Colosseo
The Collosseo was the first ancient amphitheatre made of stone. Originally named the Flavian Amphitheatre, it’s now one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Rome, visited every year by thousands of tourists. Its founder was Emperor Vespasian, with construction starting in 72 AD and lasting about eight years. It was the main site of entertainment for Roman citizens, and could hold 50,000 people. There were free shows and spectacles, called ludi, held in honour of the gods. The most popular were the chariot races, and also the gladiator combats, which attracted most of the spectators. At the end of the fight, the defeated gladiator asked the people for mercy. If they turned their thumbs down, it meant death for him. It’s believed that many Christians were killed during these bloody spectacles. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Collosseo was abandoned. It reflects Roman history and the ancient character of the Eternal City. Nowadays, many interesting shows, concerts and cultural events take place in its outstanding scenery. Every Easter, thousands of Catholics commemorate the martyrdom of Jesus Christ during the special celebration of the Way of the Cross. Although the name of its architect is unknown, the Collosseo remains one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It's a place you can't miss when visiting Rome! Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain is situated in the centre of the Eternal City, and undoubtedly the most romantic of all Roman fountains. It was designed by the great architect Nicole Salvi in 1732. In the middle is a statue of the God of the Ocean, with winged horses around his cockleshell. Don't forget to throw a coin into the fountain! There’s a large number of restaurants and cafés around the area, where you can sit and relax after the visit, enjoying an espresso and admiring a splendid view of this architectural marvel. Vatican
Vatican City is the world's smallest independent state and the capital of the Roman Catholic Church. It’s located in the very heart of Rome, on the west bank of the Tiber River. It’s walled by six enormous gates, and is comprised of the Vatican Palace, St. Peter's Square, St. Peter's Basilica and the Papal Gardens. In the Basilica, you can admire a splendid cupola and visit the tombs of previous popes. Near the entrance, you’ll probably see some of the famous Swiss guards in colourful uniforms. If you want to see the Pope, go to St. Peter's Square on Sunday at 11:00, when he celebrates Angelus Dominius. Then, you should head for the Vatican Museum Complex, which boasts a splendid collection of artwork made by some of the most famous painters, from Tiziano to Caravaggio. At the end, you enter the outstanding Sistine Chapel, with frescoes by Michelangelo Buonarroti showing scenes taken from the Bible, with the picturesque vision of the Final Judgement in the foreground. Roman Forum
The Roman Forum is a monumental complex of remains situated between the Capitol, the Imperial Forums, the Colosseum and the Palatine. In ancient Rome, it was the centre of public life, and that's why it’s called the Forum. The present ruins include the Arch of Titus and Septimius Severus and the temples of Saturn, Castor, and Pollux. The temple of Caesar was erected in the place of Caesar's cremation. The whole Forum Romanum is crossed by Via Sacra, which was the main street in ancient Rome. You can also see a reconstruction of the Curia, built on the site of the chamber of the Roman Senate. Excavation of this area still continues in the search for unknown parts of the Eternal City. If you’re keen on history, a visit to the Forum Romanum is a must.