The Colosseum, Rome’s iconic elliptical amphitheater, is the largest ancient amphitheater ever built, covering 24,000 square meters. Constructed between 69 and 80 AD by the Flavian dynasty, it was initially called the Flavian Amphitheater. Its modern name stems from the Colossus of Nero statue that once stood nearby, with the term "Colosseum" emerging during the medieval period.

Built on the land reclaimed from Emperor Nero’s landscaped Domus Aurea complex after the Great Fire of 64 AD, the Colosseum represented a gift to the Roman people under Emperor Vespasian. It was constructed using travertine, tuff, and concrete and was funded by spoils from the Jewish War. The latter, fought in 70 AD, led to the Siege of Jerusalem and brought back numerous prisoners who largely contributed to the massive workforce needed for the construction. The amphitheater comprised four tiers that could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators at a time. Its free-standing structure features three architectural orders – Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian.

The lowest tier was for the emperor and the royal family, the two middle ones were for the noble Romans and members of government, while the highest tier was for the ordinary citizens. The elaborate system included 80 entrances, passageways for crowd control, and numbered pottery tickets for seating. Admission was free and the main sponsor was the emperor himself.

The Colosseum hosted gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and mythological reenactments. Events often featured exotic animals imported from Africa and the Middle East. Emperor Trajan's games, for example, involved over 11,000 animals and 10,000 gladiators over 123 days! The below-ground passages were used to bring men and animals into the arena, which was separated from the audience by a ditch. Occasionally, it was reportedly even flooded for naval battles. Executions were common during intervals, with the condemned facing wild beasts or acting out tragic myths.

During the medieval period, the Colosseum served as a fortress and even a stone quarry. Passers-by habitually chipped off pieces of it for souvenirs which, together with some natural causes like earthquakes, led to its partial destruction.

Despite popular belief that the early Christians were martyred here in numbers, evidence suggests that most executions occurred elsewhere. By the 17th century, the Colosseum became recognized as a sacred site. Today, it hosts the Pope’s Good Friday “Way of the Cross” procession.

Only the north side of the building, as well as the underground passages, have survived intact. The arena floor is totally gone. Inside the Colosseum, there's a historical exhibition with both permanent and changing displays.

Tips:
Visit early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid long queues and heat. The ground and first floors are open to visitors without a special ticket, while the subterranean part and the third floor are accessed on pre-booked tours only. Opt for a guided tour to skip lines and access the Forum area. Alternatively, buy tickets in advance or at the Roman Forum. Enhance your experience with an audio guide for detailed historical insights.

The Trevi Fountain is one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, drawing visitors to the eponymous Trevi Square all day long. Surprisingly, the fountain was not initially built in the heart of the city; instead, the city grew around it. Its name derives from the Latin word "trivium," which means “three streets,” as it sits at the junction of three streets: De Crocicchi, Poli, and Delle Muratte.

The fountain’s history dates back to 1629 when Pope Urban VIII commissioned Gian Lorenzo Bernini to redesign it, though his plans were never realized. Later, Pope Clement XII organized a competition in 1730, leading to Nicola Salvi's selection for the project, who incorporated the fountain into the rear of the Poli Palace. Salvi passed away before its completion. Giuseppe Pannini and other artists finalized the work in 1762.

Measuring over 26 meters in height and 49 meters in width, it is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome.

The Trevi Fountain features a Corinthian façade and bas-reliefs depicting the origins of the Acqua Vergine aqueduct, constructed in 19 BC. According to legend, a virgin guided Roman engineers to the aqueduct’s source, an event depicted in the fountain’s bas-reliefs. The aqueduct, which survived the Gothic invasions and was restored during the Middle Ages, still supplies water to the fountain today.

At the heart of the fountain is Oceanus, depicted riding a shell-shaped chariot drawn by two horses and guided by Tritons. The horses symbolize the sea’s contrasting moods-calm and turbulent. Flanking Oceanus are the statues of Abundance and Salubrity, representing prosperity and health. The symmetrical Rococo design combines dynamic artistry with Baroque grandeur, reflecting 18th-century European trends.

