The Vatican
A sovereign state since February 1929 and ruled by the Pope, this is the
center of power for Catholics all around the world..
St. Peter's Catholic Church
This is the center of the Roman Catholic faith, drawing pilgrims from
all around the world. The dome designed by Michelangelo, though not finished in
his lifetime, measures 435 feet high and gives a spectacular view of the square
below.
Sistine Chapel
This is the main chapel in the Vatican Palace. The frescoed paintings,
which adorn the walls, were painted by some of the greatest artists of the 15th
and 16th centuries including Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Perugino.
Raphael Rooms
Raphael was chosen by Pope Julius II to redecorate his private apartments.
Raphael and his pupils painted over works done by better-known artist.
Castel Sant' Angelo
This fortress began in AD 139 as Emperor Hadrian's mausoleum. It has since
been used as a citadel and prison.
Colosseum
Commissioned in AD 72 by Emperor Vespasian, this was once Rome's greatest
amphitheater.
Forum
This was the center of public life in Rome and is now the ruins of temples,
basilicas and more, including the Arch of Septimius Severus, the temples of Saturn,
Castor, and Pollux. The temple of Caesar, which was erected at the spot where
Caesar was cremated, and a reconstruction of the Curia which has been built on
the site of the chamber of the Roman Senate.
Palazzo dei Conservatori
Located across from the Palazzo Nuovo, this was the former seat of the
magistrates during the late Middle Ages. Its halls are still occasionally used
for political meetings. The ground floor is now a municipal registry office.
Palazzo Nuovo
This museum, located on Capitoline Hill across from the Palazzo dei Conservatori,
is devoted mainly to sculptures. The facade of the building was designed by Michelangelo
as part of the Piazza del Campidoglio renovation
Pantheon
This church is famous for its domed interior. The rotunda's height and
diameter are equal to 140 feet. The opening at the top of the dome provides the
only light. Inside you will find the tomb of the artist Raphael.
Spanish Steps
Built between 1720-1726, these magnificent steps combine straight lines,
curves and terraces creating one of Rome's most distinctive landmarks.
Trevi Fountain
Designed by Nicola Salvi, this grand fountain was completed in 1762. The
central figure Neptune is flanked by two tritons; one trying to tame an unruly
seahorse and the other leads a docile animal, thus depicting the two contrasting
moods of the sea.
Fontana dei Fiumi
Fountain of the Rivers unveiled in 1651. Each of the four figures in this
fountain represents the four then known rivers. The Ganges, the Plate, the Danube,
and the Nile.
Fontana delle Naiadi
Fountain of the nymphs. Opening in 1901, this sensual bronze fountain
was the cause of great scandal.
Fontana delle Tartarughe
This Renaissance sculpture is one of Rome's more secret fountains showing
youths helping tortoises into a basin.
Galleria Doria Pamphilj
This gallery's crowded walls are represented by some of the great names
of the Renaissance including Raphael, Filippo Lippi Caravaggio, Titian and Claude
Lorrain.
Museo Borghese
On the ground floor of this gallery are sculptures from ancient Rome and
Greece as well as early masterpieces of Bernini, such as his David.
Obelisk of Piazza San Giovanni
This is the oldest obelisk in Rome and dates back to the 15th century
BC. It was brought to Rome in AD 357 on the orders of Constantine II.
Obelisk of Santa Maria sopra Minerva
This Egyptian obelisk dates back to the 6th century BC. It is held up
by a marble sculpted elephant by Bernini.
Palazzo Barberini
Museum housing art works mainly from the 13th to the 16th century.
Palazzo Corsini
In this gallery there are works by Caravaggio, Rubens and Van Dyck. Also
here is a rare portrait of the sculptor Bernini painted by Baciccia between 1639-1709.
Piazza della Bocca della Verita Fountain
18th century fountain with two Tritons holding a large shell. It was built
by Carlo Bizzaccheri for Pope Clement XI.
Villa Giulia
This beautiful Renaissance villa is home to many Etruscan treasures from
the early history of Rome
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