Rome
The Colosseum is one of the world’s best known structures and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was inaugurated by Titus in 80 AD and could hold up to 50,000 spectators. The Colosseum was the centre of entertainment and was mainly used for gladiator games, sometimes involving animals. This wonderful piece of architecture with incredible history is still standing today and reminds us of the might of the Roman Empire.
Fontana di Trevi
The Fontana di Trevi (Trevi Fountain) is a wonderful masterpiece representing Neptune - the God of Water and the Sea - pulled by horses on his charriot. This very impressive figure dominates the centre of the fountain. The fountain is also famous for being featured Fellini’s movie "La Dolce Vita". A popular tradition among tourists is to toss a coin backwards over your shoulder into the fountain; this is believed to guarantee that you come back to Rome. Coins are collect daily by charity organisations, so even if you do not believe in the myth you can rest assured that the money will go to a good cause.
The pantheon
The Pantheon, also called Temple of All the Gods, was first built by Marcus Agrippa. Building of this Roman temple started in 27 BC. The Pantheon burned down twice, first in 80 AD and then again in 110 AD. It was later restored by the emperor Hadrian (117-138 AD). This splendid building has the largest dome ever built. The hole in the centre (oculus) is the only light provider for the building. The Pantheon is situated in Piazza della Rotonda in the 'Centro Storico'.
The Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is located between the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia.The site where the Forum stands was originally a swamp used as a cemetery by the local people. During the 6th Century the Etruscans drained it and soon shops and temples were built. These were gradually moved to other parts of the city and only during the 2nd Century did the Forum become the political and social centre of Rome. The remains today can only give you an idea of how mighty and wealthy Rome once was. To find your way around this vast site and appreciate its importance you are advised to get a map.
Fontana del Moro Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi
Fontana di Nettuno
Piazza Navona is a very lively square with bars and cafes, quite different from what it used to be. The square was house to a Domitian's stadium built in the 1st Century and used for athletic contests and games. There are three fountains in the squar: Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (1651), Fontana di Nettuno (1574) and Fontana del Moro (1576). The square is also house to the Baroque Chiesa di S. Agnese in Agone (Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone) started by Girolamo Rainaldi (1652), continued by Francesco Borromini and ultimately finished by Carlo Rainaldi (Girolamo's son).
Castel Sant' Angelo
Castel Sant'Angelo was built between 135 AD and 139 AD. Started as a place to rest (sepulchre) for the Emperor Hadrian and his family, it was gradually transformed into a fortress. Because of its strategic position, in the 14th Century, Pope Nicolas III commissioned the construction of a fortified corridor connecting the Vatican to the Castle, and soon this became a hiding place for the Pope when the city was under siege. The corridor still exist to this day. The Castle was also used as a prison and place for executions. Now it is a museum.
Piazza di Spagna
Another important landmark is Piazza di Spagna, also known as the Spanish Steps, with its 138 steps leading to Piazza Trinità dei Monti where you will find the Church della Trinità dei Monti wanted at the beginning of the 16th Century by the French king. In Piazza di Spagna you also find the Fontana della Barcaccia created by Pietro Bernini. The fountain was built between 1627 and 1629.
Piazza del Campidoglio
Piazza del Campidoglio is located on Capital Hill (Capitoline Hill) where you also find the Capitoline Museums. The museum houses paintings and sculpture. This beautiful 16th Century Piazza was designed by Michelangelo
Saint Peter's Square is located inside the Vatican City which is an autonomous State governed by the Pope. It is also the spiritual capital for million of Catholics that come here from all around the world to see the Pope. St. Peter’s Basilica is the world's largest church. Inside the Basilica there are many sculptures and monuments, including Michelangelo’s master piece the "Pietà". Admission to the Basilica is free but unfortunately there will be some waiting to do. If you go in the summer time be prepared because it is very hot.
St. Peter's Basilica
Sistine Chapel Ceiling by Michelangelo (1508-12)
Dome inside the Chapel
Other places to visit in Rome
Therms of Caracalla (212 AD- 217 AD)
Circo Massimo
Pyramid of Cestius Porta San Paolo
Palazzo del Quirinale
Piazza del Popolo
Piazza Venazia
The Arch of Constantine (312 AD)
The Mouth of Truth
The "Bocca della Verità" (Mouth of Truth), located in the atrium of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin since 1632, is not to be missed. The marble disk, possibly an ornamental drain cover depicting the River God, is thought to have been part of a 1st century Roman fountain portraying several pagan Gods. It is believed that people who lie would loose their hands if they put them inside the Mouth. This is a popular site for tourists as well as the curious, and it was even featured in the famous film Roman Holiday' with Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn.
Hadrian’s Villa (2nd century AD)
Hadrian's Villa is located just outside Rome in Tivoli. The villa was a vast site comprising more than 30 buildings and most of the area is still unexcavated. The lavish complex included temples, palaces, theatre, spas and living quarters for staff and slaves.
How to get to Rome
Even though the main airport in Rome is Leonardo da Vinci, it is commonly known as Fiumicino, about 26km southwest of the city.From there you can take the train "Leonardo Express" to "Stazione Termini".
The other airport is Ciampino, located 20km southeast of the city where most domestic flights arrive. From there you can get the bus to Stazione Termini.
Rome is also very well connected to rest of Italy either by train or by car.
Important
Please remember that if you are using the train service, you must validate your ticket before boarding the train by using the yellow machines on the platform or in the railway station.
Nearby Cities