Rome (Photo credit: ryarwood)Rome is home to many fascinating attractions and its historical significance expands beyond the birthplace of the Roman Empire. Its links to Christianity are evident around every corner in the city, and none more so than at the Vatican City. The Vatican City attracts thousands of visitors each year and it is easy to see why.
A city within a city, the Vatican is home to the Pope, the elaborate St Peter's Basilica and the beautiful Sistine Chapel; famed for its architecture and renaissance decoration by artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael and Sandro Botticelli. While the queue to see Michelangelo's work on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel alone will take up a large proportion of the day, it will be time well spent as you eventually get to fully appreciate its attraction.
Another day during a city break in Rome must be dedicated to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum. Walking tours are readily available but a pair of walking shoes and a good guidebook can ensure a wonderful experience of Rome's history at your own pace.
Palatine Hill is situated between the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. It is one of the most ancient parts of the city and home to a number of temples and palaces. The Roman Forum - one of the famous powerhouses of the Roman Empire - is now a charming collection of ruins. Perhaps the most striking of these to visit are the graceful columns of the Temple of Vespasian. The symbol of civic pride for 1000 years, the Roman Forum is the historic heart of the city of Rome.
Rome's spectacular amphitheatre - the Colosseum - takes you back to a time of celebratory games and gladiatorial blood sports. The Colosseum is situated within the Imperial Fora, a rich archaeological zone housing many of Rome's ancient remains. The amphitheatre was created as a place to indulge the imperial need for cruel and blood thirsty displays and other public spectacles. Today, it is an awe inspiring tribute to Roman architecture and engineering, and is a sacred spot where Christian martyrs had met their fate.
The Pantheon is one of the most recognisable attractions with its triangular portico and granite columns. An architectural marvel of ancient Rome, the Pantheon boasts as being one of the widest domes in Europe with a giant oculus providing light to the pagan temple interior below, now used as a Christian church. Here Raphael, the Renaissance artist beloved by the Italian people and art lovers everywhere, is entombed alongside Italy's kings.
With so much to see it's important to appreciate the treasures of Rome at your own pace. The majority of Rome's famous attractions are easily accessible from most hotels in Rome, where visitors can explore the city by foot with the aid of a guidebook. Of course, this may not be the most ideal way for everyone to explore Rome, but what's the rush? After all, Rome wasn't built in a day.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/tourist-treasures-of-rome-1938266.html
About the Author
Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
PrintBook
