The Pantheon stands as one of Rome's key attractions, with its dome and columns serving as a timeless inspiration for architects throughout the centuries. The initial temple on this site was constructed in 27 BC during the consulship of Marcus Agrippa. Although it suffered from fires and lightning strikes during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, it was consistently rebuilt and gradually acquired its distinctive circular shape. Under Emperor Hadrian, the temple was dedicated to "pan theos", representing all the gods of Rome, which is where the term "pantheon" originated.

Following the decline of the Western Roman Empire, the Pantheon remained under the control of Byzantine emperors, despite their waning influence over the city. In the 7th century, one of these emperors donated the temple to Pope Boniface IV, who transformed it into a Christian church and dedicated it to St. Mary and all the Martyrs. This conversion ensured the Pantheon's preservation, unlike many other non-Christian Roman temples that were demolished. From the Renaissance onwards, the Pantheon served as a burial site for prominent Italians, including the renowned artist Raphael and Victor Emmanuel II, the king of Italy, among others.

One of the structure's most remarkable features is its unsupported concrete dome, the largest of its kind in the world, which remains remarkably well-preserved and exhibits a breathtaking beauty when illuminated by sunlight. The ingenious engineering of the drainage system on the Pantheon's floor continues to effectively divert rainwater, which is particularly impressive considering the originality of the floors. The massive bronze doors, each weighing over 20 tons, add to the awe-inspiring nature of this architectural marvel.

While entry to the Pantheon is free, many visitors find equal enjoyment sitting outside on the steps of the fountain in Rotonda Square ("Piazza della Rotonda"). Here, they can savor gelato, observe passers-by, and admire the magnificence of this ancient structure, becoming part of their unforgettable Roman holiday experience.

Why You Should Visit:
Italian baroque meets Roman architectural excellence!
Surely among the world's most amazing free attractions.

Tip:
Incredible at night (on the outside), especially if you enjoy musicians with talent and engagement... but be aware of pickpockets.

Piazza Navona has remained one of Rome's most vibrant spots for nearly 2,000 years. Among the city's numerous squares, it truly stands out, boasting exceptional architecture, beautiful sculptures, a plethora of dining and drinking establishments, diverse merchandise for sale, and a colorful crowd.

The square was originally built in 80 AD, around the same period as the Colosseum, and surprisingly served as a venue for chariot races. However, Navona acquired its current shape in the 17th century when Pope Innocent X commissioned the construction of nearby Baroque-style buildings. Noteworthy projects include the Braschi Palace, now home to the Museum of Rome; the renowned Church of Saint Agnes with its impressive dome; the Cupis Palace, which now offers pre-booked accommodations, and the great Pamphili Palace. Moreover, the square boasts not just one or two, but three stunning fountains. On one side stands the Moor Wrestling With a Dolphin, on the other side is the Fountain of Neptune, and at the center stands the Fountain of the Four Rivers, sculpted by Bernini—an extraordinary masterpiece adorned with a grand obelisk.

The atmosphere in Navona Square exudes a cool and relaxed vibe, making it an ideal spot for photography. In the evenings, when the central fountain is illuminated, the square becomes particularly scenic. Visitors may also be treated to performances by talented musicians and artists. Numerous benches provide comfortable seating, and as an added bonus, the surrounding streets are filled with a variety of high-quality eateries and cafes. All of these elements combine to create an inviting environment where one can leisurely pass the time and bask in the pleasure of being in Rome.

Why You Should Visit:
Despite its popularity and bustling nature, Piazza Navona, being a very large square (in fact, an oval), somehow manages to make everyone feel welcome and accommodated.

Tip:
If looking for more intimate and more economic meals/refreshments, consider venturing onto one of the side streets adjacent to the square.

