A Visit to Ancient Rome

Travel & LeisureVacation Plans

  • Author Paolo Pedica
  • Published August 21, 2009
  • Word count 491

Ancient Rome is one of the highlights that every guest wishes to see while on vacation in Rome. One of the best ways to embrace Rome is with a guided tour. With a professional guide, you will be able to not only see the attractions but also learn all about the site such as dates, history and a few secrets that are not known. Along with providing you with a detailed tour your tour guide will also aid you in avoiding all the tourist traps that seem to be close by all the attractions.

The highlights of an ancient Rome tour include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, The Capitoline Hill, Piazza Navona, The Palatine Hill, Baths of Diocletian, Baths of Caracalla, and the Catacombs.

The Colosseum was built in 80 AD by Emperor Vespasian and had the capacity to hold 55,000 spectators along with various rooms below ground to hold the animals and slaves that were the major entertainment features. Among gladiator and animal fights, this huge amphitheater was also home to sea battles. The Colosseum was flooded so the battle could be fought on dry land to the amazement of the Romans that enjoyed watching the battles.

The Pantheon as far as anyone knows was built between 118 and 125 AD by Emperor Hadrian as a temple of all the gods. In the 7th century, the Pantheon was transformed into a church by the early Christians. Today is it home to many tombs lining the interior. This is one of the best-preserved buildings in all of Rome.

The Roman Forum is a large complex with basilicas, arches, and temples in ruins. During its time, the Forum was the social center of ancient Rome. Capitoline Hill was a symbolic center and was home to the Temple of Jupiter. Today, here you can find two museums, the Palazzo Nuovo which is one of oldest public museums in the world, along with various Greek and Roman sculptures, art galleries, the Palazzo dei Conservatori, and frescoes.

Piazza Navona was built during the 1st century as a stadium for chariot races and various athletic contests. Today it is home to Baroque fountains, cafes, and shops. Palantine Hill was the home of the emperors and aristocrats during the 1st century BC. On Palantine Hill you will visit the Domus Flavia and the Domus Augustana which were the official residence of emperors built in 1st century AD and remained the official residence for over 300 years.

The Baths of Diocletian were the largest public baths in ancient Rome, which at one time encompassed 32 acres. The Baths of Caracalla are in ruins today, but during the second to the sixth century AD, the baths held up to 1600 individuals. Along with the baths, the Baths of Caracalla were home to art galleries, gardens, gym, and shops.

The Catacombs located on the Appian Way just outside the walls of Rome is home to an underground cemetery that holds the tombs of early Christians.

Rome Tour is a professional guided tour service providing visitors with Private tours of Rome, Rome City Tours, and Vatican tours.

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