Modern Sites In Rome: Contemporary Sites Worth Visiting

The Roman Empire isn’t all that Rome offers with some of the most beautiful sites existing only since Unification, World War II and even more recently.

When most people think of Rome, their imaginations immediately jump to the empire. They imagine gladiators in the Colosseum, chariots circling the Circus Maximus or politicians debating leadership philosophy in the Forum. And while those legendary ruins are unquestionably worth seeing, be sure to make time for a more modern Rome that has its own compelling story to tell.

Between the end of the 19th century, when Italy changed from a group of city-states to a unified country, and today, the Eternal City has grown, transformed, and adapted to the changing society and world around them. Rome has added layers of history, politics and romance that continue to shape the city of Rome that we walk through today.

For me, there is nothing more important than seeing and learning about the Colosseum, the Forums and the Pantheon when you are beginning to learn about Rome and its history. Once you decide to move beyond the empire, there is plenty of beauty and history remaining to see, and this guide can help with your vacation planning.

If you’ve already seen the classics, or if you’re just curious about what more recent eras have left behind, these modern tourist sites offer a fresh way to experience the city. From the imposing white marble of the Vittoriano to Mussolini’s secret bunker, and from Olympic-sized sculptures to a peaceful rose garden, this guide will introduce you to some of my favorite modern marvels in Rome.

The Vittoriano Monument Is The Altar of the Fatherland

It is difficult to miss it: the towering white marble monument in the heart of the city that has derisively been called the Typewriter or the Wedding Cake. The Vittoriano Monument is a tribute to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy. It’s more than just a huge building in the center of Rome, it’s a symbol of national identity and used as a propaganda tool during the Fascist period. 

With wide and sweeping staircases, colossal Corinthian columns, and the Goddess Victoria riding a chariot drawn by four horses, known as a Quadriga, atop the roofline, the monument is hard to ignore. For the best view, there is an elevator in the back that will bring you to the roof fir one of the most amazing views of Rome you can find.

At the base, you’ll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, complete with an eternal flame and guards standing watch 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I can personally attest to their presence when I get up before dawn to run. They are always there in any weather.

You can go inside the Vittoriano Monument in Rome for a number of reasons, among them are: visiting a museum dedicated to the history of Italy, temporary exhibits of artistic interests, a shrine of the flags that celebrate the flags from divisions of the Italian army from the time of the unity, as well as the restrooms.

We wrote a couple articles about this site in more detail in: The Vittoriano Monument In Rome – Your Questions Answered and again in Visiting The Altar Of The Fatherland In Rome. Both are great resources if you’re curious about the history or planning your visit.

Piazza Venezia: The Crossroads of Rome

Any relatively modern depiction of Rome would likely include a trip through Piazza Venezia. This central square of the city has been consumed by construction of the Metro C subway, but it is easy to imagine the history and the grandeur.

At the foot of the Vittoriano is Piazza Venezia, one of the busiest and most dramatic squares in the city. From here, roads shoot out in every direction in a quasi “Hub and Spoke” model of urban design. I believe it still is the heart of Rome, despite the construction.

But its significance goes far beyond city traffic and bus routes. This piazza has long been a stage for history. In the Fascist period of the early 20th century, Dictator Benito Mussolini stood on the balcony of Palazzo Venezia, delivering fiery speeches to crowds gathered below. The building itself, one of the oldest Renaissance palaces in the city, still looms over the square.

At the north end of the plaza there is the beginning of the well-shopped Via del Corso, which terminates on the other end at Piazza del Popolo. During some holiday events, the celebratory flyovers by the Frecce Tricolori, which are like the American Blue Angels, fly just above via Del Corso and finish above Piazza Venezia.

If you stand in the center of Piazza Venezia, once the construction has been completed, you’ll be surrounded by a fascinating blend of old and new architecture: classical remnants, fascist-era buildings, and modern life, all sharing the same space.

The layers of this square’s identity are detailed in: The Piazza Venezia History Is As Dramatic As The Square.

Mussolini’s Bunker Is Modern By Comparison

As we were just speaking about Mussolini’s propaganda machine in Piazza Venezia, there are more modern buildings to be aware of. Did you know there’s a “secret” wartime bunker hidden beneath one of Rome’s villas? I took a trip there and you can too.

Just a short bus ride from the bustling center of Rome is Villa Torlonia, a beautiful villa with expansive gardens and buildings spread throughout. Beneath the otherwise peaceful building known as Casino Nobile lies Mussolini’s Bunker. This underground shelter was designed during World War II to protect Mussollini from air raids. 

It’s a cold, dark, and strangely sterile basement that offers a haunting look into a different side of Rome’s past. There are video and audio presentations that bring raids on Rome to life and show the victims who were not as lucky as to have the protection of a bunker.

During our visit, we were struck by the eerie quiet, the thick reinforced walls, and the insight it gave into how the fascist regime prepared for war.  If you are interested in visiting, a couple of things to know: The site is not accessible for people with impaired mobility as there are quite a few steep stairs.

Also, the visit is not recommended for those with claustrophobia, photophobia and phonophobia. Claustrophobia, in particular, is something to be considered. I don’t like tight spaces, which these definitely are, but I wasn’t too concerned about it.

The bunker is accessible through guided tours, and we highly recommend making a reservation ahead of time. If you want a deeper dive into the experience, check out I Visited Mussolini’s Bunker In Rome And You Can Too!.

