Rome My-Rome-In-4-Days-Easy-Going 2019 03 05 08 49 30

Rome
My Rome in 4 Days Easy Going
© 2014-2017 visitacity.com All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission.
Day 1
09:00 Imperial Forums
10:50 Capitoline Hill
12:10 Victor Emmanuel

Monument
13:00 Piazza Venezia
14:10 Trevi Fountain
15:05 The Pantheon
16:10 San Luigi dei Francesi
16:55 Piazza Navona
17:50 Via del Corso
20:25 Piazza di Spagna
21:10 Spanish Steps
22:00 Augustus's Mausoleum
23:00 Altar of Peace
00:05 Piazza del Popolo
01:15 Via Cola di Rienzo
09:00 Imperial Forums / Fori Imperiali
Visit Duration: 1 hour, 45 mins
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
Market was a large semi-circle or stores. The Forum of Peace celebrated the conquest of Jerusalem and Address: Via dei Fori Imperiali, 00186 Roma RM,
valuable artifacts from the Temple in Jerusalem were stored here. Italy
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.
10:50 Capitoline Hill / Campidoglio
0.4 KM, 7 minutes walking from Imperial Forums
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.
12:10 Victor Emmanuel Monument / Altare della Patria
Visit Duration: 45 mins
0.1 KM, 3 minutes walking from Capitoline Hill
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
13:00 Piazza Venezia
Visit Duration: 1 hour
0.1 KM, 3 minutes walking from Victor Emmanuel Monument
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.
14:10 Trevi Fountain
0.7 KM, 9 minutes walking from Piazza Venezia
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.
15:05 The Pantheon / Pantheon
0.6 KM, 8 minutes walking from Trevi Fountain
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. Image By: Moyan Brenn
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aigle_dore/
The pediment is supported by three rows of columns leading into the front portico. From the rectangular front
entrance hall (cella) bronze doors lead in to the main part of the building which is circular. The marble veneer
covering the interior walls was a later addition but the geometric patterned marble floor is the original Ancient Address: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186 Roma
Roman floor. RM, Italy
Phone Number: 06 6830 0230
Within the building intersecting arches rest on piers which support 8 round headed arches. On floor level Opening Hours: Mon-Sat: 9am-7:30pm. Sun
there are 8 corresponding bays which house statues. The star feature of the Pantheon is the dome, 9am–1pm
supported by a series of arches brilliantly engineered to hold the heavy dome. To further help support the Website:
weight of the dome the walls beneath the dome gradually decrease in thickness. Also the builders used http://www.polomusealelazio.beniculturali.it/index.php?it/232
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.
16:10 San Luigi dei Francesi
0.2 KM, 3 minutes walking from The Pantheon
The church of San Luigi dei Francesi is the seat of the Cardinal of Paris, Rome's French National Church,
and the heart Rome's French community. The church is named after Louis IX King of France. Construction
began on the church in 1518 on the orders of Cardinal Giulio di Giuliano de Medici whose great niece was
married to King Henry II of France. The church is built on the site of Santa Maria Church, a smaller structure
already used by the French community. The site is also the location of the ruins of the Baths of Nero and the
Baths of Agrippa. The plans for the church were made by Giacomo della Porta and architect Jean de
Cheneviere began work on the structure, later Domenico Fontana took over the project and saw it through to
the church's completion in 1580, and consecration in 1589.
Giacomo della Porta is responsible for the church's two level façade which bears white travertine marble Image By: Daniel X. O'Neil
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/juggernautco/
carvings. Thanks to the immense wealth of the Medici family and the French kings the church interior is
lavishly decorated. The ceiling fresco was painted by Joseph Natoire; Domenichino painted the cycle of
frescoes in the Polet Chapel; a painting by Francesco Bassano hangs above the altar and three paintings by Address: Piazza di San Luigi de' Francesi, 00186
Caravaggio (Michelangelo di Merisi) are the church's main attractions. Rome, Italy
Phone Number: +39 06 688271 Admission:
Opening Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am-12:45pm,
2:30pm-6:30pm, Sat 9:30am-12:15pm,
2:30pm-6:30pm, Sun 11:30am-12:45pm
Web: http://www.saintlouis-rome.net
16:55 Piazza Navona
0.1 KM, 2 minutes walking from San Luigi dei Francesi
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.
17:50 Via del Corso
Visit Duration: 2 hours, 30 mins
0.9 KM, 11 minutes walking from Piazza Navona
Via del Corso was called Via Lata during the Ancient Roman Era and it was the urban stretch of the Via
Flaminia which brought travelers from the Adriatic Sea. In Ancient Rome the road was used for horse racing,
which was done without riders, this accounts for the road being ramrod straight. Located in the historic center
the straight road is 10 meter wide, 1.5km long and stretches from Porta del Popolo to Piazza Venezia. Being
centrally located has contributed to it being one of the best known shopping spots in the city, in fact as far
back as the 17 th century the road was popular with shoppers.
Although you will probably be visiting Via del Corso for shopping there are a few sites to watch out for.
Palazzo Doria Pamphilj is now used as an art gallery; the San Marcello al Corso church has a beautiful
baroque façade; Museo del Corso hosts temporary exhibitions; Piazza Colonna and the Palazzo Chigi is the Image By: xiquinhosilva
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/xiquinho/
Italian Prime Minister's official residence.
The northern part of the street is pedestrians only from Via del Parlamento to Piazza del Popolo. Along the Address: Via del Corso, Rome, Italy