The Trevi Fountain is also known for the tradition of tossing coins, which promises a return to Rome. Popularized by the 1954 Hollywood film "Three Coins in the Fountain," visitors toss coins over their left shoulder with their right hand, generating daily about €3,000. This money, collected by municipal authorities, is donated to charity.

Celebrated in films like Roman Holiday and La Dolce Vita, the Trevi Fountain’s global fame is further evidenced by replicas worldwide. Access to the fountain is now limited to 400 visitors at a time, ensuring a more enjoyable visit to this timeless masterpiece. Surrounding the fountain are charming shops, restaurants, and gelaterias, making it a delightful spot to soak in Rome’s vibrant atmosphere.

Tip:
The fountain holds particular allure at night, especially after 10 pm when it is beautifully illuminated and the crowds dissipate, allowing you to enjoy the site almost exclusively.

The Spanish Steps, a monumental stairway of 135 steps, holds the distinction of being the longest and widest in Europe. The steps link Spanish Square, at the base, with the Trinity of the Mountains Square at the top.

The stairway was completed under Pope Clement XI in 1717, deriving its name from the nearby Spanish Embassy to the Holy See. Financed in part by a French diplomat, it features Baroque elements, inspired by garden stairs, and incorporates symbolic decorations such as the Bourbon heraldic lily flowers and papal eagles.

As a cultural and seasonal hub hosting public events such as Christmas cribs, spring azalea displays, and a flower market, the Spanish Steps have captivated artists and people of letters since the 18th century. Among them was the renowned English poet, John Keats, who lived and died practically next door. His house, at the base of the steps (located to the right, if you face the stairs), is now a museum.

Other nearby landmarks include the Ferrari di Valbona Palace, redesigned in 1936, and Babington's tea room, a resilient establishment that has withstood two world wars and numerous adversities, ultimately becoming a beloved tourist attraction.

The steps' cinematic appeal also made them a backdrop for numerous films, including the Hollywood blockbuster “Roman Holiday” made in 1953, starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. In the scene where Joe Bradley, played by Peck, meets Princess Ann, played by Hepburn, she sits on the steps, enjoying the view and eating ice cream. Fresh after the haircut, the princess takes compliments for her new look and makes up a story that she has run away from school. She accepts his proposal to spend the day together before she returns, and thus the Roman Holiday story begins!

Other filmmakers also made a mark on the steps, such as “The Talented Mr. Ripley” movie with Matt Damon, shot in 1999, and “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One,” featuring Tom Cruise, which premiered at the steps on June 19, 2023.

Consequently, the Spanish Steps became a magnet for aspiring models, affluent Romans, international travelers, and people from all walks of life. The tradition of gathering here is deeply ingrained in the locals and visitors alike. Today, the steps are protected by strict regulations against loitering, eating, or damaging, with heavy fines introduced to maintain decorum.

Tip:
The staircase offers picturesque views of Rome from its pinnacle, particularly at sunset-a truly unbeatable sight!
The afternoon and late hours are the best for visiting, so to avoid the heat of the day.
Alongside tourist activities such as carriage rides, you'll find nearby an array of shops and bars worth exploring.

The Mausoleum of Hadrian, commonly known as the Castle of the Holy Angel, is a cylindrical tower in Rome’s Adriano Park. Commissioned by Emperor Hadrian between 134 and 139 AD as a family mausoleum, it was once the tallest building in Rome.

Initially, the mausoleum housed the ashes of Hadrian, his wife Sabina, and subsequent emperors, ending with Caracalla in 217. The structure was adorned with a garden-topped cylinder and a golden quadriga. Hadrian also built the nearby Pons Aelius bridge, which still offers a scenic route adorned with Baroque angel statues.

In 401, the mausoleum was converted into a fortress and incorporated into Rome's Aurelian Walls. Over centuries, its treasures and urns were scattered, including during the Visigoth sack of Rome in 410. The building also served as a defense during the Gothic siege in 537, with statues thrown down on attackers. Some remnants, like a capstone from Hadrian's urn, found their way into significant structures such as Saint Peter’s Basilica.

