Top Attractions in Rome

The Pantheon

The Pantheon was built in 27 B.C. by Marcus Agrippa and reconstructed by Hadrian in the early 2nd century A.D. Still intact, it is probably the most recognisable of Rome’s buildings. An extraordinary 142 feet wide and 142 feet high it is a perfect sphere resting in a cylinder. The walls measure 25 feet wide and the bronze entrance doors weigh 20 tons each. The building is regarded as one of the architectural wonders of the world due to its dome and its concept of space. Michelangelo studied the dome before designing the cupola of St. Peter’s. Raphael, Vittorio Emanuele II and his successor, Umberto I, are all interred at the Pantheon.

Website: The Pantheon

The Colosseum

Emperor Vespasian began building the Colesseum in 72 AD and his son Titus completed it in 80 AD thanks to the forced labour of 12,000 Jewish captives. The Colosseum is still regarded as the greatest architectural inheritance from ancient Rome. At its peak, the Colosseum could seat 50,000. The crowd watched spine chilling bloody shows involving exotic animals shipped in from the far corners of the Roman Empire and beyond. Naval battle simulations were staged because the Colosseum could also be flooded. Even the Emperor Commodus is reputed to have fought with wild beasts and human gladiators alike in the Colosseum. He wore a lion skin on such occasions in imitation of Hercules. The Colosseum remained intact until the 8th century. The decline of the Colosseum began when Pope Paul III granted his nephew permission to quarry the Colosseum’s stones to build his own palace. The Papal grant allowed the Cardinal to remove as much material as he could in 12 hours. The Colosseum was saved when it was consecrated to the memory of the martyrs.

Website: The Colosseum

The Trevi Fountain (Fontana dei Trevi)

The Trevi Fountain, made famous in the film Three Coins in the Fountain has recently been restored. It is an absolute must-see. Its history dates back to ancient Rome and it was re-built several times until its final version was designed by architect Francesco Salvi in the 17th century. It is a masterpiece that mesmerizes visitors from all over the world. The design centres on the god Neptune riding his winged chariot through gushing waters from the Acqua Vergine aqueduct. The shell chariot is drawn by winged steeds and is led by a pair of tritons; the figures in the side niches represent good health and fertility. Visitors still honor the ancient tradition of throwing a coin in this fountain before leaving Rome - thus assuring their return.

Website: The Trevi Fountain

The Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Spagna)

The square in which the Spanish Steps lie takes its name from the Spanish Embassy which used to have its headquarters here. Designed by Italian architect Francesco de Sanctis and built from 1723 to 1725, they are beautifully elegant and are a favourite meeting point.

Website: The Spanish Steps

The Catacombs of St. Callixtus

St. Callixtus was in charge of these catacombs before he was elected pope in 217. The catacombs stretch for nearly 12 miles. There are five levels that reach a depth of about 65 feet. With almost half a million tombs and numerous paintings, sculptures and epigraphs inside, these catacombs offer rare and invaluable information about the life and culture of the ancient Christians buried here. On entering the catacombs you'll see the crypt of the nine popes with the original marble tablets of their tombs still preserved.

Website: The Catacombs of St Callixtus

The Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla are a series of ruins that give a real insight into the splendor and opulence of ancient Rome. Many of the aristocracy would have spent their time here, bathing and socializing. The Baths of Caracalla once consisted of a 27-acre complex with marble seats for more than 1600 people. The facilities at Caracalla ranged from steam rooms to tepidariums as well as immense pools and frigidariums for the cooling-out process. The complex also housed fountains, statues, mosaics, gardens, playing fields, gymnasiums, restaurants, libraries, promenades, galleries, theatres and concert halls.

The Mouth of Truth (Bocca della Verita)

The Mouth of Truth hangs on the wall of the entrance to the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin. The cracked marble disk, resembling a human face, was once considered a lie detector. It was thought that a liar would loose his hands if he placed them in the mouth of the Bocca del Verita. It is said to have originally been a Roman ornamental drain cover! Perhaps the most famous appearance by the Bocca della Verita is in the William Wyler film Roman Holiday made in 1953, which starred Gregory Peck as the American journalist Joe Bradley and Audrey Hepburn as a European Princess called Anna. A must for all those romantics!

The Forum

The Forum was the commercial, political and religious centre of ancient Rome. Constructed over a period of about 900 years, it was originally an amazing juxtaposition of buildings and temples reflecting vastly different eras. Crowds gathered to hear the daily gossip and meet people while senators came to discuss the fate of the Republic. The site fell into disrepair and disintegration when the Roman Empire fell. Make sure to see the Arch of Septimus Severus, the Temple of Saturn, the House of the Vestals, the Temple of Antoninus & Faustina and the Arch of Titus all in the Forum.

The Palatine

From the Forum you can climb the Palatine, a small hill honey-combed with vast brick cellar ruins and some of the most pleasant garden walks imaginable. The wealthy and powerful of ancient Rome built their palaces and temples here. Emperor Nero Domus Aurea built his "Golden House" here, regarded as the most pretentious palace ever built. Make sure to visit the House of Livia, the Domus Augustana, the Palace of the Flavians and the ruins of the Baths of Septimus Severus.