Via del Corso are stores like Swarovski Crystal, jewelry stores, hi-end and high street fashion boutiques,
antique stores, sportswear stores, and even a Ferrari outlet. Some of the stores you may wish to visit include
Sisley, Luisa Spagnoli, Zara, Diesel, Energie, Fellini, Nuvolari, Footlocker, Disney and Frette luxury P.J.s
20:25 Piazza di Spagna
0.4 KM, 5 minutes walking from Via del Corso
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
21:10 Spanish Steps
0.0 KM, 1 minutes walking from Piazza di Spagna
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.
22:00 Augustus's Mausoleum / Mausoleo di Augusto
0.6 KM, 8 minutes walking from Spanish Steps
This was the family tomb of Rome's first emperor, Augustus. Originally the tomb resembled an artificial round,
terraced hill with trees on the upper terrace in imitation of the tombs of leaders Augustus admired. The tomb
broke convention by being built within the city when at the time all burials took place outside of the city.
The architect is unknown but the structure can be dated back to 25BC. In 14AD Augustus was interred here.
Other members of the imperial family were buried here including Augustus' nephew, mother, sister Octavia
and even Poppaea, Nero's wife and Nerva in AD96.
The base of the cylindrical drum shape was 88 meters in diameter and the circular shape had a concrete
outer wall surrounding similar walls and radiating walls forming interior concentric compartments. These Image By: JoAnn Miller
compartments would have been filled with earth. The heart of the structure contained the sepulchral chamber Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jabbusch/
which could be reached via passageways. The structure was topped by a dome and is thought to have had a
second terraced level reaching 44 meters high. The sepulcher would have been the largest in the Roman
Address: Piazza Augusto Imperatore, 00186
Empire. The mausoleum was surrounded by beautiful groves and parklands which were open to the public. Rome
Phone Number: No phone
Over the years the mausoleum was used as a fortress, garden and as a venue for bullfights, circus Transportation:
performances and concerts until restoration began under Mussolini who identified himself with Augustus. Metro: Spagna.
Today visitors can see the overgrown ruins of the mausoleum's brick inner core. Bus: C3, 81, 224, or 913
23:00 Altar of Peace / Ara Pacis
0.2 KM, 3 minutes walking from Augustus's Mausoleum
In 13BC the Roman Senate had the Ara Pacis Augustae erected on the Field of Mars in honor of the Emperor
Augustus who had returned victorious from battles in Gallic and Spain insuring peace in the Roman Empire.
Augustus fulfilled the prediction made in the Roman epic: The Aeneid to " bring back the golden years to the
field of Latium ." Anchises predicted that Augustus would " govern the peoples of the world " and Virgil wrote
"…it is a god who gave us this peace – for a god he shall ever be to me ." Over the years the altar was buried
by floods and silt from the River Tiber and it was Mussolini who instructed Giuseppe Moretti to reconstruct
and restore the masterpiece. Today a protective building houses the restored altar.
The square, four sided altar is decorated with mythological figures and historical scenes of peace and
prosperity which were intended to remind people of the ruler's achievements, competence and the importance Image By: Andy Hay
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/andyhay/
of piety and peace. There are no doors on the structure which has two entrances; this represents the constant
peace and the piety of the Gods. The stone reliefs on the structure depict women and children symbolizing
Augustus' pro-family stance; processions show men in togas which represent Roman citizenship and one of Address: Lungotevere in Augusta - 00100, Rome
the processions is led by Augustus himself. Romulus, Remus and the she-wolf are also depicted. An Phone Number: 06-82059127
allegorical scene shows the Goddess Roma sitting on a pile of foreign armor representing the peace Admission: €10.50
Augustus brought following war. Opening Hours: 9:30am-7:30pm
Web: http://www.arapacis.it
Transportation:
Bus: 70, 81, 186, or 628
00:05 Piazza del Popolo
0.6 KM, 8 minutes walking from Altar of Peace
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.
01:15 Via Cola di Rienzo
1.0 KM, 13 minutes walking from Piazza del Popolo
The area where Via Cola di Rienzo is today was once just open fields and swamps until 1870 when the area
was used for military purposes. You can still see the remnants of certain palaces and the remains of military
barracks in the Prati neighborhood where the street is located.
Today Via Cola di Rienzo is one of Rome's primary shopping areas, the prices are above discount budget
prices but below the hi-end store prices you can find else ware in the city. It is located north of the Vatican in
the Prati neighborhood and being less central sees fewer crowds than Via del Corso. The street is long and
wide with restaurants, cafes, boutique stores, brand name stores, hotels, cinemas, book stores and more. For
the true shopaholics there is a shopping tour which starts at the Piazza Risorgimento, behind the Vatican, and
follows Via Cola di Rienzo to Piazza Cola di Rienzo and on to Piazza Popolo which is across the River Tiber
over the Ponte Regina Margherita.
Address: Via Cola di Rienzo, Rome, Italy
Along the street there is an indoor farmers market with fresh local produce. For delicious coffee from a café
that has been in business for over 80 years visit Castroni at number 196. Some of the popular stops along the
way include Bertozzini for perfumes; Portofino Café and restaurant; Angelo Di Nepi women's clothing
boutique; Benetton; Geox for Italian made shoes; Coccinelle for bags and Swarovski if you are in need of
crystals!
Day 2
09:00 Palatine Hill and
Palatine Museum
Rome was founded on this hill, see archaeological findings
here and in the museum
11:10 The Colosseum

