The Colosseum is one of Rome's most famous attractions, drawing visitors and history buffs to the city every year. The structure has fallen into ruins, but still displays the advanced engineering of the Roman civilization. When in use, the Colosseum accommodated 55,000 spectators. The structure was used for a series of games testing an individual's strength, intelligence, and endurance. The building is considered one of the most important and impressive symbols of the Roman Empire.
Of the many temples in Rome, the Pantheon is considered one of the most important to the Roman culture. Created in 27-25 BC and then reconstructed in 125 AD, the Pantheon is the most complete Roman building standing today. The temple was used to pay tribute to all the Roman Gods. The unique structure features technological innovations such as the huge dome and bronze doors guarding the entrance, both extremely difficult achievements for that period.
St. Peter's Basilica is the largest church in the world and the center of the Catholic Church. The basilica houses a large dome, painted by Michelangelo, a testament to the wealth of the church in the 16th century. It also contains significant art pieces such as the papal altar, the Throne of St. Peter by Bernini, and the Monument to the Stuarts, by Canova. The interior of the building has 45 altars and is still used by the Vatican for ceremonies. St. Peter's Basilica also contains an observatory, which provides visitors with a bird's-eye view of Rome.
With 137 steps over twelve different flights, the Piazza di Spagna has an irregular symmetric structure connecting the Trinità dei Monti with the square below. The Piazza di Spagna is one of the most popular gathering places in Rome, attracting tourists and locals. Visitors frequently choose the location to socialize and admire the view that the steps provide. The busiest time to visit the staircase is in May when the steps are decorated with flowers.
The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is the largest and most well known Baroque fountain in Rome. Designed by Nicola Salvi in 1732 and completed in 1762, the fountain features a statue of Neptune (God of the Sea), followed by two Tritons. Tradition holds that visitors who throw coins in the fountain will be granted good fortune and guaranteed a return to the city of Rome.
The Roman Forum was the center of commerce in ancient Rome, where the administration of justice, business, prostitution and religious activities took place. It was the central area that all the important structures in ancient Rome were built around. The Forum was created by the architect Vitruvius and is the site of important Roman architecture, such as the Arch of Septimius Severus and the Roman Forum Rostra. The area contains statues, monuments and ruins of ancient Rome.