Legend holds that Archangel Michael appeared over the building in 590, signaling the end of a plague and inspiring the castle's current name. The statue of Michael atop the castle, first sculpted in 1536 and replaced by a bronze version in 1753, commemorates this event.

The popes transformed the structure into a fortress and residence. Pope Nicholas III linked it to Saint Peter's Basilica with the fortified Borgo Passage, while Clement VII used it as a refuge during the 1527 Sack of Rome (by the mutinous troops of the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V). The castle also became a prison, housing figures like the Italian philosopher and astrologer Giordano Bruno. Executions occurred in its courtyard, and the structure was immortalized in Puccini’s opera Tosca.

Decommissioned as a fortress in 1901, the castle now operates as a museum, attracting over a million visitors per year. It offers a fascinating display, featuring cannons, armor, and ornately decorated papal apartments. A highlight is the hidden passageway connecting the Vatican to the castle.

Visitors can enjoy coffee with incredible views of Saint Peter's Basilica at the on-site café. For breathtaking panoramas of Rome and Vatican City, head to the rooftop terrace, ideal on clear days or evenings to experience the city's vibrant nighttime charm. While there is some walking involved, the museum is easily navigable and offers a memorable blend of history, architecture, and stunning vistas.

The focal point of Navona Square, the Fountain of the Four Rivers has been in place since the 17th century. While Rome has a longstanding affinity for fountains, dating back to antiquity, the Baroque era brought a new dimension to these water features, showcasing the generosity of the papacy.

In the case of the Fountain of the Four Rivers, Pope Innocent X, whose family seat – the Pamphili Palace – overlooks the square, entrusted the task to one of the most groundbreaking artists of the time, Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Created in 1651, the fountain was Rome's pinnacle achievement in fountain design, a symbolic masterpiece brimming with the dynamic and dramatic elements sought after by Baroque artists. Its central Egyptian obelisk is crowned with the Pamphili emblem, a dove with an olive twig.

Pope Innocent X chose Bernini after being secretly shown his model. The fountain was innovative, combining sculpture and architecture in a way unmatched by previous Roman fountains.

Here, the travertine base supports sculptures of four river gods, representing the major rivers of the continents over which papal authority had extended at that time. These include the Nile (for Africa), the Danube (for Europe), the Ganges (for Asia), and the Plate (for the Americas). Each figure conveys symbolic details: the Ganges is depicted holding a long oar, symbolizing the river's navigability; the Nile's veiled head signifies its unknown source; the Danube, the largest river near Rome touches the Pope's coat of arms; and the Plate sits atop a pile of coins, reflecting America’s wealth.

The fountain's unveiling on June 12, 1651, was marked by grand celebrations orchestrated by the Pamphili family. Allegorical figures of Fame and Curiosity paraded the streets, urging Romans to witness the reveal. The crowd marveled at the lifelike sculptures and water features, described as naturalistic and astonishing.

However, the project faced significant public opposition. Critics condemned its expense during the famine of 1646 to 1648, expressing their discontent through pasquinades demanding "Bread, not fountains." Street vendors and Roman Jews lamented their displacement from the square's market, which was closed to enhance its splendor.

Despite the controversy, the Fountain of the Four Rivers remains a cornerstone of Rome’s cultural and architectural legacy, blending mythology, artistry, and geographical narratives.

Tip:
To capture the essence of this fountain in photographs, it is recommended to shoot from various angles and positions, so as to get as much detail as possible. With ample space surrounding the fountain, take your time to find the perfect shot-or perhaps even multiple perfect shots.

The Pantheon is one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks, renowned for its architectural brilliance. Originally a Roman temple, its name comes from the Ancient Greek "pan theos," which means dedication to all gods. Built on the site of a temple commissioned by consul Marcus Agrippa during Augustus’ reign, the current structure was completed under Emperor Hadrian around 126 AD. It was transformed into a Catholic Church of Saint Mary and the Martyrs in 609 AD, ensuring its preservation through centuries.

