Colosseum - Its name immediately brings to our minds images of people mauled by wild animals and gladiators fighting each other to the death. These events did actually took place, if experts have determined that about half a million people and 1 million animals were killed there. These days, obviously, things are somewhat different. Outside the Colosseum you will find men dressed up as Roman soldiers who, for a fee, are happy to be photographed in your company. O tempora o mores - said Cicero, a famous Roman orator, referring to a sad state of affairs. Pre-paid admission tickets, which may be purchased through tour operators, will enable you to skip endless queues.
Pantheon - An ancient Roman Temple dating to the first and second century A.D., the Pantheon is loved by the people of Rome as much as by visitors from all over the world. Its shape and structure has widely influenced Western architecture, especially from the 16th century onwards. An example? The Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Spanish Steps - The Spanish Steps, as they are known throughout the world, actually end up in Piazza di Spagna, or Spanish Square, which is what Romans usually refer to when speaking of the area. Whatever your preference, they are both splendid examples of buildings that went up in Rome in the 17th and 18th centuries. The soft colors and perfect proportions of the houses surrounding the square and the stunning view of the Steps blend together to form an impressive sight for anyone arriving there for the first time.
Navona Square - The name - literally it means "large ship" - is deceiving. Contrary to popular belief, no mock naval battles have ever taken place in this square, where instead there used to be in the 1st century A.D. a stadium built under Emperor Domitian, named "Agonalis" and subsequently corrupted into "in Agone" and eventually into "Navona". The fountains decorating the square are: the Fountain of the Four Rivers, the Fountain of Neptune and the Moor's Fountain. Ron Howard shot some scenes from Angels and Demons in this square.
Trevi Fountain - It's a brand name for beauty and popularity. Both tourists and Romans love this fountain that is located in the centre of Rome, where the action is. This is literally closer to the truth than you think. Plenty of movie scenes have been shot here: one of the best known, perhaps, is the one showing Anita Ekberg walking into the fountain in Fellini's La Dolce Vita. Don't try it yourself, though. The police are pretty sensitive on this score.
Bocca della Verita (Mouth of the Truth) - What happened to suspected thieves in Ancient Rome? One possibility, for the less lucky ones, was to be tested by putting their hand inside the Mouth. If they had lied (or so had decided a judge hidden behind a wall), they would lose their hand. Tourists these days do the same, ... and sometimes they are nervous about it, but they are not running any risk, we assure you!
Janiculum Hill - Everybody has heard of the Seven Hills of Rome. In fact, those were the first Seven Hills of Rome. The city has incorporated various other hills over the centuries. perhaps the one that is most visited by tourists is Janiculum Hill, which affords a splendid view of Rome, given its height. It is also covered by beautiful green areas and is decorated with statues celebrating Garibaldi and a number of senior officers.
Vatican Museums - They are among the very best museums in the world. Their various sections are divided by historical periods, subjects and geographical areas. They are so huge that it is pretty well impossible to see everything on a single occasion, but whatever you manage to see is certainly worth it. Incidentally, the last Sunday of every month admission is free. Tour operators can purchase admission tickets in advance in order to skip 3 or 4-hour lines to get in. On special request and obviously at a considerable price, tour operators can also arrange private guided visits to the Museums (these take place when the rest of visitors have left the buildings - the Museums are in fact reserved solely for you and your Vatican guide!).
Sistine Chapel - You have just visited the Vatican Museums and another, even more incredible sight awaits you. Michelangelo's Last Judgement decorates splendidly the ceiling and walls of the Chapel offer a breathtaking view to visitors. Equally magnificent are the frescoes by other Italian artists such as Perugino, Ghirlandaio and Pinturicchio.
St. Peter's Basilica - This church is the heart of Christianity: it's the biggest church in the world and is part of the Vatican City. Its construction took so long - from 1506 to 1626 - that in Rome, to indicate that something is taking a very long time to be completed, people usually say: this is like St. Peter's construction. Geniuses such as Michelangelo, Bramante, Bernini and Maderno, worked to create this architectural marvel.
