Colosseum

The gargantuan Colosseum could have held up to 50,000 spectators during its bloody and gruesome spectacles. Thousands of beasts perished after being taken up to the arena floor from their cages below ground. Gladiator games were also held here and it is argued that mock sea battles were also to have taken place if the center ring was capable of being filled with water.

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum, along the Via Sacra, the oldest street in Rome, includes remnants of ancient buildings and arches such as the Senate House, the Basilica, and the Arch of Septimus Severus. Also still standing are the assembly place and Caesar's platform, where senators and commoners could publicly voice their opinions. It is also said that Romulus, one of the founders of Rome, is buried beneath the Black Stone (Lapis Niger).

Arch of Titus

Built by the frugal Emperor Domitian, the Arch of Titus represents his brother Titus's destruction of the city of Jerusalem, including its great temple, and the conquering of the Jewish people in AD70. There is even a portrait of the destruction of the temple and the pillage of a giant menorah along its base.

Arch of Constantine

Between the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill, sits one of the best-preserved monuments, the Arch of Constantine. Built by Constantine to celebrate his victory over his rival Maxentius in 312, the three arches are created almost entirely of the remains of other destroyed Roman monuments and sculptures.

Circus Maximus

All that is left is a grass-filled reminder of what once was the Circus Maximus - a quarter mile track where ancient Romans used to watch chariot races, much like the chariot horse racing we watch today.

"Wedding Cake"

Erected as a monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, the first President of Italy, the huge white marble concoction looks much like a many tiered wedding cake. The monument is so large it takes up an entire city block.

Jewish Ghetto

Although Jews were strictly confined to the Ghetto area from the 16th to the 19th centuries, many of Rome's Jewish people today live in various sections of the city. In the center of the Ghetto is the Tortoise fountain and one can also visit the beautifully crafted Jewish Synagogue. Its styling is distinctively different from most Catholic churches in Italy. The synagogue is only open for services and an armed guard now stands outside to check for identification after an attack in 1982

Vatican Museums

The Vatican museums are filled with over four miles worth of artwork from the ancient and Renaissance periods. Most notable are Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, the Borgia Apartments, and the Raphael Rooms. There are many rooms filled with tapestries, statues, paintings, and pottery, not all of Italian origin. The Vatican houses one of the best collections of Egyptian and Etruscan art.

St Peter's Basilica

Surrounding the world's largest church, St. Peter's Basilica, stand 140 religious statues. While Bernini designed most of works found in the church, Michelangelo's Pieta is also housed here, now protected by glass after someone attacked it with an axe in 1972. Below are the Vatican Grottoes where many popes and saints are buried. St. Peter's tomb is also found here.

Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel was built, and the decoration of the walls complete, by 1483. But it was Michelangelo's ceiling frescos, painted a quarter century later, that brought true immortality.
Given freedom of action, in 1508 Michelangelo began to create a monumental painted structure, using a tall network of scaffolding to reach the high vaulted ceilings. Every day he would climb the to the top of it, lay flat on his back, and work. He divided the ceiling into nine panels, each showing a scene from the Old Testament. Throughout his monumental task, Michelangelo worked entirely alone.
The Chapel Ceiling has recently been cleaned, and the "Restoration of the Century" has restored the frescos to their original brilliance. The change is incredible.