| Main Monuments of Rome |
| CAMPIDOGLIO - It is one of the most interesting architectural areas in Rome. The whole complex (square and buildings) was built in the sixteenth century according to Michelangelo's designs. Placed on the Capitoline Hill, it suffered during the centuries various remaking until it assumed the actual shape, according to Michelangelo's project. Since the ancient times it was a very important place for the life of the City, being first, a religious centre, and then, the seat of Roman Senate. Today it is the Town Hall. You can reach the Capitol by the great flight of steps built according to Michelangelo's designs. CONTINUE... |
| MUSEI VATICANI - They represent the greatest collection of antiques in the world. You can admire works of extraordinary artistic interest through 7 kilometres. To reach their new entrance, inaugurated by the Pope the 7th of February 2000, starting from "Piazza S. Pietro" you can go to "Piazza Risorgimento" through the right arcade, then you can pass through "via Leone IV" and "viale Vaticano". This new entrance consists of a great helicoidal ramp,165 metres high, recalling the Louvre's pyramid, and has the aim of forming one-way only to avoid slowings and queues. CONTINUE... |
| PANTHEON - It is an imposing monument considered a masterpiece of the Roman architecture. It is one of the ancient and best conserved monuments in the world. Consul Agrippa had it built in 27 A.D. Placed in "Piazza della Rotonda" near "Piazza Minerva" it was named "Pantheon" because it was a temple dedicated to several divinities. Thanks, first, to the restoration by Domiziano, and then to the reconstruction by Adriano in 130 A.D., it has remained nearly integral. In 609 A.D. this temple was given by Emperor Foca to Pope Bonifacio IV and changed into a church; this is the reason why it is still in excellent conditions. CONTINUE... |
| PIAZZA DEL POPOLO - Planned by Valadier at the beginning of the XIX century, it is considered one of the best urban works in Rome. It represents he point of confluence of three important streets: via del Corso, via del Babuino and via di Ripetta. It is characterized by the Porta del Popolo by Bernini, which was the most important entrance in Rome for travellers coming from the north through the consular Flaminia road. In the middle of the square you can see the second greatest obelisk in Rome: the Egyptian Obelisk, realized in 1200 B.C. At the slopes of Pincio's terrace, from where you can enjoy an CONTINUE... |
| PIAZZA VENEZIA - The Piazza Venezia is a piazza in central Rome. It takes its name from the adjacent Palazzo Venezia. The piazza is at the foot of the Capitoline Hill and near the Roman Forum. It is dominated by the imposing Victor Emmanuel II monument. Piazza Venezia has a constant stream of traffic, yet no traffic lights. Instead, a white gloved traffic cop stands on a block and directs traffic. CONTINUE... |
| PIAZZA NAVONA - It is a beautiful and famous square where you can admire masterpieces by Bernini, Borromini e G. della Porta, who were very important exponents of the baroque art. It is also one of the most frequented place in Rome: as a matter of fact, it is a meeting place both for tourist and Romans till late in the night thanks, also, to the numerous pubs, restaurants and piano-bars. This square has an elliptic shape like a stadium and, in fact, rises on the ancient Domitian's Stadium. CONTINUE... |
| CASTEL SANT'ANGELO - Emperor Hadrian had it built in 130 A.D. as his mausoleum. It held the remains of the Imperial family until Caracalla. It rises close to Victor Emmanuel II bridge in lungotevere Castello. Originally it was much different from today's. Under emperor Aurelian it was strongly fortified, in the 11th century a tower was added and in 1277 it was occupied by the Pope who added to it some apartments. The actual name roots in an old legend on the bronzy 18th century angel, telling that during the dreadful pestilence of 590 an angel appeared sheathing his sword as a sign of granted grace. CONTINUE... |
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