Campo de' Fiori, or the "field of flowers", derived its name during the Middle Ages when this area in present-day Rome was nothing more than a meadow. In the late 15th century, the meadow was paved and gradually transformed into a square that became notorious for public executions. It was here, in the year 1600, that one of the most brutal executions in history took place—philosopher Giordano Bruno was burned at the stake for heresy. A harsh critic of bigotry and opponent to some religious theories like that of Trinity and geocentric model, he believed that the universe could be infinite and filled with countless worlds. Such ideas surpassed the tolerance of the Catholic Church at that time. As a result, Bruno lost his life and his works were banned by the Holy Office.

In 1889, a statue of Giordano Bruno was erected at the center of Campo de' Fiori, precisely where he faced his final moments. The statue defiantly confronts the Vatican, portraying Bruno as a martyr for freedom of thought. The inscription at the statue's base reads: "To Bruno - From the Age He Predicted - Here Where the Fire Burned."

Around the same time in the late 19th century, the square began hosting a daily market for vegetables and fish. This vibrant market opens early in the morning and operates until around 1-2pm, offering a wide array of fresh produce, cheeses, seasonings, and pasta, with the opportunity to sample various items before making a purchase. As night falls, Campo de' Fiori transforms into a popular gathering spot, buzzing with outdoor cafes, restaurants, and entertainment options that cater to different tastes and budgets.

Opening Hours (Market):
Daily: 7am-3pm

Situated in the historic Trastevere district, Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere derives its name from the nearby church, which underwent a splendid restoration of its facade mosaics in 2018. This church, considered Rome's first official Christian place of worship, was established by Pope Callixtus I in the 3rd century, during a time when Christianity remained a minority belief. Its location is said to be where an oil fountain miraculously emerged on the day of Christ's birth.

Today, the church predominantly reflects a 12th-century structure renowned for its magnificent mosaics. Particularly noteworthy is the apse mosaic depicting the Coronation of the Virgin, alongside the six mosaics by Pietro Cavallini below, which portray the life of the Virgin with remarkable realism. The nave showcases twenty-two granite columns sourced from the remnants of ancient Roman buildings. Despite some additions in the 18th-century Baroque style, Santa Maria has preserved its medieval charm.

Beneath the grand altar on the right, an inscription reading "FONS OLEI" designates the spot where the oil is believed to have gushed forth.

Why You Should Visit:
One of the oldest (if not the oldest) churches in Rome; extremely ornate and well worth a visit when visiting Trastevere.
During the evening, the church's facade sparkles with the illuminated brilliance of its mosaics.

Tip:
Similar to other churches, it is customary to have your shoulders and knees covered, regardless of the outside temperature.
A good idea would be to plan on spending a little extra time in the area to grab lunch, dinner or gelato.

In contrast to the dominant and renowned Colosseum, the Theatre of Marcellus maintains a more understated presence, patiently awaiting discovery by true enthusiasts of history and architecture. While the Colosseum may have claimed the title of the largest arena, it is important to note that the Theatre of Marcellus was actually the first-ever amphitheater constructed in Rome and served as a model for the later design of the Colosseum. Unlike its grand counterpart, this theater never witnessed gruesome battles but instead hosted mythological dramas widely popular in ancient Rome.

With a seating capacity of up to 20,000 spectators, the Theatre of Marcellus once reigned as the largest arena in the city. Emperor Augustus officially inaugurated the theater and honored his nephew by bestowing upon it the name Marcellus. However, it was Julius Caesar himself who initiated its construction, although he tragically met his demise before the project could commence. Showcasing the timeless beauty of classical ancient architecture, the structure harmoniously combines three prominent styles of the era – the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders – elegantly distributed across its three levels.

Despite the passage of centuries, the theater remains remarkably intact, lending a great deal of charm to the Capitoline Hill. Its significance is further enhanced by its history as a fortress during the 12th century and subsequent transformation into a palazzo in the 16th century. Notably, the upper part of the building has recently been converted into prestigious accommodation, seamlessly blending the ancient with the contemporary. From June to October, the venue also becomes a stage for musical concerts, providing yet another compelling reason to explore this captivating piece of history when the opportunity arises.

