Rome My Rome in 3 Days Itinerary of Top Attractions 2017 10-30-09!05!08

Rome
My Rome in 3 Days Itinerary of Top Attractions
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Day 1, Saturday, November 18 2017
09:00 Vatican Gardens
Within Vatican City featuring sculptures, fountains and a
wide variety of plants
10:10 Vatican Museums

The museums of Vatican City holding work by de Vinci,
Titian, Bernini, Raphael and others
12:20 The Sistine Chapel

Chapel within Vatican City famed for its frescos by
Michelangelo
13:50 Vatican City

Walled enclave, home of the Pope and site of a wealth of
artwork
14:55 St. Peter's Basilica

Michelangelo, Maderno, Bramante and Bernini created this
massive Renaissance church
16:30 St. Peter's Square

Bernini's expansive plaza in front of St. Peter's Basilica in
Vatican City
17:10 Imperial Forums

Buildings and squares of political and religious center of
Rome 46BC-113AD
09:00 Vatican Gardens
Visit Duration: 1 hour
Vatican City is a walled sovereign city-state within Rome it covers 110 acres it is the headquarters of the
Catholic Church and the home of the Pope. The Vatican Gardens, as the name suggests, are gardens within
this walled enclave. The gardens are located in the south and northeastern areas of the city and cover about
50 acres, almost half of the Vatican grounds. Although the gardens are closed to the general public it is
possible to take a guided tour. Those who want to see areas of the Vatican which most visitors don't get to
see or people who are interested in the foliage itself will find this a fascinating tour.
Nicholas II planted the beginnings of the Vatican Gardens when he introduced an orchard, a garden and a
lawn. This event was recorded in several places including a plaque which can be seen in the Palazzo dei
Conservatori on Capitoline Hill. The gardens were originally planted around 1279 and since then have offered
a place for contemplation and meditation for the popes. Image By: Zaldy Camerino
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/donblimey/
The gardens contain vegetation from around the world including Australia, Japan and China. Together with
the exotic plants are those native to Rome and Italy. In the gardens are neatly mowed lawns, paths, seating
Opening Hours: 9am-6pm (only guided tours)
areas, pieces of art work, grottoes and water features. Among the trees in Vatican Gardens are pine, cypress,
chestnut and palms. From the gardens there are amazing views of St. Peter's Basilica and Vatican City.
Note: The Vatican Gardens can be visited only through guided tours organized by the Guided Tours Office of
the Vatican Museums. Tours depart from the Vatican Museums. Entrance to the Gardens is denied to
persons not properly dressed.
10:10 Vatican Museums
Visit Duration: 2 hours
0.7 KM, 11 minutes walking from Vatican Gardens
The Vatican Museums are within Vatican City and comprise several exhibitions housed within several museum galleries. The
collection began with the purchase by Pope Julius II of the statue of Laocoon and his Sons in 1506. Although the collections
could have been kept within the Vatican walls as the Pope's private collections, lucky for mankind, the popes chose from the
very beginning to make the art available to the general public. This was done to promote knowledge of art, history and culture.
In addition to having access to some of the world's finest art work the public also get to see inside the palaces of the Vatican
which house the collections.
Following the first statue the collection rapidly grew with each pope in succession adding to the collection. Pope Julius II's first
statues are housed in the Cortile Ottagono. Pope Clement XIV (1769-1774) and Pope Pius VI (1775-1799) added works kept in
the Pio-Clementine Museum. Pius VII (1800-1823) added Classic Antiquities and expanded the museum to include the
Chiaromonti Museum and the Braccio Nuovo Gallery. The Epigraphic Collection was also added at this point and is on show in Image By: xiquinhosilva
the Lapidary Gallery. George XVI added the Etruscan (1837) and Egyptian (1839) Museums. In 1854 the Lateran Profane Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/xiquinho/
Museum was expanded and in 1854 the Pio-Christian Museum joined the immense museum complex. Saint Pius X added the
Hebrew Lapidary in 1910 which displays ancient Hebrew inscriptions from Roman cemeteries. Also within the museum complex
is the Gallery of Tapestries; Gallery of Mapsthe Sobieski Room; the Borgia Apartment; the Vatican Pinacoteca; the Phone Number: 06-69883333
Missionary-Ethnological Museum; Room of the Immaculate Conception; Raphael Stanze and the Loggia; Chapel of Nicholas V Admission: Adult €16, Child €8
and the Sistine Chapel featuring Michelangelo's iconic ceiling painting of God giving life to Adam as they touch fingers. Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm
Web:
Some recent additions to the museums include the Collection of Modern and Contemporary Religious Art in 1973 which is on http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/MV_Home.html
show in the Borgia Apartment; the Vatican Historical Museum (1973) and the Carriage and Automobile Museum. The above list
is only part of the endless Vatican Museums collections and so visitors need to plan their visit very carefully so that they can see
all the pieces which interest them. The Vatican Museums have various routes designed to take in the museum highlights in a
certain amount of time. You could take a 2 hour guided tour of the highlights or spend about 6 hours taking in as much as you
possible. Take into consideration that the museums cover over 14.5km.
The must-see highlights not to miss are the Laocoon; Caravaggio's Deposition; Raphael's Transfiguration; Aldobrandini
Marriage; The Good Shepherd; Belvedere Torso; work by Raphael; Apollo Belvedere; da Vinci's St. Jerome and of course the
breathtaking Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling.
