Rome

Colosseum is one of the most impressive sights in Rome and one of the world’s most famous venues. Many people and animals were killed here, you could see everything from gladiatorial games and drama to killings and battles between wild animals. Emperor Vespasian began the building which was completed by his son Titus. The building was completed in 80 A.D. Inauguration lasted one hundred days, and approximately 9,000 animals and 2,000 gladiators were killed during the event. At its peak this place had 87,000 spectators.

The fountain is an impressive building situated on the Piazza di Trevi in Rome centre. It was designed by Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini, and was completed by Nicola Salvi in 1762. The fountain became world famous when Anita Ekberg splashing around in the "La Dolce Vita". Today, it is forbidden to bathe in the fountain. Trevi Fountain is a "must" to visit in Rome, and tradition says that you must throw a coin over your shoulder into the fountain and that this will bring happiness. The fountain standing 26 metres (85.3 feet) high and 20 metres (65.6 feet) wide, it is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world.

It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but once inside it astounds you. This dome and temple, built over 2,000 years ago, is powerful and impressive. Since the Renaissance, the building has also been used as a grave church and among others the painter Raphael (died in 1520) is buried here. The square in front of the Pantheon is called Piazza della Rotonda. It is located near Piazza Navona and Campo de Fiori so take the opportunity to stroll around in this area, there is much to see.

Forum Romanum, one of the world’s top tourist attractions. It is like a fairy tale with its mosaic of temple ruins, worn marble streets and basilicas. It is located in the valley between the Palatine hill and the Capitoline hill. Forum Romanum was the commercial, political, and religious centre of ancient Rome. It was expanded to include temples, a senate house and law courts. When the Roman Empire fell, the Forum became forgotten, buried and was used as a cattle pasture during the Middle Ages.

Rome has more churches than almost any other city in the world. One of the most beautiful, Santa Constanza, can be found in Via Nomentana in the north of Rome, and is home to some of the most dazzling ceiling frescoes from the 4th century. The waiting time for weddings here is several years.

The Museo di Roma houses approximately 40,000 sculptures, paintings and mosaics describing Rome’s history from the Middle Ages until 1870. The museum is located in Palazzo Braschi, built in the 18th century. During the fascist regime, Mussolini moved here and made it his political headquarters. After the Second World War 300 families were evacuated to this location and many of the frescoes were damaged by the fires people lit in order to keep warm.

Spanish Steps is located at Piazza di Spagna and leads to the French church, Trinità dei Monti. The monumental stairway of 138 steps was designed in 1723 by Francesco De Sanctis, and funded by a French diplomat Stefano Gueffier. It is usually very crowded during the summer months, with tourists just sitting, chatting, and taking a rest from visiting the designer shops that cover the area. The name "Spanish Steps" is actually quite misleading because the stairs do not have anything to do with Spain, it is simply borrowed from the name of the piazza at the foot of the stairs, Piazza di Spagna. The Italian name is Scalinata della Santissima Trinita dei Monti or Scalinata di Spagna.

The smallest state in the world, The Vatican City is situated in Rome. This is the home of the Pope but also almost a thousand other residents. They run their daily life with own postal system, shops and newspaper. After passing the Swiss guards with their distinctive clothing you can visit 11 different Vatican museums, Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, Saint Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Gardens.

This is the most important Etruscan museum in Italy and it shows the mystical world of this prehistoric people. The main attraction is the sarcophagus with the loving couple. The building, Villa Giulia, was first built as a country retreat for Pope Julius III, but after his death all of his interior design was moved to the Vatican museums and in 1889 it became this Etruscan Museum.

At first you see a church from the 12th century but this building is hiding different layers showing 2000 years of history. Underneath you'll find a basilica from the 4th century, the remnants from an ancient Roman house and the city that Emperor Nero had burned to the ground in year 64. Inside the church you can also see traces from the ancient Rome's drainage system where today water still runs.

Aventine Hill is a beautiful path to walk up for a quiet and relaxing time in Rome. Find the keyhole for the most amazing view over Rome and St Peter Basilica, it is the perfect place for a picnic in the sun.