Pantheon - An ancient Roman Temple dating to the first and second century A.D., the Pantheon is loved by the people of Rome as much as by visitors from all over the world. Its shape and structure has widely influenced Western architecture, especially from the 16th century onwards. An example? The Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Spanish Steps - The Spanish Steps, as they are known throughout the world, actually end up in Piazza di Spagna, or Spanish Square, which is what Romans usually refer to when speaking of the area. Whatever your preference, they are both splendid examples of buildings that went up in Rome in the 17th and 18th centuries. The soft colors and perfect proportions of the houses surrounding the square and the stunning view of the Steps blend together to form an impressive sight for anyone arriving there for the first time.
Navona Square - The name - literally it means "large ship" - is deceiving. Contrary to popular belief, no mock naval battles have ever taken place in this square, where instead there used to be in the 1st century A.D. a stadium built under Emperor Domitian, named "Agonalis" and subsequently corrupted into "in Agone" and eventually into "Navona". The fountains decorating the square are: the Fountain of the Four Rivers, the Fountain of Neptune and the Moor's Fountain. Ron Howard shot some scenes from Angels and Demons in this square.
Trevi Fountain - It's a brand name for beauty and popularity. Both tourists and Romans love this fountain that is located in the centre of Rome, where the action is. This is literally closer to the truth than you think. Plenty of movie scenes have been shot here: one of the best known, perhaps, is the one showing Anita Ekberg walking into the fountain in Fellini's La Dolce Vita. Don't try it yourself, though. The police are pretty sensitive on this score.
Bocca della Verita (Mouth of the Truth) - What happened to suspected thieves in Ancient Rome? One possibility, for the less lucky ones, was to be tested by putting their hand inside the Mouth. If they had lied (or so had decided a judge hidden behind a wall), they would lose their hand. Tourists these days do the same, ... and sometimes they are nervous about it, but they are not running any risk, we assure you!
Janiculum Hill - Everybody has heard of the Seven Hills of Rome. In fact, those were the first Seven Hills of Rome. The city has incorporated various other hills over the centuries. perhaps the one that is most visited by tourists is Janiculum Hill, which affords a splendid view of Rome, given its height. It is also covered by beautiful green areas and is decorated with statues celebrating Garibaldi and a number of senior officers.
Vatican Museums - They are among the very best museums in the world. Their various sections are divided by historical periods, subjects and geographical areas. They are so huge that it is pretty well impossible to see everything on a single occasion, but whatever you manage to see is certainly worth it. Incidentally, the last Sunday of every month admission is free. Tour operators can purchase admission tickets in advance in order to skip 3 or 4-hour lines to get in. On special request and obviously at a considerable price, tour operators can also arrange private guided visits to the Museums (these take place when the rest of visitors have left the buildings - the Museums are in fact reserved solely for you and your Vatican guide!).
Sistine Chapel - You have just visited the Vatican Museums and another, even more incredible sight awaits you. Michelangelo's Last Judgement decorates splendidly the ceiling and walls of the Chapel offer a breathtaking view to visitors. Equally magnificent are the frescoes by other Italian artists such as Perugino, Ghirlandaio and Pinturicchio.
St. Peter's Basilica - This church is the heart of Christianity: it's the biggest church in the world and is part of the Vatican City. Its construction took so long - from 1506 to 1626 - that in Rome, to indicate that something is taking a very long time to be completed, people usually say: this is like St. Peter's construction. Geniuses such as Michelangelo, Bramante, Bernini and Maderno, worked to create this architectural marvel.
About the Author:
Cristiano Rubbi is the President of Nice & Easy Travel. This is a tour operator in the Rome area. He has transferred the experience gained in the business over the years into his Company. Read his proposal for your Sightseeing Tour of Rome from the port of Civitavecchia on his website or email him at: info@niceandeasytravel.it
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