Rome’s Olympic Past and Present

Rome isn’t all marble monuments and political history, it also has a deep connection to sports. If you are looking for a site in Rome and celebrates all three (marble, politics and sports) you probably can’t find a better place than Foro Italico. 

It was built starting in 1928 as the Foro Mussolini under the design of Enrico Del Debbio and Luigi Moretti. The inspiration, in keeping with Mussolini’s propaganda, was the Roman forums and the design is considered a perfect example of Italian fascist architecture being built by Mussolini’s regime.

Walking through the Foro Italico feels like stepping into a propaganda film from the 1930s. Towering statues of idealized male athletes line the pathway, each carved in dramatic, muscular poses. A black-and-white mosaic avenue, known as the Viale del Mosaico, features geometric designs and overt fascist symbolism. 

This can be quite jarring for people who weren’t expecting such a celebration of the Fascist achievements of pre-World War II. Even more shocking (at least to me) was that behind this celebration is Olympic Stadium, where both professional soccer (Futbòl, Football, Footie and Calio) teams, Lazio and AS Roma, still play today.

The full expanse of Foro Italico is still very much alive. It hosts major tennis tournaments, including the Internazionali BNL d’Italia, and serves as the national training center for Italian athletes. It’s a fascinating mix of past and present.

We captured the surreal beauty and recent history of this place in The Foro Italico, Rome Is The Olympic Forum With A History.

Rome Bioparco Is A Modern Zoo with Heart

Traveling with children? Or maybe you’re just an animal lover like us? Then you’ll want to carve out a few hours for the Rome Bioparco, also known as The Rome Zoo, nestled inside the lush Villa Borghese gardens.

The Bioparco is not your average zoo. It focuses on animal welfare, conservation, and education, with over 200 species from around the world. You’ll find everything from lions and tigers to lemurs and komodo dragons, all in carefully maintained habitats that avoid the harsh cages of older zoos.

If you aren’t bringing kids, I would suggest 60-90 minutes would be enough for your visit. If you have a big family, will be eating there and are writing a book report on all the animals, you could be there for up to 3 hours.

What we loved most about our visit was the sense of space and respect for the animals. It’s clean, well-organized, and surprisingly peaceful for being in the middle of a major city. We break it all down in The Rome Bioparco (Zoo) Is Great For Children And Adults, including tips for planning your visit.

The Rose Garden Is Modern Romance in Bloom

Just below the Keyhole and the Orange Garden on Aventine Hill, tucked along the edge of the Circus Maximus, is a surprising corner of paradise. The Rome Rose Garden (Roseto Comunale di Roma) is one of the city’s most beautiful, and often overlooked, attractions in Rome.

One of the challenges to experiencing the beauty of the Rome Rose Garden is the limited time the flowers are in bloom. Open from mid-April through June (and again briefly in the fall), this terraced garden bursts with over 1,100 varieties of roses from all over the world. It’s fragrant, peaceful, and an ideal spot for a romantic stroll or a quiet moment with a view.

There is beauty radiating from every corner, with enough Instagram-friendly spots to keep any influencer busy. Also, from the garden, you can look out across the Circus Maximus, to Palatine Hill,another perfect blend of ancient and modern.

Planning a visit to Rome during the Spring? Don’t miss our article: The Rose Garden In Rome, Italy Is Overflowing With Romance for tips, hours, and photos that will have you dreaming of springtime in Rome.

Verano Cemetery – A Modern and Peaceful Site

Not all great tourist sites in Rome are bustling with activity. Some, like the Cimitero Monumentale del Verano, invite a slower, more contemplative pace. I know that visiting a cemetery isn’t everyone’s page, since I visited it alone, but my goal was to experience the enduring artwork and find some of my favorite actors and actresses in their final resting place.

Located in the San Lorenzo district, near the pilgrim favorite Basilica of San Lorenzo, this sprawling cemetery is filled with sculptural masterpieces, ornate mausoleums, and tributes to Italy’s cultural, political, and artistic elite. It’s been in use since the 19th century and is still active today.

We explore the beauty and serenity of this space in more detail in the supporting article: The Monumental Cemetery of Verano in Rome Is A Hidden Gem.

The US Embassy and Consulate – A Modern Resource

While not exactly a tourist attraction, the US Consulate in Rome is a vital resource for American travelers. You hope to never need it, but if your passport is stolen, someone gets sick or if there are any legal problems, you will be happy to know where this valuable resource is and how they can help.

Located just outside the city center in the elegant Via Veneto area, the embassy complex provides services like passport assistance, emergency help, and consular support. You will want to approach the entrance on Via Boncompagni, and head towards all the security guards.

In order to receive travel alerts, you should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which also makes it easier for the State Department to locate you in case of an emergency. Being tracked, even a little, by the US Government does give some people reason for concern, so it’s up to you if the value  of the alerts and if the ability to contact you is worth a small loss of privacy.

Hopefully, you won’t need to visit during your stay—but it’s always good to know where it is and what they can help with. We offer an overview and practical info in The US Consulate In Rome, Italy Is Here To Help You.

Modern Rome Is The Current Layer of History

Rome is eternal not because it clings to the past, but because it evolves, layer by layer, generation by generation. Once you start digging, you never know what you will find, as the crews that are digging out the tunnels for the Metro C continue to find out.