During several months of the year the museums are open for Visitors on Friday evenings providing a wonderful. It's worth
checking the Vatican website and purchasing tickets for this in advance.
12:20 The Sistine Chapel
Visit Duration: 1 hour, 30 mins
0.7 KM, 10 minutes walking from Vatican Museums
The Sistine Chapel is part of the Vatican Museums and is named after Pope Sixtus IV (pope from 1471 to
1484). He ordered the restoration of the old Cappella Magna which was carried out by an illustrious list of
artists including Botticelli, Perugino and Domenico Ghirlandaio. The chapel was inaugurated in 1483 as Our
Lady of the Assumption. Julius II della Rovere (pope from 1503-1513) ordered the refinement and
redecoration of the chapel decoration and employed Michelangelo for the job. In 1512 the work was
complete and the space was inaugurated as the Sistine Chapel. Later in 1533 Michelangelo was asked by
Clement VII to paint the Last Judgment on the altar wall replacing the 15 th century frescoes. In the 16 th
century the entrance wall frescoes were painted again, this time by Hendrik van den Broeck and da Lecce.
More recently in 1979 and 1999 the chapel frescoes were restored.
Each surface of the chapel is covered with exquisite art, the Last Judgment is painted on the wall opposite the
entrance; the story of Christ is featured on the North Wall and the stories of Moses on the South Wall. Phone Number: 06-69883333 Admission
However the main painting which visitors come to see is the ceiling fresco by Michelangelo. (including the Vatican Museums): Adult €16, Child
€8
Michelangelo was originally commissioned to paint 12 apostles and ornamental motifs however he was not Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm
too enamored with this idea and eventually was given a free hand to plan the ceiling painting as he pleased. Web: http://www.vaticanlibrary.va
Transportation:
He constructed a scaffold of his own invention and painted the masterpiece while lying on his back. He
Metro: Cipro-Musei Vaticani
painted 9 important events from the Book of Genesis down the center of the ceiling, the most famous being
God giving Adam life with the touching of their two finger tips. Around the outer edge of the central scenes are
paintings of the 12 prophets and Sibyls. In the four corners of the ceiling are scenes from the miraculous
salvation of the people of Israel.
The chapel is used for mass and other services throughout the year and there is a permanent choir, the
Sistine Chapel Choir. But the space's most important function is as the Papal Conclave. This is where the
Popes are elected in a conclave of the College of Cardinals. A chimney is erected from the chapel leading up
to the roof and with the use of different colored smoke a signal is made when a new Pope has been chosen.
Although the cardinals no longer camp out in the chapel while they come to a discussion, the chapel is still
used as the venue for the voting for the new Pope.
13:50 Vatican City / Vatican
0.0 KM, 1 minutes walking from The Sistine Chapel
Citta del Vaticano is an independent city within the city of Rome, it is the Papal residence (Apostolic Palace)
and the seat of the Holy See, the headquarters of the Catholic Church. "Vatican City" is the place with the
Pope as its head of state and the "Holy See" is the central governing organization of the Catholic Church
which is located within Vatican City. The 110 acre sovereign state is surrounded by walls and approximately
1,000 people live here. The city-state is financed by the sale of tourist mementos and entrance fees to the
Vatican Museums. The city is named after Mount Vatican where the city is located. The city is guarded by the
Swiss Guard which was created in 1505, the guards wear bright colored unique uniforms. You don't need a
passport to visit Vatican City and some areas like St. Peter's Square can be accessed by just crossing a
white line which separates it from Rome.
Image By: dslr travel
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dslrtravel/
As early as the Roman Republic (509BC-27BC) the area where the Vatican now stands was inhabited and on
into the Roman Empire the land was developed. Nero had his Circus of Chariots, Circus Gaii et Neronis, built
here. This became the site of Christian martyrdom when Christians were put to death in the grand arena. Address: Vatican City, Rome
According to tradition it was in this vicinity that Saint Peter was crucified c.64-67. The Constantinian Basilica
was built in 326 to commemorate St. Peter. The site gained significance for the new Christian faith and a
palace was constructed in the 5 th century. In 592 Pope Gregory declared himself Bishop of Rome. The
popes played more and more of a spiritual and secular role in governing the surrounding neighborhoods.
Under the Kingdom of Italy the Papal property was seized and their status was in question from 1861 to 1929.
There were ongoing disputes over the ownership of the substantial Papal property until the issue was
resolved in 1929. The Lateran Treaty was signed between the Holy See and the Kingdom of Italy (led by
Mussolini). The treaty gave special status to Catholics in Italy and independence to the Stat of Vatican City.
Within the city are 11 Vatican Museums which hold some of the best art in the world. The Sistine Chapel with
Michelangelo's ceiling fresco is also located within Vatican City. There are lush and extensive Vatican
Gardens which take up a large portion of the city's grounds. The Papal Apostolic Palace, the pope's "home" is
within Vatican City. St. Peter's Basilica, a huge and beautiful church holding priceless works of art is also
here. St. Peter's Square is a huge circular piazza where people gather to attend see and hear the Pope.
14:55 St. Peter's Basilica / St Peter’s
0.4 KM, 5 minutes walking from Vatican City
St Peter's Basilica is perhaps the holiest and most important church in Christendom, located within Vatican
