The Colosseum is a massive ancient Roman amphitheater that is famous for showcasing large-scale entertainment events like gladiator battles, hunts pitting humans against wild animals and executions of prisoners of war and criminals. The construction of the Colosseum began in 72AD under Emperor Vespasian but he died before it was complete. His two sons, Emperors…
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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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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 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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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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