Sights of Rome – 35 most interesting places
The Eternal City, as ancient Rome is called, is fabulously interesting and diverse, containing a lot of historical monuments, artistic attractions and architectural masterpieces. The whole history of the once mighty empire is reflected in them, attracting with its secrets an endless pilgrimage of tourists from all over the world. This article will provide practical advice on how not to get lost among the old cobblestone squares, majestic temples and museums, how to make better use of time to see the main sights of Rome. With the help of our guide you will be able to make the best route around the city.
spanish stairs
It is a kind of bridge between the stronghold of the French monarchy in Rome – the Trinita de Monti Church and the Spanish Square – a symbol of the Spanish stay in the Italian capital at the beginning of the 18th century. The grandiose building, consisting of 158 travertine steps, has become a real architectural masterpiece. The wide central part of the polished steps is framed on both sides by spans in the form of crescents. To smooth out the contradictions between the French and the Spaniards, the architects decorated the side walls with heraldic symbols of the Bourbons and papal paraphernalia in the form of an eagle and a crown.
For more than 2 centuries, the majestic building has not undergone even the slightest repair. In this original form, millions of viewers saw it in the famous “Roman Holiday”, when the charming heroine Audrey Hebpern eats ice cream, sitting on a stone step. Many more times the Spanish Steps appeared in various movie scenes. Now the wide steps serve as a stage for demonstrating clothing collections of famous Italian fashion designers, as well as an arena for theatrical performances and concerts.
Book a private transfer from the airport to your hotel for 3 882 RUB
capitol hill
One of the seven hills on which the city was born, the Capitoline is the lowest and smallest in area. Despite this, it has always been the main center of the Eternal City. At its top is the Capitoline Square, on which there was a temple erected in the 5th century BC. e. in honor of the gods of Ancient Rome: Jupiter, Minerva and Juno. But until the 16th century A.D. e. the hill was in the strongest decline, overgrown with grass, goats grazed on it.
Now everyone who comes to Capitol Hill can appreciate the architectural masterpieces located on the square of the same name. Right in its center is the bronze figure of Marcus Aurelius, one of the most progressive Roman emperors. The statue of Mark sitting on a mighty rearing horse is surrounded by luxurious medieval buildings: the Palace of the Senators, the Palace of the Conservatives, the New Palace, the Church of Santa Maria in Aracheli, the Capitoline Museum. The ingenious author of these architectural masterpieces depicted on them many symbolic messages to the future, over the interpretation of which scholars are racking their brains. How happy everyone can feel who sees them and can unravel the meaning of these symbolic decorations on the palaces of the Capitol.
Be sure to go to the Basilica of St. Mary of Araceli to touch the miraculous sculpture of the infant Christ and admire the unusual wooden carvings of the altar. In order not only to see all the significant objects of the Capitol, but also to reliably learn their history, it is better to visit them as part of a group with a guide.
Open: 09.00-17.30. Entrance is free.
Address: Capitoline Square (Piazza del Campidoglio).
To get to it on foot, you can take the Colosseum as a landmark, walk 15-20 minutes from it to the Capitol Hill. Along the way, you can see the Roman Forum and Venetian Square. For such a walk, it is better to choose the morning time. If you go in the midst of a tourist pilgrimage, it is better to climb a small staircase with a wooden canopy (pergola) located on the right or along Andreozzi (neighboring steep stairs).
Metro (line B), st. colosseo.
Buses: 30, 51, 81, 83, 85, 87, 118, 160, 170, 628, 810 to stop. Ara Coeli-Piazza Venezia. Tram: 8 – go to the final stop. Venice.
Coliseum
The most majestic large-scale arena in the world was built in the 8th century AD. e. and was the main symbol of the power of the Roman Empire. The name of the ancient amphitheater is consonant with the word “colossus”, denoting its huge size and future longevity. Otherwise, the Colosseum was called the “Flavian Amphitheatre.”
At that time, it was the most capacious building in the world, capable of simultaneously receiving 55 thousand spectators in its stands. They enthusiastically watched the deadly fights of gladiators, water battles of ships (the arena was filled with water from the Tiber) and other competitions in which few survived. With the rise of Christianity, bloody gladiator fights ceased at the beginning of the 5th century. The importance of the Colosseum as an arena for performances was gradually lost, and it began to be used as a stable, storage and shelter for the homeless.
Now it is the greatest monument of ancient architecture, the construction of which is an example of an ingenious project, providing for the extraordinary durability and strength of a colossal structure. The basis of such stability is formed by numerous arched vaults, which allowed not only to save building materials, ensure a long life for the walls, but also to make the huge building outwardly delicately elegant. Preserving the majestic remains for posterity is a matter of honor for the Italians, and viewing the most valuable monument of Roman civilization is the civic duty of every tourist.
To save time and money on travel, it is rational to combine a visit to the Colosseum with an excursion to the Capitol Hill, because these objects are located close to each other (see above). In order not to stand in line for a long time at the box office of the Colosseum, you can buy it (ticket) at the entrance to the Roman Forum, walking from the Capitol.