The Pantheon’s unique design combines a classical portico supported by Corinthian granite columns with a domed cylindrical structure (called a rotunda). The unsupported concrete dome, still the largest of its kind in the world, features a central oculus that provides natural light, ventilation, and symbolic celestial connections. The rotunda's harmonious dimensions-43 meters in both height and diameter-epitomize Roman engineering excellence, while its original massive bronze doors, each weighing over 20 tons, and intricate drainage system (allowing to effectively divert rainwater) highlight the ingenuity of its creators.

Throughout its history, the Pantheon has been a vibrant part of Roman life. It served as a burial site during the Renaissance, housing notable figures like painter Raphael and Italian kings Victor Emmanuel II and Umberto I. Its materials, such as bronze, have been repurposed for other projects like Bernini’s baldachin above the high altar of Saint Peter's Basilica. However, its core structure remains remarkably intact. Today, the church still host religious ceremonies, including masses, weddings, and Pentecost celebrations.

The Pantheon’s influence extends far beyond Rome. Its dome inspired architectural marvels like the Florence Cathedral and Rotunda of the U.S. Capital in Washington D.C., while its combination of classical and modern elements shaped countless government and academic buildings worldwide.

With over six million annual visitors, the Pantheon remains a symbol of Roman ingenuity and artistic achievement. Tourists can enjoy free entry to this historic site or soak in its splendor from Rotonda Square, savoring gelato while marveling at its timeless beauty.

Tip:
Incredible at night (from the outside), it is especially so if you enjoy musicians with talent and engagement... but beware of pickpockets.

The Doria Pamphilj Gallery is a prestigious private art collection housed in the historic Doria Pamphilj Palace. While the Vatican Museums hold global fame and are highly popular, this impressive palace offers one of the most captivating and rewarding artistic experiences in Rome.

Still owned by the princely Doria Pamphilj family, the palace was constructed in 1505 by a Catholic cardinal. It later came under the ownership of another cardinal, whose niece, in turn, married Camillo Pamphilj, nephew of Pope Innocent X.

The collection was significantly enriched by the Pope, who bequeathed artistic treasures to his nephew. Its highlights include Diego Velázquez's Portrait of Innocent X which captures the Pope’s controversial character with striking realism. This celebrated painting is housed in a dedicated room with a bust of the Pope created by Italian sculptor and architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

The collection, amassed over centuries by the Doria, Pamphilj, Landi, and Aldobrandini families, features masterpieces from the Renaissance and Baroque periods, with a focus on the 16th and 17th centuries. The palace's stately rooms feature vaulted ceilings and exquisite decorations, showcasing a vast array of Medieval and Byzantine art. One wing houses the Aldobrandini Gallery, which displays an eclectic mix of paintings and garden statues.

The palace itself has evolved over time. In the 17th century, Camillo Pamphilj and his wife Olimpia Borghese expanded it substantially, despite local opposition. Its renovations continued under the supervision of Camillo’s descendants, including Anna Pamphilj and her husband. In the 18th century, frescoes by renowned Italian artists adorned the staterooms.

In the 20th century, Princess Orietta Pogson Doria Pamphilj and her English husband, Commander Frank Pogson, restored the gallery and opened it to the public. Today, her adopted children, Jonathan and Gesine Doria Pamphilj, oversee its care. The collection, one of the largest private art troves in Rome, remains a testament to the family’s legacy.

The Doria Pamphilj Palace offers a serene visit with its Gallery of Mirrors, featuring French-imported mirrors and Hercules-themed frescoes tied to the Pamphilj lineage. The Primitives Room displays wooden-panel paintings. Visitors can enjoy a free audio guide, numbered exhibits, a relaxing cafeteria, and a bookshop, avoiding Rome's typical tourist crowds.

Tip:
For personal (non-commercial) use, you can acquire a 'Photo Pass' from the bookshop, allowing you to capture memories of your visit.

The Roman Forum, once the pulsating heart of ancient Rome's public life, evolved from a simple marketplace around 500 BC into the epicenter of Roman political, social, and religious activity. Known as the Forum Magnum, it became a hub for triumphal processions, public speeches, elections, criminal trials, gladiatorial matches, and commerce. Statues and monuments celebrating Roman leaders solidified its status as one of history’s most significant meeting places.

