Rome wasn't built in a day and it could certainly take you a lifetime to see all of the beautiful gems that this city has to offer. Whether it's taking a tour under the stars of the Ancient City's best-preserved monument, the Colosseum to reenacting Fellini's film La Dolce Vita by tossing a coin in the Trevi Fountain, there's plenty of things to see and do in Mamma Roma. Want to spend a day exploring where glorious chariot races were once held, head on over to the Circus Maximus in order to relive and capture the moment that emperors watched nobly from above. Perhaps, you want to feel like a diva prancing down the 'scalinata' and do a little flirting near the Spanish Steps. And if it's a religious tone you're after or you'd like to view the most renowned classical sculptures and most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world, the Vatican is steps away from the historical center. Whatever the scene you're looking for, from the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus to the Pantheon and the Trevi Fountain, 10Best gives you a snapshot of the city's top ten historic sites to knock off your must-see list during your Roman Holiday.
Colosseum, also called Flavian Amphitheatre, giant amphitheatre built in Rome under the Flavian emperors. Construction of the Colosseum was begun sometime between 70 and 72 CE during the reign of Vespasian. It is located just east of the Palatine Hill, on the grounds of what was Neros Golden House. The artificial lake that was the centrepiece of that palace complex was drained, and the Colosseum was sited there, a decision that was as much symbolic as it was practical. Vespasian, whose path to the throne had relatively humble beginnings, chose to replace the tyrannical emperors private lake with a public amphitheatre that could host tens of thousands of Romans. Top tip:Do yourself a favor and buy your tickets at the Palatine Hill entrance. The walk uphill exploring the Palatine Hill is less steep than from the Roman Forum with much more shade. To learn more, click on THE COLOSSEUM
The Roman Pantheon is the most preserved and influential building of ancient Rome. It is a Roman temple dedicated to all the gods of pagan Rome. As the brick stamps on the side of the building reveal it was built and dedicated between A.D 118 and 125. The emperor Hadrian (A.D 117-138) built the Pantheon to replace Augustus friend and Commander Marcus Agrippas Pantheon of 27 B.C. which burnt to the ground in 80 A.D. The original use of the Pantheon is somewhat unknown, except that is was classified as a temple. However, it is unknown as to how the people worshipped in the building, because the structure of the temple is so different from other traditional Roman temples such as in the Roman Forum. The Pantheon exists today in such amazing form because the Byzantine emperor Phocas gave it to Pope Boniface the IV in A.D 608 and it was used as a church ever since. The Pantheon has been in use since the time it was built. Top tip:Do not bother paying for a guided tour, simply download a free audio guide onto your phone or iPod.
Stand at the base of the ancient Egyptian Obelisk The Witness in St. Peters Square and an overwhelming feeling starts to dawn on you. The vast colonnade seems to embrace you from both sides, even as you crane your neck to admire the imposing facade and the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica. Awe-inspiring, breathtaking, speechless – a visit to the St. Peters Basilica will leave you with many emotions. The largest church in the world, St. Peters Basilica is more than just the most important building in Christendom. It is a jewel within Vatican City from where Popes have spread the word of God throughout the world. The Basilica is a focal point of millions of pilgrims each year, but it is also a true cultural, historical and architectural landmark. The story of St. Peter’s Basilica begins with the crucifixion of Peter, one of the apostles of Jesus, in 64 AD. He was crucified upside down on a cross in Circus of Nero, and buried nearby on what is now the Vatican Hill. Emperor Constantine The Great built the Old Basilica between 319 AD and 333 AD on the grounds of the burial spot of St. Peter. Later on, in the 16th Century at the behest of Pope Julius II, the current St. Peters Basilica was built. Top tip:To skip the queues, book a guided tour which will also allow you to better understand what you are seeing.To learn more, click on SAINT PETERS BASILICA
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