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Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
St. Petersburg’s most iconic site after the Hermitage Museum, the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood is known for its elaborate façade and brightly colored onion domes. Officially the Church of the Resurrection of Christ, the magnificent church was built on the site where Tsar Alexander II was assassinated in 1881.
The Basics
No city tour of St. Petersburg is complete without a visit to the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood; most sightseeing tours and shore excursions include at least a photo stop at the famous landmark. Many tours combine a visit to the church with St. Petersburg attractions like the Hermitage Museum, the Winter Palace, and the Peterhof Palace Gardens; a cathedral tour, which often includes the St Isaac's Cathedral and Kazan Cathedral, will also stop here.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Lines can be long, especially in peak season, so pre-book a skip-the-line ticket.
- The church now serves as a museum and no longer holds services.
- Most areas of the church are wheelchair accessible.
How to Get There
Located along the Griboedov Canal just off Nevsky Prospekt, the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood is hard to miss. The closest subway stations, both a short walk away, are Nevsky Prospekt and Gostiniy Dvor.
When to Get There
The church is open to visitors daily except Wednesdays, year round, with extended evening hours between May and September. The busiest time to visit is during the peak summer months (July and August ), when it’s best to plan an early-morning visit to avoid the crowds.
Architecture of the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood
Completed in 1907, the church’s design was inspired by traditional Russian architecture, as well as St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow and the Vladimir Cathedral in Kiev. The interior, designed by some of the most popular Russian artists at the time, features more than 7,500 square feet (697 square meters) of mosaic tiles on the walls and ceilings. Additional highlights include a large icon of St. Alexander Nevsky, the mosaics’ intricate biblical scenes, and an ornate shrine located on the exact spot where Tsar Alexander II was killed.
The church endured significant damage over the years, first in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution and later during the Siege of Leningrad during World War II, when it was used as a morgue. Restoration began in 1970; the church reopened to the public as a museum in 1997, but it was never reconsecrated.
Address: St Petersburg, Russia
From $ 7
Circumetnea Railway
If you are looking for a unique way to see the countryside surrounding Mount Etna, hop aboard the historic narrow-gauge Circumetnea Railway. This scenic train ride takes passengers around the foot of Sicily’s famous volcano on a vintage mid-20th-century railroad car.
The Basics
As its name suggests, the Circumetnea Railway (Ferrovia Circumetnea) circumnavigates the base of Mt. Etna from Catania Borgo to Riposto, just south of Taormina on Sicily’s eastern coast. The main line stretches over 68 miles (109 kilometers) with 30 stops—the largest stations are Paternò, Adrano, Bronte, Randazzo, and Giarre—and the complete trip from one end to the other takes more than three hours one way, assuming there are no delays. Along the way, enjoy lovely views over Sicily’s rural scenery, including the lunar landscapes of the lava fields, pistachio plantations, citrus groves, prickly pear cacti loaded with fruit, and the railway line’s picturesque abandoned stations.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Circumetnea Railway is a must for railroad fans and those looking for a different way to experience the Mt. Etna countryside.
- Not every train serves every station along the route, so make sure the train you’re taking will get you where you want to go.
- The historic cars are not air conditioned, so they can be uncomfortably hot when it’s warm outside.
- The vintage train cars are not easy to navigate with wheelchairs, though by law station personnel must guarantee wheelchair users access, as it is a public transport line.
How to Get There
From Catania, take the metro to Catania Borgo, from where the Circumetnea departs. The Riposto station is located in the center of town.
When to Get There
The Circumetnea is primarily a commuter train transporting locals from town to town, so trains run from early morning to late at night every day except Sundays and holidays. Opt for a ride departing in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat. The schedule varies depending on the season, so check at the Circumetnea station for the current timetable.
Visiting the Alcantara Gorges
You can combine a ride on the Circumetnea around Mount Etna with a visit to the spectacular Alcantara Gorges. Simply get off at the Randazzo stop and catch a bus to the gorges park, or book a combined tour of both to avoid the hassle of public transportation.