Initially featuring early structures like the Regia (a royal residence) and the Temple of Vesta, the Forum developed into a formal assembly area called the Comitium, where the Senate and government convened. Over centuries, temples, tribunals, and public buildings, such as the Senate House and the Temple of Saturn, transformed the Forum into a multifunctional hub. The Basilica Aemilia, built in 179 BC, expanded judicial activities, while Julius Caesar’s enhancements, including the Basilica Julia and Curia Julia, underscored its role as a center for politics, commerce, and religion.

Despite its prominence, the Forum’s importance began to decline with the emergence of grander structures, such as Trajan's Forum and the Basilica Ulpia, to the north. Unlike the more planned Imperial Forums, the Roman Forum grew organically, reflecting a mix of architectural styles across periods. Constantine the Great’s construction of the Maxentius Basilica in 312 AD marked its final significant addition, temporarily restoring its political centrality. However, the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD led to the Forum's destruction and decline.

Today, the Roman Forum is a sprawling ruin but remains a priceless historical treasure. Though reduced to crumbling remains, it continues to captivate visitors, drawing nearly five million annually. Highlights of the site include the Sacred Street, the Arch of Titus, and remnants of iconic buildings like the Temple of Castor and Pollux.

Seize the opportunity to stand exactly where ancient emperors once admired their real-estate empire - rooftops made of temples, basilicas, and political drama. That’s the essence of the Palatine Hill Viewing Platform. From this lofty terrace, the Roman Forum sprawls beneath you like a 2,000-year-old news feed: “Senate argues again,” “emperor builds giant stadium,” “gods demand new temple.” The Colosseum pops into frame, the Arch of Titus shows off, and the skyline does its timeless, postcard-perfect thing!

The terrace is a favorite stop for photographers and history enthusiasts alike. The former particularly adore this spot because Rome refuses to have a bad angle. Mornings arrive dipped in gold; sunsets turn the ruins into a theatrical stage set; and every hour in between reminds you that Rome invented the concept of atmospheric lighting long before Hollywood. Meanwhile, you get a rare moment of calm - high above the crowds, in the midst of ancient stones and legends… or perhaps just listening to your audio guide gasping for breath after that uphill stroll.

And yes, there is a bit of climbing involved - ancient power came with great elevation. But with the terrace included in the same ticket that gets you into the Colosseum and Forum, you’d be missing out on the most cinematic view in the Eternal City if you skip it. So take a deep breath, channel your inner emperor, and prepare to survey Rome in all its monumental glory!

The Palatine Hill, centrally located among Rome’s seven hills, is one of the city’s oldest and most historically significant areas. Often referred to as "the first nucleus of the Roman Empire," it is now a vast open-air museum.

Overlooking the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus, Palatine Hill became the desirable location for the homes of Rome's wealthiest citizens during the Republican era. During the Imperial era, starting from the reign of Augustus, it was an exclusive domain of emperors, featuring luxurious palaces like those of Augustus, Tiberius, and Domitian. Before imperial development, the hill had two summits, Palatium and Germalus, separated by a depression. Over time, the Palatine played a central role in Rome’s evolution, with continuous habitation traced back to the 10th century BC. Excavations reveal funerary huts from the 9th–7th centuries BC, aligning with the city’s mythological founding period.

The modern-day word “palace” is derived from the word “Palatine”.

Roman mythology enriches its legacy, as the hill was believed to be the site where Rome was reportedly founded. According to legend, it was on this hill that the twins Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome, were discovered by a she-wolf who raised them. When they grew up, the twins set out to build a city of their own. While Remus wanted to build it on Aventine Hill, Romulus had his mind set firmly on Palatine Hill. The brothers argued fiercely, and during the fight, Romulus killed Remus. He went on to build the city in 753 BC, calling it Rome, and reigned as its first king.

Monumental structures dominate the site, including the Palace of Domitian and the House of Livia, the latter renowned for its well-preserved frescoes. The House of Tiberius partially survives within the Farnese Gardens.