Адрес: Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Rome.
How to get there: metro (line B), st. Coliseum. Buses: 60,75, 85, 87, 175, 186, 271, 571, 810, 850. 3rd tram line.
Museum Complex of the Vatican
Despite the small area of the Vatican (0.45 sq. km), its buildings house many museums and art galleries, examining which, one can draw a conclusion about the political and economic power of the mini-state. Here is collected the largest number of priceless treasures, works of art, literature, historical monuments.
The Etruscan Museum contains exhibits found during archaeological excavations: Etruscan vases, bronze jewelry, various art objects. Founded in 1839, the Egyptian Museum exhibits ancient Egyptian artifacts, including stone masks, mummies, various sarcophagi, Egyptian household items, and a sand statue of Pharaoh Mentuhotep. .
Pinacoteca (18 rooms) – a collection of art paintings on a religious theme by the best Italian painters who worked from the 11th to the 19th century. Here are the masterpieces of Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, da Vinci and others. In addition to paintings, the halls contain unique icons, tapestries, sculptures, and mosaic panels.
The Belvedere courtyard contains 2 palaces: Nicholas V and Innocent VII – both buildings are magnificent with their classical architecture, antique statues in wall niches. In the common courtyard stands the original bronze sculpture “Sphere in the Sphere”.
The Sistine Chapel is an undoubted pearl among the Vatican Museums, which is painted with amazing frescoes by Michelangelo with biblical scenes, Botticelli, Perugino, etc. The Vatican Library is a receptacle for a huge collection of printed and handwritten rarities of antiquity, recent past and present.
It is better to visit museums with a guide, if this is not possible, you can pay for an audio guide along with tickets.
Museums are open: Monday-Saturday, 09.00-18.00; except Sundays, days declared public and great church holidays.
Address: Viale Vaticano.
How to get there: from Termini railway station by metro (line A), stop. S Peter.
Buses: 32, 49, 81, 492, 982 to stop. Museums of the Vatican.
Tram 19 – stop. Piazza del Risorqimento and walk 100 m from it.
On foot from Termini – along the street. Via Nazionale; from sq. Venice – on the street. Corso Vittorio Emmanuele.
The Sistine Chapel
Outwardly, a modest, unremarkable building was erected on the territory of the Vatican by order of Pope Sixtus IV as a house church (1473-1483), in which the papal leadership could safely hide in time of danger. But the interior decoration, the decoration of the Sistine Chapel simply plunges you into an emotional shock with the unprecedented beauty of the ceiling and wall frescoes. Their authors were the most prominent painters of that time: Michelangelo, Botticelli, Perugino and others. All the works of Michelangelo are eternal masterpieces over which the ages have no power.
Causes sacred awe of his main brainchild – a huge fresco that occupies the entire wall behind the altar “Last Judgment”. Its warning story about a universal catastrophe, the characters are so expressive in expressing their feelings that they act on the audience more convincingly than any sermon and moralizing. The ingenious master devoted 4 years of tireless work to painting. This chapel is a true treasure trove of biblical and Old Testament stories depicted in artistic form. If you are in the Vatican, be sure to visit it to touch the high spiritual beauty!
Stanza Raphael
In 4 small rooms of the papal palace of the Vatican, one can see frescoes painted on the vaults of the ceiling and walls, amazing in terms of artistic expressiveness and divinity. The great Raphael reflected in them the philosophical views of the rulers of the Vatican, poetry, justice, history, legends and traditions of the past. The images of the Holy Trinity, the Mother of God, John the Baptist, Dante, Aristotle, Pythagoras, Plato and other famous personalities are painted with great love. The unfading beauty of the painting has been staggering the imagination of everyone who comes here for many centuries.
25-year-old Rafael put his heart, soul and physical strength into this work, leaving his masterpieces as a great gift to future generations. The fresco “Constantine” was already painted by the students of Raphael. There are not enough words to express how beautiful his frescoes are. To see them is a great happiness!
Saint Paul's Cathedral
This cathedral – one of the four main religious shrines – was built in memory of the crucified associate of Christ, who was martyred in the era of Nero. At the place of his burial, a majestic cathedral was erected, which was rebuilt many times, reconstructed and acquired its current magnificent appearance. Eminent masters also worked on it, including Michelangelo and his students.
The classic masterpiece of architecture shines with external and internal beauty, grandeur and scale. Inside there are many sculptures, bas-reliefs, murals, which are first-class works of art. The statue of St. Peter is impressive, which, according to the parishioners, has miraculous power (everyone strives to touch it). The ashes of several popes and noble aristocrats rest in the cathedral. In the sacristy of the temple, the Museum of Treasures of the Cathedral is organized, where religious Catholic artifacts are collected. You need to buy a separate ticket here, and a general inspection of the cathedral is free.
How to get there:
Metro (line A): stop. Ottaviano Cipro.
Tram 19, stop. Risorgimento – San Pietro.