When visiting Rome, the Capitoline Hill is a must-see attraction and widely regarded as the most sacred of the city's Seven Hills. A pillar of Roman civilization, it hosts numerous temples dedicated to revered Roman gods like Jupiter, Juno, Minerva, Venus, and Mars.

In ancient times, the hill provided an excellent vantage point to observe battles, particularly the formidable cliff to the south, which offered panoramic views of armies marching in all directions. From this elevated position, visitors can enjoy truly dramatic vistas of Rome and the Roman Forum. Exploring the attractions on Capitoline Hill can easily occupy half a day, with its rich history spanning ancient, Medieval, and Renaissance periods.

Among the noteworthy landmarks on the hill is the Senatorial Palace ("Palazzo Senatorio"), dating back to the 12th century, and the Conservators' Palace ("Palazzo dei Conservatori"), designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century. Together with the 17th-century New Palace ("Palazzo Nuovo"), these buildings form the Capitoline Museum complex. Additionally, the 14th-century Santa Maria in Aracoeli basilica, situated on the second summit of the hill and connected to the ancient Roman Forum by a steep flight of stairs, adds to the historical richness. Another notable feature is the Cordonata, a wide ramp used for triumphal processions, which descends from the Forum to Campidoglio Square ("Piazza dei Campidoglio"), also designed by Michelangelo himself.

Why You Should Visit:
To immerse yourself in the history of ancient, medieval, and Renaissance eras, appreciating the significant artistic and architectural contributions of Michelangelo from the 1550s.

Tips:
For a memorable experience, be sure to enjoy the amazing views of the city and the Roman Forum from both the museums' plaza and the Vittorio Emanuele II Monument, particularly from its top accessible via the elevator. Keep in mind that dedicating at least half a day is recommended, as there are numerous magnificent buildings and piazzas located behind the rear of the main building.

One of, if not THE most celebrated meeting spot in the world of all times, the Roman Forum, had been the nerve center of ancient Rome's public life.

It is believed that people first gathered here around 500 BC, initially for day-to-day trading at a marketplace. Over the next few centuries, as more activities started to take place here, such as voting, public speaking, social gatherings, criminal trials, gladiator matches, religious ceremonies, and business deals, this small valley between the Palatine and Capitoline hills gradually turned into a multi-purpose hub filled with buildings, arches, streets, and monuments.

The ancient Romans were incredibly well organized, and the placement of sites within the Forum still makes a lot of sense even today. The best-known sights here include the Senate House, the Temple of Saturn, the Arch of Titus, the Temple of Vesta, the Rostra, the Temple of Castor and Pollus, Via Sacra, and others.

Unlike the Imperial Fora modeled on an ancient Greek town square, the Roman Forum developed gradually and organically. It was reconstructed many times throughout its existence, attesting to which are the traces of the influence of different architectural styles from different periods. Most of the ancient Forum was destroyed in the 5th century AD, around the time when the West Roman Empire fell into decline.

Even though now reduced to crumbling ruins, the Forum still remains a historical relic of incalculable value attracting some 5 million visitors annually.

***Movie "ROMAN HOLIDAY": Joe Encounters Ann***
The Roman Forum would be a convenient place for Princess Ann and Joe Bradley to meet: she, on the escape from the palace; he, from a poker game at Irving Radovich's apartment. As Ann feels the effects of a sleeping pill, she rests on a brick bench near the Temple of Saturn (4th century BC) and the Arch of Septimus Severus (203 AD). That's where Joe finds her, takes pity on her and tries to take her home. Never managing to get her address, he takes her to his place by taxi. The road seen in the film, close to the ancient arch, no longer exists. There used to be a road running along the northwest edge of the Roman Forum, but it has been closed for quite some time, part of it remaining as a cul-de-sac.

The Imperial Forums is an extraordinary architectural complex that is central to understanding the grandeur of the Roman Empire. It represents a series of public squares, constructed over a period of about 150 years, that served as the political, religious, and social heart of ancient Rome.

