Rome the eternal city. With loads of attractions let’s go!

The Colosseum

What could be more iconic than the colosseum. Completed in 80 AD and built from volcanic rock, it was at the time the largest Amphitheater ever built. It could hold an estimated audience of 50,000. Over the centuries renovations increased this to more than 65,000. Probably most famous for Gladiatorial contests and especially pitting man against lion where slaves were usually used. Over the centuries earthquakes, theft and stone robbers have left the building in disrepair. Today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions not just in Rome but in the world. The lines are immense and your best bet is to buy a ticket in advance or better still book a tour. Click here for more details

The Pantheon

So onwards to another iconic building in Rome. The Pantheon was built circa 118 to 125 A.D. It is the most preserved building dating back to ancient Rome. It was dedicated to the pagan gods of ancient Rome. In fact the word Pantheon comes from a Greek adjective meaning “honor all Gods”.

The Spanish Steps

In the few days I spent in Romes these famous steps were always packed with people. The steps are situated between the Piazza di Spagna and Piazza Trinità dei Monti. If you climb the 135 steps to the top you will reach the Trinita del Monti Church. The steps were built between 1723-1725 using funds bequeathed by Étienne Gueffie, a French diplomat. The steps was linked to the church which was then under the patronage of the Bourbon kings of France.

Keats, Shelly Memorial House.

I was surprised to find this house situated next to the Spanish steps. In the 19th century Rome became a hub for some of the most famous of England’s literary greats. Lord Byron, John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley all lived and died in the eternal city. Inspired by the beauty and history of this ancient city, although Keats who was in poor health came more for the milder climate the house next to the Spanish steps is dedicated to probably the most famous romantic poets of that age.

Largo di Torre Argentina

There is no connection to Argentina so let me clear that up. The square gets it name from Argentoratum which was the name given to what was once the ancient city of Strasbourg. In its day it had 4 roman temples and Pompey’s Theatre. Despite the ruins another reason to come here is for the cat sanctuary which you will find at the far end. During opening hours you can go in and pet the cats for as long as you want, For cat lovers this has to be one of the most popular attractions in Rome.

Castel Sant’Angelo

Once the tallest building in Rome the Castel Sant’Angelo (Castel of the holy angel) is situated in Parco Adriano. It was built between 123–139 AD and its initial purpose was as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian and his family. His ashes and those of his wife Sabina were placed here a year after their death. Succeeding emperors were also placed here until 217. The urns were probably placed in the treasury room deep within the building. The building went on to be used by popes as a fortress and castle before it became a museum.

The Vatican

The Vatican is in principle not in Italy or not even in Rome but if you want to go there then this is where you would go. Obviously home to the Pope, head of the catholic church the Vatican has been well documented, so instead I want to share a rather nice story we heard on our tour. One of the rooms is dedicated to Raphael who at the same time as Michael Angelo had been commissioned to paint the Sistine chapel Raphael was also working at the Vatican at the same time. It was common knowledge that the two men had no love for each other and Angelo was also extremely old at the time.No one was ever allowed in the Sistine Chapel while it was being painted but Angelo decided to go away for a few days. Raphael seized the opportunity and went to look at the chapel. He was basically blown away and so impressed he decided to incorporate Angelo in one of his paintings. You will find both of them in the painting of the Philosophers in the Raphael room. If you look closely you will find Angelo in the center of the picture in a blue wrap. Harder to find is Raphael who is on the far right next to the man in the white cap. .

St. Peters

This is the view from the top of st peters dome in the Vatican and yes I climbed all 551 steps to the top. Btw no building in Rome is allowed to be higher than the dome so as you can see there are no high rises in the city. So named because Catholics believe that Saint Peter is buried here. Consturction of the present Basilica started in 1506 and was completed in 1626. If you don’t want to climb all 551 steps you can take a lift. For more information on tours and purchasing tickets for all the Vatican sights (advisable) click here

Galleria Borghese

The Galleria Borghese (English: Borghese Gallery) is an art gallery in Rome which is as much to do with the beautiful gardens as it is about the art gallery itself. The collection in the gallery houses a large collection that once belonged to Cardinal Scipione Borghese. Dating back to the 17th century the building has two floors with a total of 20 rooms. The gallery features some fabulous artworks from the likes of Raphael and Caravaggio.

National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art.

One of the most famous painting at this gallery is the three ages of women by Gustav Klimt but there is more than enough fabulous pieces here to please everyone. It was founded in 1883 and displays 1400 works of art from the 19th and 20th century of both Italian and foreign artists, including Monet and Van Gogh, . The contemporary part of the museum displays as you would expect some obscure pieces of art Well worth a visit. For details click here

Rome Synagogue

This is the largest synagogue in Rome. The synagogue was constructed in 1870 which corresponded to when the Kingdom of Italy captured Rome bringing an end to the Papal states. The Jews were granted citizenship and the Rome Ghetto was demolished. The synagogue was constructed shortly after this. This is in a predominantly area of Rome and there are several Kosher stores nearby. The synagogue also has a small museum.

Trevi Fountain.

So you can’t leave Rome without throwing a coin in the Trevi fountain as tradition dictates. The fountain stands at a height of 26.3 meters and 49.15 meters in length. . It is the largest baroque fountain in the city. It stands at the junction of three roads and in ancient Rome supplied water to the city by one of the aqueducts. If you want to throw a coin into the fountain its traditional to use the right hand over the left shoulder. It is estimated that something like 3,000 euros is thrown in every day. The money is used to subsidize a supermarket for Romes needy. Be warned its illegal to steal coins from the fountain.