Buses: N 590 (stop Risorgimento); N49th – stop. Musei Vatiicano
Pantheon
The Pantheon is an ancient temple built, presumably, in the 2nd century BC. n. e. in honor of the ancient Roman gods, has become another striking symbol of the Roman Empire. In terms of the genius of its implementation, its design is not inferior to the Colosseum, confirming once again the idea that there are talents at all times. The fact that it has survived unchanged to this day testifies to the ability of architects to conscientiously build for centuries. It is hard to believe that the towering dome of the monument weighs 5 thousand tons and has not yet collapsed, as happens in some modern buildings.
Moreover, in the dome there is a through hole with a diameter of 9 m, through which precipitation enters. The Pantheon struck the imagination of the great creators of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, who considered it the true receptacle of the divine spirit. Raphael, like many other famous personalities, he is buried in it (which he dreamed about). There are not enough words to describe all the grandeur, grace and beauty of this architectural masterpiece. You only need to see how millions of pilgrims from all over the world do it.
To thoroughly inspect this wonderful building, you should come here immediately after the opening (09.00 – 19.00), because during the day there is a constant “flesh” of tourists. Entrance is free, you can visit without restrictions.
Адрес: Piazza della Rotonda, 00186, Rome.
How to get there: metro (line A), st. Barberini.
Buses: 30, 40, 62, 64, 81, 87, 49.
Tram: 8.
St. Peter's Square
A unique historical object is St. Peter's Square, the need for which appeared after the construction of the majestic cathedral of the devoted disciple of Christ, who was martyred. So many believers came here that the temple was not able to accommodate everyone. Therefore, it was necessary to equip the square, which has become the most beautiful and famous in the world: from the window of his residence, located here, the Pope addresses the parishioners.
This is a favorite place for residents of all ages and tourists sightseeing the square. The majestic Peter's Cathedral, the ancient Egyptian granite obelisk, wonderful fountains, the sculptural monuments of the holy apostles Peter and Paul, the architectural masterpiece – the residence of the Pope – everything is so beautiful and magnificent around that you simply become dumb with admiration.
If the stay in the city is short, a tour of the square may be preceded by an excursion to the Vatican, as it is located on the border with a mini-state. You can come here early, when there are still few people on it, examine everything in detail and then go to the Vatican Museums. This will save time and money on travel, and the day will be full of unforgettable impressions. During the break, you can have lunch and relax in the nearby cafes.
How to get to the square: Taking the metro (line B) to Ottaviano San-Pietro station is a great experience, but don't let your guard down among the mixed crowds in the carriages.
Advice to the ladies: if temperamental young machos begin to court you gallantly, do not relax so as not to get into the situation of the heroine Inna Churikova in the film Casanova's Cloak. These courtship, smiles, passionate looks can end in hard extortion of money for flirting.
Buses go to the square: 23, 34, 40, 271 (the most convenient routes). You can drive up by taxi or rented car, if you do not save money.
Roman forum
This is the territory of hoary antiquity, where the pulse of social and political life of the center of a great empire once beat, where triumphal processions took place, laws were passed and the fate of people and states was decided. Here, in luxurious marble palaces, powerful emperors, dressed in crimson togas, ruled; People's meetings and all the most important fateful state events were held here.
The antique open-air museum is an exciting sight, beckoning with the dust of distant epochs, the grandeur of noble ruins, the opportunity to clearly travel back many centuries and experience a thrilling sense of belonging to the unique sights seen. And there are many of them, and each has an interesting story. Those who want to get acquainted with them in more detail have the opportunity to use an audio guide (4 Є) or the services of a guide.
If you wish, here you can take a picture with the “gladiators” (men in gladiator costumes) as a keepsake.
Адрес: Via della Salaria Vecchia, 5/6
Entrance open: every day, 08.00 – 17.00, Apr.-Oct. – until 17.30.
Santa Maria Maggiore
The construction of one of the main 4 churches is based on the legend of the prophetic dream of the Bishop of Liberius, in which the Blessed Virgin who appeared to him ordered to build a temple where snow would fall in the morning. This explains the construction of the basilica on the Esquiline Hill. Even now, 05.08 every year on the square in front of the church they celebrate the day of the miraculous snowfall, when hundreds of white petals soar up and fall in the temple, symbolizing snowflakes from the prophetic dream of the bishop. In the evening, everything is repeated on the square after the festive concert.
St. Mary's Church is a real architectural marvel, created by the collective efforts of many talented architects, sculptors, masters of painting and engraving. Among the unsurpassed artistic masterpieces in interior design, mosaic paintings (5th century), magnificent frescoes with Old Testament subjects, and floor ornaments (13th century) that amaze the imagination have been preserved.
A priceless treasure – the Holy Cradle of Jesus at the central altar with a statue of Pius IX, kneeling respectfully before the shrine. Admiration is the incredible beauty of the design and magnificent decoration of the chapels, tombs and all the premises of the basilica. To see with your own eyes the whole range of colors, lines, details of amazing church interiors, to feel the high spirituality – great happiness! Such visits inspire talented people to create poetic and musical masterpieces, such as the songs “Roman Midnight” and “Santa Maria Maggiore”.