Extensive archaeological excavations, dating back to Augustus’ time, have uncovered significant finds, including Bronze Age artifacts and the Palatine House, thought to be the birthplace of Emperor Augustus. Modern investigations have revealed frescoed walls and mosaics, along with the Lupercal, the cave at the southwest foot of the Palatine Hill, where Romulus and Remus were suckled by the she-wolf.

Tip:
"Super" tickets provide access to the key attractions on the Hill, including the Roman Forum and Colosseum. Prepare with water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy shoes, as the steep paths and lack of vending machines can be challenging.

On October 28, 312 AD, Roman emperor Constantine had an epic battle with his rival, co-emperor Maxentius. It went down in history as the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Victorious Constantine became the sole ruler of the Roman Empire, thus ending the system of Tetrarchy. He is generally regarded as the last great emperor of Rome.

The Arch of Constantine, Rome’s largest triumphal arch, was dedicated in 315 AD to commemorate Constantine’s victory. Located between the Colosseum and Palatine Hill, it spans the Road of Triumph, marking the route of Roman military parades. The arch stands 21 meters high, featuring three bays and incorporating elements from earlier monuments, including reliefs and statues from the reigns of Trajan, Hadrian, and Marcus Aurelius, reworked to celebrate Constantine.

Scholars have debated the arch's origins, suggesting it may predate Constantine and even have ties to Hadrian’s or Maxentius’s reigns. The arch exemplifies Late Antique artistic styles, with a blend of reused classical Greek-inspired elements and newly-created simpler, symbolic works. Reliefs from earlier monuments display classical proportions and dynamic movement, while the 4th-century additions feature rigid and geometric forms, reflecting changes in artistic priorities or economic constraints at that time. This stylistic contrast highlights the transition from Rome’s classical tradition to the evolving aesthetics of Late Antiquity.

Decorative elements on the arch include reliefs of Dacians from Trajan’s reign, panels depicting Marcus Aurelius’s military campaigns, and roundels from Hadrian’s era reworked to depict Constantine. A Constantinian frieze narrates his campaign against Maxentius, while inscriptions celebrate him as a pious and victorious leader.

One such inscription credits Constantine with saving the Roman people by divine inspiration. It refers to his vision before the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD, where he claimed to have seen a cross in the sky and heard the words: "In this sign, you will conquer." This event is often linked to Constantine's promotion of Christianity within the Roman Empire. The arch also balances pagan and Christian themes, symbolizing Constantine’s shifting religious stance during this period.

The Arch of Constantine's global influence as a monument includes the likes of the Arch of Triumph in Paris, the Marble Arch in London, Washington Union Station in Washington DC, and the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.

Set in the valley between the Palatine and Aventine hills, the Circus Maximus is the oldest and largest racetrack in ancient Rome. This colossal space, once capable of accommodating over 300,000 spectators, witnessed thrilling chariot races while the emperor looked on. From the 4th century BC until AD 549, the Circus Maximus underwent continuous embellishment and expansion, culminating in its final races.

The oval course spans approximately 650 yards from end to end. On certain occasions, as many as 24 chariot races were held in a single day, and competitions could extend for up to 15 days. Much like modern sports stars, charioteers could accumulate vast fortunes. Diocles, a renowned Portuguese charioteer, reportedly won an astounding 35 million sestertii. The atmosphere within the Circus Maximus must have been electrifying as charioteers competed in teams, each representing their own colors such as the Reds, the Blues, and others. Betting on the races also provided a potentially lucrative occupation for the majority of unemployed citizens in Rome.

The Circus Maximus featured a central dividing barrier known as the spina, adorned with seven large egg-shaped objects used to count laps during a race. In 33 BC, seven bronze dolphins were added to the spina for the same purpose. In 10 BC, Augustus constructed the Imperial box beneath the Palatine Hill and adorned the spina with an obelisk, which now stands at the center of Piazza del Popolo. Another obelisk, added in the 4th century by Constantine II, now stands in Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano.

Today, the long grassy expanse of the Circus Maximus still retains hints of its original purpose and occasionally serves as a venue for festivals and concerts. However, during the recent remake of "Ben Hur", archaeological authorities denied permission to film chariot-racing scenes in this historical location.