5 Must-See Places When Visiting Rome – With a Twist of Adventure Using Explorely

When setting out to explore Rome, there's a unique joy in wandering through centuries of history and art—each cobblestone whispering tales of emperors, artists, and ancient rituals. But what if the Eternal City could offer more than just awe? What if it could challenge you, guide you, and reward your curiosity in real time? That’s exactly where the Explorely app came into play during our one-day Roman adventure.

Armed with this interactive travel companion, we discovered Rome in a new light—transforming a classic daytrip into an engaging, gamified experience. With quizzes, photo quests, and deep dives into historical facts, Explorely turned each location into a mini-adventure.

1. Roman Forum – Walking Among Emperors

The day began at the Roman Forum, once the heart of ancient Rome. The app's guided tour peeled back layers of history with immersive storytelling. While walking among broken columns and archways, we were challenged to locate the Temple of Saturn and answer a quiz about its role in Roman finance. It wasn’t just sightseeing—it was a treasure hunt wrapped in mythology and politics.

Explorely’s audio snippets made us pause to imagine Cicero giving speeches right where we stood. A photo quest prompted us to recreate a "triumphal procession" pose under the Arch of Septimius Severus—cue laughter and confused stares from passersby.

2. Spanish Steps – Elegance and Elevation

Next, we climbed the iconic Spanish Steps. From the bottom, the staircase shimmered in the morning sun, and the app nudged us to count the steps (there are 135!) as part of a challenge. Halfway up, a quiz popped up asking about the connection between these steps and the Bourbon dynasty—turns out, they’re not Spanish at all in origin!

At the top, Explorely rewarded us with a panoramic fact-check: Did you know the obelisk up there is a Roman copy of an Egyptian original? With the app keeping us on our toes, even the view came with a story.

3. Trevi Fountain – Wishes and Waterworks

No trip to Rome is complete without a stop at the Trevi Fountain. It roared with life as we approached, and Explorely added layers to the magic. A quick quiz revealed that the fountain marks the terminal point of one of Rome’s ancient aqueducts. Then came the photo quest: capture the perfect coin toss moment.

After multiple tries and giggles, we nailed the shot. And yes, we threw the coins over our left shoulders—Explorely reminded us to follow tradition for a guaranteed return to Rome.

4. Basilica of San Clemente – Time Travel in Layers

For something less mainstream but incredibly rewarding, Explorely directed us to the Basilica of San Clemente. This was a highlight. The app guided us through the church's three historical layers: a 12th-century basilica built over a 4th-century church, which in turn was built over a 1st-century Roman house and temple.

Explorely’s virtual archaeologist feature brought each layer alive. We were quizzed on Mithraism (a mystery cult once practiced in the deepest layer), and challenged to identify architectural details hiding in plain sight. It felt like spelunking through time.

5. Sistine Chapel – Art that Leaves You Speechless

The day culminated at the Sistine Chapel. Nothing quite prepares you for Michelangelo’s ceiling—except perhaps Explorely’s art challenge, which dared us to identify three lesser-known frescoes within the room. With necks craned and eyes darting across the ceiling, we found ourselves connecting details we’d never noticed before.

A final quiz decoded the symbolism in "The Last Judgment," and suddenly, the awe deepened. The app didn’t distract from the beauty; it enhanced it, guiding us without overwhelming.

A Day of Discovery, Gamified

Rome’s grandeur speaks for itself, but with Explorely, the city spoke directly to us—through games, stories, and playful challenges. We didn’t just see Rome; we engaged with it. The app ensured we didn’t overlook hidden gems or walk past centuries of history without truly understanding their significance.

Whether you're a history buff, a casual traveler, or someone who loves a good challenge, Explorely adds a fresh spin to traditional sightseeing. It transformed our one-day Roman holiday into a vibrant, memorable adventure—one quiz, one photo quest, one “aha!” moment at a time.

Ready for your turn? Rome awaits, and with Explorely in hand, so does an unforgettable experience.