Address: pl. Saint Mary Maggiore, 42.
It is easier to get to the church on foot from the railway station Termini on the street. Cavour (10 min walk)
Open for settlement every day, 07.00-19.00.
Baths of Caracalla
To be precise, it must be said that the Baths of Caracalla are now the ancient ruins of a once grandiose structure built in the 2nd century AD. e. during the time of Marcus Aurelius, nicknamed Caracalla. But even from the ruins, one can judge the power and wealth of the Roman emperors, who were able to create such complexes. The Baths of Caracalla is not just a bath, but a whole plant, where conditions were created for a comfortable pastime: you could take a steam bath, wash yourself, splash around in a huge pool located in a spacious hall. In the baths there was an opportunity to play various board games, go in for active sports or just sit in a cozy atmosphere.
Now they have traces of luxurious decoration: the remains of a magnificent floor and wall cladding made of colored mosaics. Judging by the incredible thickness of the walls, it is easy to imagine what a huge amount of materials went into construction. Here are concerts of celebrities, famous symphony orchestras, whose performances look very romantic against the backdrop of majestic ruins. Baths is a valuable architectural monument, testifying to the highest level of civilization of the former empire. If you wish, you can walk among the noble ruins for hours.
Trevi Fountain
A grandiose sculptural masterpiece is too primitive to call a fountain, although, in fact, it has been a source of clean water since the 13th century. However, the ambitious intentions of the Roman popes to decorate Trevi Square as luxuriously as possible turned the once modest drinking spring into a real artistic and architectural miracle. It was created by several architects and sculptors for almost 30 years (1732-1762), creating a unique frame of magnificent sculptures that make up ancient scenes for flowing water.
The mighty Neptune, who is raised from the water element by sea horses and tritons harnessed to a chariot; the goddesses of Health and Abundance greet those who came to the fountain with divine dignity. The latter generously throw coins to the stone ladies (1.5 million Є per year!) in the hope of their mercy. The sculptural composition of the fountain successfully complements the look of the ancient palace, creating the impression of a single complex of stunning beauty.
The Trevi Fountain has repeatedly flashed in documentaries and feature films, on the covers of magazines and postcards. The bright love scene of the film “La Dolce Vita” by F. Felinni takes place just in the January water of the fountain, the heroes of Gregory Peck and Audrey Hebpern, A. Celentano and O. Mutti met against his background in other films. Recently, the fountain is back in operation after reconstruction.
How to get there:
You can take the metro (line A) to the stop. Spagna or Barberini. A little walk from them.
August Forum
Another ancient remnant of the former greatness of the Roman Empire is the Forum of Augustus, which paid much attention to the development of construction and architecture. All the buildings of the Forum of Augustus were part of the Roman Forum and were surrounded by a high protective wall (30 m high), which is quite well preserved. Several columns, part of the podium and a staircase to the temple survived from the main temple of Mars. The surviving statue of Mars is now on display in the Capitoline Museum as an example of prehistoric art.
Time has not destroyed the arched entrance vaults of the Forum of Augustus. Arches – a very persistent element of Ancient Rome – were used in the construction of all colossal buildings, and now modern architects are actively using arched technologies in the construction of monumental structures.
You can get there by metro (line B) to the stop. Coliseum. To get a better idea of these buildings, you can examine all 4 (they are located nearby).
Rocca Savello area
The uniqueness of this area of the main city of the Apennine Peninsula lies in the fact that it is a kind of combination of a steep climb and a garden. If you want to see unusual panoramas of the city, appreciate its scale and take a fresh look at already familiar sights, you should definitely take the time to visit this unique place.
The rise is located in the very center, not far from the Big Circus. As soon as you find yourself here, you will be visited by feelings of peace and slight envy. After all, how can one city absorb so much beauty? On the entire planet, only Rome can boast of chic gardens that have intertwined with stone monuments for many, many centuries.
Take your camera with you, and you are guaranteed to be able to capture the Italian capital from an interesting angle. Later, you will be able to proudly show these pictures to your friends and relatives, forcing them to puzzle over what kind of city was in front of their eyes.
Quarter Coppede
The fabulous quarter known as Coppede is located near the Policlinico metro station. Fairy palaces, frog fountains and one-of-a-kind architecture of buildings – all this and much more awaits every guest. Among those tourists who managed to visit the unusual quarter, there is an opinion that it is strikingly different from all other areas of the city. This place will surprise you from the very entrance, which is decorated with a unique arch that connects the two Palaces of Ambassadors. As the name implies, diplomatic representatives once lived in these apartments.
After taking a few steps, you will come across the statue of the Madonna, which seems to invite you to visit this amazing quarter. I almost forgot to mention a huge forged chandelier, which is another decoration of the entrance arch. Even after so many centuries, it looks grandiose, you can see its smallest details and appreciate the tremendous work done by its creators.