The Imperial Forums consists of a series of monumental forums, or public squares, that were constructed by various Roman emperors from the end of the 1st century BC to the beginning of the 2nd century AD. These include the Forum of Caesar, the Forum of Augustus, the Transitorium of Nero, the Forum of Vespasian (also known as the Temple of Peace), the Forum of Nerva, and the most grandiose of all, the Forum of Trajan.

Each forum was designed to both serve practical needs such as public administration, justice, and commerce, as well as to provide a magnificent setting for the emperors to display their power and prestige. The forums were adorned with grand temples, basilicas, and triumphal arches, and embellished with statues and monuments that glorified the emperors and their deeds.

The Imperial Forums is an archaeological treasure trove, offering a wealth of insights into the politics, religion, and societal structures of the ancient Roman world. Even in their ruined state, the scale and complexity of the buildings and structures are awe-inspiring.

During the 1930s, Mussolini restored the Imperial Forums in an effort to evoke and emulate the past glories of Ancient Rome. He also built a road crossing through the site, supposedly in a bid to make the Colosseum visible from his office window.

Today, the Imperial Forums is a significant archaeological site, attracting tourists and scholars from around the world. Although only a fraction of the original structures remains, the ruins of the Imperial Forums still convey the scale and grandeur of the ancient city.

Why You Should Visit:
Lined with remnants of the once magnificent ancient buildings, the last few years the avenue has been made traffic-free, so walking on it, with just a little imagination, will give one a pretty good sense of Ancient Rome's grandeur and magnitude.

The Colosseum is one of the grandest monuments to have stood the test of time and probably the most visited ruins in the world. The works on this colossal structure began in 72 AD and took 8 years to complete. The official opening of the venue was marked with gladiator games that lasted 100 days.

The Colosseum amphitheater comprised four tiers that could hold up to 50,000 spectators. The lowest tier was for the emperor and the royal family; the two middle ones were for Roman citizens and members of government, while the highest tier was for the plebs. Below-ground passages were used for bringing men and animals into the arena that was separated from the audience by a ditch.

The amphitheater mainly hosted three types of shows: wild animal fights, public executions and, of course, gladiator battles. Spectacles at the Colosseum could last for days. Admission was free and the main sponsor was the Emperor himself. Despite popular belief that the early Christians were martyred here in numbers, records reveal that it was very unlikely so.

At some point, during the 18th century, the Colosseum served as a fortress and then simply became a stone quarry for other construction projects. Passers-by habitually chipped off pieces of the Colosseum for souvenirs which, together with some natural causes like earthquakes, led to its partial destruction. Today, only the north side of the building remains, as well as the underground passages.

The arena floor is totally gone, and it is possible to access the subterranean part of the Colosseum, as well as its 3rd floor, on pre-booked tours only. The floors that are open to visitors without a special ticket are the ground and first floors. Inside the Colosseum, there's a historical exhibition with both permanent and changing displays.

Tips:
For a more convenient experience, visit either early in the morning or late in the evening. The queues during the middle of the day tend to be chaotic, and the heat can make standing around uncomfortable. If you're unable to arrive early but still wish to avoid the queues, consider opting for a guided tour by paying a slightly higher fee. This way, you'll not only skip the lines but also gain access to the Forum area. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased in advance or at the Roman Forum itself, where the queues are considerably shorter.
To enhance your visit, it's advisable to acquire an audio guide, providing detailed information about the layout and historical events that took place at different locations within the Forum.

The Arch of Constantine is one of the most outstanding and well-preserved examples of Roman architecture. Erected in the early 4th century AD, it is a testament to the grandeur of the Roman Empire and a significant monument in the historical narrative of the city.

Situated between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill, the Arch of Constantine was constructed to commemorate Emperor Constantine's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD, a turning point in Roman history that led to Constantine becoming the sole ruler of the Western Roman Empire.

