Roman landmarks
Italy is proud of its Roman landmarks. For one week every year, usually in mid-May, the government waives admission fees to all publicly owned landmarks, including the Colosseum and the Forum, so that they’re open to everyone.
The following are some of the most popular attractions in Rome.
The Colosseum
Constructed in 80 AD, this amphitheater is a huge structure that can be awe-inspiring. During its heyday, 55,000 spectators were entertained by deadly gladiator combat. The admission fee is reasonable (€11 per adult) but long lines discourage a lot of tourists from exploring this place. Fortunately, there’s a simple way around the queue. Just cross the street to the Forum and purchase a day-long pass for €10 or, better yet, a seven-day pass for €22 that allows you entry into the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, and seven other ancient sites.
The Pantheon
Built around 125 AD, this ancient temple with a massive dome is an architectural wonder. It still functions as a church, so visitors should be quiet. The temple has a bronze ceiling and bronze doors. Most of its bronze structures were melted down to make bombards to fortify the Castle St. Angelo.
Roman Forum
The seat of the Roman government during the height of its power, the Roman Forum was the religious and political epicenter of Western civilization. The splendor of its architecture paints a dazzling picture of the glory days of Rome. It gives some tourists goose bumps. Admission is free.
Palatine Hill
This site is notable for the ruins of large villas of Rome’s rich and powerful. It’s a short walk from the Roman Forum.
Fori Imperiali
This old fort is now a museum with numerous displays in glass cases. Entering its maze-like interiors for the first time can be a little disconcerting. The view of Rome and the Vatican from the top is breath-taking.
Via Appia Antica and the Catacombs
Built in 312 BC, the Via Appia was once the major thoroughfare into Rome. Today, it’s 10-mile stretch features a series of tombs and monuments, including the Catacombs. It’s not an easy place to find and is best explored by bicycle. If you’re leaving the city center by bus, take the 714 busto St. Giovanni and transfer to the 219 bus that leads to the Catacombs.
Piazza Navona
This former stadium hosted athletic events and chariot races. Now, it’s a peaceful plaza with three lavish Bernini fountains and a row of elegant cafes. The Italians’ beloved tartulfo ice cream dessert is said to have originated here and many places still serve it.
Castel Sant'Angelo
Built around 135 AD, this unique building started out as the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian. It subsequently became part of a residence for Popes then turned into a prison until 1870 AD. It is now a museum. Its balcony is renowned among opera lovers as the place where Tosca plunged to her death.
Capuchin Monastery
Located on Via Veneto, this monastery features a series of gruesome chapels made out of the bones of monks. The bones line the walls like macabre decorations.
Churches
Rome has its fair share of Roman Catholic churches and each one is beautifully designed. Perhaps no other church is more impressive than St. Pietro or St Peter's, the residence of the Pope and widely regarded as the finest church in the world. Like most Roman Catholic churches, it has a strict dress code that forbids people in shorts, short skirts and bare shoulders from entry. There are dozens of fabulous churches in Rome, and among the most notable ones are San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane, Sant' Ivo della Sapienza, Santa Maria del Popolo and San Luigi dei Francesi.
Tabularium
This is the site of the famed Roman archives, where Cicero and Seneca searched for knowledge.
Circus Maximus
This ancient stadium is where Caligula perished. Its remains are visible from the park near the Palatine.
Fasthotel Roma Sud
