Attracted by ancient architecture and history? In this case, you will undoubtedly be pleased with the selection of famous Roman monuments of ancient architecture. We have selected for you the ten most important sights of the Eternal City, which you simply must visit.
- We recommend reading: museums and galleries of Rome, which everyone should see
Roman forum
Forum (Forum Romanum) in the modern sense of the word originated here in the VIII century. BC, in a square in the center of Ancient Rome. This place was the center of the public life of the empire, judicial meetings (commissions) were held here, laws were enacted, religious rituals were performed, and trade was in progress. To "light up" at the Forum was the main task of any novice Roman politician or speaker.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Forum lost its significance; in the Middle Ages it was used as a source of building materials and pasture for livestock.
- When to visit: after 13:00 during an individual excursion
Pantheon
Literally translated, the Pantheon is the temple of all gods. Built in 126 AD Emperor Hadrian on the site of the old Pantheon, built by Mark Vipsaniy Agrippa. Adrian kept the name of the founder of the Pantheon on its walls, as well as information about the restorations carried out under Septimius Severus and Caracalla. The temple is the largest surviving domed monument of antiquity.
- When to visit: during an individual tour of Rome at dawn
Imperial Forums
The Forum alone was not enough for the Romans. So over a century and a half an interesting architectural ensemble has grown, later called the Imperial Forums. Some of the buildings of these forums are buried under Via dei Fori Imperiali.
Forum Cæsari, built in 46 BC, now is a rectangular square with the temple of Venus. This goddess was especially revered by the Julian family as an ancestress.
The main attraction of the Forum Augusti (Forum Augusti) 2 BC - the temple of Mars Avenger, a symbol of retaliation for the killers of Caesar. Now only a few steps and three 15-meter columns remain from it.
Temple of Peace (Templum Pacis) on the Vespasian forum (Forum Vespasiani) It was built in 75 in honor of the victory over the Jews. Valuable trophies were stored in the temple premises, and one of the forum walls was decorated with a relief map of Rome.
The central element of the Forum Nervæ) 98 years of construction, otherwise called Transition, was the temple of Minerva. In 1606, the Aqua Paola Fountain was built in its place by order of Pope Paul V.
Forum Traiani is the largest of the Imperial forums of the 10s ... It is decorated with the famous column of Trajan, erected in honor of the victory over the Dacians. Trayan markets were well preserved; nowadays, various cultural events are often held there.
- When: Anytime. In the period from April 13 to November 12, special interactive excursions are held at night to the forums of Augustus and Caesar. See the schedule and prices on the official website.
Coliseum
Another name for the Colosseum (Latin Colosseus - "huge"; Italian. Colosseo) - Flavian Amphitheater. One of the largest structures of antiquity (72 - 80 years AD), which accommodated 50 thousand people and the most recognizable landmark of Italy. It was built by the emperor Vespasianus Flavius in honor of the end of the civil war in Rome. The construction of the Coliseum lasted eight years, the celebration on the occasion of its completion - 100 days.
- When and how to visit: during the author’s tour of the Secret of Gladiators
Palatine
The largest of the famous seven hills, the history of Rome began on the Palatine (Palatium). Romulus and Remus were fed there by the she-wolf, Romulus founded the city here after the murder of his brother. The Palatine became the focus of the Roman elite. In the era of the republic, patricians settled here. The emperors, starting in August, also chose the Palatine for living.
The "Golden House" of Nero (Domus Aurea) and the large architectural complex of the Flavian dynasty have long been an adornment of this elite hill. The invasion of the barbarians turned Palatine into a scorched desert, the revival of the legendary landmarks began only in the XVII century.
- When and how to visit: during a special day tour of ancient Rome
The Baths of Caracalla
Terme di Caracalla, covering an area of more than 11 hectares, became the best gift from the emperor to the Roman people in 217. The baths included facilities for general and individual swimming, sports fields and a library rich in those days. The poor plebs had the opportunity to wash for free. Nowadays, in the place of the most famous ancient terms is the Roman Opera.
- When and how to visit: with a professional guide and archaeologist Elena Vyaznikova
The Baths of Diocletian
Emperor Diocletian set out to surpass Caracalla. He succeeded. The Baths of Diocletian (Termas de Diocleciano) 305 years of construction, more spacious, designed for 3000 people. Heating in the bath rooms was carried out in such a way that part of the water always remained cold - an antique prototype of a contrast shower. The baths were rebuilt in the Middle Ages and well preserved. Today it is the gardens of Republic Square.
- How to visit: ticket of 7 euros, includes a visit to the Roman National Museum - this is next to Termini Station.
Column of Marcus Aurelius
The largest column (Colonna di Marco Aurelio) in Rome, reaches 42 m in height. It was built in honor of the victory over the rebellious tribes of the Germans and Sarmatians (Markoman war). The column was crowned with a bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius, in 1588 replaced by the statue of the Apostle Paul. Inside the column is a staircase of two hundred steps leading to an excellent viewing platform at its top.
Piazza Torre di Argentina
Area (Largo di Torre Argentina) It was named after the tower built here in 1503. In 1926, excavations began, during which four churches and the Curia of Pompey were discovered, where the Senate met at sunset in the Roman Republic. It was here that Julius Caesar was killed by the Republican conspirators. Today this legendary place was chosen by my esteemed Roman cats, a shelter is arranged for them there.
- A tour of the square is part of our tour of Rome at dawn.
Theater marcellus
The largest of the ancient theaters is the Marcellus Theater (Teatro di Marcello). Construction was started by Caesar in 13 BC and ended under Augustus, who consecrated the building in honor of his deceased nephew Marcellus. The theater hall, decorated with columns of all styles, accommodated 20 thousand spectators. Places in the gallery were intended for women, foreigners and slaves - the placement took into account the hierarchy accepted in Roman society. From the monumental structure only the external facade survived, in the XVI century. rebuilt in the palace of Peruzzi.
I am sure that now ancient Rome will become a little more accessible and interesting for you. I invite you to fall in love with the Eternal City with the team ITALY FOR ME.
