A guide for one of Italy's most prized, ancient cities.

1. The Best of Italy's Capital: Rome

2. The Colosseum

3. 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.

4. 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.

6. Still maintaining the
passageways that
previously were
used to transport
wild animals, even
today the
Colosseum
symbolizes the
fundamental social
center in Roman
culture.

7. Piazza Navona

8. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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).

12. 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

14. Trevi Fountain

15. 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.

17. 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.