City on Vatican Hill; it is the heart of the Catholic Church. The location has long been considered holy as the
apostle Saint Peter is believed to have been buried here in 64AD. Peter is considered to have been the first
Pope and so its place in Vatican City is fitting. A place of worship was first established on this site in
c.320AD, in the 15 th century, the structure was enlarged and improved with the help of Leon Battista Alberti
and Bernardo Rossellino. A new structure was created here under Bramante in 1506, and was continued by
Rafael who took over the task. Rafael was followed by Baldassarre Peruzzi and later Michelangelo. Maderno
was responsible for the stunning façade and finally the Basilica was consecrated in 1626. Bernini worked on
the church for 20 years and was responsible for much of the beautiful interior furnishing in the 1600s.
The basilica Latin Cross floor plan has a 186 meter long Nave with 4 aisles and the ceiling is 46 meters high.
There is a 136 meter high dome (thanks to Michelangelo) which is 42 meters in diameter. Visitors can climb Address: Piazza di San Pietro in Vincoli, 4/a,
the 491 steps to get breathtaking views from the top. The basilica's façade is 114 meters wide and 47 meters 00184 Rome
Phone Number: 06-69881662
high with a triple arched portico leading into the atrium which has a central fountain. In total the Basilica
Admission: Free
covers 22,000m² and can accommodate 20,000 worshipers. Visitors to the holy Basilica approach the
Opening Hours: Apr-Sep 7am-7pm, Oct-Mar
building through the enormous St. Peters Square created by Bernini. St. Peter's is a major Catholic
7am-6pm
pilgrimage site and Christians arriving here begin their visit by kissing the big toe of Arnolfo da Cambio's
brass statue of St. Peter on the right side of the main altar.
Within the church there are the angelic faces of 40 types of cherubs created in stone, mosaic and metal. The
statues of 39 saints, the founders of religious congregations, appear along the sides of the Nave and across
the Transept. In all there are 45 altars, 11 chapels and 10,000m² of mosaics as well as beautiful marble
floors. Among the valuable pieces of Renaissance and Baroque art in the Basilica is Michelangelo's Pieta in
the first chapel on the right. Other stunning works of art in St. Peters are the bronze baldachin above the
papal altar and the confession (burial crypt) of St. Peter. St. Peter's tomb is one of 100 tombs within the
church; they include 91 popes, kings and queens.
16:30 St. Peter's Square / Piazza San Pietro
Visit Duration: 15 mins
0.4 KM, 6 minutes walking from St. Peter's Basilica
The expansive St. Peter's Square is located within Vatican City in front of St. Peter's Basilica. In the 1600s
the plaza was designed by Bernini who also had a hand in designing the adjacent basilica. His design was
limited by the constraints of surrounding structures but he managed to create a trapezoid shaped plaza of
grand proportions.
The elliptical shaped open area of the square is surrounded by 284 Tuscan-style Doric colonnades, in 4 rows;
the columns are 13 meters high. The enormous scale of the square and its surrounding columns was
intended to create awe in the worshipers who gather here to receive the Pope's blessing from the church or
Vatican Palace where he often appears to address the crowds. The square is paved in cobbled stones
divided up only by radiating lines created from limestone and zodiac signs so that the obelisks can be used as Image By: Nikita
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/malfet/
a giant sun dial. A red porphyry stone on the paving marks where Pope John Paul II was shot in 1981.
An ancient Egyptian obelisk stands at the plaza center, Bernini's granite fountain and a fountain designed by
Address: Piazza San Pietro, Rome
Carlo Maderno flank the obelisk in the papal courtyard. Visitors enter the square through the Ponte
Sant'Angelo along the via della Conciliazione. St. Peter's Square is a masterpiece in architecture and balance
which inspires a feeling of reverence and spiritual peace.
17:10 Imperial Forums / Fori Imperiali
4.4 KM, 23 minutes by transit from St. Peter's Square
The Imperial Forums or Fori Imperial constituted the center of Ancient Rome's political and religious activities,
they were a series of public squares surrounded by buildings and each one created by a different emperor to
show off his wealth, power and superiority. The buildings which fill this area were constructed between 46BC
and 113AD and included temples, libraries, courts and places of education. Julius Caesar was responsible for
initiating the construction of the new Imperial Forums in an effort to relieve over crowding in the older Roman
Forum (which is a different site).
Much of the ancient architecture was lost when Mussolini decided to connect the Colosseum and the Piazza
Venezia by constructing Via dei Imperiali through the forums. What remains of the site can be seen on either
side of this boulevard. The Forum of Julius Caesar was once the site of the Temple of Venus. All that remains
of the Forum of Nerva is a wall from the Temple of Minerva and two Corinthian columns. The Forum of
Augustus commemorated the emperor's victories in battle and was once home to a court of law. The Trajan's Address: Via dei Fori Imperiali, 00186 Roma RM,
Market was a large semi-circle or stores. The Forum of Peace celebrated the conquest of Jerusalem and Italy
valuable artifacts from the Temple in Jerusalem were stored here. Phone Number: +39 06 0608
Forum of Trajan is considered the most beautiful of the forums and you can see the remains of grand statues,
pedestals and the Basilica Ulpia with its tall grey columns. Trajan's Column is one of the best preserved parts
of the Imperial Forums and has delicate bas-relief details and soars 42 meters above ground.
Day 2, Sunday, November 19 2017
09:00 Villa Borghese
Rome's largest park with fountains, monuments, statues, a
lake, temples and museums
10:15 Piazza del Popolo