Immediately behind the arch, you will see the impressive Piazza Mincio, which among the locals is called the “heart” of the quarter. A few words should be said about the history of the origin of the quarter. At the beginning of the 20th century, an architect named Coppede received an unusual commission. The main idea was to create a quarter of Rome, which would combine all known styles of architecture. The construction was carried out at the personal expense of Cerruti. It took more than 10 years to build all the buildings.
Although the quarter was initially considered as an area for the middle strata of the population, as a result, thanks to the mass of attractions and an unusual approach to the implementation of the project, Coppede liked the more affluent segments of the city's population. And today the quarter is one of the most popular, and its real estate is considered the most sought after. And a few words should be said about the most unusual fountain. The fountain of frogs got its name due to the abundance of stone sculptures of these animals, which are located around its entire perimeter. They are accompanied by four mythical figurines.
Casina della Civette
The Italian pavilion villa, known as the “Casina della Civette”, attracts tourists with its unusual design. This place is reminiscent of some kind fairy tale, certainly with a happy ending. The unique building was presented to all of us by Giovanni Torlonia, who was the customer of such an unusual villa and the brilliant architect Giuseppe Valadier, who was able to create such a unique architectural project.
By the way, “civetta” is translated as an owl. It was this bird that the customer and a hereditary representative of the Roman nobility considered his talisman. It is not surprising that images of this bird can be found on every corner. Today, the villa has officially received the status of a museum, which everyone can visit. Without exaggeration, the grandiose building can be called unique.
Jewish Quarter
The Jewish ghetto is considered one of the oldest in the world. The first mention of Jewish diasporas in the vastness of Italy dates back to 161 BC. It is from this year that the mass migration of representatives of this nation to the territory of the Apennine Peninsula begins. When the post of Pope was taken by Paul IV Caraffa, all Jews were ordered to be moved to a special ghetto, and also marked with a special sign.
Their rights were significantly reduced, they were forbidden to engage in commercial activities. The Roman ghetto has a long history with more black pages than white ones. But the unique combination of sparse architecture and historical overtones make this place a magnet for many tourists who come to the Eternal City.
Particular attention should be paid to the Mattei Palace and the unique Turtle Fountain, which is located right in front of it. By the way, one very interesting legend is connected with this fountain, according to which the beautiful fountain was created in just one night by the hands of Duke Mattei, who wanted to show his best side to his future father-in-law. Being an avid gambler, he managed to lose his entire fortune, including the palace, in one night, putting himself in an unsightly light in front of the father of the future bride, who wanted to call off the wedding.
In order to somehow rehabilitate himself, he decided to create something unique overnight. And so, first, before the bride and father-in-law, and later before all the tourists, a beautiful view of the fountain opened up. Whether or not to believe such unusual legends is up to you, but the Turtle Fountain is always overflowing with coins of all those who long to return here again. In addition to the unique buildings, the ghetto boasts some of the best patisseries and bakeries in the entire city, so don't be lazy and visit a couple of them and check all the good reviews for yourself.
Botanical Garden
One of the most fascinating places for nature lovers is the Botanical Garden, located on the Gianicolo Hill. According to official information, the national park has more than 3,000 plants. It is recommended to visit this place for all lovers of romance, because the cozy paths winding among the lush greenery carry you into the world of beauty. Evening walks will turn out to be especially exciting, when the air is saturated with the special aromas of rare plants, allowing both the body and the soul to rest to the fullest and gain enough energy to go to conquer other areas tomorrow.
Colosseum in miniature
Another interesting place in the Eternal City, which is undeservedly forgotten by the compilers of tourist routes, is the Colosseum in Miniature. In fact, this is the most ancient gladiator simulator, which performed and brought victory to its owners in the most famous bloody arena in Italy.
It is impossible to overestimate the historical significance of this place. Every visitor to the city who is at least a little interested in the history of the Roman Empire, who is fond of gladiatorial fights, should include Ludus Magnus in the list of must-see places. It was here that the most bloody and impressive battles took place in the arena of the Colosseum, where the best fighters of the great Roman Empire honed their fighting skills.
Fountain of the Four Rivers
The construction of one of the famous fountains dates back to the middle of the 17th century. Its central element is a granite obelisk 16 meters high, created in ancient times. Both ancient Roman emperors, who ordered the dismantling of the monument and its installation in a new place, became the last in their ruling dynasties, were killed in the struggle for power. Sculptor Bernini (author of the fountain project) and Pope Innocent X (customer of the work) were not overtaken by the “curse of the obelisk”: each lived for more than 80 years.
Every day, thousands of tourists throw coins into the bowl of the fountain in Piazza Navona, making a wish to return to Rome. Initially, the obelisk had bas-reliefs of Isis and Serapis. In place of the ancient Egyptian gods, Italian masters placed Christian symbols. The top of the obelisk was decorated with a metal figure of a dove with an olive branch – a symbol of the Pamphili family, to which Innocent X belonged.
