Top attractions in Rome

The city of Rome is blessed with many fascinating sights ranging from beautiful ancient ruins to ultramodern monuments, palaces, graceful fountains and museums. The long history of Rome as one of the greatest world civilizations is what attracts people to this beautiful country. Due to the fact that the Eternal City has many attractive sights, exhausting everything while on a one day trip may seem impossible. For thus reasons, this piece will highlight some of the top attraction sites in Rome so as to make your trip worthwhile.

The Colosseum

Any gladiator fan must have heard about the Colosseum. Throughout the entire Roman Empire, the Colosseum was the most popular building. It hosted thousands of spectators who came to see the games which featured gladiators and wild animals. The Flavian Amphitheatre is located at the center of the city of Rome therefore it can hardly be missed. Its construction started in 72 AD by Emperor Vespasian and was completed by his son Titus in 80 AD.

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica doubles up as both a center of Catholic world and also acts as a major tourist attraction. The largest church in the world was built where Peter; the first catholic pope was crucified and buried. It is this rich history that normally attracts Christians especially Catholics to the Eternal City. The construction of the building started in 1506 and was completed in 1615. The church is located with the Vatican City.

Pantheon

The Pantheon was built by Emperor Hadrian in the 126 AD. It ranks as one of the best preserved buildings in Rome. Initially, it was built as a temple for the pagan gods. The building has an immense dome which for 13 years stood out as one of the largest domes in the world.  The building has been used throughout its entire history and it was even used as a Roman Catholic Church which was dedicated to St. Mary and the Martyrs. It is located at the Regione IX Circus Flaminius.

The Vatican City

The Vatican City otherwise known as the ‘Holy See’ or the’ Apostolic Palace’ is the world’s smallest state. The landlocked sovereign city-state is an ecclesiastical state ruled by the Pope. The city boasts of having many cultural sites such as the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. All these sites feature a number of the world’s most popular paintings and sculptures which are worth a visit.

The Circus Maximus   

The beautiful arena was specially built to support the famous chariot races. The arena has a seating capacity of over 150,000 people and ranks as the largest stadium in ancient Rome. The mass entertainment venue is located at the Regione XI Circus Maximus between the Aventine hills and the Palatine hills and was built in the Old Kingdom era.

Trevi Fountain

The fountana del Trevi is located in Trevi district in Rome. The famous fountain was designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi but was completed by Pietro Bracci in 1762. It features a mythological sculptural composition of Neptune, two Tritons and god of the sea.