The People's Square designed by Valadier with fountains
and arch
11:25 Spanish Steps

Iconic 18th century outdoor stairway
12:10 Piazza di Spagna

Piazza at the foot of the Spanish Steps with monuments and
historic buildings
13:05 Trevi Fountain

Throw a coin in Salvi's Baroque fountain and you will return
to Rome
14:00 Piazza Navona

Large square on former ancient stadium featuring Fountain
of the Four Horses
15:00 Victor Emmanuel

Monument
A large marble monument dedicated to the first king of
united Italy
15:50 Capitoline Hill

Once site of ancient temples now site of Piazza del
Campidoglio and more
09:00 Villa Borghese / Villa Borghese Park
Although English speakers may expect this to be a villa – house, it is actually a garden, the largest public
landscape park in Rome. The park is situated where a vineyard grew until 1605 when Cardinal Scipione
Borghese decided to have it made into a park. He employed Domenico Savino da Montepulciano, a well
known landscaper. The garden originally had a very geometric design but later natural elements were
introduced. The artificial lake was added in the 18 th century, it marks the center of the park. An Ionic Temple
dedicated to the God of Healing stands on a small island in the lake. The park remained the property of the
Borghese family until 1903 when the municipality acquired the land and the park was opened to the public.
The 1911 the World Exposition was held in the Villa Borghese, each country was represented by a
semi-permanent pavilion building constructed especially for the exposition. The British School building which
was designed by Edwin Lutyens remains together with several other pavilions.
Today the park covers 148 acres and within the park grounds are several buildings, a lake, temple, fountains,
statues and museums. The best known of the park museums is the Museo e Galleria Borghese housed within Address: Villa Borghese, Rome, Italy
the former Borghese family home. There is also the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna and the Museo Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 9am-7pm
Nazionale Etruscan housed within the Villa Giulia (1553). The park has an amphitheatre, the Piazza di Siena
and an 18 th century arch, the arco di Settimo Severo.
10:15 Piazza del Popolo
1.2 KM, 14 minutes walking from Villa Borghese
Literally translated this is the People's Square, located inside the Aurelian Walls between the Pincio and the
Tevere, this is a large ellipse-shaped square surrounded by beautiful buildings, and home to monuments,
fountains and grand memorials. The square leads on to one of the ancient gates in the Aurelian Walls, Porta
del Popolo which was once called Flaminia as the gate leads through to Via Flaminia. Many pilgrims and
traders would arrive in Rome via Via Flaminia, which was built in 220BC to connect Rome with the Adriatic
Sea. Their first step into the city would have been onto Piazza del Popolo. In 1562 the gate was built to
welcome and impress the arriving travelers and later Bernini was employed to decorate the gate.
The most prominent feature of the square is a 23.2 meter high obelisk placed here is 1589. The obelisk dates
back to 1300BC and was originally from Heliopolis, Egypt. Giuseppe Valadier redesigned the square in 1815 Image By: N i c o l a
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/15216811@N06/
adding the surrounding walls, central fountain, sculptures of sphinxes by Giovanni Ceccarini and placing lions
around the obelisk. The square has the Neptune Fountain at the western end and the Fountain of the
Goddess of Rome at the eastern end. At the southern end stand the symmetrical churches of Santa Maria in Address: Piazza del Popolo, Rome, Italy
Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli separated by Via del Corso which leads to Piazza Venezia. The
Santa Maria del Popolo is a church built in 1477 and standing next to the Porta del Popolo.
11:25 Spanish Steps
0.8 KM, 10 minutes walking from Piazza del Popolo
In the 17 th century the French had initially proposed a plan to build the Spanish Steps and top it off with a
statue of King Louis XIV. However there was opposition from the pope and the plan was only carried out in
1723-1726, but without the addition of the statue. The designer Francisco de Sanctis was chosen for the job
and the 137 step flight of stairs was built drawing on the technique of terraced garden stairs. The stairs
signified the peace between the Spanish (below) and the French in the square above. The steps are one of
the most romantic places in Rome (and the widest staircase in Europe) and attract a lot of attention from
tourists. In May the steps are decorated with azaleas and once a year there is a fashion show here when the
steps become the catwalk.
At the bottom of the steps is Piazza di Spagna, the Spanish Square got its name from the Spanish Embassy
which stood close by in the 17 th century.
Address: Via dei Condotti, Rome, Italy
The Piazza della Trinita dei Monti is the square at the top of the steps, named after the church which stands Admission:
on the square. An obelisk stands in front of the church, it was brought to its present location in 1788 from the Opening Hours: 24/7
Gardens of Sallust. Also on the Piazza della Trinita dei Monti is the Colonna dell'Immacolata or the Column of
the Immaculate Conception. The column was recovered from beneath a monastery in 1777 and brought to
this piazza in 1857. The statue of Mary which sits atop the column was a later addition. One of the prominent
buildings on the square is the Villa Medici.
However the most prominent feature of the Piazza della Trinita dei Monti is the Trinita dei Monti Church.
Originally a small chapel stood here but following a commission by Louis XII a new, bigger and better church
was completed in 1585. The church has a renaissance façade although most of the architecture is in the
Gothic-style. There are two bell towers each with a clock, one shows French time (international time) and the
other once showed Italian time but now has a sun dial. Within the church are several frescoes including work
by Daniele da Volterra, Michelangelo pupil.
12:10 Piazza di Spagna
0.0 KM, 1 minutes walking from Spanish Steps
The Piazza di Spagna is the Spanish Square from which the Spanish Steps (Scalinata della Trinita dei Monti)
dramatically sweep up towards a higher level where the French Church or Trinita dei Monti is located.
The 18 th century square has an irregular shape and extends to the foot of Pincio Hill. The square features
the Fontana della Barcaccia created by Bernini created in 1598. The center of the fountain is a statue of a
small boat and inspiration came from the 1598 flooding of the Tiber River when a boat really did get stranded
on the square. Some of the buildings surrounding the square include the former home of English poet John
Keats, which is now a museum and the 15 th century palace of Lorenzo Cybo de Mari. The Piazza di Spagna
is the meeting point of some of Rome's most elegant and glamorous streets like Via Condotti and Via del
Babuino. The surrounding streets feature top haut couture stores like Gucci, Prada and Valentino. Note that it
is illegal to sit and eat your lunch on the steps.
Address: Piazza di Spagna, Rome, Italy
13:05 Trevi Fountain
0.6 KM, 8 minutes walking from Piazza di Spagna
The Fontana di Trevi is the largest baroque fountain in the world. The fountain is well known from the Fellini film "La Dolce Vita"
and "Three Coins in The Fountain." Legend has it that if you throw a coin into the fountain and make a wish to return to Rome,
your wish will be granted. It is situated in the Trevi District of Rome at a junction of three roads (hence the name
