The literal translation for the Piazza del Popolo is “The People’s Square” but the name is actually derived from the poplar trees that surrounded the oval square and is the largest square in Rome. The square was built between 1811 and 1822 and its original function was for welcoming visitors who entered Rome from the…
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The Arch of Constantine is positioned between the Roman Forum and the Colosseum in Rome, Italy. It was built around 315 AD to celebrate Constantine’s victory over Maxentius in 312 AD. The Arch of Constantine is one of three surviving ancient Roman triumphal arches in Rome. The other two are the Arch of Titus built…
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The Doge’s Palace is located in Venice, Italy and it was not only the center of government during the Venetian Republic but it was also the residence of the Doge. The Doge was an elected lord and Chief of State during the medieval and renaissance periods. The unique architectural design makes it one of Europe’s…
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Piazza Novona is one of the most famous squares in Rome. The plaza was commissioned by Pope Innocent X and constructed in 1664 on the site of an ancient stadium for the purpose of celebrating the greatness of the Pamphillj family. The plaza centers around three fountains with the largest fountain in the center of…
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The Pantheon is one of the best preserved monuments remaining from ancient Rome. It was completed between 126 and 128 A.D. during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. The name “Pantheon” is derived from the Greek words “pan” meaning “all” and “theos” meaning “gods” so the meaning of the name Pantheon is “all gods”. Plaza and…
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The Leaning Tower of Pisa is in Italy’s Tuscany region in the city of Pisa. The tower is part of a complex known as the Square of Miracles that includes the Cathedral of Pisa, the Baptistery, a cemetery and the Bell Tower (leaning tower of Pisa). The construction of the Tower of Pisa began in…
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The Roman Forum was the original downtown of Rome. It consisted of temples, government buildings and markets. The portion of the original Roman Forum that remains today provides just a hint of this historic site. The surviving remains are a mixture of triumphal arches, once important buildings, standing columns and unidentified relics lying tumbled on…
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The Cathedral of Florence is the dominant building in the Florence Cityscape as it towers over all of the other building in the city. The building is a renaissance style Catholic Cathedral, built in the 13th century and is the 4th largest cathedral behind St. Peter’s in Rome, St. Paul’s in London and the Duomo…
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The most famous bridge in Venice is the Bridge of Sighs. The bridge connects the court rooms in the Doge’s Palace to the prison directly across the canal. The bridge is said to have gotten its name from convicts that were entering the prison. When convicted prisoners crossed the bridge on their way to prison…
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Venice is a city that is comprised of 118 small islands that are separated by canals and linked together by over 400 bridges. The islands are located in the shallow water of the Venetian Lagoon that lies between the mouths of the Po and the Piave Rivers. Venice is renowned for the beauty of the…
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Castle Saint Angelo has been a royal tomb, a prison, Pope’s residence and a fort. When I booked my trip to Rome I did not know about this Castle but it was located near my hotel and I had a few free hours that I wanted to make use of to see something. The Castle…
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