Located in the heart of piazza de Colosseo and originally called the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Roman Colosseum was the largest building in the Roman Empire era and is one of the most visited attractions in Italy. The founder of the Flavian Dynasty started construction of it in A.D. 72. The building was completed in A.D. 80. Designed to hold 55,000 spectators, the Colosseum was used to entertain Roman citizens with day and weeklong games, such as gladiator fights and animal combats. The southern side of the structure fell during an earthquake in the year 847 A.D., but it is still an imposing sight and a favorite spot on Roman tours.
Bordering the Piazza della Rotonda in the heart of historic Rome, the Pantheon was built between A.D. 118 and A.D. 125. It is comprised of a series of intersecting arches that support a large dome and features huge columns in the front of the structure. It is one of the most preserved buildings from ancient Rome and highlights the innovative architectural skills of the ancient Romans. Originally a temple dedicated to Pagan gods, the Pantheon was given to Pope Boniface the VIII in A.D. 608 and was then used as a Catholic church.
The Roman Forum was designed by the architect Vitruvius and was the site of ancient Rome's most important and influential buildings, including the Rostra and the Arch of Septimius Severus. Originally a marketplace, the area developed into the center of ancient Roman business, commerce, religion and law. It is located between Palatine Hill and Capitoline Hill in Rome and is comprised of many historical structures, including the Arch of Titus, Temple of Vesta, Temple of Saturn, Temple of Castor and Pollux, Basilica of Julia and church of San Luca e Martina.
Completed in A.D. 216, the Baths of Caracalla were named after the emperor Caracalla and are a classic example of ancient Roman bathhouses. They feature three main bathing rooms, including a cold pool, lukewarm pool and hot pool, and could hold up to 1,600 bathers at one time. The baths were also decorated with elaborate mosaics, some of which are still intact. The ruins have been well preserved and are the site of opera concerts in the summertime.
