Highlights of Rome
1 Colosseum
The grand symbol of the Roman Empire stands just southeast of the Roman Forum. It is the largest existing building from Roman times. Its construction was started by the Flavian Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD, and completed in 82. The venue could easily receive more than 50.000 spectators who came to look at bloody fights with gladiators and wild animals. After the fall of the Roman empire, the building crumbled slowly. Only from the 19th century initiatives to maintain and restore the building were gradually taken. It is now once again one of Rome's major attractions and a true must-see for every visitor of Rome.| Search for hotels near the Colosseum and the Roman Forum now! |
2 The Roman Forum
In Ancient Rome, the Roman Forum was the very heart of the political and commercial life of the city and of the Empire. Thanks to its beauty, its location and the extreme density of so much history and glory it is regarded as one of the most important archaeological sites of the world. On top of that, the Forum is surrounded by some of Rome's greatest monuments, such as the Colosseum, the Capitol and the Palatine Hill. For visitors it's a great place to enjoy the charm and glory of an area that once was the Roman Empire's powerhouse.3 The Pantheon
The Pantheon is a spectacular monument right in the historic centre of Rome and a great example of Roman architecture. The sudden appearance of its majestic, classical facade leaves few untouched. The inside is just as spectacular, with a dome of fourty-three meters high and wide, with light coming in through a Great Eye on the top. It also features some fine pieces of art and the tombs of the painter Rafael and king Vittorio Emmanuele II.
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4 Vatican City & Saint Peter's Basilica
The Vatican is the heart of the Catholic Church and the home of pope Benedictus XVI. It's the smallest independent state in the world: it has its own post-office, newspaper, radiostation and army, the Swiss Guard. The few square kilometers of the Vatican house some of Rome's most visited and impressive monuments, like the Saint Peter's square and Basilica and the magnificent Vatican Museums. Saint Peter's Cathedral is the center of the Roman Catholic religion and attracts pilgrims from around the world. Pope Julius II laid the first stone of Saint Peter's Basilica in 1506. Nearly all famous Roman architects of that time were involved in the project, which was finished in 1626.| Search for hotels near the Vatican and Saint Peter's Basilica now! |