Top landmark Roman amphitheatre used for gladiator battles
in the 1st century
13:25 Roman Forum

Archaeological remains of the heart of ancient Rome
09:00 Palatine Hill and Palatine Museum
Visit Duration: 2 hours
Palatine Hill
This is one of the famous seven hills on which Rome was founded and is the most centrally located. From its height of 40
meters it is surrounded by the Circus Maximus, Forum Romanum and the Colosseum. Archaeological findings show that the
site was inhabited as far back as the 10 th century BC. Traditionally it was the site of the Lupercal Cave where Romulus and
Remus were nursed by a she-wolf and so it would have been where Romulus began building the city (754BC).
During the Roman Republican Era the hill was a fashionable residential area due to the hill's height and spectacular views it
afforded. The great leaders of the Roman Empire chose this hill as their home and the site was wall-to-wall palaces at one
point. And so the word "palace" is derived from "Palatine." First Emperor Augustus made the hill his headquarters, constructing
Imperial palaces there, then they were expanded under Julio-Claudian Emperors and by Nero. Finally Domitian had Rabirius
design his Flavian Palace which was built on top of the existing dwellings.
Image By: Joseph Hunkins
Visitors can see the archaeological findings from the Palatine Hill on display in the Palace of the Caesars which houses the Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/joeduck/
Palatine Museum. Other sites on the Palatine Hill include the excavated ruins of the House of Augustus, House of Livia, Domus
Augustana and the Palace of Septimius Severus.
Address: Palatine Hill, and Palatine Museum,
00193 Rome
Phone Number: 06-39967700
Palatine Museum Admission: €12
Opening Hours: Oct 30-Feb 15 8:30am-4:30pm,
The Museo Palatino is located on Palatine Hill within the Palace of the Caesars and houses archaeological findings from
Feb 16-Mar 15 8:30am-5:00pm, Mar 16-26
Palatine Hill. The artifacts in the museum date back to Iron Age tombs proving that Palatine Hill was probably the first
8:30am-5:30pm, Mar 27-Aug 31 8:30am-7:15pm,
settlement in Rome. There are the remains of huts dating back to the 8 th century BC, the traditional date of Rome's
Sep 8:30am-6:00pm, Oct 1-29 8:30am-6:30pm
establishment by Romulus. Thanks to the ongoing excavations items have been uncover which allow us to trace the progress of
Rome from its beginnings, through the Republic Era and into the Roman Empire and late ancient periods. Findings on the hill
show fortified walls, drainage systems, temples and palatial villas.
Palatine Hill was the site of many palaces in Ancient Rome and the museum holds statues, mosaics and frescoes collection
from excavations of the Palatine villas. In particular the artifacts on show come from the 1 st – 4 th century when the Palatine Hill
was at its peak. You can see both art work found in the Palatine palaces and pieces of the architecture which were rescued, like
parts of columns and even walls. Together with the actual statues and archaeological findings there are photos of other pieces
displayed as well. On one of the floors of the museum you can see an exhibit about the prehistoric growth of Rome. One of the
most significant items in the museum is painted decorations from Aula Isiaca, as well as works from other Palatine buildings like
the House of Augustus, House of Livia and the House of Gryphons.
11:10 The Colosseum / Colosseum
0.8 KM, 11 minutes walking from Palatine Hill and Palatine Museum
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.
13:25 Roman Forum
1.0 KM, 14 minutes walking from The Colosseum
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).
Day 3
09:00 Vatican Museums
The museums of Vatican City holding work by de Vinci,
Titian, Bernini, Raphael and others
11:10 The Sistine Chapel