tre-three+vie-roads). The fountain is 26,30 meters high, 49,15 meters wide, 80,000 cubic meters of water flow through the
fountain every day and it is mostly carved from travertine stone.
The fountain also marks the terminal point of one of Ancient Rome's 11 aqueducts, Aqua Virgo, which was constructed by
Marcus Agrippa c.19BC during the reign of Emperor Augustus. The aqueduct covered 21km to bring fresh spring water into the
city supplying clean drinking water for about 400 years. Agrippa had the aqueduct built to bring water to the Campus Martius
thermal baths. The name of the aqueduct comes from a legend that tells of a virgin leading tired and thirsty soldiers to the
source of water. Fountains were, and still are, a regular feature in Rome, by the 4 th century there were 1352 Roman fountains. Image By: Justin Ennis
The aqueduct suffered damage in 537 when the Ostrogoths attacked Rome but in the early renaissance period the popes Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/averain/
began restoring the aqueduct fountain.
Various popes had a hand in restoring the fountain and even relocating and reorienting it. It was Urbanus VIII who Address: Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Rome
commissioned Bernini to work on the fountain. In 1730 a contest was held to design a new fountain and Nicola Salvi won. In Transportation:
1743 the new fountain began flowing with water. Giuseppe Pannini (son of Giampaolo) took over the completion of the fountain Metro: Barberini.
decoration. Bracci also had a hand in the creation by carving the marble Ocean's Triumph according to Salvi's design. Work Bus: 62, 81, 85,175, 492, or 590
was completed in 1762.
The statue of Ocean stands at the highest and central point of the fountain, he stands in a chariot pulled by two horses ridden
by two Tritons. One Triton is old and one is young while one horse is restless and the other calm. To the left of Ocean is a
statue of Abundance and to the right a statue of Health. Above the statues are reliefs of Agrippa overseeing the construction of
the aqueduct and another of the Virgin leading the soldiers to the water. There are also allegorical figures and carvings of about
30 types of plants.
The Trivi Fountain is perhaps Rome's most romantic fountain and visitors can drink from the cast iron pipes situated on the
steps. Money thrown into the fountain is used to finance maintenance of the fountain.
14:00 Piazza Navona
0.9 KM, 12 minutes walking from Trevi Fountain
Piazza Navona is an elongated oval-shaped public square in Rome, it was built on the former Stadium of
Domitian (the remains of which can still be seen on guided tours from Piazza Tor Sanguigna13). The original
name was Circus Agonalis or Circus Agonalis. The Piazza was paved in the 15 th century and used as a
market place and a venue for special events including mock naval battles. Today is a lively and popular social
meeting point in the numerous cafes, restaurants and places of entertainment which line the square. The
square is the venue for many annual fairs and festivals. The Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone (1670)is also
on the square and is perhaps the sources of the square's present name.
The main attractions of the square are the three fountains, the most famous being Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi.
The Fountain of the Four Rivers was completed in 1651 and although originally the artist Borromini was
commissioned, ultimately Bernini took over the design. The fountain features an obelisk brought from the
Massenzio Circus and surrounding the fountain base are figures representing four great rivers: The Nile, Address: Piazza Navona, 00186 Rome, Italy
Ganges, Danube and Rio de la Plata.
The Neptune Fountain (Fontana del Nettuno) or Calderari was designed by Giacomo della Porta and
constructed in 1576. Further statues of Neptune and the sea nymphs were added in the 19 th century.
The Fontana del Moro was also created by della Porta. The central statue was designed by Bernini in the 17
th century and features a Moor and a dolphin. The Tritons (male mermaids) were added in the 19 th century.
15:00 Victor Emmanuel Monument / Altare della Patria
1.1 KM, 14 minutes walking from Piazza Navona
This monument is also called Altare della Patria, Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuele, Altar of the
fatherland or just Il Vittoriano. However the locals have nicknamed the monument "the typewriter", "the
wedding cake" and a few other names. The monument on Piazza Venezia houses the Tomb of the Unknown
Soldier and an eternal flame. The monument was erected following WWI in honor of those who lost their lives
in battle. It is noteworthy, not for its beauty but for its grand scale.
In 1911 Giuseppe Sacconi designed the monument but completed by several sculptures and architects
including Leonardo Bistolfi, Angelo Zanelli, Manfredo and Pio Piacentini. It was only inaugurated in 1935. The
monument is named after the first king of unified Italy. The structure is made of marble, there are sweeping
stairways on either side of an intricately carved pedestal which holds an equestrian statue of Victor Image By: Julien Magne
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/julienmagne/
Emmanuel. The stairs lead up to a semi-circle of Corinthian columns which resembles a Roman temple. On
either side of the roof of the semi-circular structure are quadrigas statues of the Goddess Victoria. Visitors
can take an elevator to the Terrace of the Quadrigas to get brilliant views of the city. The Museum of Italian Address: Piazza Venezia, 00186 Rome, Italy
Unification, the Shrine of the Flags and a café are housed within the monument. Phone Number: +39 06 678 0664
Admission: €7 for glass elevator only
Opening Hours: Daily 9:30am-7:30pm
15:50 Capitoline Hill / Campidoglio
0.1 KM, 3 minutes walking from Victor Emmanuel Monument
This is one of the famed seven hills upon which Rome was built and it was considered the most sacred. The
English word "capital" is derived from Capitoline. It is located between the Forum and the Campus Martius
and was the site of Rome's first temples, the Temple of Jupiter and the Capitoline Triad and of the
Tabularium, the city hall of records. Capitoline Hill was the site of many major events in Roman history, for
example after the murder of Caesar, Brutus and his cohorts hid in the Temple of Jupiter situated on Capitoline
Hill. The hill provided a high refuge from the city below and was even used to throw political criminals to their
death on the Tarpeian Rocks below. The hill and the structures built on it fell into ruin and only in the 16 th
century was it restored to its former glory. The new renaissance structures were built on top of the ancient
ones leaving little of the former Empire structures. Michelangelo was commissioned to create long ramp-like
steps (Cordonata stairs) which lead up to Piazza del Campidoglio as well as a pedestal for an equestrian Image By: Marco Crocoli
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nikonphotoslave/
statue of Marcus Aurelius.
Today visitors can see Roman artifacts on display in the Capitoline Museum. The square is surrounded by the Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, Roma Rome,
Senatorium, Palace of the Conservatori and the Capitoline Museum housed in two buildings (Palazza Nuovo Italy Phone: +39 06 0608
and Palazzo dei Conservatori. Michelangelo designed the facades of the three palaces on the square.
Day 3, Monday, November 20 2017
09:00 The Pantheon
Circular ancient Roman temple with beautiful dome
supported by arches
10:10 Piazza Venezia

