The Rome Hop-On Hop-Off tour has 16 stops which cover all the highlights of Rome. You can board the bus from any of the stops.
The 16 stops are as follows:
1. Roma Termini: Rome’s main railway station. It gets its name from the ‘thermae’ or ancient baths of Diocletian, which were close by.
2. Santa Maria Maggiore: Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary this patriarchal basilica is often used personally by the Pope. The present building of the basilica dates from the time of Pope Sixtus III (432 - 440) and contains many ancient mosaics from this period. The medieval bell tower is the highest in Rome, at 75 meters. You will also see some beautiful frescoes in the church.
3. Quirinale: Via Nazionale corner Via XXIV Maggio
4. Piazza Venezia: Situated in the heart of Rome, this square is walking distance from some of the most famous sights such as the Forum Romanum, the Pantheon and Campidoglio.
5. Colosseo: The largest building of the Roman Empire, originally known as Flavian amphitheater was built on an artificial lake. View it from the inside and hear stories about its bloodthirsty past. This stop is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
6. Circo Massimo: The largest stadium of ancient Rome and once had a seating capacity of 250,000 people. The original structure was destructed by fire and gave way to a new three storied stone building. The stadium was used for gladiator fights, processions or chariot races.
7. Isola Tiberina: Isola Tiberina or the Tiber Island rises in the middle of the River Tiber and contains a sanctuary to Asclepius. It is connected to the mainland by two bridges, Cestio and Fabricio. It has been associated with healing powers since ancient times.
8. Botteghe Oscure: A church dedicated to St Stanislaus, martyr and patron saint of Poland. It is also known as Santo Stanislao dei Polacchi.
9. Piazza Navona: One of the liveliest of Rome’s squares, Piazza Navona has splendid fountains and an eye-catching church of Sant’ Agnese. Around the Piazza are many cafes, nightclubs and restaurants.
10. Chiesa Nuova (New Church): A 16th century structure on the site of an older church. It was built for St Philip Neri and is dedicated to Pope St Gregory the Great and Our Lady.
11. San Pietro (Saint Peter’s Basilica): Said to be the burial place of St Peter, this is a place of pilgrimage and one of the world’s holiest Christian sites. Its dome dominates Rome’s skyline and it is probably the largest church in Christendom. The original church on the site was built in the 4th century. The present structure dates from the 16th century. The Basilica is also the home to Michelangelo’s masterpiece La Pieta.
12. Castel S. Angelo: A towering cylindrical building initially commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. The popes converted the structure into a castle in the 14th century. In Dan Brown’s novel ‘Angels and Demons’, the location was the secret lair for the Hassassin (the killer) and the last existing church of the Illuminati. It is a national museum.
13. Augusto Imperatore: View Piazza Augusto Imperator, home to the Mausoleum of Augustus, now in ruins and not accessible to visitors. Built by Roman Emperor Augustus in 28 BC, the mausoleum even today remains an impressive and dominating landmark.
14. Trevi Fountain: The most famous fountain in Rome. It has a central figure of the sea god, Neptune, riding a shell-shaped chariot with two sea horses guided by a Triton. One horse is restive while the other is obedient and calm. They represent the changing moods of the sea. Statues on either side of Neptune represent Abundance and Salubrity.
15. Piazza Barberini: A large piazza in the city center, named after the nearby Palazzo Barberini. Built in the 16th century as a papal summer residence, the Palazzo has many important features such as: the famous helicoidal staircase by Borromini, magnificent frescoes (including Pietro da Cortona's Baroque masterpiece, the ‘Allegory of Divine Providence and Barberini Power’), and one of the most important art collections in Italy.
16. Piazza della Repubblica: A semi-circular piazza next to the Termini station. It is built on the site of the Baths of Diocletian and the design of the piazza reflects the layout of the ancient buildings.
Rome Open Tour Sunday and Bank Holiday itinerary will change.
The updated bus stop list and journey is the following:
1. Stazione Termini
2. S. Maria Maggiore
3. Colosseo
4. Trevi (stop placed 150 m ahead the previous ones: Via del Tritone - corner Via del Traforo)
5. Barberini
6. Quirinale
7.Circo Massimo
8. Isola Tiberina
9. Botteghe Oscure
10. Piazza Navona - Campo de Fiori
11. Chiesa Nuova
12. S. Pietro
13. S. Angelo
14. Augusto Imperatore
15. Piazza Venezia
16. Repubblica
You may choose to conclude this tour at any of the stops mentioned above as per your convenience.