Chapel within Vatican City famed for its frescos by
Michelangelo
12:15 St. Peter's Basilica

Michelangelo, Maderno, Bramante and Bernini created this
massive Renaissance church
13:50 St. Peter's Square

Bernini's expansive plaza in front of St. Peter's Basilica in
Vatican City
14:45 Castel Sant'Angelo

Hadrian Mausoleum is a circular tower from 139AD which
served many purposes through history
16:25 National Etruscan

Museum
Italy's most important collection of Etruscan art and crafts
displayed in Villa Giulia
09:00 Vatican Museums
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
the Lapidary Gallery. George XVI added the Etruscan (1837) and Egyptian (1839) Museums. In 1854 the Lateran Profane
Image By: xiquinhosilva
Museum was expanded and in 1854 the Pio-Christian Museum joined the immense museum complex. Saint Pius X added the Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/xiquinho/
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
Missionary-Ethnological Museum; Room of the Immaculate Conception; Raphael Stanze and the Loggia; Chapel of Nicholas V Phone Number: 06-69883333
and the Sistine Chapel featuring Michelangelo's iconic ceiling painting of God giving life to Adam as they touch fingers. Admission: Adult €17, Child €8
Opening Hours: Mon-Sat 9am-6pm
Some recent additions to the museums include the Collection of Modern and Contemporary Religious Art in 1973 which is on
Web:
show in the Borgia Apartment; the Vatican Historical Museum (1973) and the Carriage and Automobile Museum. The above list
http://mv.vatican.va/3_EN/pages/MV_Home.html
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.
11:10 The Sistine Chapel
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.
12:15 St. Peter's Basilica / St Peter’s
0.4 KM, 6 minutes walking from The Sistine Chapel
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
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.
13:50 St. Peter's Square / Piazza San Pietro
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.
14:45 Castel Sant'Angelo
0.8 KM, 11 minutes walking from St. Peter's Square
The Castel Sant'Angelo, also known as The Hadrian Mausoleum, was constructed 130AD-139AD on the edge of the River Tiber
by Emperor Hadrian for himself, his family and his successors interment. The mausoleum has a cylindrical colonnaded drum, 64
meters in diameter, on top of an 89 meter wide square base which was covered with lush planted gardens and trees. Situated
on the right bank of the river, the Ponte Sant'Angelo connects it with the rest of the city.
Over the years the function and appearance of the Castel Sant'Angelo changed. In the middle Ages additional towers and
fortified walls were constructed. It became an impenetrable defensive bastion during the barbaric invasions, and was
incorporated into the city walls (270-275AD), protecting the northern entrance of Rome. Most of the tombs and precious
decoration were destroyed when the structure became a fortress in 401 and the royal ashes are thought to have been lost
during the Alaric sacking of Rome.
Image By: Emanuele Longo
For the protection of the papal community a secret, fortified passage way, Passetto di Borgo, was constructed (14 th century), Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/em4nu/
connecting the Vatican to the Castel Sant'Angelo. During the Renaissance a treasury room was located in the center of the
structure to keep the pope's valuables safe. The structure became a storage space for food, water and supplies to be used in
the event of an emergency. There was even a granary and mill incorporated into the fortified structure. Address: Lungotevere Castello, 50, 00186 Rome