Address: Taormina, Sicily, Italy
From $ 52
Church on the Hill
Built, as its name suggests, on a hilltop overlooking Sighisoara, the Church on the Hill is one of the city’s oldest buildings, dating back to the mid-14th century. Acclaimed as one of Transylvania’s most important examples of ecclesiastical Gothic architecture, it’s a striking sight, perched on the 420-meter summit of School Hill.
It’s a steep climb up a 175-step covered wooden staircase, the ‘Scholar’s Stairs’, to the church, but it’s worth the effort to view the beautifully restored interiors. Highlights include a number of carefully restored 15th-century frescos, an elaborate 16th-century altar and an eerie crypt, home to around 30 tombs.
Practical Info
The Church on the Hill is located on a hilltop just south of downtown Sighisoara and is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Admission is 5 lei.
Address: Biserica din Deal, Sighisoara, Romania
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm
Admission: 5 Lei
From $ 110
Church of the Holy Spirit
A frenzied whirligig of Baroque ornamentation, the Church of the Holy Spirit was constructed at the beginning of the 15th century and is one of the most ornate of all Vilnius’s churches. Over the centuries and depending on who was ruling Lithuania at the time, it has been a Catholic church, a Dominican monastery, a parish church, a prison, and finally, today it is the Orthodox parish church of the Polish diaspora in Lithuania.
Owing its present Baroque and rococo appearance to a facelift by architect Jonas Kristupas Glaubicas after a fire in 1749, the interior is a heady clash of colors, gilt, carved wooden pews, ornate lecterns, and bright sprays of flowers. The crypt contains the skeletons of nearly 2,000 bodies, thought to be a mixture of plague victims and fallen soldiers from the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century. However, most people visit to gaze in awe at the over-lavish internal decoration of the church, with its swags of marble, frescoes coating the walls, coats of arms, stucco, reliquaries and precious icons, its 16 altars and the monumental Casparini organ dating from 1776.
Practical Info
The Church of the Holy Spirit is open daily from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. Polish mass takes place at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Mass takes place six times on Sunday. Admission is free.
Address: Dominikonu gatve 8, Vilnius, Lithuania
Hours: Daily 3pm–7pm
From $ 12
Churchill War Rooms
A branch of the acclaimed Imperial War Museum, the Churchill War Rooms are set in the secret wartime bunker from which the cigar-puffing Prime Minister of Britain, Winston Churchill, directed the country’s war efforts. Situated beneath street level in London’s Westminster district, the Cabinet War Rooms were constructed shortly before the outbreak of World War II. Little has changed within them since the war came to a close in 1945, though these days, the underground complex functions as a museum, documenting the workings of the United Kingdom’s wartime government.
The Basics
For anyone with an interest in WWII history or British politics, the Churchill War Rooms are an absolute must. They are divided into two areas: the original Cabinet War Rooms, including the all-important Map Room, and the Churchill Museum, which chronicles the life and work of the revered wartime leader. You can explore the exhibits independently with the aid of a complimentary audio guide. Some organized excursions combine entrance to the Churchill War Rooms with guided tours of Westminster Abbey and nearby WWII sites. London Pass holders get free entry to the Churchill War Rooms.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Allow at least 1.5 hours to explore the Churchill War Rooms.
- The Churchill War Rooms are accessible to wheelchair users.
- Book tickets in advance for fast-track entry.
How to Get There
The Churchill War Rooms are located on Clive Steps, just off Whitehall. The nearest Underground stations are Westminster (Jubilee, District, and Circle lines) and St. James’s Park (District and Circle lines). Charing Cross railway station is about a 12-minute walk away.
When to Get There
The Churchill War Rooms are busiest during the summer months (May through August); during school breaks (such as around Easter, and during February and October breaks); and on Saturdays. To avoid the crowds, go midweek.
