Attractions in Rome

The Colosseum may be the most famous landmark in all of Rome. It was built in 80 AD and was once the site of many gladiator battles to the death, and prisoners fended off hungry lions. The Colosseum consists of four floors in total (including the basement), however only part of the ground floor and second floor are currently open to the public. The first floor offers a view of the maze-like buildings in the center of the Colosseum that were once part of the basement of the structure. They were once the homes of the beasts and gladiators that would be made to fight for the entertainment of the crowds. From the second floor, one can see the interior structure of the Colosseum which is divided into three parts: the arena, the auditorium and the podium. It is also a perfect location for taking unforgettable photos.

Trevi Fountain is also called the "Maiden's Fountain". Actually, most people prefer to call it the "Wishing Well". It is one of the most exquisitely carved works of art in Rome, and a must-see for all visitors. The image of the seahorse in the fountain sculpture is vivid. It's violent expression symbolizes the vagaries of the ocean, and the fantasy of fate. People come here and use their left hands to throw coins over their right shoulders. This is done to show you will return to Rome and find romance. Whether this superstition is true or not, the coin throwing has already become inextricably linked with the fountain. Everyone loves to take pictures of themselves making a wish.

Located in the heart of Rome, the Pantheon is a well-preserved imperial Roman building in the city. Michelangelo admiringly referred to it as “the design of the angels”. The Pantheon has over 2000 years of history and was once used to worship the Gods on Mt. Olympus. Famous historical figures, including Raphael and Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Palaiologos, have slept here. To witness the true mystique of the Pantheon, come here on a sunny day. As the sunlight shines through the windows, the bent light rays form magnificent columns of light that shimmer in all different colors, as if blessed by God.

Built in the 7th century BC, the Roman Forum was originally the burial ground of the Etruscans and later expanded into the heart of the Roman Republic. After the 4th century AD, the important position of the Roman Forum was gradually lost until it became a pasture, and a large amount of stone and marble were stolen for the construction of new palaces, churches and monuments. During the Renaissance, people rekindled old love for all classical things, and the square became the focus of attention of artists and architects. Beginning in the 18th century, people began systematically excavating the ruins of the square.

Constantine's Arch is often forgotten, standing in the shadow of Rome's storied Colosseum. Built out of materials from Trajan's Forum, it was constructed by the Romans in the 4th Century and is thought to be one of the last large scale Roman monuments.

Castel Sant'Angelo was originally a family cemetery built by Emperor Hadrian. Later in the sixth century it was rebuilt as a papal castle. It's said that in 590 AD, Pope Gregory saw an angel in the castle skies, then renamed it as Castel Sant'Angelo. Ponte Sant'Angelo is on the river Tiber, at the western side of old Rome. There are several bridges that connect to the Tiber's west bank, one relatively famous one is the Ponte Sant'Angelo that goes to Castel Sant'Angelo. Ponte Sant'Angelo had two statuettes personally sculpted by Bernini, which have been moved inside the church for preservation.

The mouth of truth is a disc engraved with the head of the sea god, standing on the wall at the end of the main entrance of the main entrance of the Church of Our Lady of Cosmeine, famous for the movie "Roman Holiday". Those who are rumored to lie will be bitten if they put their hands in the mouth of truth. Another way of saying this is that if you put your hand in the mouth of truth, you will remember the name of your lover in the heart. If your hand is not bitten, it means that you are sincere to this love.

The Borghese Gallery holds most of the paintings, sculptures and antiquities collected by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, who was one of Bernini's greatest patrons. The building is set within the Villa Borghese Gardens, a beautiful attraction in its own right. Showcased within the collection are some of Bernini's greatest works, such as the Apollo and Daphne, as well as a few Titian masterpieces and six major pieces by Caravaggio, including The Boy with a Basket of Fruit and the Madonna della Serpe. The gallery only permits a select number of visitors at a time, so it is advisable to book in advance.

The Ponte Sant'Angelo was constructed by the architect Demetriano on the command of the Emperor Hadrian. It was built by the Emperor to reach mausoleum which was located across the Tiber River. This bridge is now known as the Castel Sant'Angelo. During and after the 16th century, the prisoners executed were shown on display along the birdge, which till date exists as a gruesome fact. Over the time, this place has been evolved as a adorable pedestrian bridge, decorated with angels and beautiful arches. Moreover, Ponte offers breath-taking views of the Castle.