The Basilica di San Pietro, which is considered to be the heart of Catholicism in Rome, is a popular religious attraction of the city. This is the largest church in the world and is built on the site where Saint Peter, one of the apostles of Jesus was buried. The basilica dominates the skyline of Rome, and apart from being the home of the Pope, it is also famous as a pilgrimage site for devout Catholics.

Basilica di San Pietro (Source: edwin.11)

Some reviews:

Since my day in Vatican started with the museum tour, followed by Sistine Chapel, I didn't have to wait in line again to enter the basilica. St. Peter's Basilica is beautiful, I was in awe when I walked in and came face to face with the details of everything inside here - the artwork, paintings, wood carvings, statues, etc.

 (Source: Basilica di San Pietro)

We arrived early on Sunday morning where there was no queue. Best to go early in the morning - 1st = no queue 2nd = you have more time to explore. And you might catch the pope as well! The magnitude of the entire square is absolutely magnificent and awesome. But when we were there, they were having some renovation hence the pictures didn't turn out that nice. It is like a museum by itself with all the architecture and art. An eye-opener!

 (Source:TripAdvisor)

Saint Peter's Basilica (Source: Benson Kua)

Address: CITTA' DEL VATICANO  

Contact no: 066 9883731

Getting here: Nearest metro is from Ottaviano-San Pietro. Bus nos. 23, 34, 40 & 271 are available

Opening timings: Daily from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m.

Admission fees: $13

The Colosseum is another prominent sight in the city. Built in 72 A.D.by the Flavian emperors, it has become an iconic landmark. The stadium can seat around 55,000 spectators which was a marvellous achievement in the medieval times. It's grisly history as a gladiator arena notwithstanding, the Colosseum is a top draw for tourists visiting Rome.

The Colosseum (Source: jimmyharris)

Reviews by visitors:

Words cannot do the Coliseum justice. So unbelievable this was constructed when it was and the site of Ancient Rome is walking distance. We hired an Italian guide who spoke perfect English. We loved it!

(Source:TripAdvisor)

The Colosseum is surrounded by the ancient Roman town and is therefore very easy to reach. In Rome for a few euros you can easily but not quickly get there by taxi. There is also the possibility of a bus but the best option is still underground. From the main station Termini you come in once stop at the Colosseum, a few meters away from the Colosseum itself. The area offers plenty to do, for example, you can visit the Roman Forum or near one of the typical Italian cafes or bars have a drink or lunch.

 (Source:IgoUgo)

Colosseum (Source: Sebastian Bergmann)

Address: Piazza del Colosseo

Contact no: +39 06 3996 7700     

Getting here: Nearest metro is from Colosseo. Bus nos. 85, 87, 117, 186, 850 are available.

Opening timings: Daily from 8:30 a.m. till 4:30 p.m.

Admission fees: $15

The Villa d'Este is an offbeat attraction, lcoated in Tivoli. The Villa itself is not as beautiful and striking as its gardens and fountains are. Some of the notable fountains in this estate include the Viale delle Cento Fontane, the Giovanni Bernini's fountains, the Fontana di Biccierone, the Fontana dei Draghi, Villa Gregoriana etc.The fact that the villa and the surrounding estate has been chosen by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site should say it all!

Italy-Roma - Creative Commons by gnuckx (Source: gnuckx)

Here's a review:

 The terraces are a delight to wander with beautiful fountains at every turn. It was built as a water garden because the pope who owned it wanted symbolism with the water and every lasting life. There is a outside terrace when you can have a snack and when we were there the glycine was in full flower and looked stunning. Not to be missed if you're a gardener. The view over Rome was pretty good as well.

 (Source:TripAdvisor)

Villa d'Este Brunnen / Tivoli (Source: Neo_II)

Address: Piazza Trento, 1  00019 Tivoli ,Roma

Contact no:0774 312070

Getting here: By bus from Roma-Tivoli

Opening timings: Tue-Sun; From 8:30 a.m. till sunset.

Admission fees: $7

The Roman Forum is another offbeat yet beautiful attraction.Originally a marsh, the ancient Romans drained the area and built a bustling commercial center instead. The forum served as the civic center in the ancient days, and there were a number of important buildings here along with a market place. Of these, the arch of Titus and the arch of Septimius Severus still stand today and are a popular attraction.

Foro Romano (Source: edwin.11)

Review by a guest:

I loved this place so much, it was so unique and unsettling to see such ancient beauty. I went to Rome on a Contiki trip and we got a tour of all of the ruins, it was so amazing. I actually walked by the place where Julius Ceasar was burned! I cant wait to go back

 (Source:Yahoo! Travel)

Roman Forum (Source: HarshLight)

Address: via dei Fori Imperiali

Contact no: +39 06 3996 7700

Getting here: Metro from Colosseo; By bus to Via dei Fori Imperiali or Piazza Venezia.

Opening timings: Daily from 8:30 a.m. till 7 p.m.

Admission fees: $10

The Capuchin Crypt is a collection of small chapels under the Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini church, situated near Piazza Barberini in Rome. The crypts house the skeletal remains of the Capuchin friars, and while some might find it a not too palatable sight, the display in no way is intended to be gory. In keeping with Catholic traditions, the remains of the friars are supposed to be a somber reminder of the passage of Life and the eventuality of death.

a crypt at the bone church (Source: Pirate Alice)

The webiste Viator reiterates this:

Some people find it macabre and some find it a celebration of life on earth. The Capuchin order of Franciscan monks (whose crypt it is) consider it a homage and reminder of the swift passage of life on earth. 

 (Source:Viator.com)

IMG_0953 (Source: How I See Life)

Address: Via Vittorio Veneto

Contact no: 06 4871185

Getting here: By metro from Barberini Fontana di Trevi

Opening timings: Daily from 9 a.m. till 6 p.m. Closed on Thursday.

Admission fees: $1.31