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Rome Landmarks and Rome Monuments (Rome, Italy)



It is hardly surprising that Italy's most important city is crammed full of spectacular landmarks and monuments.

Famous throughout the world, many of these date back over 1,000 years and are in remarkable condition, thanks to faithful restoration and reconstruction work. Here are some of the top Rome landmarks to visit.




Rome Landmarks: Colosseum (Colosseo) - Piazza del Colosseo, Rome 00184
Tel: +39 (0) 6 700 4261
Commissioned in 72 AD by Emperor Vespasian, this massive and majestic ancient ruin is Rome's hallmark monument. The Colosseum hosted many games and events for over 100 years and could hold more than 50,000 spectators. Popular events included deadly gladiator combats, wild animal fights and chariot races. Before fighting, gladiators would salute the emperor and shout 'Ave, imperator, morituri te salutant', which translates as 'Hail, emperor, men soon to die salute you'. It was built in just eight years by the Roman emperor Vespasian and was finished by his son Titus in 80 AD. Originally faced with marble and decorated with plaster mouldings, it also had large awnings to provide shade from the hot sun. The Colosseum is named after a huge 73-metre / 240-foot statue of Nero that stood nearby at the entrance of the Golden House. After being badly damaged by many earthquakes, it was transformed into a fortress by the Frangipane family which then passed to the Annibaldi family. In 1312, Henry VII gave The Colosseum to the Senate and the Roman people, and it was not long before it became a quarry, with blocks of travertine taken to construct the Palazzo Venezia. Pope Benedict XIV soon ordered that the ruins became a sacred place in memory of all the blood that had been shed there. Today, it is probably the most imposing monument that remains of ancient Rome.
Landmark open: daily - 09:00 to 18:30
Closed: May 1st, December 25th and December 31st
Landmark admission: charge

Rome Landmarks: Palazzo Farnese - Piazza Farnese, Rome
Tel: +39 (0) 6 6860 1443
This is probably one of the most beautiful Renaissance palaces in the city of Rome. Now the French Embassy, Michelangelo was heavily involved with its construction almost 500 years ago. The Galleria Carracci (Carracci Gallery) has a large ceiling that was painted by Annibale Carracci between 1597 and 1604 depicting the loves of the gods in a typical baroque style. It is second only to Michelangelo's ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. Visits are by written request only - write to: Servizio Culturale dell'Ambasciata Francese, Palazzo Farnese.

Rome Landmarks: Forum (Foro Romano) - Via Sacre, Rome
Tel: +39 (0) 6 69901 10
Spreading along the valley floor between the Capitoline and Palatine hills, the Forum was the commercial, political and religious centre of ancient Rome. Built over 900 years ago, the Forum is entered from the piazza leading from the Colosseum and this is where Rome was governed from. This site's general disrepair began during the fall of the Roman Empire and excavations started over 200 years ago. There is much to see at this fine ruin, including large columns rising from the grass, repositioned pediments that help you to imagine what a wonderful building this once was, the Arch of Septimus Severus, the House of the Vestals, the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina, the Temple of Saturn and the Arch of Titus. Also worth visiting is the Palatino, a short climb from the Forum, where there are the remains of many splendid palaces and temples built by the very wealthy, many medieval churches, Renaissance gardens and villas. This hilltop is full of grottos and secret villas, all covered in ivy and other plants. From here, you can also look down on the ruins of the Circus Maximus, which was once an enormous chariot racetrack holding more than 200,000 cheering spectators.

Rome Landmarks: Domus Aurea - Via della Domus Aurea, Rome
Tel: +39 (0) 6 481 5576
This is the site of emperor Nero's grand palace, which was built in the open space that resulted after the great fire of 64 AD, when more than half of Rome was destroyed. After more than ten years of restoration work, this palace was reopened to the public. It is often referred to as 'Nero's Golden House' because it was originally covered in pure gold, a typical statement of Roman wealth. When it was originally built, many Roman's complained that it was actually larger than the rest of the city. The buried palace was rediscovered in the 15th century and Raphael was one of the artists that was lowered into the ruins to copy the original paintings and decorations.
Landmark open: daily - 09:00 to 19:45, closed Tuesday
Landmark admission: charge

Rome Landmarks: Pantheon - Piazza della Rotonda, Rome
Tel: +39 (0) 6 6830 0230
Built in 27 BC, this splendid example of classical ancient architecture is the best preserved monument of Imperial Rome. In the 2nd century the Pantheon was completely rebuilt by the Emperor Hadrian and became a church during the Middle Ages. The dome used to be gilded and it is thought that this gold was pilfered to gild the baldachin over the altar in St. Peter's church.
Landmark open: daily, Monday to Saturday - 09:00 to 18:30, Sunday - 09:00 to 13:00
Landmark admission: free

 
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