Yes. A madhouse. There's much to see, and you might want to do it, but be forewarned.
"The Colosseum"
Pay no attention. Go inside. It's well worth it.
"Trevi Fountain"
Pay no attention. Sometimes the crowds are maddening, and you don't get to see much, but so what?
I was there in ‘68. Some of the most memorable places are on the do not bother list, or not mentioned at all. I’m guessing time, urban decay and ignorant tourists are to blame...
Most memorable:
St Peter’s basilica - rubbing St Peter’s bronze foot, worn smooth over the centuries.
The Sistine Chapel is a MUST SEE.
Trevi Fountain - beautiful and amazing.
The Coliseum. Seriously? skip seeing the crazy cool ghizmos that made it work? Miss out on walking along the walkways that Roman citizens trod? Seeing what Caesar saw?
The Appian Way. Remarkable to me because I lived at the end of The Way in Brindisi for 3 years. Walked up the stairs from the harbor and along the stone road for exercise. Marveled at the ruts worn into the stones by carts. wagons, chariots... That is a must see for any history buff.