Exploring WWII History in London
The Churchill War Rooms are not the only attraction in town to delve into WWII history. The Imperial War Museum in Lambeth, South London, also features WWII-oriented exhibits. A stone’s throw away on the South Bank sits HMS Belfast, a warship that took part in the Normandy landings in 1944, while Parliament Square hosts a statue of Winston Churchill. Bletchley Park, the Victorian estate where British intelligence cracked Germany’s enigma code, is within day-tripping distance of London.
Address: Clive Steps, King Charles Street, London SW1A 2AQ, England
Hours: Mon - Sun: 9:30am – 6pm
Admission: Adults £21
From $ 26
Citadel of St-Tropez (Citadelle de St-Tropez)
Though St-Tropez is famous for its glamour and glitz, the city also has a rich and eventful past. The Citadel is a prime example, having been the town’s crown jewels since the 17th century, and one of the few monuments of its magnitude to still stand today on France’s southern coastline. In fact, The Citadel is one of the city’s most visited historical and cultural sites, both for its history and its panoramic views over the Bay. The Citadel was built between 1602 and 1608, based on the drawings of engineer Raymond de Bonnefons. The building, composed of a thick-walled hexagonal tower, a concealed interior courtyard, towers with cannon openings, and a bastioned outer wall, was used to defend the strategic port of St-Tropez, the most important strongholds between Antibes and Toulon for centuries. Its location on a hill with slopes bare of vegetation helped the military spot and bomb all vessels that came too close to the walls of the city.
Practical Info
The Citadel has bought by the town of St-Tropez in 1993 and was subsequently restored to its former glory. The dungeon now serves as a maritime museum. Guided visits are available at 11 am and 3:30 pm upon request. English tours are by appointment only.
Address: 1 Montée de la Citadelle, Saint-Tropez, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur 83990, France
Hours: Oct 1 - Mar 31 (10 am – 5:30)
Apr 1 - Sept 30 (10 am – 6:30)
Closed Jan 1, May 1, May 17, Nov 11, and Christmas Day
Admission: EUR2.00
From $ 185
Cicek Pasaji (Cit e de P era)
Cicek Pasaji was the most glamorous address in the Beyoğlu district during the heady days of the Orient Express, and today the historic 19th-century arcade is known for its restaurants and lively bar scene. Opened in the old site of the grand Naum Theatre in 1876, Cicek Pasaji was originally known as Cité de Péra, but following the 1917 Russian Revolution the galleria became known as Cicek Pasaji (Turkish for Flower Passage) because some of the newly-impoverished bourgeois Russian women who fled to Istanbul to start again began selling flowers here. By the 1940s, the new name stuck because by then, most of Cité de Péra’s buildings were occupied by flower shops.
Once home to some of Istanbul's most glamorous apartments and stores, by the time of the Second World War, the exclusive shops had turned into rough and rowdy meyhanes (taverns). But the galleria has since been restored and refurbished, and a glass canopy was fitted in 1998, so that a visit to Cicek Pasaji will let you see the arcade’s grand Second Empire architectural style returned back to its original glory.
Practical Info
Connecting İstiklal Avenue with Sahne Street in Istanbul's Beyoğlu district, the nearest metro to Cicek Pasaji is Taksim.
Address: Istanbul, Turkey
From $ 45
Church of St Vitus
Not to be confused with the Cathedral of St. Vitus in Prague’s Hradčany Castle District, the Church of St. Vitus lies in the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov, three hours south of the capital. Sited in the grounds of the UNESCO World Heritage listed Krumlov Castle, the second largest castle in the Czech Republic, visiting the Church of St Vitus is a popular pastime for visitors and day-trippers from Prague.
Built back in 1340 by German architect Linhart of Aldenberk, the church underwent extensive redevelopment at the turn of the 15th century and its gothic façade is one of the town’s most memorable architectural works. Reminiscent of Prague’s cathedral, the church’s most striking feature is its octagonal neo-gothic bell tower and the looming spire, along with the neighboring tower of Krumlov Castle, have long framed the iconic skyline of the Cesky Krumlov, thought to be symbolic of the power balance between religion and the monarchy. Today, the church hosts a number of classical and choral concerts along with its regular services and is most notable for its beautifully preserved series of 15th-century frescoes, as well as housing the elbow bone of St John of Nepomuk.