The mausoleum was used as a brutal prison where prisoners were tortured and starved. At one time executions were carried Admission: €14
out in the inner courtyard. Famous inmates included Benvenuto Cellini, Cagliostro and Giordana Bruno. Opening Hours: Apr-Sept. 9am-7pm, Oct-Mar
9am-2pm
Originally a statue of the Emperor riding a chariot like the sun god, would have stood on the central tower this was replaced
Web: www.castelsantangelo.com
later by a statue of an angel, hence the name of the castle. Today an 18 th century bronze statue of the Archangel St. Michael
Metro: Ottaviano-San Pietro, and then a long
has replaced the original marble angel and adorns the mausoleum in memory of a plague which raged through Rome in 590AD
stroll.
only to end when an apparition of an angel appeared above the mausoleum.
Bus: 23, 34, 40, or 271
When the Italian State was established the fortress was used to house soldiers and today the much loved iconic structure has
been restored and recreated. It is visited by tourists who come to see the National Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo. Visitors
approach the structure by following a 400 foot long spiral ramp. Visitors can see the beautiful rooms used by the pontiffs with
delicate frescoes and on lower floors they can see the prisons and torture chamber.
16:25 National Etruscan Museum / Museo Nazionale Etrusco
3.7 KM, 23 minutes by transit from Castel Sant'Angelo
The Museo Nazionale Etrusco is within the 16 th century Villa Giulia which was built as a country home for
Julius III. The stately palace home had incredible gardens which were designed by Vignola, Vasari and with a
little help from Michelangelo.
The collection includes Etruscan art and artifacts from the Etruscan culture which pre-dated the Roman
Republic. The collection includes Etruscan sculptures, bronze pieces, vases, jewelry and sarcophagi. The
Etruscan civilization came from the area we now know as Tuscany and their unique culture flourished from
c.800BC until being assimilated in to the Roman Republic in the 4 th century. Other cultures which were
present in the areas surrounding Ancient Rome are represented in the museum. There are antiquities from
the Latium area (the area where Rome was first established); Umbria and from the Faliscan civilization which Image By: dalbera
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dalbera/
came from the area now known as Lazio.
The collection includes a terracotta polychrome bust; handcrafts which were uncovered in excavations carried Address: Piazzale di Villa Giulia, 9, 00197 Rome
out in Lazio and Tuscany. Some of the highlights of the museum include the Dawn Faliscan Crater, dating Phone Number: 06-3201951
th
back to the 4 century; the Cista Ficoroni (a bronze urn with paw feet) and the Apollo from Veio. The 6 th Admission: €8
century Couple Sarcophagus (Sarcofago degli Sposi) discovered in Cervetreri is a terracotta funeral Opening Hours: Tue-Sun 8:30am-7:30pm
tomb/coffin with the touching sculpture of a bride and groom arm in arm reclining as they would have done at Transportation:
a Roman dinner. Metro: Flaminio. Tram: 2, 3, or 19
Day 4
10:55 Basilica di Santa Maria
Maggiore
A church holding fantastic art and particularly breathtaking
early mosaics
12:20 Circus Maximus

Former ancient Roman racing stadium now a public park
14:25 Giardino degli Aranci

Quiet park designed by Raffaele de Vico offering panoramic
city views
15:25 Santa Sabina

Early Christian church from 422AD with famed wooden
carved doors
16:10 Pyramid of Caius

