The Colosseum is probably the most famous historical buildings in Rome. Even 2,000 years after it has been built, the classical stadium is visited by thousands of people on a daily basis. The Colosseum is the first permanent amphitheatre to be ever build in Rome and is considered to be one of the most impressive arena’s the Classical world has ever seen. With over 60,000 seats and over 80 entrances, modern architects could absolutely learn from the classical amphitheatre. The amphitheatre was originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre and was considered a political gesture in Roman history. It was a gift from the Roman emperors to the Roman citizens and would also serve as a lasting monument to the greatness of the emperor. The amphitheatre was built with a mix of materials. The Romans used concrete for the foundation of the arena. The Romans invented the strong material and allowed them to build stable and large buildings. For the piers and arcades, travertine stones were used and the piers on the walls were made of tufa. The Colosseum was used for gladiator shows, animal hunts as well as a variety of other events. Gladiator shows were immensely popular among the population and were held on an occasional basis. Animal hunts, also known as venatio, featured a great variety of wild beats. The wild animals were mainly imported from the Middle East and Africa and included elephants, giraffes, lions, crocodiles and others. As real as the gladiator shows and animal hunts may have looked, the battles and hunts were mostly staged.
The Pantheon is known for its beautiful architecture as well as for the fact that it is one of the best preserved buildings of Ancient Rome. The Pantheon does not only symbolize the classical representation of Ancient Rome but also represent a true cultural revolution. The Pantheon was the first temple built that became accessible to the population. In ancient times temples were a sacred place and were only accessible for priests and vestals. Everyone else was denied access. The penalty for accessing a temple was the death penalty. The construction of the Pantheon gave people the opportunity to go to a place for worship and where one could spiritually communicate with the Gods. Thus, the Pantheon can be considered to be the forerunner of modern places of worship such as mosques, churches and synagogues. In the middle of the Pantheon is a central opening to the sky, also known as the oculus. The oculus and the entry door are the only sources of natural light in the interior of the Pantheon. During the day, the light shining through the oculus moves around the space lighting up different parts inside the temple. It is said that the dome and the oculus possibly intended to symbolize the gates to heaven.
The Trevi Fountain, or the Fontana di Trevi, is the most famous and probably the most beautiful fountain in Rome. Located in the Quirinale district, the small Trevi Square is dominated by this impressive monument. The fountain was designed like a monumental triumphal arch and measures twenty meters wide and twenty-six meters high. The fountain features a few central figures. The central figure of the fountain is Neptune, also known as the God of the sea. Standing in a large niche, he is pulled by two sea horses which are each guided by a triton. While one of the sea horses is obedient and calm, the other sea horse is very unruly. This represents the contrasting moods of the sea. Above the two allegorical statues are bas-reliefs. The left bas-relief is general Agrippa. Agrippa built the aqueduct that carries water to the fountain. The right bas-relief symbolizes the moment the virgin points towards the source of the spring. Moreover, it is a common tradition that you throw a coin into the fountain’s water basin. If you do this, it is said that you will return to Rome. You are expected to toss the coin with your right hand over your left shoulder with your back facing the fountain. Also, you are not allowed to look back while you toss the coin over your shoulder.
Piazza Navona is one of the most popular squares in Rome. Piazza Navona is situated in the historic center of Rome and is known for its many restaurants, outdoor cafes and night clubs in the area. The large square features a trio of magnificent fountains. The largest fountain and main attraction on the square is the centrally located Fontana dei Quatrro Fiumi, meaning the Fountain of the Four Rivers. The fountain was constructed between 1647 and 1651. It features four figures, each representing a river from a different continent. The fountain represents the Nile, Ganges, Danube and Rio de la Plata. The other two fountains are the Fontana del Neptuno, the Neptune Fountain, and the Fontana del Moro, also known as the Moor Fountain. The Neptune Fountain is located at the northern and the Moor Fountain in the south of the square.
The Roman Forum, also known as Forum Romanum, is one of the most important archeological sites in the world. Situated between the Colosseum and Piazza Venezia, the Forum served as the center of life in Imperial Rome. It was the city’s main piazza where citizens from all social classes met to buy food in the markets, do business or exchange opinions regarding all sorts of topics. The Forum attracted people from all social classes as well as people with a different background. For example, one might meet rich politicians in precious clothing as well as slaves serving the Roman nobles. Also, since Rome was a cosmopolitan city, the city featured thousands of different faces from all over the world. The city had citizens from the Middle East, Africa as well as other parts of Europe. The Forum was also the place to keep yourself updated about the latest political changes and news in the city. The Forum was the place where politicians would announce recently passed laws, soldiers would announce military campaigns and gladiators would announce their games. Today, however, the Forum Romanum looks like a disorderly collection of ruins. Only the remains of the temples, basilicas and triumphal arches are visible.
The Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano, or the St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, is one of the largest churches in the world. As one of the holiest sites in Christianity it is often described as holding a unique position in the Christian world. The Italian Renaissance church designed by Michelangelo can be seen from far and attracts thousands of tourists. The square on which the St. Peter’s Basilica is located on is one most people recognize due to the Sunday afternoon appearances of the Pope. Every Sunday the Pope comes out on the balcony and blesses the crowd at the St. Peter’s Square. It is possible to climb the 551 steps to the top of the St. Peter’s Basilica. This will allow you to have a 360 degree views of the St. Peter’s Square and the city of Rome. As part of a visit to the St. Peter’s Basilica, a must see are the Vatican Museums. Tourists should make sure to be dressed appropriately and stick to the dress code. This means no shorts, bare shoulders or miniskirts. This applies to both men and women. The most famous site in the Vatican Museum is the Sistine Chapel. The Creation of Adam is painted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo in 1511. The Vatican Museum offers tours in various languages, including Spanish, French, Russian, Japanese and Chinese.
The Spanish steps were built between 1723 and 1725 and has been a popular tourist destination for tourists. Located at the eastern end of the old city centre of Rome, the Spanish steps were built in order to connect the Trinita dei Monti church that was under the patronage of the king of France with the Piazza di Spagna. The Piazza di Spagna is one of the most famous images in the world due to its characteristic butterfly plan. During the Renaissance period, the square was a popular tourist attraction and attracted writers and artists. The presence of artists attracted many beautiful women hoping to serve as models for the artists. This in turn led to many rich Romans and tourists visiting the Spanish steps. Short after this, the steps were crowded with people from various backgrounds and this tradition has continued ever since. At the foot of the Spanish steps, you will find the Barcaccia Fountain which was built by Bernini. This fountain symbolizes the historic flood of the Tiber River in 1598. The Piazza di Spagna and the Trinita dei Monti church are especially beautiful during the time of spring. During this time the staircase is covered with flowers and the architecture is covered with beautiful colours.
While it is said that the best museum in Rome is the city itself, it is absolutely worth seeing the Galleria Borghese. Housed in the 17th-century Villa Borghese, the Borghese Gallery has a collection of painting, mosaics and sculptures. The 20 rooms in the villa will expose you to art from the Renaissance and the baroque period. The rooms include sculptures made by Canova and Bernini. Also, the Gallery houses a collection of paintings from artists such as Raphael, Rubens and Titian. Unfortunately, the Borghese Gallery only offers physical limits to the number of visitors allowed to visit the gallery. Tickets are therefore sold by 2-hour time slots. The Villa Borghese also has the largest public park in Rome. The park includes temples, fountains and a lake. It serves as a beautiful location for a nice walk.
