Rome has a charming blend of old and new traditions, many hotels and shopping sites, delicious dishes and classical culture. With a culture that has a two thousand year history, stories says that the city was founded by twins Romulus and Remus. As you would imaging, being a busy European capital city, there is plenty to do here.
The Criminal Museum in Rome
The Criminal Museum, run by the Ministry of Justice, is housed in what used to be a prison so its authenticity is not in question! Built in the early 19th century for Pope Leo XIII, numerous offices of Rome's police departments call it home. The museum has three sections: one dedicated to the main categories of crimes; one that deals with investigation techniques and police search methods; and one that covers what is involved in serving a criminal sentence. 'Punishment and Crimes' - gory and gruesome - attracts the most visitors. Life-sized models illustrate how criminals were dealt with for centuries the world over, including the infamous Iron Maiden.
The magnificent Colusseum is a wonderful sight after dark
Coliseum
No trip to Rome is complete without a visit to the iconic structure. This was the largest site constructed during the Roman Empire and took a decade to finish. Standing 160-feet tall with a seating capacity of up to 50,000, the stadium hosted infamous gladiatorial contests, public spectacles and it was also the place Romans fed Christians to the lions.
Circus Maximus
This place makes Wembley Stadium seem woefully inadequate. The Circus Maximus was one of the largest arenas ever built with a huge capacity of several hundred thousand. It is famous for the 64 AD fire that left masses of casualties, and the city in ruins.
Vatican City
Home of the Pope, Vatican City is one of the holiest places in the world and the only place on earth where people speak Latin. It is an independent state right in the middle of Rome. Just 108.seven acres,with a population of 800, the Vatican has a broadcasting facility, flag, postage stamps, currency, citizenship, newspaper and station. The must-see sites are St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Stay on your feet
The best way to see Rome is on foot. At street level is also where you will discover those unexpected gems; the fresh smell of a bakery, the traditional handmade leather of a local craftsman or perhaps the piazza that seems stuck a world long since past
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Top Ten Things to Do in Rome
St. Peter’s Basilica – St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world. This magnificent and ancient structure features a large number of artworks, including Michelangelo’s Pieta, as well as a museum and underground tombs of former popes (grottoes), and a tower, which leads to Michelangelo’s dome. Once you reach the dome observatory, you will enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Rome. Vatican City, Rome, Ph: +39 06 6988 3712, http://www.saintpetersbasilica.org
The Colosseum – The Colosseum attracts more visitors than any other historic structure in Rome. Tough to miss, the Colosseum reaches 159 feet into the sky and it measures a massive 616 feet by 511 feet. This ancient amphitheater was the setting for public entertainment such as the infamous (and cruel) gladiator combat spectacles as well as other forms of “entertainment.” The Colosseum, which could accommodate 55,000 spectators pouring in from more than eight different entrances, features Corinthian, Doris, and Ionic styles – the ancient world’s classical styles. Address: Piazza del Colosseo Rome, Ph: +39 06 39967700, http://www.pierreci.it
Trajan’s Market – Considered an excellent example of urban Roman architecture. Built between 107 and 110 A.D., the market consists of warehouses, offices, and shops. Goods such as wine, oil, vegetables, fruits, and other groceries were sold here. The market also contains two spacious halls that were used for educational seminars, speeches, and concerts. Location: Via Quattro Novembre 144 on the Via de Fori Imperali at the opposite end of the Colosseum. +39 06 67900487.
The Pantheon – The 141 foot dome is the major attraction here and until 1436, it was the largest dome in the world. At more than 1,800 years old, the Pantheon offers a look back into the great Roman Empire. The Pantheon is located in the historic center of Rome – Piazza del Rotonda, surrounded by numerous cafes, street vendors, and bustle. Admission is free. Contact: +39 06 68300230.
Vatican Museums – Made up of a collection of some of the world’s most fascinating museums, the Vatican Museums is actually a complex of museums which house hundreds of thousands of artworks – considered the finest collection of art on the planet. The complex includes the one of the most popular attractions in Rome – the Sistine Chapel, as well as Gregorian Egyptian Museum (founded in 1839), the Vatican Pinacoteca (opened in 1932), the Ethnological Missionary Museum (founded in 1926) and the Vatican Historical Museum, to name a few. Vatican City. Fax Reservations: +39 06 69885100 (groups), +39 06 69884019 (individuals), E-mail: visiteguidate.musei@scv.va, http://www.vatican.va/phome_en.htm
Museum of Roman Civilization – This museum is a little out of the way, but it is a must see for all visitors to Rome. Located in the modern city Esposizione Universale Roma (or EUR), the Museum of Roman Civilization (Museo della Civilta Romana) is considered one of Rome’s most unique and interesting museums. The building itself is divided into 59 sections – each an illustration of the history of Roman civilization. EUR is located roughly 4.3 miles south the historic city center. Contact: +39 06 5926041.
Villa Borghese – If you want to take a break from all of the museums, you can take a stroll through Villa Borghese or visit the Bioparco – Rome Zoo, which sits in the center of the park. Villa Borghese is the largest public park in Rome and it also houses several museums, although there is plenty to do besides museum hopping here. The 148-acre park also has fountains, lakes, temples, and statues to explore. Bioparco: http://ww.bioparco.it
Piazza Barberini and Triton Fountain – Piazza Barberini features several must-see Rome attractions. Built in 1643, the Fountain of the Triton was created by sculptor Berini. It consists of four dolphins holding an open clam -- Triton sits on the clam. Other attractions here include the Museum of Ancient Art – housed in Barberini Palace, and the Fountain of Bees, Via delle Quattro Fontane, 13, +39 06 32810; +39 06 4814591.
Arch of Septimius Severus – The Arch of Septimius Severus or just “The Arch,” is located at the western end of the Forum, near Capitoline Hill. The well-preserved site
Baths of Caracalla – Built between 212 and 219 A.D., the Baths of Caracalla (more than 50 baths) was the second largest baths complex in ancient Rome. While the complex was originally decorated with elaborate mosaics and statues, only several still remain. However, at 27 acres and room for 1,700 people, the ruins are still well worth the visit as it is quite a magnificent site. The Baths of Caracalla is located just southeast of ancient Rome’s center at Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, +39 06 39967700.
View a slideshow of beautiful images of Rome from Flickr:
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