![]() |
City Guide - Rome - Key Attractions | ||
![]() |
||
Key Attractions Foro Romano (Roman Forum) The Roman Forum is now a heap of marble fragments, columns and floor layouts. A leap of imagination is required to recreate the former marketplace that was the political, commercial and social heart of ancient Rome, and the symbolic centre of an Empire stretching to Greece, Sicily and Carthage. Fire, barbarians and pillaging builders in medieval and Renaissance times contributed to the Forum's present state of disrepair, but the Forum was only revealed during the excavation work of the nineteenth century. A bird's-eye view is gained from behind Piazza del Campidoglio, and a closer look from along Via Sacra; running through the heart of the Forum. Among the best preserved and most fascinating monuments are the 203AD triumphal Arch of Septimius Severus, built to celebrate victory over the Parthinians, and the remains of Caesar's rostra from where his great speeches were declaimed. Another stunning feature is the former atrium of the House of the Vestal Virgins, and the adjacent Temple of Vesta, a circular building where the Vestals were entrusted in keeping the eternal flame alight. Largo Romolo e Romo, Via dei Fori Imperiali Tel: (06) 699 0110. Fax: (06) 678 7689. Transport: Metro Colosseo; or bus to Via dei Fori Imperiali or Piazza Venezia. Opening hours: Daily Apr-Sep 0900-1900; Oct-Mar 0900-1500. Admission: Free. Colosseo (Colosseum) Near to Via Sacra and the fourth-century Arco di Costantino (Arch of Constantine) lies the gigantic oval of the Colosseum - 186m (620ft) long, 153m (510ft) wide and about 47m (157ft) high. Emperor Vespasian began construction in 72AD, and work was completed eight years later by his son Titus. It was the scene for entertainment one can hardly comprehend - gladiatorial conquests between men, lions and wild beasts with death guaranteed. The 'games' were finally outlawed in the fifth century. The stadium was pillaged over the centuries and rocked by earthquakes. Today, only its skeletal framework remains, with the winding passages used to force animals up to the battlefield of the arena - formerly underground - now exposed. Piazza del Colosseo Transport: Metro Colosseo; or bus to Piazza del Colosseo. Opening hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat 0900- two hours before sunset; Wed and Sun 0900-1300. Admission: L10,000. Pantheon The best-preserved and most beautifully proportioned of Rome's ancient monuments, the Pantheon has become an emblem of the city. Built by Hadrian between 119-128AD as a temple to the Gods, the Pantheon was converted to a Christian church in 608 - the key to its miraculous survival. The radius of the dome is exactly equivalent to the height, and a 9 metre (30ft) hole, known as the oculus, in the dome's centre allows light - and rain - into the building. Statues of the deities would once have decorated the interior; now the focal point of interest is the tomb of Raphael. Most astonishing of all are the large brass doors, which belonged to the original Roman building. Piazza della Rotonda Tel: (06) 6830 0230. Fax: (06) 588 3340. Transport: Bus to Largo Argentina or Via del Corso. Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1830, Sun 0900-1300. Admission: Free. Cappella Sistina & Musei Vaticani (Sistine Chapel & Vatican Museums) An awe-inspiring glimpse of Michaelangelo's depiction of The Creation is worth the queues and crowds that go hand-in-hand with a visit to the Vatican City. The swirling Old Testament scenes have been recently restored amid great controversy. Michaelangelo grudgingly accepted Julius II's commission to paint frescoes on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, built as a private chapel of the popes between 1475 and 1480. Work began in May 1508, the frescoes were unveiled in August 1511 and completed in October 1512. Twenty-one years later, a reluctant Michaelangelo painted the Last Judgement on the wall behind the altar, and added his own aged face below the figure of Christ. Pope Pius IV was scandalised by the display of nudity and the offending genitalia had to be concealed by hastily painted loincloths (most now removed during restoration work). Although eclipsed by Michaelangelo's artistry, the Renaissance paintings lining the walls are never-the-less fine works - created by the masters, including Michaelangelo's own teacher: Ghirlandaio. The Vatican Museums alone could easily eat up a day or two of a trip to Rome. Highlights include the Raphaele Stanze (Raphael Rooms), the Etruscan Museum, depicting Italy before the Romans, and the Pio-Clementino Museum, containing the world's largest collection of Classical statues. Viale Vaticano Tel: (06) 6988 3860. Fax: (06) 6988 5061. Website: www.vatican.va Transport: Metro Ottaviano; or bus to Piazza del Risorgimento. Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0845-1530, Sat 0845-1230. Admission: L18,000 (concessions available). Basilica di San Pietro (St Peter's Basilica) St Peter's Basilica lies above a former shrine, which is said to mark the burial ground of the Saint. Despite its venerable age of 1000 years, Pope Julius II pulled down the original structure in 1506, with his architect Bramante in tow, in order to build a shiny new basilica. Construction lasted for 120 years, during which time a team of architects and artists - including Alberti, Bramante, Raphael, Peruzzi, Sangallo the Younger and Michaelangelo - struggled over this enormous edifice. Michaelangelo was responsible for the huge dome and supporting drum, but died in 1564 before work was finally completed in 1590. The basilica's interior is an unashamed display of the power of the Church. Amid the grandeur, in the first chapel on the right, lies Michaelangelo's Pietà (1498/9). Arnolfo da Cambio's bronze statue of St Peter (1296), in the central aisle, has become famed for its foot worn to a nub by pilgrims' kisses. Bernini's Throne of St Peter (1665) above the papal altar - made with bronze purloined from the Pantheon on the Pope's orders - dominates the far end of the nave. Optional extras include a trip (via lift or stairs) into the dome, for views onto Rome and the Vatican Gardens, or to the Vatican Grottoes containing papal tombs. Access to the Necropolis below the Grottoes - the legendary site of St Peter's remains - is allowed with written permission only. Piazza San Pietro Tel: (06) 6988 4466. Fax: (06) 6988 5100. Website: www.christusrex.org Opening hours: Daily Apr-Sep 0700-1900; Oct-Mar 0700-1800. Admission: Free. St Peter's Dome Opening hours: Daily Oct-Mar 0800-1700; Apr-Sep 0800-1800. Admission: L7000 (without lift); L8000 (with lift). Necropolis Applications should be made to the Uffizio degli Scavi several days prior to visit. Admission: L10,000. Vatican Gardens The Vatican Tourist Office (tel: (06) 6988 4466) organises tours; bookings may be made by telephone several days in advance. Admission: L18,000. |