The Rome IndexMuseo Nazionale Romano
Four sites, one ticket — ancient sculpture, mosaics and frescoes spread across the city.
The four sites
Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (near Termini): the best Roman sculpture collection in the world after the Vatican — and the room of ancient frescoes from Livia's villa, kept at controlled humidity and rarely crowded. Palazzo Altemps (near Piazza Navona): ancient sculptures in a Renaissance palazzo. Crypta Balbi: layers of Roman archaeology visible in situ. Baths of Diocletian: inscriptions and pre-Roman artefacts.
Which to prioritise
Palazzo Massimo first — the Boxer at Rest sculpture and the frescoed rooms alone justify the visit. Add Palazzo Altemps for a second site if time allows; the building is as interesting as the collection.
Ticket
A combined ticket covers all four sites for three days — one of the best-value admissions in Rome, particularly given how few visitors most of the sites attract compared to their quality.