Built back in 1340 by German architect Linhart of Aldenberk, the church underwent extensive redevelopment at the turn of the 15th century and its gothic façade is one of the town’s most memorable architectural works. Reminiscent of Prague’s cathedral, the church’s most striking feature is its octagonal neo-gothic bell tower and the looming spire, along with the neighboring tower of Krumlov Castle, have long framed the iconic skyline of the Cesky Krumlov, thought to be symbolic of the power balance between religion and the monarchy. Today, the church hosts a number of classical and choral concerts along with its regular services and is most notable for its beautifully preserved series of 15th-century frescoes, as well as housing the elbow bone of St John of Nepomuk.
Address: Kostel sv. Vita, Horni 156, Cesky Krumlov 38101, Czech Republic
From $ 83
Church St Michaelis (Michaeliskirche)
The baroque Protestant Church of St. Michaelis (Michaeliskirche) is a Hamburg landmark. Its famous clock tower soaring above the city roofs has been a beacon for sailors since the 1680s.
The copper dome and gold clock of St. Michaelis’ 132-meter (433-foot) tower rises above a network of tiny alleys known as the Krameramtswohnungen, lined with half-timbered almshouses from the 17th century.
Take a guided tour of the tower for views over the port of Hamburg from the observation platform, and visit the crypt for a historic tour.
Practical Info
The Church of St. Michaelis is near the Alsterfllet canal in the old section of Hamburg. The closest metro stop is Rodingsmarkt.
Address: Sulldorfer Kirchenweg 191, Hamburg 22589, Germany
Hours: November to April: Daily from 10am - 5:30pm, May to October: Daily from 9am - 7:30pm
Admission: €3.50
From $ 12
Church of St Peter in Chains
Beloved by both pilgrims and art aficionados, the Church of St. Peter in Chains (San Pietro in Vincoli) houses the chains that bound Saint Peter when the Romans imprisoned him in Jerusalem. Built in the fifth century, the church today is also home to Michelangelo’s Moses, part of the unfinished monumental tomb of Pope Julius II.
The Basics
Michelangelo’s dramatic Moses statue was to have been the most prominent of the 40 figures planned for Pope Julius II's tomb and is considered one of the artist’s best works. But, work on the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican interrupted progress on the tomb, and Michelangelo completed only a few of the planned statues before his death.
The Church of St. Peter in Chains, also known as the Basilica Eudoxiana, is a favorite stop on walking tours of Ancient Rome that include other early Christian churches, such as San Clemente and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Those who want to pair their culture with cuisine can combine a tour of St. Peter in Chains with a wine tasting in the surrounding Monti neighborhood.
Things to Know Before You Go
- If you are joining a walking tour of Rome, wear comfortable shoes, a hat, and sunscreen.
- Catholic churches in Rome require modest attire to enter: Knees and shoulders must be covered.
- Photography without flash is permitted inside the church.
- There are stairs at the entrance to the church, so it is not accessible to wheelchairs or strollers.
How to Get There
St. Peter in Chains is only a short walk from the Colosseum and Roman Forum; the closest metro stop is Cavour.
When to Get There
Italy's capital city is one of the most popular destinations in Europe, and its sights can be very crowded in the summer months. Try to visit from November to April to enjoy the city's treasures without the crush of high-season tourists.
The Chains That Held St. Peter
This holy relic eventually made its way from Jerusalem to Rome, where it arrived in two parts, one of which was sent to Eudoxia, wife of emperor Valentinian III. When held next to shackles owned by Pope Leo I, legend holds the two parts miraculously fused together to form a single chain, now kept in an urn under the main altar.
