Rome Attractions

For Romans of the ancient variety, head first to the Colosseo (Colosseum), Piazzale del Colosseo, Via dei Fori Imperiali, probably the most recognizable site in the city. Built by order of the emperor Vespasian between A.D. 72 and 80, it's an incredible architectural achievement, standing 48m (157 ft.) high, taking up an area of over 6 acres, and able to seat more than 50,000 patrons. It was in active use for nearly 500 years and saw the whole panoply of Roman sport: gladiatorial contests, fights between men and animals, dramas, executions, and even naval battles staged by flooding the arena's floor with water. Once it fell into disuse, many of its marbles and stones were scavenged to build palaces and churches. Imagine that: The huge, majestic facade we see today is just what's left after centuries of plunder. Admission is 12€ ($15.85).

Just northwest of the Colosseum, on the Via de Fori Imperiali, the Roman Forum was the center of Roman life in the days of the Republic, full of temples, triumphal arches, and other public edifices. Just to the north, the Imperial Forums were begun by Julius Caesar to replace the older, smaller forums, and at the time of their construction conveyed the unquestioned authority of the emperors at the height of their power. The best-known remaining monument on the site is Trajan's Column, a 30m (98-ft.) pillar with a spiral bar-relief carving depicting the Emperor Trajan's victories in the region of modern-day Romania.

Continue less than 1km (½ mile) to the northwest to see the Pantheon, at Piazza della Rontonda. Built as a temple to the seven gods of Rome around A.D. 125, it features a massive dome punctured by a circular 5.4m (18 ft.) opening at its very peak. The best preserved of all Roman buildings, it's been in continuous use for nearly 2,000 years, first as a temple and (since A.D. 609) as a Roman Catholic church.

Back eastward and a little to the north, the Trevi Fountain, at Piazza di Trevi, is one of the most photographed sights in Rome. Designed by Nicolo Salvi and completed in 1762, it features Neptune standing on a shell chariot, drawn by winged steeds. A bit farther north, the wide Spanish Steps are another stop on the sightseeing hit parade.

And then there's Vatican City, the earthly locus of the Roman Catholic Church, a 44-hectare (109-acre) walled enclave that exists as its own separate country -- the world's smallest -- completely surrounded by the neighborhoods of Rome. The only entrance for visitors is through Piazza San Pietro (St. Peter's Square), designed by Gianlorenzo Bernini between 1656 and 1667, and enclosed by two semicircular, Doric-pillared colonnades surmounted by statues of 140 saints. Beyond lies the Basilica di San Pietro (St. Peter's Basilica), a massive church built in the 16th century on the alleged site of St. Peter's grave. Predominantly High Renaissance and baroque in style, it's a massive testament to the church's wealth and power, measuring the length of two football fields, topped by a 120m (394 ft.) central dome, and filled with works by some of Italy's greatest artists. Michelangelo's famed Pietà, depicting Mary holding the body of Jesus, is located in the first chapel on the right.