Rome is one of those frenetic Old World cities bursting at the seams with history, culture and religion, not to mention a profusion of fountains, narrow cobblestone streets, grand piazzas, mouth-watering aromas and designer labels. A wonderful combination of the ancient and modern world, you only need to take a few steps in either direction before you find evidence of its illustrious past. Ruins big and small can be found all over the city, including the famous Coliseum, Roman Forum and many old churches. Don’t forget to throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, a time-honoured tradition that will guarantee your return to this truly magical city. MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Here you will find an incredible collection of Western civilization’s artwork and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling. To avoid long lines, arrive at least an hour before opening. St. Peter’s Basilica Nothing that you have read will prepare you for the immensity and extravagance of this cathedral. There are short line-ups for the basilica, and longer lineups for John Paul II’s tomb. The Colosseum Completed in 80 A.D., this 50,000-seat arena would dwarf many modern sport venues. It’s best viewed when the sun is high to avoid shadows on the interior architecture. The Roman Forum Ancient Rome’s equivalent to Times Square in New York City, the complex is packed with arches, statues and ruins. National Museum of Rome It holds one of the world’s most important archeological collections, including many antiquities found since 1870. Pantheon Rome’s best-preserved monument is one of the world’s great spiritual buildings. Sunlight illuminates the interior. The Spanish Steps Completed in 1725, this gracefully curving staircase connects the Via dei Condotti to the neoclassical Trinità dei Monti church. Less crowded after 4 p.m., the steps are always open and free. Trevi Fountain Toss a coin into the 243-year-old Baroque mecca and wish for a return to Rome. Crowds thin out by late afternoon. HIDDEN TREASURES Borghese Gallery Villa A wonderful collection of 17th-century work by Bernini, Correggio, Raphael and Rubens. Catacombs of San Sebastian Miles of ancient underground passageways and Christian burial tombs (circa 100 A.D.). Best to go early in the day to beat the heat. Castel Sant’Angelo Completed in 139 A.D. as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, it’s now a museum exploring the monument’s history. Over time, it has served as a fortress, the Vatican’s bank, a papal refuge and a prison. TOP SHOPPING