Rome Hotels

Colosseo (Flavian Amphitheatre.) The current name derives from the Latin word 'colossus' which means colossal, attributed to it in the middle ages. The steps of this symbol of Rome once managed to hold approximately 45.000 spectators. Usually duels between the various specialties of the gladiators took place there. By going there you feel like being transported into the far past. The area surrounding the Colosseum, the Circo Massimo and the Forum is the core of the Roman Empire.

Forum Once the political, religious and commercial center of the Roman empire, now a landscape of ruins. The Foro Romano was built in about 900 years time, it was the pride of Rome. It to fell into ruins after losing importance due to the construction of the new fora, like Cesar's, Augusto's and many others. Losing its original purpose, the Roman forum took on the function of representation and historical reminiscence. The area of the forum progressively went into ruin until the beginning of 1800 when the commencements of excavations brought the remnants of the great buildings back into sight. It is situated at the Largo Romolo e Remo. Circo Massimo The

Circo Massimo used to be a chariot racetrack which could hold approximately 200.000 spectators. On the north side of the ruins of the Circo Massimo stands a building dating from the late 800s. It has been restructured and currently serves as the main office of the Roman Museums and Imperial Rome. It is located at Piazza della Bocca della Verità, 16. Fontana di Trevi This striking fountain represents a fusion between architecture and sculpture, involving classical rigor and baroque conception. It was initiated by Nicola Salvi in 1932 and continued by Giuseppe Pannini after 1751. The inauguration of the

Fontana di Trevi took place in 1762. It is situated at the Piazza Fontana di Trevi in the historical center. The historical center (between Via del Corso and the River Tiber) is where most buildings from the Renaissance era are located.

Pantheon This ancient Roman temple was constructed in 27 B.C. by Marco Vispiano Agrippa. This masterpiece of skill and technique of the Roman architecture is the largest that has ever been constructed. The Palatine Chapel conserves the tombs of renowned artists like Raffaello. It is located at the Piazza della Rotonda.

Piazza di Spagna This square is distinguished by the great "scalinata di Trinità dei Monti" (the Spanish steps) which were built in 700 A.D. The steps descends to the square where the elegant Fountain Barcaccia di Pietro Bernini stands. At the top of the stairway an Egyptian obelisk is visible, behind which the 1495 Santa Trinità dei Monti church emerges. By climbing the steps you reach the panoramic terrace of Pincio, from which you will be able to enjoy one of the most evocative panoramas on the city. This area has become famous world wide for the presence of numerous Italian boutiques between Piazza di Spagna and the very elegant Via Condotti

La Basilicata di San Pietro The cathedral of Saint Peter rests upon the ruins of an ancient church which was also dedicated to this saint. The new cathedral was built in the course of 176 years and was worked on by the most important architects and artists of the time, such as Bramante, Rossellino, Raffaello, Michelangelo and Domenico Fontana. The (Sistine) chapel, designed by Michelangelo and completed by Fontana and Della Porta, is visible from many areas of the city and one of the most famous constructions in the world. It is situated at the Piazza San Pietro, in the Vatican City. Dress appropriately (not too bare, no bare shoulders) or you won't be admitted! South of the Vatican State lies the Trastevere district, a bohemian center of wine bars and restaurants. South from there is the popular quarter of Testaccio where one finds many night clubs.