Viator Rome

2012 marks the 500th anniversary of the completion of Michelangelo’s famous frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. The cherry that serves as the end of any visit to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel is a top attraction in Italy—let alone in Rome—and is worth a stop no matter what year it is. Contemplating the master at work, lying flat on his back for years on wooden scaffolding, precisely 500 years after the frescoes were completed? That’s a bonus.

Attractions in Rome typically involve touring museums and ruins; I promise it’s not as dull as it sounds. Indeed, the first time you look up at the Sistine Chapel, you’ll likely catch your breath. However, Rome is more than Renaissance art and Roman relics. There are also medieval art and Baroque relics. I kid—there’s just a lot to see in Rome.

Like most ancient cities in the world, you could spend weeks in Rome wandering the streets, exploring ruins and reverently tiptoeing your way through art museums. It would really behoove you to get a tour. Rome tours vary. Since a lot of them take you over the same stuff, go for the one that looks like it will give you a funny story when you get home. Like, for example, a bike tour. Or better yet, a Segway tour.