Address: Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli, Rome, Italy
From $ 38
Church of St Saviour in Chora
Covered in intricate mosaics and massive murals in Late Byzantine style, the Church of St Savior in Chora has been standing since the 4th century. The present day structure is thought to have been built in the 11th century, then converted to a mosque by Ottomans in the 16th century. Today it functions as a secular museum, housing what are considered to be some of the world’s finest frescoes and mosaics. The interior of the church has been especially well preserved throughout time. In total there are more than 50 mosaic panels, most dating back to 1310 and in near perfect condition.
The frescoes depict the lives of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary, as well as saints and icons of Christianity. Above the door to the nave in the inner narthex, you’ll find one of the most spectacular mosaics of Theodore Metochites, the director of the Byzantine Treasury, making an offering to Christ.
Practical Info
Located outside the city walls in the Erdinekapı district of Istanbul, the church costs 15 Turkish Lira to enter. There is a nearby Chora Museum open daily from 9 am to 7 pm that explains the history behind the structure. The nearest tram stop is Edirnekapi.
Address: Ayvansaray Mh., Kariye Cami Sk. No:26, Fatih/, Istanbul, Turkey
From $ 67
Circus of Maxentius (Villa di Massenzio)
Part of the 4th-century Villa of Maxentius complex along the Via Appia Antica in the Roman countryside, the Circus of Maxentius is the best preserved chariot racetrack in Rome and second in size only to the Circus Maximus.
The Basics
Located between miles I and II of Rome's ancient Appian Way, the villa complex, which was commissioned by the Emperor Maxentius, is home the ruins of the imperial palace and the Mausoleo di Romolo (Tomb of Romulus). The highlight, though, is the Circus of Maxentius—also known as the Circus Maxentius, Circo di Massenzio, or, for many years, the Circus of Caracalla. In its heyday, the public stadium held 10,000 spectators; the obelisk that decorates Piazza Navona today once marked its center. Explore the site on a Vespa tour of ancient Rome, a guided bike ride, or independently.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This site is particularly interesting for ancient Roman history buffs.
- The Circus of Maxentius is an outdoor archaeological site, so wear a hat and sunscreen if you’re visiting in summer.
- Most of the site consists of uneven, overgrown terrain; it’s difficult to navigate with a wheelchair or stroller.
- For older kids, a bike ride through along the Appian Way is a fun break from seeing Rome’s historic center on foot.
How to Get There
The Circus of Maxentius is located in the Villa of Maxentius at Via Appia Antica 153 between the Basilica of San Sebastiano and the tomb of Caecilia Metella inside the Appian Way Regional Park (Parco Regionale Appia Antica). You can reach it on bike or Vespa from center of Rome.
When to Get There
The archaeological ruins are part of an open-air park, so visit on a clear day with mild temperatures.
Roman Circuses
The circus, where games, political events, religious functions, and funerals were held, was the primary gathering place for ancient Romans. Italy's most important Roman circuses are located in Rome, Milan, Aquileia, and Marino.
Address: Via Appia Antica 153, 00179, Italy
From $ 19
Cinquantenaire Museum
Culture, art, and history abound in this Belgian national museum. The four main collections span periods of time from prehistory in national archaeology and classical antiquity, to European decorative arts and non-European displays. Explore artifacts from all over the world, with collections dedicated to ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome and also movements in Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and even Art Deco European arts. Trace the evolution of art in Europe from the 10th century or journey through the arts of India, China, pre-Columbian Americas, and other non-European civilizations.
Unique pieces in sculpture, tapestry, historic jewelry, and even glassware are some of the museum’s highlights, as well as the overview of history of mankind from prehistoric times. The museum contains more than 350,000 historical artifacts in total in its permanent collection. It routinely houses some of Europe’s finest traveling exhibitions.
Practical Info
The museum is located in the Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels. It’s open from 9:30 am to 5 pm Tuesday to Friday, and from 10 am to 5 pm on weekends. Tickets are €5 for adults and €4 for children and students. The nearest metro stops are Schuman and Merode.
Address: Parc du Cinquantenaire 10, Brussels, Belgium
Hours: 9:30 am to 5 pm Tuesday to Friday, and from 10 am to 5 pm on weekends.
