| |
|
|
No visit to Rome is complete without
having seen its magnificent Colosseum, a vast amphitheatre with seating
for 55,000 that was designed as a horse racing circuit and arena for
animal fighting and gladiatorial battles. Upon its completion,
spectacular 100-day celebrations were organized as part of the opening
ceremony in 72 AD. Its name is believed to come from Nero's enormous
statue of Colossus that stood close by. Admission: EUR5.16; EU citizens
under 18 and over 60 free; EU citizens 18-24 EUR2.50. Guided and audio
tours available at additional charge.
Piazza Di
Spagna, Rome
An incredible, almost theatrical square
with the lovely Spanish steps leading up to the chiesa di
Trinità dei Monti. One of the most important fashion shows is held here,
the steps being used as a catwalk. It is now an international meeting
point. The fountain known as the 'Barcaccia' (boat) was commissioned by
Urbano Barberini to commemorate the alliance made with the King of
France, whose coat of arms can be seen on Trinità dei Monti. The square
leads into several famous streets, via dei Condotti, Via
Frattina and Via Borgognona with their luxurious boutiques, and
via del Babuino with .
Fontana Di
Trevi, Rome
Tradition has it that throwing a coin
over your left shoulder into the fountain guarantees a swift return to
the world's most beautiful city. Anita Ekberg's dip in it was
immortalized in Fellini's 'La Dolce Vita', and Italian actor Toto even
sold it to an American, passing himself off as its owner. Earlier it was
the setting for the award-winning "Three Coins in the Fountain" motion
picture, ensuring its popularity worldwide. Designed by Nicola Salvi for
Pope Clemente XII, it was completed in the second half of the 1700s. The
statues in the centre represent Neptune supported by Tritons on either
side while rococo-style Poli Palace provides the perfect backdrop.
Circus
Maximus, Rome
In the 4th century B.C., the Circus
Maximus was one of the largest stadia in Rome, with a capacity of
250,000 seated spectators. It was the venue for horse racing, athletics
tournaments and animal fighting. The last races held there were in 549
A.D. Another very popular sport was marine battling: the arena was
filled with water and fights between light boats took place. The tower
is from medieval times.
Pantheon,
Rome
Commissioned by Marcus Agrippa, restored
by Domitian, and subsequently rebuilt by Hadrian (who added the dome)
before being turned into a church in the early 7th century by Pope
Boniface IV. The building's sole source of light is the opening at the
dome's apex (the oculus); according to popular legend, this formed the
base for the bronze pinecone that is now in the Vatican's 'Pigna'
courtyard, where it is used as a fountain. Many famous Italians are
buried in the Pantheon, including Renaissance painter Raphael and King
Vittorio Emanuele I.
Villa Borghese, Rome
Design of the villa began at the start of
the 17th century when Pope Paul V Borghese was elected. Its style
resembles that of city villas from 100 years earlier. The gardens were
especially cared for - aviaries were added to house exotic birds and
areas of the gardens were stocked with peacocks, ostriches, gazelles and
even lions. Over the years, the garden was altered into an English-style
space designed by Jacob Moore. One of the park's loveliest areas is the
Lake Garden, which is enclosed by a railing that emphasises the lake's
irregular shape. In the centre of an artificial island, a temple was
built dedicated to Aesculapius. The famous Square of Siena has been the
scene of horse-jumping and carriage-racing competitions since it was
first built.
Trastevere, Rome
It is strange to think that this area of
Rome was originally built to be a city port where storehouses held goods
at the time of Augustus and continued to do so until the end of the 19th
century. Trastevere then became a downmarket residential quarter and has
now developed into a very desirable quarter. The heart of the district
is Piazza di Santa Maria in Trastevere with its lovely
church, a 17th century palazzo and a fountain in the middle which is
probably Rome's oldest, having been designed by architects such as
Bernini, Fontana and Della Porta. There are still some well-conserved
medieval houses. On Sunday mornings, you can visit the 7th Corte dei
Vigili in Via dei Salumi, and if you enter the guards' rooms, you
will see grafitti on the walls written by Roman soldiers who served the
emperors from Septimus Severus to Caracalla, in addition to notations of
their guard duty.
Saint Peter Church, Rome
People come by the millions each year to
receive the Pope's blessing, traditionally given on Sundays at noon. St
Peter's has undergone many transformations since the original
Constantine basilica of AD320. The top of its majestic dome (designed by
Michelangelo). provides the best vantage point from which to marvel at
Bernini's magnificent colonnade surrounding the square, the gilded
bronze canopy above the altar and Michelangelo's Pietà. Bramante,
Pietro da Cortona and Canova are just a handful of the many other
artists who worked together on this monumental basilica's decoration and
design.
Piazza
Navona, Rome
During the Christmas season this square
is packed with stalls selling toys, sweets and decorations for the
Nativity scene or Christmas tree, making it a favourite spot for
children. Its unusual shape recalls the time of Domitian, who built a
stadium for equestrian displays here. The Fountain of the Rivers, with
the obelisk, and the Fountain of the Moor, with the god of
the sea, at the centre of the square, are both by Bernini.
|
|
|
|
