The Best of Italy's Capital: Rome

The Colosseum

Constructed in 80 AD, the most iconic, beautifully

arched amphitheater has marked Rome as one of the

most precious historic marvels of the ancient world.

A representation of both ancient and modern Roman

culture, this site is located at the very heart of the city’s

historic center, with other sites such as the Piazza

Venezia, the Roman Forum and the Trevi Fountain

encompassing the surrounding area.

An open model with a free-standing structure, this

important cultural symbol was a functioning

amphitheater for around four centuries, further marking

itself as the basis of Roman civilization.

Used for gladiatorial shows along with showcasing exotic

animals to the general public, the Colosseum in modern

times now contains a museum dedicated to the Roman

god of love, Eros.

Still maintaining the

passageways that

previously were

used to transport

wild animals, even

today the

Colosseum

symbolizes the

fundamental social

center in Roman

culture.

Piazza Navona 

Representing Baroque architectural styles, this elliptical

shaped piazza is a well known landmark for tourists from

all over the world due to its prominence in history as an

important social sphere for Romans.

Another spot for Romans to watch games in a

competition geared arena, this piazza was beautifully

transformed into a local food market for locals to gather,

socialize and often times visit various religious buildings

within the enclosed space.

Some important sites in

the elliptical shaped piazza

are the Fountain of the

Four Rivers created by

Bernini himself, the church

of Sant’Agnese and two

other stunning fountains

sculpted by Giacomo della

Porta which are located at

the south side.

If you happen to visit the

piazza during the holidays,

be sure to check out the

quaint Christmas market

which has been an annual

tradition since the 19th

century. Also, the various

gelato shops that grace each

side of the piazza include

the most delicious flavors

ranging from “nocciola”

(hazelnut) to even the more

fruitier “fragola”

(strawberry).

First introduced to the public by Audrey Hepburn in

Roman Holiday, the Spanish Steps first made an

impression to American audiences in an elegant, black

and white film depicting the classic, sophisticated

aesthetic appeal of these world-known stairs. Even

after nearly four-hundred and fifty years of inception,

the Spanish Steps is still a very popular tourist

attraction due to its early Baroque architectural birth

in the mid 17th century.

Spanish Steps 

Trevi Fountain

Designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi, the Trevi

Fountain or most commonly titled “La Fontana di

Trevi,” represents the largest Baroque fountain in

Rome. The story behind one of the most famous

fountains in the world revolves around a legendary

young Roman girl who graciously supplied water to

some soldiers.

As a result of this kind act, technicians were able

to locate a water source to supply Rome’s

center, in addition to a vast population within

the Empire’s capital. Often a bustling, noisy site

during the day, a great way to explore this area

is to revisit at dusk to experience the fountain’s

soft light, creating an incredibly memorable

vision in your mind.