Admission: €5 for adults and €4 for children and students.
From $ 12
Church of the Assumption
While the romantic position of the lovely Baroque Church of the Assumption on a minuscule mound in the middle of Lake Bled is enough to attract thousands of visitors to it each year – it is one of Slovenia’s most popular wedding venues – it is also feted thanks to its internal ornamentation, 177‐foot (54‐meter) tower and dedication to the Virgin Mary. Starting out as a pagan temple many years before the advent of Christianity, the church has at various times been a small, wooden structure and a single‐aisle Gothic church, which was consecrated by the Bishop of Ljubljana in 1465. The freestanding bell tower appeared later in the same century and the church was reconstructed yet again in 1685 in its present Baroque style, with a deliciously OTT gilt‐encrusted altar and black marble and wood‐carved pulpits contrasting keenly with its serene white and cream aisles. Two legends surround the church: that men must carry their partners up the 99 steps of the 15th‐century stone staircase leading up to its entrance to ensure marital happiness; and that ringing the wishing bell – which dates from 1534 – on the left of the altar makes wishes come true.
Practical Info
Admission adults €6, under 18s €1. Opening hours Apr & Oct 9am–6pm; May–Sept 9am–7pm; Nov–Mar 9am–4pm. Pletna boats make the journey over to Bled Island and are available for hire from three locations on the lakeshore: at Mlino on the south side of Lake Bled; at the rowing center on the northern shores; and close to the tourist office at the eastern end of the lake. Return fares are €12 per person.
Address: Bled Island, Bled, Upper Carniola 4260, Slovenia
Hours: Apr & Oct 9am–6pm; May–Sept 9am–7pm; Nov–Mar 9am–4pm
Admission: Adults €6
From $ 68
Cinque Terre National Park
Cinque Terre National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of postcard-worthy landscapes: sweeping sea cliffs dotted with sandy coves, brightly painted villages clinging to steep terraces, and forested plateaus blooming with wildflowers. Stretching some 4,300 acres (1,740 hectares) along northern Italy’s rugged Italian Riviera, the park dazzles visitors with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coastline.
The Basics
The five centuries-old villages comprising Cinque Terre National Park—Monterosso al Mare, Riomaggiore, Corniglia, Manarola, and Vernazza—are the main draw for travelers. A well-worn footpath links the towns; some portions of the trail are better maintained than others, but all offer stunning views over the Ligurian Sea. Day tours are the most convenient way to visit the coast, running to the Cinque Terre from La Spezia, Siena, Pisa, San Gimignano, and most commonly, Florence. Most day trips squeeze in all five towns plus a stop in nearby Portovenere, but those who want more time in the Cinque Terre can stay overnight or on a multi-day tour to make the most of outdoor activities—such as hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, and paragliding—plus the region’s seafood and warm hospitality.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cinque Terre can get extremely busy in peak summer season, so book tours and accommodations in advance.
- Pack sunscreen, a refillable water bottle (drinking fountains are available throughout the park), and comfortable and sturdy walking shoes (the village roads are often steep and uneven).
- While many hotels and attractions in Cinque Terre National Park are wheelchair and stroller accessible, the villages’ steep and narrow lanes can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
- Wi-Fi is available throughout the national park.
How to Get There
Cinque Terre National Park is two hours from Florence by road, an hour from Pisa, and 20 minutes from La Spezia. Parking is limited in the villages, so unless you are staying in Cinque Terre overnight, ditch the car and join a tour or arrive by train. Trains (year-round) and ferries (mid-April through October) connect the five villages, but the best options for exploring the national park are hiking and mountain biking.
When to Get There
Cinque Terre National Park sees the most visitors (especially day-trippers) and the highest temperatures—upwards of 100°F (40°C)—during summer. Hikers should aim to visit in May or September to avoid the heat, while budget-minded might plan around August, when hotel prices rise. Visiting in winter is possible, but some hiking trails may be inaccessible in rainy weather.
