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Its spring is said to hold health-giving water, which was thought to have been effective during medieval plagues.
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These are the remains of a 12 meter high statue of Constantine that originally stood in the Roman Forum.
The collection was put together in the late 16th century by one of the most ruthless art collectors of all times, Cardinal Scipione Borghese.
The Colosseummust be one of the citysmost thrilling sights. As you stare in awe at it, try and imagine it clad in Travertine stone and marble and supporting a huge canvas awning designed to keep the sun off 50,000 spectators.
At its heart is the lovelyPiazza Santa Maria de Trastevere, where locals and tourists mingle day and night.
If you only have time to visit one gallery in the city, then it should be this one. Tickets need to be pre-booked and you will be given a two-hour slot.
Thisattraction, located on theAvertine Hill, is a little off the beaten track. Look for the sealed door leading to the gardens of the Knights of Malta.
The complex was huge, and its imposing ruins are still visible today. These, along with a fascinating museum, provide us with aglimpse into an ancient world. Originally clad withmarble, and covered in bright frescoes and mosaics, these baths would have been used by up to 6,000 Roman citizens a day.
Leave yourself at least a couple of hours to explore the sprawl ofruins that cover the site of theRoman Forum. Building started on the site of an Etruscan burial ground in the 7th century BC, becoming the magnificent central showpiece of the ancient city.
In its cavernousunderground world, gladiators lived and trained and wild animals were caged ready to be raised up to the crowds in pulley-operated lifts.
Thisornate squarewasfor many centuries the site of the citys main market. It is still a popular place for street artists and hawkers to entertain tourists while they relax at a street cafe.
The narrow alleys ofTrasteverecontain some of themost photographed washing in the world, because despite its popularity with the tourists, the area is still very much residential.
The Piazza is surrounded by old baroque palaces and dominated byBerninis Fountain of the Four Rivers- the rivers Nile, Ganges, Danube and Plate.
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The church took 120 years to construct, eventually being consecrated in 1626. Be prepared to queue to get in and follow the strict dress code of this Catholic place of worship. No mini-dresses, shorts or bare shoulders are allowed in.
Also in the Vatican City are acollection of museumscontaining some of theworlds greatest art works. On show are Etruscan bronzes and Egyptian mummies, frescoes byRaphaeland works byCaravaggioandLeonardo da Vinci.
Thisoutstanding gallerycontains one of thebest private art collections in the world, with stunning works byRaphael,Titian,BerniniandCaravaggio.
Tiber Islandis a place of mystery and shrouded in legend. It is linked to the banks of the river by the first stone bridge built in the city, the Ponto Rotto, or broken bridge.
TheBaths of Caracallasit near the Appian Way and were built by prisoners and slaves on the orders of Emperor Caracalla.
The area was home totemples, public spaces, baths and basilicasand with the help of informative maps and information boards you can still make out the outlines of important buildings and streets, such as the Via Sacra, the Forums main road and the spot where Julius Caesar was cremated, the Tempio del Divo Giulio.
The design of this flight gives the appearance of trees and plants cascading down into the square below.The Piazza del Popolo contains an Egyptian obelisk and is surrounded by three churches dedicated to the Virgin.
Over the centuries it has also been a prison, a papal residence and a place of refuge for popes in times of trouble, being linked to the Vatican City by an underground passage.
No-one knows the original purpose of this piece of stone but legends have grown up around it. If you are brave enough to put your hand in its mouth, be sure that you dont tell lies, or it will snap shut on your wrist.
This is one of theoldest and most influential buildings in the Western world, having stood for over 2,000 years. Its magnificent bronze, gilded and painted interior belies the rather drab and pock-marked exterior it shows to the world.
Recently restored, this water feature is an over-the-top collection of baroque mythical figures and wild horses. Tradition states thatthrowing a coin into the fountainwill ensure your return to the city. As an average of 3,000 € a day is tossed into its waters, it is apparent many people hope this is true.
Interactive Map of Rome: Subway Linea A
Taking a seat on the Spanish Steps for a while is a great way to rest your legs and people-watch.
Its inaugural games were in 80 AD, when 50,000 animals were slaughtered over 100 days. Abandoned in the 5th century, it was later used as a fortress and its precious Travertine stone and marble stripped to decorate many of Romes palaces.
