Rome: The Eternal City

Rome can be characterized as an open-air museum, and a lifetime is not enough to discover and enjoy everything. Rome's historical center is breathtaking whether you are out for a coffee, a walk or for work. It is well worth a visit, and I can guarantee that if you give it the attention it deserves, your feet will hurt by the end of the day!
Rome: The Eternal City

Starting from Piazza Venezia, where the Vittorio Emanuele II monument stands, all the way to Piazza Navona, and the surrounding area is Rome's historical center, and the remainders of ancient Rome. The Vittorio Emanuele Monument is a tribute to the unification of Italy, and hosts temporary exhibitions. You can also take the panoramic elevator for a view on the whole city. Across the monument is the Foro Traiano, the ruins of Trajan's Forum.

Vittorio Emanuele II monument

Colonna Traiana

View from the terrace of the Vittorio Emanuele monument

A street separates Piazza Venezia and the world famous Colosseum, Via dei Fori Imperiali, built by Mussolini. Walking through it, on your left is the Trajan Forum, and on the right is the Roman Forum. A characteristic of that street is the small vendors selling souvenirs to tourists and canteens that take advantage of the tourists by selling snacks and refreshments at incredible prices!
The Colosseum, originally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre was used for games, some involving the massacre of wild beasts. Today it is one of the world's most visited sites. Entering the Colosseum, you can visit the various levels as well as take a look at the view onto the Arch of Constantine which stands right outside, as well as the western part of the Roman Forum through the arches.

Inside the Colosseum

Arch of Constantine

After the Colosseum move down Via di S. Gregorio, to enter the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. When you exit, go to Via dei Cerchi to make your way to Santa Maria in Cosmedin, where you will find the "Bocca della Verita"which translates to "Mouth of Truth". The Mouth of Truth is a marble man-like shape, and in the middle ages, it was used as a lie detector. Walking on the outside of the forum, you will reach the Campidoglio, home to the Capitoline Museums. The square is designed by Michelangelo and inside the museum you will find a collection of various important works of art.

Roman Forum

Bocca della Verita

Capitoline Hill

Capitoline Museum square

From Piazza Venezia, take Corso Vittorio Emanuele, to reach Campo dei Fiori. Campo dei Fiori, "Field of Flowers", hosts a market with all sorts of goods during the day. At night it is an ideal place to go and have a drink. A five minute walk from there will lead you to Piazza Navona. On Piazza Navona you will find the Bernini's Four River Fountain, as well as the church of Saint Agnes. It is a lovely place to visit in the evening and pick a restaurant in one of the side streets for dinner.

Campo dei Fiori

Piazza Navona

Four River Fountain

Saint Agnes Church

Side street to Piazza Navona at Night

To the west of Piazza Navona, you will find the Pantheon. Both of them are featured in Dan Brown's Angels and Demons. The Pantheon was a temple to all Gods, which also explains its name, that means "all Gods" in Greek. The Pantheon's Dome which is the widest masonry dome in Europe, has an opening, which together with the entrance door, are the only sources of light for the church. The Pantheon also hosts Raphael's tomb, as well as other royal tombs.

Inside the Pantheon

Piazza della Rotonda and the Pantheon

Bernini's Elephant Obelisk on Piazza della Minerva

After the Pantheon, make your way north to reach the bank of the river. Cross the Ponte Sant Angelo, the Bridge that leads to Castello Sant Angelo. Castello Sant Angelo, a massive circular tomb, once served as the Papal Castle, and in fact there is a "secret" passageway leading from the castle to the Vatican City.