Rome Attractions

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Visitors love Rome for its beauty and variety of attractions that you can see. While you're staying in Rome, be sure to allow yourself enough time to truly enjoy the sights. You can easily rent a beautiful vacation apartment convenient to any of these sights.

The Colosseum

This is probably Rome's best-known attraction, once known as the Flavian Amphitheater. The building was completed in 80 A.D. At its highest point, the Colosseum is 159 ft. off the ground. The level below the floor was where the animals were housed, in cages that could be hoisted up. The wealthier, more important citizens of Rome sat in the first story seating area. The lower classes, as well as Roman women, were seated on the fourth level. A major feature of the Colosseum was the velarium, a large awning that could be drawn to protect attendees from the hot sun. When games were held in the structure, they usually lasted for several days. Various exotic animals were shown to the public. Gladiators would engage in fights to the death with the animals. Though in ruins today, the Colosseum serves as an important monument to early Roman culture.

The Pantheon

This was probably Rome's most important temple in the time of the Empire. It features one of the largest domes in the world. This dome was carefully made to ensure that its weight would hold up. The columns used on the outside portico were originally made in Egypt. It was originally used as a temple dedicated to all of Rome's various gods. In the seventh century, it was formally converted into a church. Today, the building is kept in excellent condition. The floor is made of marble and features the original Roman design from when the building was still a temple.
Several tombs are housed within the church, including the tomb of artist Raphael. The Piazza della Rotonda is a busy square located in front of the Pantheon.

The Trevi Fountain

This fountain is one of Rome's best-known landmarks. It's famous due to its legend about tossing coins. Visitors stand with their back to the fountain and toss a coin in. The legend states that you'll come back to Rome if you toss the coin into the fountain. The fountain itself is at the end of an aqueduct that has been around since 19 B.C. Neptune and two horses form the center of the fountain. Two other statues flank Neptune, with one being Salubrity and the other Abundance. Bas reliefs depict Agrippa, the builder of the original aqueduct, and others.

St. Peter's Basilica

The church stands on the site where St. Peter the Apostle is buried. It is currently the largest church building in the world, with a total of 45 altars. The church was originally constructed in 349 A.D. on the site of an existing shrine to St. Peter. A major rebuilding of the structure took place in the early 16th century. Michelangelo contributed significantly to the artwork, including the famous Pieta. Bernini designed the Throne of St. Peter and the Papal altar. The dome is accessible to the public by stairs or elevator, offering an impressive city view.
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Gaizka Pujana has 1 articles online


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This article was published on 2011/04/16