The Arch of Constantine is the largest of the triumphal arches in Rome, standing about 69 feet tall and 85 feet wide. It is the last triumphal Arch erected in Rome and, arguably, the most beautiful of them all. It is decorated with an array of intricate sculptures and reliefs, many of which were repurposed from earlier monuments. These carvings depict scenes from Constantine's military campaigns, as well as from the campaigns of other notable emperors, demonstrating the might and power of the Roman Empire.

One notable feature of the Arch is the inscription dedicated to Constantine, which credits him with saving the Roman people by divine inspiration. This refers to Constantine's vision before the Battle of Milvian Bridge, where he claimed to have seen a cross in the sky and heard the words "In this sign, you will conquer." This event is often linked to Constantine's promotion of Christianity within the Roman Empire.

Standing amid the public road once used as the triumphant passage into the city taken by emperors, the Arch is free to access. Although fenced off, it is well visible from the outside, any time, day or night.

Set in the valley between the Palatine and Aventine hills, the Circus Maximus is the oldest and largest racetrack in ancient Rome. This colossal space, once capable of accommodating over 300,000 spectators, witnessed thrilling chariot races while the emperor looked on. From the 4th century BC until AD 549, the Circus Maximus underwent continuous embellishment and expansion, culminating in its final races.

The oval course spans approximately 650 yards from end to end. On certain occasions, as many as 24 chariot races were held in a single day, and competitions could extend for up to 15 days. Much like modern sports stars, charioteers could accumulate vast fortunes. Diocles, a renowned Portuguese charioteer, reportedly won an astounding 35 million sestertii. The atmosphere within the Circus Maximus must have been electrifying as charioteers competed in teams, each representing their own colors such as the Reds, the Blues, and others. Betting on the races also provided a potentially lucrative occupation for the majority of unemployed citizens in Rome.

The Circus Maximus featured a central dividing barrier known as the spina, adorned with seven large egg-shaped objects used to count laps during a race. In 33 BC, seven bronze dolphins were added to the spina for the same purpose. In 10 BC, Augustus constructed the Imperial box beneath the Palatine Hill and adorned the spina with an obelisk, which now stands at the center of Piazza del Popolo. Another obelisk, added in the 4th century by Constantine II, now stands in Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano.

Today, the long grassy expanse of the Circus Maximus still retains hints of its original purpose and occasionally serves as a venue for festivals and concerts. However, during the recent remake of "Ben Hur", archaeological authorities denied permission to film chariot-racing scenes in this historical location.

Built in the 6th century, this charming and unadorned church occupies the site where the ancient city's food market once stood. Over the centuries, it has undergone architectural additions and restorations that have shaped its current form. During the 12th century, an elegant Romanesque bell tower and portico were incorporated into the structure. However, in the 19th century, the Baroque façade was removed, allowing the church to be restored to its original simplicity. Within its walls, visitors can admire the exquisite craftsmanship of the Cosmati work, prominently displayed in the mosaic pavement, raised choir, bishop's throne, and the canopy adorning the main altar.

One notable feature can be found set into the wall of the portico—the Bocca della Verità, or the "Mouth of Truth". Its origins can be traced back to ancient times, possibly as a drain cover predating the 4th century BC. According to medieval tradition, the fearsome jaws of the Mouth of Truth would close upon the hand of anyone who told a lie, making it a peculiar yet intriguing tool for testing the faithfulness of spouses.

***Movie "ROMAN HOLIDAY"***
The Mouth of Truth ("Bocca della Verità"), considered the funniest scene in the movie 'Roman Holiday', is where Joe Bradley puts his hand into the sculpture's mouth. In the film, Audrey Hepburn's reaction to the nipped Gregory Peck's hand was not an act, as he decided to pull a gag without telling her beforehand.

Why You Should Visit:
Most people come here to see the "Mouth of Truth" (for a fee), but do take some time to visit the interior as well – you'll be amazed by the skill and beauty of the mosaic of tiles under your feet. On the other hand, the exterior has a rather unique look, with its porches and slender bell tower.

Tip:
Across from the church you'll find more ancient architecture in a grassy park with a fine fountain.