Hiking in Cinque Terre National Park
There are over 75 miles (120 kilometers) of hiking trails in Cinque Terre National Park, some of which were the only connection between the villages and the hinterland for centuries. Today, the most commonly traversed path is the Blue Trail (Sentiero Azzurro), a six-hour coastal trail linking Cinque Terre’s villages and offering spectacular views. For visitors who fancy more of a workout, there are plenty of rugged mountain trails, including the Sciacchetrail, a challenging 29-mile (47-kilometer) route that loops around the entire protected area—and hosts an annual trail-running race.
Address: Italy
From $ 55
Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo)
Rome’s Circus Maximus—a massive arena for chariot races, games, religious ceremonies, and civic events—was the largest stadium in the Roman Empire. A major restoration in 2016 yielded a spruced-up archaeological site comprising arched walkways, ancient shops, a newly excavated cobbled road, and the Circus track’s oblong outline and starting gates.
The Basics
Measuring more than 2,000 feet (610 meters) long and 387 feet (188 meters) wide, and capable of holding an audience of 150,000, the Circus Maximus (Circo Massimo) was built on the plain between Aventine Hill and Palatine Hill in the sixth century BC. Five centuries later, Julius Caesar gave the venue its distinctive shape—especially suited to chariot racing. The stadium was enlarged repeatedly over the next several centuries, and Emperor Trajan completely rebuilt it in the early second century. Its last recorded use dates from the sixth century, after which the site fell into disuse and became a public park.
Today, as one of the most important sites dating from imperial Rome in Italy’s capital, the Circus Maximus is best visited as part of an Ancient Rome guided tour, which also includes skip-the-line access to the underground chambers and arena inside the Colosseum and the ruins of the Roman Forum. You can combine private Circus Maximus visits with an Aventine Keyhole tour, for the iconic view of St. Peter’s Basilica through the famous garden door.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Circus Maximus is a must-see for ancient history and architecture buffs, and all first-time visitors to Rome. Older children especially enjoy visiting this huge Roman circus and imagining it filled with thousands of cheering Roman spectators.
- Circus Maximus and combo tours are mostly outdoors, so be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. A hat and sunblock are particularly important in summer.
- The Circus Maximus is accessible to wheelchair users except for the Torre della Moletta (a watchtower located on the site dating from the Middle Ages) and the highest perimeter terrace.
How to Get There
The Circus Maximus is located between Via dei Cerchi and Via del Circo Massimo in central Rome. Take the metro’s Line B to Circo Massimo station, located directly in front of the archaeological site.
When to Get There
The Circus Maximus is open from Tuesday to Friday for guided tours, and on Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm to the general public. As it’s an outdoor archaeological site, try to visit on clear days when the temperature is mild.
The Egyptian Flaminio Obelisk
The towering Flaminio Obelisk (Obelisco Flaminio) in the center of Rome’s Piazza del Popolo was built in Egypt in the 13th century BC. Emperor Augustus had it brought to Rome in 10 AD and placed as part of the central barrier in the Circus Maximus. Pope Sixtus V moved it to its current location in 1587.
Address: Via del Circo Massimo, Rome, Province of Rome 00186, Italy
From $ 6
Ciampino International Airport (CIA)
Ciampino was the first airport serving the Rome area, and though it was replaced for many routes by the larger, newer Fiumicino International Airport, Ciampino remains in operation for many of the domestic and shorter routes within Europe. It is also known as G. B. Pastine International Airport, and services commercial and civilian as well as military aircraft.
The airport opened in 1916 and remains one of the oldest airports still in operation. During World War II, Ciampino was captured by Allied Forces and became a cargo hub, even serving as a United States Army Air Force airfield at one time. Today it welcomes just over 5 million passengers per year and is a hub for Ryanair, the budget airline connecting most of Europe.
Practical Info
Ciampino International Airport is situated approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Rome’s city center. Get there by taking a Terravision bus for €13.
