The Campo dei Fiori, or "Flora's market," is Rome's oldest outdoor market. Vendors offer fresh fish, vegetables, fruit, spices, household goods and toys. The rectangular square also used to house a horse market, jacket makers, cooked food and gallows used to punish prisoners. In 1889, the gallows were replaced with a monument to mathematician and philosopher Giordano Bruno whose progressive scientific theories led to an early end; he was burned at the stake for blasphemy in 1600. Visitors will enjoy catching a glimpse of everyday Romans going about their business in the market.
No visit to Rome would be complete without a tour of the Colosseum. Built from 72 to 80 AD, this ancient amphitheater once seated up to 50,000 spectators and included 80 entrances. First used as public forums to both honor the gods and garner public support for leaders, the Colosseum hosted games, gladiator fights and public executions of criminals and heretics. Chariot races, wild animal hunts and reproductions of popular myths and naval battle were also popular Colosseum events.
The Panthenon was constructed on the site of an ancient temple by the emperor Hadrian in 125 A.D., and was later converted into the church of Santa Maria and Martyres. Today, the Panthenon hosts church services, weddings and is a popular tourist attraction. The Panthenon is 142 feet wide and 142 feet high, creating a perfect hemisphere.
The Spanish Steps at the Piazza di Spagna were built in the 1700s and have been a popuar tourist attraction since the Renaissance. The steps were constructed to connect the Trinita Church to the piazza square below. In spring, Rome residents decorate the steps with colorful flowers.
St. Peter's Basilica was constructed in 324 AD on the order of the Emperor Constantine. The church, which until recently was the largest church in the world according to St. Peters.org, was built on the site where the apostle Peter, of New Testament fame, was martyred. The basilica has been rebuilt and remodeled many times over the years with the help of many famous artists; Michelangelo designed the dome and Bernini created the great square that fronts the church. Many popes are entombed below the basilica.
