanish Steps, Castel Sant'Angelo and of course the Vatican.

What to see in the Rome area?

Rome has much to offer the curious tourist, both inside and outside of the city.

If you want to head out of the city, then you could perhaps pop out to the Castelli Romani. These 16 hill towns are located outside the city and have served as getaway destinations for city dwellers due to their easy access. Frascati, in particular, is known for its white wine which is definitely worth sampling. The town of Rocca Priora is home to the Savelli Castle and is located in the Parco Regionale dei Castelli Romani.

Located out of the city and near the airport you'll find the ancient harbour of Rome, Ostia Antica. This was the first colony of the city and serves as both a harbour and a military base. Unlike in Rome, there is no modern town built on the ruins of Ostia Antica so you can get quite a taste of what a true Roman town was like.

About 30 or so kilometres from Rome you'll come to the town of Tivoli. Here you'll find the Villa d'Este which is a masterpiece of Italian architecture and garden design. The whole estate has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List and is definitely worth wandering around.

Pompeii is one of Italy’s most famous tourist attractions and is only about 200kms from Rome on the other side of Naples. This city was destroyed in 79AD by the erupting Mount Vesuvius but it also preserved the city for all time.

As you are down in the end of the country side you might head out to Ischia and Capri, which are popular islands in the Gulf of Naples. Ischia is popular with tourists from all over the world for its volcanic thermal spa, volcanic mud and its fine beaches. Capri is famous for the Villa Jovis which was a residence of the Emperor Tiberius and there's also the Blue Grotto cave which can only be visited when the tide is right.

Rome is an excellent starting point for a tour of Italy, so if you would like to get an Italy car rental have a look at our car hire Rome page.

If you have any tips about driving in and around the Rome area feel free to let us know. Just leave your message in the comment box below.

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