Travel Guide to Rome, Italy

This city with rich history and traditions attracts lots of people for more than 2000 years and is still one of the most romantic and marvelous cities in the world. Rome is a concentrated dolce vita: posh shop stores of Italian designers, delicious ice-creams, foamy cappuccino and exclusive wines – all this turns Rome into a paradise, isn't it?

But with what should I start? Is it actually possible to retell shortly the history of Rome? I'm unlikely to do it in a few words. In any case, I can't but mention the most important date - April 21, 753 BC. It's the day, when Rome was founded by Romulus, who, by the way, killed his brother – Remus. Time passed and the city turned into the powerful imperia. Rome reached its fullest flower during the rule of Imperator Marcus Aurelius (161-180 AD). Like the ancient Rome, the modern city is located on the seven hills: the Aventine Hill, the Caelian Hill, the Palatine Hill, the Capitoline Hill, the Esquiline Hill, the Quirinal Hill and the Viminal Hill. The central areas and the most famous sights are situated at Campo Marzio. The Trastevere, located at the bank of the Tiber, and the Monti can also boast of world fame. Another place you should visit is the Pigneto, the quarter with the reputation of the most Roman.

The Coliseum. The amphitheatre of Flavius was built in 1 AD on the place, where Nero's artificial sea used to be situated. It was an attempt to sponge out the memory of the hateful imperator Nero and to get back the love of people. The amphitheatre became the largest ever in the Roman Empire. When in 80 AD the building works were finished and the Coliseum was unveiled, by Titus' order the fights of gladiators were organized. The performance lasted for 100 days and contained fights of gladiators, elephants, and sweeps. As the result, they killed more than 9000 animals. Later the amphitheatre was enlarged: another row and some new gangways appeared. Nowadays the amphitheatre of Flavius is more known as the Coliseum. This name it must have got due to the 40-meter sculpture (or 'the colossus') of Nero that was located nearby, but not because of its size.

Piazza di Trevi. The Fontana di Trevi is famous all over the world. You'll find it at small Piazza di Trevi. It has the ocean theme: the winged horses and young sea gods are put into chariot, directed by Neptune. The fountain is 26 meters tall and 22 meters wide. The Fontana di Trevi became well-known after it was shot in 'La Dolce Vita' (1960). In 1995 Claudia Schiffer had an opportunity to have a swim in the fountain for the advertising company of Valentino clothes.

The Roman Forum. The Roman Forum is the political and religious center of the Roman Empire. There they took important decisions, organized execution and carried out marches. Later after the fall of the Roman Empire the Roman Forum fell into disrepair. In the 19th century archeological dig started there. The forum is located at about 10 meters lower than the near Via dei Fori Imperiali, under which still lie the ruins of the Roman Empire.

The Pantheon. The Pantheon is one of the main temples at Piazza della Rotonda. The Pantheon was built in 27 BC, destroyed by the fire in 125 AD and rebuilt from the basics. In the 17th century Pope Saint Boniface IV ordered to place a church in the Pantheon, that's why the classical round building with the colonnade in front managed to remianed untouched, what I can't say about the other pagan temples. There take place the tombs of Rafael and Victor Emmanuel II. The word 'pantheon' itself means 'devoted to all the gods'.

The Sistine Chapel. The Sistine Chapel was built in 1475-1483 by the order of Pope Sixtus IV. It is well-known for two reasons: first – due to the frescos 'Last Judgment' 'Adam Creation' (the two hands that are going to touch each other) by Michelangelo. The second reason is that from the 15th century by the order Pope Sixtus IV the conclaves are carried out there. The white smoke, rising from the pipe means that the choice is made.

Santa Maria Maggiore. Santa Maria Maggiore is one of the largest and most important churches in Rome. It's situated at Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore. The church was founded in 431 AD by Pope Sixtus III and is famous first of all for its fabulous wooden carved ceiling (by the legend gold they used was brought by Columbus). You should also pay your attention to the mosaic pictures on Bible plots, panels and the floors of the basilica.

Villa Borghese. Villa Borghese is an art museum, situated in the marvelous landscape park not far from the Spanish Stairs. In the museum they keep the rich art collection of Renaissance. There one can have a look at works by Raphael, Rubens, Leonardo da Vinci and also sculptures by Bernini and Antonio Canova.

Read more about Rome:
Restaurants and cuisine in Rome
Local traditions and lifestyle
'Must visit' places in Rome
Nightlife and attractions in Rome
Preparing for Rome: Advices
Rome photogallery