Roaming around Rome is a true adventure
Rome is the capital of Italy and one of the most monumental, historic and fascinating cities in Europe. For those with a passion for history, the remains of the city’s 3,000 year past, when it was the ancient capital of the world, are truly fascinating.
The city also has more recent history, relating to the Vatican City, the seat of the Catholic Church and a UNESCO World Heritage Center. Lovers of art have the opportunity of seeing some of the most glorious artwork in the world, up close and personal.
photo/ Nimrod Oren
The following are some of the best attractions in Rome to learn more about the city’s vibrant past and modern street life.
- Caput Mundi (Capital of the World)
One of the most dramatic sights in Rome is the famous Colosseum. Considering the amount of time that has gone by, the structure is amazing to see on a tour of the Colosseum in Rome. The structure is also dubbed the Flavian Amphitheater and it is set in the heart of the city. At the time of its construction, it was the largest amphitheatre every built and could hold 50,000 spectators for the many events the Romans loved to hold. The building was constructed of travertine limestone and brick-faced concrete and is a sight to behold and explore.
On your Roman journey, make sure you also visit the Roman Forum and Pantheon. The Roman Forum ruins sprawl across the landscape and this area was once the political heart of the ancient city. It makes up a conglomeration of basilicas, temples and public spaces, as well as the commercial hub of the original city. Here you can see the Curia, the Arco di Settimio Severo, the Arco di Tito and the Tempio di Saturno.
The Pantheon, on the other hand, was formerly a Roman temple to all the gods. The building was completed in around 126 AD by the emperor Hadrian and is now a church in Rome. The Pantheon is one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in the city, largely because it has been in constant use over the centuries.
- Vatican City – Art and the heart of the Roman Catholic Church
Besides the Roman ruins, the dramatic landscape of Rome also features St. Peter’s Basilica, located in Vatican City. While sitting alongside the city of Rome, this is an independent city-state, roughly the size of Central Park in New York.
Visiting the Vatican can include exploring the many museums and gazing in awe at the Renaissance architecture, commissioned over the years by the latest Pope. Of interest to note, the Vatican Museums are home to various ancient Roman sculptures, including the iconic “Laocoön and His Sons,” but the museums are also brimming with Renaissance artwork and frescoes, including Michelangelo’s most famous work – the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Other Renaissance frescoes and artwork can be seen in the Raphael Rooms and throughout the various museums.
- The Art of Rome
Art is not only confined to Vatican City, however, as beautiful ancient statues stand in the museums of Rome, along with Byzantine mosaics and the baroque facades of the Roman architecture overlooking medieval piazzas throughout the city. Sculptures by Michelangelo also feature in the city of Rome, along with fountains designed by Bernini, paintings by Caravaggio and work by Raphael.
Besides breathing in the atmosphere of the Roman architecture, the history and art of the city, Rome is a vibrant place, with wonderful street-side cafes and pretty piazzas to stop and people-watch over a cup of coffee. Trattorias offer the finest Italian cuisine, while the evening can be rounded off in the cocktail bars and nightclubs of the city.
Author: Anne Sewell