Address: Via Appia Nuova, 1651, Rome, Italy
From $ 15
Cinquantenaire Park (Parc du Cinquantenaire)
A large public park, the Cinquantenaire Park (or "Parc du Cinquantenaire" as it is known in French) is dominated by buildings built for the 1880 National Exhibition which also celebrated fifty years of Belgian independence. The centerpiece of the park is a triumphal arch finished in 1905.
To the north of the arch is the Royal Military Museum. To the south are the Royal Museums for Art and History (these hold artifacts gathered from around the world), and AutoWorld, a vintage car museum with over 350 classic cars, one of the largest collections in Europe.
If you’re looking for an impressive place to lie under a tree the Cinquantenaire Park is especially lovely in the summer when it’s filled with locals making the most of the sunshine.
Also in summer the area surrounding the arch is turned into a drive-in cinema. There’s discounted tickets for people driving vintage cars and a lawn reserved for people on bicycle or foot.
Practical Info
If you want to wander through the park, the closest station is Schuman to the west. If you're heading straight to the museums then Merode to the west will get you there quicker.
Address: Rue de la Loi, Brussels, Belgium
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
From $ 17
Cinecitta World
Having just opened in 2014, Cinecitta World is Italy’s newest amusement park and the largest film studio in Europe. Dedicated solely to film and entertainment, eight film sets, four theaters, and twenty attractions comprise the main area. The park was built in the Castel Romano complex atop former a film studio, and remains an homage to great Italian cinema produced here in the 1960s. Films such as Gangs of New York, Ben-Hur, and Dante's Inferno were brought to life in this space.
Visitors today are immersed in the experience of filmmaking, having the chance to go behind-the-scenes in former and imagined movie sets. Oscar-winning composer Ennio Morricone created the soundtrack for the Western themed set, and designer and art director Dante Ferretti completed the initial drawing plans. The idea is that the line between fiction and reality becomes blurred during the experience. The park also has two rollercoasters and live themed shows daily.
Practical Info
Cinecitta World is open daily from 10 am to 11 pm. Located at Via di Castel Romano 200 in Rome, the admission cost is €29 for adults and €23 for children. A shuttle from Termini Station leaves daily at 9:30 in the morning.
Address: Via di Castel Romano, 200, Roma 00128, Italy
Hours: Daily 10am-11pm
Admission: Adults: €29; Children: €23
From $ 28
Church of St Michael (Michaelerkirche)
Located opposite the entrance to the Imperial Hofburg Palace, Michaelerkirche was consecrated in 1217. Although fragments of the present incarnation date back to the mid-14th century, most of it was rebuilt in 1792 in fine Baroque style, but it is still topped with its spindly Gothic spire.
Thanks to its position at the very heart of Imperial Vienna, Michaelerkirche became the parish church of the Imperial Family and by default the place of worship favored by Vienna’s aristocracy. It was in this church where Hayden played, and where Mozart’s unfinished Last Requiem was performed on the magnificent Sieber Organ after his death in 1791.
Toady Michaelerkirche is known for both its Baroque ornamentation and its music recitals but is chiefly notorious for the grisly secrets in its crypt. In the early 17th century, the graveyard surrounding the church filled up with tombs and was closed down. From 1631 until 1784, more than 4,000 of the good burghers of Vienna were entombed in the crypt’s catacombs, and thanks to a quirk of climatic conditions down there, many of their mummified bodies and decorative coffins – skillfully carved with wreathes, flowers and death masks – have been perfectly preserved.
The caskets stand in ranks throughout the crypt; several are open to view, revealing parchment-like skin stretched taught across grinning skulls, tufts of wig and glimpses of fancy period waistcoats etched with lace.
Practical Info
Located at Habsburgergasse 12, the church is open Monday through Saturday from 7am to 10pm and on Sunday from 8am to 10pm. Admission is free, while tours of the crypt cost €7 for adults and €3 for children. Take U3 to Herrengasse.
Address: Habsburgergasse 12, Vienna 1010, Austria
From $ 33