Spend a few minutes planning your time in this eternal cityto get the most out of its attractions. Dont forget to leave yourself some time for relaxing over a cup of coffee and enjoying al-fresco dining on the flavors of Italy.
At the foot of the steps is an intriguing fountain, theBarcaccia, also known as the sinking boat fountain.
Symbolically this connects the temple to the gods, but in reality spreads the load of the concrete roof. The interior marble floor is sloped to allow rainwater to drain away without causing damage.
Were coming to the end of our trip around the eternal city and this tranquilGarden of Orangesis the perfect setting to relax for a while, maybe enjoy a picnic or take in one of the shows at its outdoor theater.
The Mouth of Truthis a large marble face mask, probably a depiction of the sea god Oceanus, with his eyes, nostrils and mouth open.
This grim and imposing circular palace near the Vatican was built as amausoleum for Emperor Hadrian.
TheCapital areais home to theworlds oldest public museumsand contains some of thefinest collection of classical sculpture in Italy.
This enormous square opens out from the gate through the Aurelian Walls, and was the first sight visitors had of the city when arriving from the north. The Piazza has been remodeled many times over the centuries and is now connected to a park on the Pincio Hill above it by a curving flight of stairs.
At the height of its gloryit was able to seat 250,000 people, a quarter of the ancient citys population.
It can be found against the wall of theSanta Maria in Cosmedin Church, in the Piazza della Bocca della Verita.
Surrounded by the palaces of medieval nobility, it has always been a place to see and be seen.
Nearly every visitor has their photo taken on theSpanish Steps. Built in 1727, they wind theirway up from the Piazza di Spagna to the French church, Chiesa della Trinita dei Monti.
Part of the museum complex contains theSistine Chapel, or Capella Sistina, where one of the worlds most iconic ceilings can be viewed. It is well worth being patient to get a glimpse of this fresco which took took Michelangelo four years to complete, working from a scaffold in a cramped and narrow space.
Interactive Map of Rome: Subway Linea B
Visit its museum and then have a coffee on the ramparts, a great way to view the city.
Romeis a beautiful city full of history and culture. Around every corner youll come across architectural and art treasures. There is so much to see and do its sometimes hard to know where to start, and how to get the most out of your trip.
Saint Dominic named the garden, presenting the monastery here with its first orange tree. Legend says that Saint Catherine of Siena picked its oranges, which she candied and presented to Pope Urban VI.
The entrance to the museum complex is through the Palazzo dei Conservatori, where youll find a courtyard littered with a huge head, hand and foot.
The original track is still visible in the grassed area today.
It is worth seeing them floodlit at night, or trying to get tickets to one of the operas regularly held in their grounds during the summer months.
Although there isnt much to see above ground today, theCircus Maximus, where chariot races were regularly held, was enormous, and thelargest stadium in the ancient world.
Thissquareis in the Parione district and used to be a site for races and executions. Today it is home to a busystreet market during the day and a popular center of nightlife for youngsters once the sun goes down.
St. Peters Basilicais at the heart of the Vatican City, and is the most spectacular and richest of Italys churches. St. Peters is full of beautiful works of art, includingLa Piet, Michelangelos evocative sculpture of Mary and Jesus.
A quirk of fate, or a clever architectural trick, means thatif you put your eye to its keyhole you will see the extraordinary site of St. Peters dome.
The eternal city is full of imposing and playful statues, but theTrevi Fountainis probably one of the most iconic. This fountain is known around the world forAnita Ekbergs dip in the film, La Dolce Vita.
The Pantheonhas the largest un-reinforced concrete dome ever built in the world. The Pantheons massive dimensions are perfectly symmetrical, while its most fascinating feature is a central hole, of nearly 9 meters, in the dome.
To help you out,this guide points you in the direction of the top 20 things to do and see in the city.
Shaped like an ancient Roman warship, the island held a small fort in the middle ages and has always had links with healing.
ThePiazza del Popolosits to the north of the city, where three famous streets meet -Via del Corso,Via del BabuinoandVia di Ripetta. These streets are home to many high-class shops and boutiques.