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What remains are the foundational materials made of concrete sand. In its heyday the amphitheatre was clad in ivory travertine marble, though this was plundered throughout the centuries. The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is an iconic monument of the Roman Empire and is a must see site in Rome. This huge stadium is the largest amphitheatre ever built and once held up to 80,000 spectators cheering on their favorite gladiator. Rise early and beat the crowds to view the Colosseum. On your second day in Rome, it is time to walk in the footsteps of emperors and marvel at what they created. Our language, architecture, art and political customs and institutions are all founded on Roman principles. It is impossible to overstate the impact of this period on world history. Rome was the centre of the Roman Republic, and later the Roman Empire, that spanned 1,500 years.Īt its peak the Roman Empire covered 5 million square kilometres and governed 70 million people – around 21% of the world’s population.
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Once a small town on the Tiber river, Rome became the most biggest city in the world. This classic establishment has been serving Romans gelato since 1900! Day 2 – Ancient Rome
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Try Roscioli near Campo de’Fiori for their classic spaghetti carbonara or Pane e Salame near the Trevi Fountain for quick and delicious meat and cheese platters Roman style.
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Best for families – From Gladiators to Gelato (Withlocals) or try Rome4Kids – > read our full review.Welcome to Rome Twilight tour – lovely introduction to the Eternal City – > click for details.
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Free walking tour of Rome – > click here for info.But if you are interested in a highlights tour and introduction to Rome these are our favourites In fact, we love them so much we have a whole article on the best tours to take in Rome. We enjoy small group guided tours to hear about the stories, history and culture of the places we visit.
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Some people like to explore on their own, and others use a guidebook. Once the market stalls are packed away, the area is bustling with tourists and locals enjoying their evening. A favorite, the Chiesa di Sant’Ignazio di Loyola, is a baroque masterpiece.Ĭlose to Piazza Navona, the area around Campo de’Fiori market square is a great place to stop for dinner. The most impressive is the central Fountain of the four Rivers with its Egyptian obelisk.Īs you wander, make sure to duck into some of the 900 churches in the city – many hold priceless art. Piazza Navona – once the site of an ancient Roman stadium, this area was transformed in the 17th century into impressive Piazza Navona with its three ornate fountains.It has a very spiritual feel so it is not surprising that it caused Michelangelo to wonder whether it was the work of angels or humans. Light is let into the Pantheon by the giant oculus or hole in the dome. It is the largest unsupported dome in the world to this day and an incredible architectural feat. Most impressive is the giant dome that sits on top of the structure. Pantheon – standing intact for over 2,000 years, the Pantheon was once a Roman temple before being consecrated as a Catholic church.The funds are donated to charities supporting Rome’s homeless and needy over €3,000 is collected each day from the Trevi Fountain. Don’t forget to toss a coin over your shoulder into the water – they say it guarantees you will return to Rome!ĭid you know. Trevi Fountain – immortalized in Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, this cascading baroque marble fountain is an icon of the city that must not be missed on any trip to Rome.There are 135 steps to climb to reach the prize views of Rome. Spanish Steps – built in the 18th century, the Spanish Steps connect the Piazza di Spagna to Piazza Trinita dei Monti where a church of the same name overlooks the city.Of course you have probably seen all these places in photos but there is nothing quite seeing them up close. In any case, if you get tired you can eat a gelato or relax with a coffee. This area is very compact, and with a few exceptions, quite flat. This is your day to wander and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Rome. Cobbled streets open onto wide piazzas with gushing baroque fountains.Īround every corner there is an ancient monument waiting to be discovered. This is the cuore (heart) of Rome and it’s impossibly romantic. Once you have settled into your accommodation (you can see our recommendations below if you haven’t booked already), walk off your travel weary legs by taking a leisurely stroll around Rome’s centro storico – historic old town. Planning a trip to Italy? Join our free Italy Travel Planning Facebook group and read our detailed guidefor tips, information and advice for planning your travel to Italy Day 1 – Explore the Centro Storico Day 3 – Villa Borghese, the Tiber and more.
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