Cestius
Pyramid-shaped burial chamber from 12BC
16:55 Baths of Caracalla

Well preserved ruins and mosaics of bathhouse form 217AD
10:55 Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore / Santa Maria Maggiore
Located on Esquiline Hill the Basilica stands on the remains of former structures and archeological findings
have brought to like items such as the 2nd/3rd century calendar and ancient Roman walls.
The present church dates back to the 5th century. Upon entering the church visitors are met with the stunning
gold color on all sides in a vast and highly decorated space topped by a high coffered and gilded ceiling.
Vitruvius' canon of rhythmic architecture governed the construction. Two rows of ornate columns line the nave
and are topped by beautiful arches linked by a wrought entablature. The cornice and the ceiling are united by
a wooden frieze. Highlights of the church include the statue of King Phillip IV; the bronze floor (1949)
depicting scenes from the life of Mary; the Holy Door blessed by Pope John Paul II and created by Luigi
Mattei; the façade's rose window; Torriti's mosaic decoration of the apse and the church's prized possession,
the Holy Crib. 5th century mosaics run the length of the nave depicting the four cycles of Sacred History. Image By: xiquinhosilva
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/xiquinho/
The present church's bell tower is the tallest in the city (75 meters) and the belfry is home to 5 bells, including
"La Speduta" which is rung nightly at 9pm to call Christians to prayer. This is truly the jewel in the crown of
Address: Via Carlo Alberto, 47, 00185 Rome,
Roman churches, the grand beauty and opulence inspires awe in visitors to the Eternal City.
Italy Phone:+39 06 446 5836
12:20 Circus Maximus / Circo Massimo
3.9 KM, 30 minutes walking from Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
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.
14:25 Giardino degli Aranci / The Orange Garden
0.3 KM, 5 minutes walking from Circus Maximus
The Giardino degli Aranci, Parco Savello or Garden of Oranges is located on Aventino Hill, it is one of the
city's most romantic locations and often used as the backdrop for wedding photos. The park is believed to
have been created when Saint Dominic brought an orange tree from his native Spain and planted it in the
vegetable garden of the adjacent Savelli Castle which housed a monastery. The sapling flourished and
additional orange trees were planted. Saint Catherine of Siena is thought to have used the tree's oranges to
make candied fruit for Pope Urban VI. The monastery's garden became the park we known today when it was
redesigned by Raffaele de Vico in 1932.
From the Garden of Oranges you can see the Basilica of Santa Sabina and the drawbridge and towers which
once formed part of the Savelli Castle. The garden has a symmetrical design and a wide, paved, tree-lined, Image By: Nicolas Esposito
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nesposit/
central walkway called Viale Nino Manfredi after a famous actor who passed away in 2004. The central
promenade leads to a terrace at the highest point of the park. From the garden terrace there are sweeping
views across some of Rome's most famous structures. In the summer the park comes alive with theatrical Address: Giardino degli Aranci, Rome
performances and scores of romantic Italian couples. Opening Hours: Oct-Feb 7am-6pm, Mar-Sept.
7am-8pm, Apr-Aug 7am-9pm
15:25 Santa Sabina
0.0 KM, 1 minutes walking from Giardino degli Aranci
The Basilica Sanctae Sabinae is located on the Aventine Hill; it is one of the city's oldest churches and dates
back to 422-432. It is built on the site of the home of Sabina, a convert to Christianity and Roman martyr who
was later declared a saint. The founder of the church was Peter of Illyria a monk who gives his name to the
square and adjacent convent. The structure of the church is a classic rectangular-style with light colored
décor and simple design which gives the space an airy feel. The church underwent several changes over the
years. It was at one point incorporated into the Crescenzi family fort; in the 16 th -17 th century restored in the
baroque-style and later in the 1800s became a steam laundry. It was under Mussolini that Antonio Munoz
restored the church for the last time. Many layers of history and architectural styles are evident in the
structure.
Image By: Allie_Caulfield
th Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wm_archiv/
Highlights of the church building include the 5 century cypress wood portal with scenes from the Bible; 24
church columns which came from the Temple of Juno Regina; 9 th century chancel furniture; a fresco by
Taddeo Zuccari and large selenite windows which shed light on the church mosaics. On the floor of the nave Address: Piazza Pietro D'Illiria, 1, 00153 Rome
is the city's only surviving mosaic tomb dating back to c.1300. Phone Number: 06-5743573
Admission:
Opening Hours: 7:30am-12:30pm and