The monument was surrounded by a sculptural group of 4 figures of river gods: Danube, La Plata, Nile, Ganges. They symbolize Europe, America, Africa and Asia conquered by Christianity. Figures of animals, plants, a small lake became the final elements of the building in the Baroque style. Water enters the fountain through a system of ancient Roman drainage systems.
Fountain of Neptune
The building is located in the northern part of Piazza Navona. Initially, the fountain looked like a bowl. Its construction dates back to the 16th century. Not far from the water source, there were workshops where copper things were made. The building was called the “copper fountain”. After 300 years, the city authorities decided to reconstruct the bowl, various proposals were considered. After a scandal and accusations of corruption of the organizers of the competition, the projects of Antonio Della Bitta and Gregorio Zappali were chosen and combined.
Masters have created a neo-baroque masterpiece, whose elements form a single ensemble. Sculptors, one might say, invented a new myth about the deity. Neptune is surrounded by creatures familiar from legends, but in ancient times there were no legends about the battle of a god with an octopus! There is a version: the Italians knew about the kraken and did not dare to place the sculpture of the monster, because the appearance of the “elder relative of the octopus” promises earthquakes.
big circus
The largest ancient hippodrome on the banks of the Tiber River is associated with legends about Hercules, the abduction of the Sabine women, the deities of the harvest. Competitions in the circus began to be held in the 5th century BC. The dimensions of the arena allowed 12 chariots to race simultaneously. Annual competitions played a magical role and were timed to coincide with the end of the harvest. The circus served as an outdoor entertainment center. To this day, its semicircular arena with two obelisks, stone lower floors for privileged spectators have survived.
The wooden part of the buildings, where ordinary citizens could be, did not survive. A similar fate befell the taverns located above, trading shops. The circus was completed several times. Julius Caesar ordered to increase its area so that up to 250 thousand citizens of the empire could be at the hippodrome at the same time.
The circus burned repeatedly, its buildings fell into disrepair, hundreds of spectators died during performances – parts of the structure could not withstand the load. The hippodrome was repaired and continued to function until the 14th century. Then his stones were used in the construction of new buildings. Today, the circus hosts major concerts and mass celebrations.
Trajan's Forum
A significant part of the building, opened in 106, is intended for trade. The forum is named after the Roman emperor who ordered its construction. On the territory of the building there were temples of Trajan and Venus, who was deified during his lifetime. Near the altar in front of the statue of the goddess, the Romans entered into marital unions. The state had a system of marriage contracts. Compiled, signed documents in the buildings adjacent to the temple. The giant building was decorated with a triumphal arch and a column with a sculpture of Trajan.
The author of the forum project: Apollodorus of Damascus was exiled and executed by order of Adrian, the adopted son of the emperor. The construction outlived its creator for centuries, becoming the standard for ancient forums and medieval Christian churches. The size of its covered colonnades (from which fragments remain): 120 by 200 meters. Trajan's column 38 meters high, parts of the temple of Venus, the walls of the shopping arcade have survived to this day. Some columns of the two-tiered basilica, whose height was 50 meters, survived. The last building had nothing to do with religion: political and economic issues were resolved within its walls.
Caesar's Forum
The great ancient Roman commander and statesman was not a stranger to the beautiful: Julius Caesar profitably donated huge funds for the construction of temples, the implementation of ambitious projects. The forum named after him is proof of that. The time of the beginning of the construction of the structure is considered to be 54 BC, when Caesar purchased a site for construction for 100 million sesterces. The question remains: were they silver or copper coins? By minting money from inexpensive metal, the politician solved the problem of lack of funds in the empire's budget.
The acquired site already had the Roman Forum. It was expanded to a size of 75 by 170 meters. A temple of Venus and a basilica were erected nearby, which served as a stock exchange. Nearby there were shops, craft workshops. They were built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. It was he who, having come to power, ordered the execution of his father's favorite: the architect of the forum Trajan. The decoration of the complex and the reason for the scandal in society were the statues of Caesar and Cleopatra.
Free morals and the cult of the family in ancient Rome combined very interesting! Incest in the ruling dynasties, orgies, marriages with hetaerae, same-sex love did not cause censure, the Egyptian queen-lover – on the contrary. After fires, wars, improperly organized excavations, parts of the arched gallery, columns, fragments of buildings remained from the former splendor of the complex. Here you can see the bronze statue of Caesar (an exact copy of the lost antique masterpiece made of marble).
Villa Medici
At this place in ancient times there was a palace and a garden where Messalina, the third wife of the ancient Roman emperor Claudius, was killed. The name of this woman has become a symbol of debauchery. Emperor Nero, famous for his cruelty, is her own grandson. Valeria Messalina grew up in an atmosphere of political intrigue and orgies. In an effort to gain power over the empire, she decided to kill her husband (her blood relative) and put her lover on the throne. Messalina was captured by the supporters of Claudius, accused of state conspiracy, insulting the gods, and executed in front of her mother.
