Construction of the Colosseum, whose ancient name is the Flavian Amphitheatre, began in 72 AD and was finished in 80 AD. Emperor Vespasian ordered the amphitheatre be built during his rule as the founder of the Flavian Dynasty. The building earned the name Colosseum in the seventh century due to the Colossus statue of Nero formerly standing nearby. Within the forum, gladiators fought, mythological plays were performed, animals were hunted and sacrificed, and executions were carried out. The building's southern side received damage during an earthquake in 847, while the marble exterior was removed and used for other buildings. Visitors can walk through the ruins and interact with men dressed as ancient gladiators. If travelers visit around Easter time, the Pope leads a torchlit procession known as the Way of the Cross to the Colosseum on Good Friday.
Colosseum
Piazza del Colosseo
Lazio, Rome, Italy
+011-6-399-67700
Italy is well known for being the home of gelato, a type of smoother, creamier ice cream. When in Rome, visitors can be treated to what many customers and food critics call the best gelato in the world. Il Gelato di San Crispino prides itself on using the freshest ingredients for gelato, never including artificial coloring and flavoring. The flavors available vary seasonally, and occasionally daily, depending upon what the local market has to offer. The small restaurant features flavors, such as cinnamon, plum, fig and the signature flavor of honey. Lines often extend into the street for this gelato, but many say it is well worth the wait. An added bonus is that upon buying gelato, visitors can walk around the corner to eat near Rome's famed Trevi Fountain.
Il Gelato di San Crispino
Via della Panetteria 42
Rome, Italy
+011-6-679-3924
ilgelatodisancrispino.it
In 1861, Italy became a united country, and because King of Sardinia Victor Emmanuel II had been such a central force in this unification, he was appointed the first king of the newly united Italy. Construction started on a monument to the king in 1885 and was completed in 1911. Inside the monument are several different buildings, including the Museo Central del Risorgimento and the Sagrario delle Bandiere. The Museo Centrale features exhibits portraying the struggle to unify Italy, as well as a maze of underground tunnels. The Sagrario holds many naval exhibits and any special exhibits that come to Il Vittoriano. Il Vittoriano also features a large staircase leading to the Altar of the Nation, which has a large statue of the former king and a tomb with an unknown soldier. From this higher location, visitors get a panoramic view of the city.
Il Vittoriano
Via di San Pietro
Carcere, Rome, Italy
+011-6-699-1718