3:30pm-5:30pm
Transportation:
Bus: 23, 30, 44, 60, 75, 95, or 170
16:10 Pyramid of Caius Cestius / Piramide Cestia
1.0 KM, 14 minutes walking from Santa Sabina
The ancient pyramid of Cestius stands near the Porta San Paolo on the Via Ostiensis it was the final resting
place of Caius Cestius Epulonius, a rich magistrate and priest who died in 12BC. The pyramid was
constructed at a time when all-things-Egyptian were in fashion and it was also inspired by the pyramids of
Nubia which had recently (23BC) been attacked by Romans and the pyramids of Egypt which Rome
conquered in 30BC. The pyramid is more pointed than Egyptian pyramids and stands 36 meters high and
29.5 meters wide. It was constructed using concrete and brick and covered with white Carrara marble.
Thanks to the concrete the Romans managed to make their pyramids taller and more pointed than the
Egyptians. The pyramid is decorated with intricate frescoes and panels and originally two bronze figures
stood at the entrance. The figures are now on display else ware.
Image By: daddaq
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8674843@N03/
The pyramid originally stood outside the city walls, like all burial sites but with the expansion of the city it is
now within city limits. When the Aurelian Walls were being constructed (271-275) the pyramid was
incorporated into the walls as a bastion. Much later in the 17 th century Pope Alexander VII ordered the site to Address: Via del Campo Boario, 00153 Rome
be excavated and restored. An inscription found on the pyramid confirmed that it belonged to Cestius and Opening Hours: Saturdays 10am-12pm
stating that it took 330 days to build. A second inscription was added by Alexander VII commemorating the Admission: €7
restoration. The excavation also opened up the tomb to reveal Third Style Roman paintings.
16:55 Baths of Caracalla / Terme di Caracalla
1.3 KM, 16 minutes walking from Pyramid of Caius Cestius
Roman's largest public baths (thermae) were constructed from 212AD to 216AD during the reign of Emperor
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus, also called Caracalla after the tunic he wore. The baths remained operational for
more than 300 years during a period when the city had over 50 public baths that were used in lieu of private
bathrooms. The baths served a social function as well as allowing citizens to wash away the dust. Bathing
was a ritual process beginning with a hot bath in the caldarium, then a luke-warm bath in the tepidarium, a
cold bath in the frigidarium and finally a relaxing swim in the natatio or open air swimming pool followed by a
massage or rubdown with scented cloths.
The water was provided by the Aqua Marcia aqueduct which brought water to the complex reservoirs, it was
only when the water supply was destroyed by the Goths that the baths ceased to operate. On the lower level Image By: Vyacheslav Argenberg
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/argenberg/
a radiant heating system was used to heat the water by furnaces and tubes. Slaves would spend their time
confined to the lower level, heaving the wood into the furnaces. The complex covered 27 acres and could
accommodate 1600 people who came to use the many facilities it provided like the gymnasiums, library, Address: Via delle Terme di Caracalla, 52, 00100
stores, landscaped gardens, restaurant and even brothel. Rome
The baths had marble seating, mosaics on the walls and floors, fountains, marble and bronze statues and the Admission: €6
walls were covered with polychrome marble and tiled mosaics. Today only the ruins remain as the baths Opening Hours: Oct 9am-6pm, Nov-Dec
suffered from marauding Goths, earthquakes and pieces of the structure were taken to be used in other 9am-4:30pm, Jan-Feb 15 9am-4:30pm, Feb
Roman buildings. However visitors can still get an idea of the scale and opulence of the baths from the 16-Mar 15 9am-5pm, Mar 16-27 9am-5:30pm, Mar
towering red brick walls, grand arches, remaining mosaic floors and granite columns. 28-Aug 9am-7:15pm, Sep 90am-7pm
Transportation:
Bus: C3, 81, 118, or 160 Closed: Closed holidays

Rome My-Rome-In-4-Days-Easy-Going 2019 03 05 08 49 30

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Rome My-Rome-In-4-Days-Easy-Going 2019 03 05 08 49 30

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Rome

My Rome in 4 Days Easy Going

10:50 Capitoline Hill

12:10 Victor Emmanuel

13:00 Piazza Venezia

14:10 Trevi Fountain

15:05 The Pantheon

16:10 San Luigi dei Francesi

16:55 Piazza Navona

17:50 Via del Corso

20:25 Piazza di Spagna

21:10 Spanish Steps

22:00 Augustus's Mausoleum

23:00 Altar of Peace

00:05 Piazza del Popolo

01:15 Via Cola di Rienzo

11:10 The Colosseum

13:25 Roman Forum

11:10 The Sistine Chapel

12:15 St. Peter's Basilica

13:50 St. Peter's Square

14:45 Castel Sant'Angelo

16:25 National Etruscan

12:20 Circus Maximus

14:25 Giardino degli Aranci

15:25 Santa Sabina

16:10 Pyramid of Caius

16:55 Baths of Caracalla

You might also like