Until the 16th century, vineyards were located here. Representatives of the oligarchic Medici dynasty bought the plot in order to build a villa. The building was erected according to the canons of mannerism (one of the forms of the early baroque). The Medici invested heavily in the acquisition of antique rarities. During the arrangement of the villa, ancient Roman artifacts found on the site were used.
After 200 years, the direct branch of the dynasty was interrupted, the owners of the building were representatives of the no less influential Alsatian house. Later, the property, by order of Napoleon, became the property of the French Academy of Arts. The building still belongs to France. The Academy implements a policy of accessible education: it admits Italians and citizens of other states without exams.
Castle of the Holy Angel
In guidebooks, the building is often called the “Mausoleum of Hadrian”. The architectural monument consists of a cylinder-shaped building surrounded by a wall of a square courtyard. The figure of an angel is installed on the terrace of the castle. Initially, the building served as a tomb, then – a castle-fortress and a papal residence, where luxurious apartments and torture chambers, reception halls and secret underground passages side by side. Today the castle is a military history museum.
Mystics call it a place of power. According to the legends: in the 16th century, the Archangel Michael appeared here, after which the plague epidemic stopped. The beginning of the construction of the “Sad Castle” (another name for the structure) dates back to the 2nd century. The mausoleum, lined with white marble, contained the tombs of ancient Roman emperors, including Hadrian. The ancient treasures were plundered during the capture of the fortress by the Visigoths, and the clergy also contributed to the destruction of the tombs.
Later, the castle was repeatedly restored, changes were made to its layout, rooms were equipped for the papal library, jewelry, and a secret archive. The decorative elements on the facade were made in the Baroque style, a clock was placed on the main building, but this did not change the sinister atmosphere of the fortress, where representatives of the criminal Borgia dynasty once lived.
Bridge of the Holy Angel
Historians date the construction of the footbridge across the Tiber River to the 2nd century. The construction connects the center and the fortress-castle of the Holy Angel. They form a single architectural ensemble. Both monuments are united by a common history, far from romance and medieval ballads about noble knights.
The corpses of heretics executed in the castle, criminals and simply not pleasing to the Holy See of Italian subjects were hung on the bridge.
Marble slabs, magnificent sculptures visually make the gloomy place attractive, but tourists note the heavy atmosphere of the bridge. In the 15th century, the building partially collapsed due to the heavy load, pilgrims died. Repairs were made, after 100 years, statues of angels, the apostles Peter and Paul were installed along the pedestrian zone. However, the bridge did not turn into a favorite place for walks of foreigners and citizens.
Pincho Hill
The desire of ancient civilizations to build cities on seven hills, scientists explain by faith in the magic of numbers. Rome and Moscow were built according to this rule. However, the ancient city also has an eighth hill: Pincho. Its name comes from the surname of the dynasty of landowners who owned the plots in the area. Among the most famous properties located on the hill are the Borghese and Medici villas.
Pincho was located outside the city limits, but the beauty of the gardens blooming on a hill attracted aristocrats. Representatives of the elite acquired plots, villas, and the hill gradually became part of the city. The layout of the gardens and buildings changed several times. The French have lived here for a long time. Another of its names – “Caesar's Gardens” – the hill received thanks to the ambitious project of Napoleon.
As a result of various transformations, Pincho has turned into a park area with shady alleys, fountains, and benches. It is dominated by the canons of classicism. 228 busts of outstanding figures of science, culture, politics, art are placed here. From the height of the hill, magnificent views of the Eternal City open up, two monumental stairs lead to it. One was built in the neoclassical style, the other – according to the canons of the baroque.
Villa Borghese
The largest Italian landscape park is located on the Pincio hill, occupies 80 hectares, is famous for its magnificent landscapes, ponds, antique statues, and museums. The aesthetics of classicism are many-sided, and Villa Borghese is proof of this. The English style is the opposite of French, where strict lines reign. Classicist parks in Great Britain are man-made masterpieces inspired by nature, the harmony of natural beauty. This is the landscape solution chosen for the Italian villa.
The history of the park dates back to the 17th century. After 300 years, the state bought it and transferred it to the city. Later, children's attractions were placed on the territory. The latter are assigned certain areas so that young visitors do not interfere with lovers of silence. There are 3 museums, 2 galleries, the Globe Theater in the park, where you can see Shakespeare's plays in the interpretations adopted during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. Museum collections include works of Etruscan art and contemporary artists and sculptors. One of the galleries is named after the Borghese princely family. Its rooms contain paintings by Raphael, Titian, Caravaggio, Bartolomeo, Romano.
Keyhole
It is located at the gates of the Villa of the Order of Malta on the Aventine Hill. Guidebooks say: through an amazing keyhole, you can see 3 states at the same time. Is it so? The order of Malta, which owns the villa, is called the state. It belongs to the jurisdiction of the Roman Catholic Church. The oldest religious order in the world is a member of the UN and the Council of Europe, issues its own currency, issues passports, has the right to establish and break diplomatic relations.