A large square and intersection surrounded by monuments
and historic buildings
11:05 Roman Forum

Archaeological remains of the heart of ancient Rome
13:10 Piazza del Campidoglio

Capitoline Hill is the site of Michelangelo's spectacular
piazza
13:55 The Colosseum

Top landmark Roman amphitheatre used for gladiator battles
in the 1st century
16:10 Circus Maximus

Former ancient Roman racing stadium now a public park
09:00 The Pantheon / Pantheon
The Pantheon in Rome was built on the orders of Hadrian between 118AD and 125AD, it functioned as a
temple to all the Roman Gods. The temple was built to replace Marcus Agrippa's temple which had burnt
down in 80AD. The original inscription can still be seen above the Pantheon entrance " Marcus Agrippa son
of Lucius, having been consul three times made it ." The building is in such good condition thanks to
renovations made by the Byzantine Emperor Phocas in 608AD when it was converted into a church. The
church became the final resting place for several Italian kings including King Vittorio Emanuele II, Umberto I
and the artist Raphael who was buried here together with his fiancée. The Pantheon architecture was unlike
other Roman Temples and so historians wonder at the buildings use.
The Pantheon façade features a triangular pediment which once would have held sculptured battle scenes.
The pediment is supported by three rows of columns leading into the front portico. From the rectangular front Image By: Moyan Brenn
entrance hall (cella) bronze doors lead in to the main part of the building which is circular. The marble veneer Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aigle_dore/
covering the interior walls was a later addition but the geometric patterned marble floor is the original Ancient
Roman floor. Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Rome
Phone Number: 06-68300230
Within the building intersecting arches rest on piers which support 8 round headed arches. On floor level
Admission: free
there are 8 corresponding bays which house statues. The star feature of the Pantheon is the dome, Opening Hours: Mon–Sat: 9-7:30pm. Sun
supported by a series of arches brilliantly engineered to hold the heavy dome. To further help support the 9am–1pm
weight of the dome the walls beneath the dome gradually decrease in thickness. Also the builders used
lightweight materials on the upper part of the structure and heavier, sturdy materials on the lower section.
One of the fascinating qualities of the Pantheon architecture is the proportions of the dome which, if flipped
upside down would fit exactly into the Rotunda. At the highest central point of the dome is an oculus, a
circular opening, which floods the space with natural light. The oculus is lined with bronze and was never
closed. This meant that rain entered the building and drained off of the slightly convex floor into discrete
drainpipes. The interior height and the diameter of the dome are identical at 43.3 meters. Unfortunately we
don't know the name of the architect responsible for all of this precise and ingenious architecture. The
symmetry and mathematical skill used to create the Pantheon has been admired by artists and architects for
centuries and remains an inspiration to artists and designers.
10:10 Piazza Venezia
0.7 KM, 9 minutes walking from The Pantheon
Although this is not the most beautiful of Rome's squares it is the most central with several major routes
converging here including Via Corso and Via dei Fori Imperiali. It is located at the foot of Capitoline Hill next to
Trajan's Forum. Piazza Venezia is not a pedestrian square and the large square sees endless traffic,
including most buses. The square is close to many tourist sites and most visitors will find themselves crossing
this square at some point in their trip to Rome.
Several important buildings line the square including the Palazzo Venezia, commissioned by the Cardinal
Venezia. The square takes its name from the palace. The palace was completed in 1464 and belonged to
Pope Paul II, it continued to be the residence of successive popes until Pope Pius IV. After that it became the
Venice Embassy (Serenissima) and later was acquired by Mussolini's government. The dictator would give Image By: bezaleel31
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bezaleel31/
speeches from the palace balcony. Today it houses the Museo del Palazzo Venezia.
Other buildings on the square are the Assicurazioni Generali building (1911); the Monument of victor
Address: Piazza Venezia, 00186 Rome, Italy
Emanuel II (Il Vittoriano); Palazzo Bonaparte, the former home of Napoleon Bonaparte's mother; Palazzo Phone Number: +39 06 0608
delle Aste and San Marco Church (1336). During digging to construct part of the Rome metro line in 2009 the
ancient remains of Hadrian's Athenaeum were discovered directly beneath the middle of Piazza Venezia.
11:05 Roman Forum
0.5 KM, 8 minutes walking from Piazza Venezia
The Roman Forum is located in a valley between Piazza Venezia and the Colosseum, between the Palatine
