Rome
Italy
The heart of Italy, once the center of the Roman empire then of catholicism, eternal city where all the roads lead. Its rich heritage makes it one of the leading cultural destinations in Europe.
Ancient Rome
Colosseum
Arena of the gladiators, the Colosseum is a symbol of ancient Rome. It was the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire. Survivor of 2000 years of tumultuous history, it is part of the antic heritage of the city.
The Pantheon
Built by Hardrien to glorify the Roman Gods, it was later converted into a Christian place of worship.
It’s open dome is the biggest ever made during the antiquity, an extraordinary architectural feat, it lets a beam of light into the Panthéon, illuminating different sports at different hours.
The Forum
Once the political, religious and commercial heart of the empire, this exceptional archeological site includes numerous ancient monuments. There can be seen the Saturn temple, the Antoninus and Faustina temple, the Curia where was the Senate, the tomb of Julius Caesar, the stadium of Domitian, the arcs of Septime Severus and of Titus, the basilica Maxencius and Constantin and the house that the legend attributes to Romulus.
The baths of Caracalla
These monumental ruins don’t belong to a fallen castle but to an ancient thermal station, they illustrate the importance of bathing in ancient Rome culture, the luxury and reffinement they had reached. This site is rarely visited, the calm who reigns there gives it a special, almost mystical, atmosphere.
The Trajan column
Built in 113 as a commemoration of the victory of the emperor Trajan against the Daces, this monumental 40 meters high column is famous for it’s relatively intact bas-relief. It is located on the old Trajan forum of which it is the most intact part.
The Vatican
City-state within Rome, the Vatican is the center of catholicity, no visit of Rome would be complete without it. You’ll be visiting Saint Peter's Basilica, the largest basilica in the world and certainly one of the most sacred, Saint Peter himself is believed to have been buried there. In Saint Peter’s Square, the believers gather on Sundays to listen to the pope’s speech. The Vatican Museum is also a must, Raphael’s rooms and Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel are definetely worth the long line to enter.
Santa Maria Maggiore basilica
Rome contains approximatively 900 churches, one visiting Rome shall cross a great number of them on his road and it is always interessting to push their doors and take a look inside. However the visit of certain churches need to scheduled, Santa Maria Maggiore basilica is part of these.
This church is a mix of several architectural styles, it allows you to see the evolution of the catholic architectur throughout the centuries. Its early Christian sanctuary, its Romanesque bell tower, its Renaissance ceilings and its Baroque domes are what make of it a unique monument.
Santa Maria del Popolo
One of the oldest churches in Rome, according to the legend Nero was buried there, making it a cursed place.
The curse ended when Pope Pasquale received a vision from the Virgin Mary commanding him to recover the bones of Nero and build a church on this ground.
The church is notorious because of its chapels which have been richly decorated by important Roman families.
Baroque Rome
The Trevi fountain
This magnificent fountain from the 18th century, seen in a famous scene of the movie Dolce Vita, is the masterpiece of baroque art in Rome. Quickly crowded with tourists it is advisable to come very early in the morning to see it.
Navona place
High place of the baroque in Rome, this place contains the fountain of the 4 rivers by Bernini. A great spot to eat a bit while looking at the passerby.
Bridge and castle Saint Angel
Little soul little stray
little drifter
now where will you stay
all pale and all alone
after the way
you used to make fun of things
such is the inscription written above the tomb of Hadrien, this castle is nothing less than his mausoleum.
This round fortress is connected to the Vatican by a tunnel, it serves as a refuge for the popes in the event of an attack.
Located on the other bank of the Tiber, the castle is accessible by a bridge decorated with 10 angels sculpted by Bernini.
Villa Borghese Gardens
The biggest parc in town, the perfect place for a pleasant stroll, far from the agitation of Rome. In the parc you’ll find the Borghese gallery and several monuments such as the Aesculapius temple.
Others things to see
Christian Rome
Monument Victor Emmanuel II
Dedicated to the first king of unified Italy Victor Emmanuel II, this monument was completed in 1911 to celebrate the 50 years of the unification. From the top of the building you will have a clear view of Saint Peter's Basilica.