Italy recognizes the sovereignty of the order, its government, the Constitution. Those who look through the keyhole also see St. Peter's Basilica. More precisely: the dome of the temple built on the territory of the Vatican. The sovereign dwarf state is headed by the Pope. The Vatican is a member of the UN, has a special international status, does not issue its own currency, and provides its citizens with passports. The third state is Italy, of which Rome is a part.
Church of Trinita dei Monti
Built in the 16th century, the temple is located on the Spanish Steps, which connects the square in the old part of the city with the top of Pincho hill. The church belongs to the category of titular. This means that the priest in charge of the parish has the rank of cardinal. Funds for the construction of the building were donated by Louis XII, for the restoration of the same object – by Louis XIII. France to this day is responsible for the state of the temple and the surrounding area.
The construction of the church lasted 80 years. Its architecture is focused on the canons of the late Renaissance, but in the interior and exterior there are elements of the Romanesque, Gothic style. The building suffered during the Napoleonic wars. Some of the decorative elements, paintings and frescoes have been lost forever. Later, changes were made to the interior and exterior decoration. In both towers of the church, the bell towers were restored, below which there are traditional and sundial.
Today the temple consists of several chapels dedicated to biblical events and Catholic saints. Its main relic is the work of the Italian sculptor Volterra “Descent from the Cross”. Among the most famous sights of the temple: an ancient obelisk near the facade and a white marble statue of Christ at the entrance to the inside of the building.
Church of Santa Maria del Popolo
The unique building was erected in the 16th century on the site of a Roman chapel. The church belongs to the Augustinian order, belongs to the category of titular, which gives the right to manage the parish only to the cardinal-priest. There is a version: Emperor Nero, who went down in history as a persecutor of Christians, is buried at this place. His soul (according to local legends) did not find peace and moved into the poplar.
Pope Paschal II saw the Virgin Mary, who ordered the tree to be cut down and a chapel erected to protect the Romans from evil spirits. Legends say: the icon of the Most Pure, created by the Apostle Luke, is kept in the temple. Scientific research has refuted the hypothesis: the age of the oldest image of the Mother of God in the church does not exceed 800 years. The Augustinians rebuilt the building several times. Within its 5 limits are the tombs of the highest clergy and Roman nobles.
The interior and exterior solutions of the building are dominated by the Renaissance and Baroque elements. The main treasures of the temple: frescoes, mosaics, paintings, on which outstanding Italian masters worked. Raphael, Piombo, Carracci, Caravaggio, Pinturicchio created their masterpieces for the church. Some of the unique works of the Augustinians had to be moved from the temple, because old paintings require special storage conditions.
Basilica of Santa Maria in Cosmedin
Built in the VI century, the church is recognized as one of the main shrines. According to the tenets of Catholicism: believers in such a temple receive the forgiveness of all sins. In ancient times, the temple of Hercules was located here. One of the activities of the Christian parish was the distribution of food to the poor. After 200 years, he became part of the Greek community. It was founded by monks who fled from Byzantium, where, as a result of a church schism, iconoclasts came to power. The temple was damaged by earthquakes.
The building was saved thanks to large-scale overhaul and restoration work. Scientists date the construction of the 34-meter temple bell tower to the XII-XIII centuries. Guidebooks usually indicate that it consists of 7 tiers. This is not true: the structure has 2 additional “hidden” tiers inside the church.
To save the basilica from destruction, to strengthen the walls, additional columns were installed. In the interior and exterior, the influence of baroque, pseudo-medieval style is noticeable. One of the most famous relics of the basilica: the marble disc “Mouth of Truth” weighing over a ton. An artifact resembling a male mask was made in the 1st century. The disk could be an attribute of secret initiation not only in Christianity. There is a legend how the mouth of the mask did not let go of the liar's hand. A similar ritual of putting hands into the mouths of masks is accepted in pagan mysteries.
Doria Pamphili Gallery
The building was built in the 17th century. The founders of the private collection were representatives of several aristocratic families, but its name reminds of only two dynasties. The Doria and Pamphili families repeatedly entered into marriage alliances with each other, possessed economic and political influence, family ties with the higher clergy. The collection began with 4 paintings by Caravaggio, one of which is now in the Louvre.
Then the collection was replenished with works by Lorrain, Bronzino, Piombo, tapestries, sculptures, and furniture. Some of her works were commissioned by leading European artists. The gallery-palace contains over 500 unique pieces of art. On the first floor of the building, only Dure's works are placed. In the Velvet Hall there are sculptures, precious furniture, golden consoles, samples of rare fabrics made by hand by Italian craftsmen.
The ballroom consists of two rooms where you can see the accessories that belonged to the nobles and a rare musical instrument: a double harp. The heart of the palace is a chapel with unique artifacts. It is surrounded by galleries where masterpieces by Raphael, Titian, Bellini, Carracci, Parmigianino are kept. Each room reminds of the kinship, friendship of the Doria and Pamphili clans with the powers that be. The Mirror Gallery is about Versailles and links with the French royal court, the Aldobrandini Hall is about the Vatican.