Hill, Capitoline Hill and Esquiline Hill. The area was originally marshlands which were cleared with an
ingenious system during the reign of the last Etruscan kings (until 509BC). The Cloaca Maxima canal was
constructed to drain off the land into the Tiber River. Once the area was inhabitable it began to develop into
an urban center and for more than 1000 years this was the most important part of the city. The area's central
square, called Foro, was where the Romans would gather for meetings, trials and trade, the Forum was the
center of life in Ancient Rome. Also in the Forum there were markets, temples, government buildings, stores
and inns.
Several structures remain in the Forum from different periods in history. The 70 foot high Arch of Septimius Image By: HarshLight
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/harshlight/
Severus, (203AD) to commemorate the victory over the Parthians. It is adorned with intricate bas-reliefs.
Statues remain from the House of the Vestal Virgins (Atrium Vestae), which was a 3 story, 50 room residence
which accommodated the virgin priestesses. Several of the original 20 Corinthian columns from the Temple of Address: Via della Curia, 4 00186 Roma, Italy
Vesta remain, built on a podium 15 meters in diameter. The Curia Julia was where the Senate would gather Phone Number: 06-39967700
and although there were several locations over the course of Roman history, the Curia which remains was Admission: €4-€12
constructed under Diocletian in 283AD. Opening Hours: Oct 30-Feb 15 8:30am-4:30pm,
Feb 16-Mar 15 8:30am-5pm, Mar 16-26
The Rostra was a platform where speeches were made. The present platform was commissioned by Caesar 8:30am-5:30pm, Mar 27-Aug 31 8:30am-7:15pm,
and made out of marble, it measured 24 meters wide and 12 meters deep. The Column of Phocas is the most Sep 8:30am-7pm, Oct 1-29 8:30am-6:30pm.
recent addition to the Forum, constructed in 608AD to commemorate a visit by the Byzantine Emperor Transportation:
Phocas to Rome. Other outstanding structures in the Forum include the Temple of Saturn; Temple of Metro: Colosseo.
Bus: 40, 46, 62, 63, 64, 70, 87, 119, 271, or 280
Vespasian and Titus; Temple of Castor and Pollux; Temple of Antoninus and Faustina and several churches
Closed: Closed holidays
like the Basilica Julia (54BC); Basilica of Maxentius (308AD) and Basilica Aemilia (179BC).
13:10 Piazza del Campidoglio
0.2 KM, 4 minutes walking from Roman Forum
This is a grand public square on Capitoline Hill, it was designed by Michelangelo Buonarroti and constructed
between 1538 and 1650, although the artist died in 1564 and work continued according to his plans. When
Michelangelo took on the project the once elite and sacred Ancient Roman sites of Capitoline Hill had all but
disappeared beneath newer medieval structures. It was Pope Paul III (Farnese) who took on the project to
make the plaza presentable for the upcoming visit of Emperor Charles V.
The plaza is elliptic is shape and typical of the Italian renaissance style, there is an unusual pattern on the
square paving. Michelangelo created a long sloping staircase, the Cordonata steps leading from Piazza
Venezia up to the Piazza del Campidoglio. At the foot of the stairs are two Egyptian statues of lions and at the
top there are statues of Dioscuri Castor and Pollux. There are also statues on the stair balustrade. In the Image By: Patrick Morgan
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pmorgan67/
center of the square is an equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, this is a replica of the original
bronze gilded statue which is on show in the Palazzo Nuovo.
Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, Roma Rome,
Michelangelo also redesigned the buildings around the square which we can still see today. The Palazzo Italy
Senatorio which was the seat of the senate until 1870; Palazzo dei Conservatori (1563) now houses part of
the Capitoline Museums and the Palazzo Nuovo was a later addition to the square and mirrored the Palazzo
ei Conservatori in appearance. It too holds part of the Capitoline Museums collection and was the first public
museum in the world, opening its doors in 1734.
13:55 The Colosseum / Colosseum
1.1 KM, 15 minutes walking from Piazza del Campidoglio
The Colosseum is the most recognizable and iconic monument of Rome, if you see no other site in Rome you should see this
structure. This grand stadium was constructed by the Flavian emperors. In 508-544BC the valley where the colosseum now
stands had been drained. Houses and public buildings were constructed at this point where four regions of ancient Rome
converged. The Great Fire of Rome in 64AD cleared the area and Nero had a new palace complex, Domus Aurea, constructed
on the grounds. Under Vespasian much of Nero's private property was returned to the people and the construction of a grand
amphitheatre began (71-72AD) on part of the property. The amphitheatre was completed during the reign of Titus in 80AD and
by 81AD a third level had been added. At this time hypogeum, a series of spaces beneath the arena used as a "backstage"
area were excavated. In the 2 nd century repairs were carried out and in 222 after extensive fire damage the colosseum was
completely rebuilt over the course of 30 years.
The colosseum was used for bull fights, gladiator fights, chariot races, official events and various public forms of entertainment.
At its peek the most popular event was the Ludi Circenses, the chariot races, there were also naval battles reproduced with
complex stage effects. The colosseum also hosted staged hunts, using live animals and often involved feeding convicts to the Address: Piazza del Colosseo 1, 00184 Rome
beasts. Mythological dramas were staged in the arena among scenic woods complete with forest animals. Rome had a strict Phone Number: 06-39967700
class system and there were 5 levels of seating within the audience according to your social status. At capacity the arena could Admission: €12
hold 50,000 to 80,000 spectators on the marble benches.
Opening Hours: Oct 30-Feb 15 8:30am-4:30pm,
Feb 16-Mar 15 8:30am-5pm, Mar 16-26
In 404 the colosseum saw its last gladiator fight when the Christian Orthodox Emperor Theodosius banned all forms of
8:30am-5:30pm, Mar 27-Aug 31 8:30am-7:15pm,
paganism and customs. The colosseum fell into disrepair firstly from the Visigoths sacking of Rome and then in the 400s pieces
of the architecture were stolen for reuse in new structures. More repairs followed as did earthquakes, vandalism and the Sep 8:30am-7pm, Oct 1-29 8:30am-6:30pm
sacking of Rome by the Vandals of Genseric. From the 6 th to 13 th century, as the property of the Church of Santa Maria Nova
the colosseum became a thruway and residential area. Ownership of the property changed over the years and looting continued
as stone by stone the colosseum was dismantled. Finally in 1750 true restoration began under Pope Benedict XIV.
Today the amphitheatre is still the largest in the world and is the model on which the amphitheatres are based. There is now a
museum in the upper floor of the outer wall and the arena is used for Roman Catholic ceremonies several times a year. The
colosseum was recently chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
16:10 Circus Maximus / Circo Massimo
1.3 KM, 16 minutes walking from The Colosseum
Circus Maximus or Circo Massimo was the first and biggest arena/stadium in ancient Rome where the
citizens would gather to watch chariot races, gladiator fights, processions and major events. The stadium was
constructed in the valley between the Palatine Hills and the Aventine Hills. The venue continued to operate
for nearly a thousand years and at its height could accommodate an audience of a quarter of a million people.
The Circus Maximus became the model used to build other arenas throughout the Roman Empire.
The Circus Maximus grew and changed over the years starting in the 6 th century BC when the Emperor
Tarquinius Priscus had a race track created. Later significant developments came with the construction of
permanent gates in 329BC and new gates in 174BC. To keep track of the number of laps the chariots had
made 7 wooden ovals were placed on the spina (central wall of the arena) and for each lap an oval was Image By: scazon
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/scazon/
removed. Later in 33BC the egg shapes were replaced with 7 bronze dolphins. Following a fire in 31BC
Emperor Augustus had renovations made and included an imperial box. The wooden structure was burned
down again during Emperor Nero's reign in 64AD and finally, after a third fire the arena was rebuilt in 103AD, Address: Via del Circo Massimo, 00186 Rome
this time in marble. Transportation:
Metro: Circo Massimo.
The new 3 story marble Circus Maximus was of grand proportions, the elongated oval shaped complex was Bus: 81, 60, 160, 715, or 628
600 meters long and 150 meters high. The venue operated with great success until 549AD when the last race
was held.
Today visitors to the site of the Circus Maximus can only see the remains and outline of the structure within a
public park. Over the years the structure decayed and was covered with soil and waterlogged. Some
elements of the structure were used as building materials for Middle Ages and Renaissance structures. One
of the elements rescued from the remains was an obelisk which now stands in Piazza del Popolo. This grand
historic venue is still used occasionally for performances, events and concerts like the Genesis concert of
2007 which was attended by 500,000 people.

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Rome

My Rome in 3 Days Itinerary of Top Attractions

10:10 Vatican Museums

12:20 The Sistine Chapel

13:50 Vatican City

14:55 St. Peter's Basilica

16:30 St. Peter's Square

17:10 Imperial Forums

10:15 Piazza del Popolo

11:25 Spanish Steps

12:10 Piazza di Spagna

13:05 Trevi Fountain

14:00 Piazza Navona

15:00 Victor Emmanuel

15:50 Capitoline Hill

10:10 Piazza Venezia

11:05 Roman Forum

13:10 Piazza del Campidoglio

13:55 The Colosseum

16:10 Circus Maximus

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