Monuments & Historical Heritage \u2013 Rome<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Colosseum<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.parisenigmes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1024px-Linterieur_du_Colisee_Rome_5839634487.webp\")
The Colosseum of Rome<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Colosseum, or Flavian Amphitheatre, is a massive oval amphitheatre located in the heart of Rome.<\/p>\n
Its construction began between 70 and 72 AD<\/strong> under Emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 under Titus. Originally, it was called the Amphitheatrum Flavium<\/strong>, in reference to the Flavian dynasty.<\/p>\nIt could accommodate between 50,000 and 70,000 spectators<\/strong> for gladiator fights, wild animal hunts, or reenactments of battles. Its elliptical shape, approximately 189 m<\/strong> long and 156 m<\/strong> wide, was designed to optimize visibility and crowd circulation.<\/p>\nThe Colosseum featured a velarium<\/strong>, a retractable awning supported by masts and ropes to protect spectators from the sun.<\/p>\nBeneath the arena was an underground network (the hypogeum<\/strong>) that allowed for the spectacular entrance of gladiators and animals. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum was heavily looted: its stones were reused for other constructions in Rome.<\/p>\nSeveral earthquakes (notably in 1349) damaged the structure, explaining its partially ruined state today.<\/p>\n
The Roman Forum<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.parisenigmes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1024px-Foro_Romano_Forum_Romanum_Roman_Forum_8043630550.webp\")
The Roman Forum<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Roman Forum (Forum Romanum) is a vast archaeological site located between the Palatine, Capitoline, and Quirinal hills in Rome. In Antiquity, it was the nerve center of Rome\u2019s political, religious, judicial, and commercial life.<\/p>\n
Originally, the Forum valley was marshy; it was drained thanks to the construction of the Cloaca Maxima, one of the very first Roman sewer systems.<\/p>\n
During the Republic, the Forum hosted political institutions such as the Curia (the Senate), as well as commercial porticoes and judicial basilicas. In the Imperial era, prestigious monuments were erected there: the Temple of Vespasian and Titus, the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Basilica of Maxentius, among others.<\/p>\n
The Arch of Titus, built around the year 81, commemorates Titus\u2019s victory in Jerusalem and still gives the Forum a monumental appearance today.<\/p>\n
The Column of Phocas<\/strong>, erected in 608, is the last monument built in the Forum; it bears the name of the Byzantine Emperor Phocas.<\/p>\nAfter the fall of the Roman Empire, the Forum gradually fell into oblivion; it was buried, looted, and used as a stone quarry.<\/p>\n
Today, the Roman Forum is part of a major archaeological circuit that also includes the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill, attracting millions of visitors.<\/p>\n
The Pantheon<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.parisenigmes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Pantheon_Rom_1_cropped.webp\")
The Pantheon of Rome<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Pantheon of Rome is an ancient building located on Piazza della Rotonda<\/strong>, built to honor all the gods.<\/p>\nThe original building was constructed by Marcus Agrippa<\/strong> between 27 BC and 25 BC, as indicated by the inscription on the pediment: \u201cM. AGRIPPA L. F. COS TERTIUM FECIT\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\nThe current Pantheon was rebuilt between 118 and 125 AD under Emperor Hadrian<\/strong>, after several fires.<\/p>\nIts dome, with a diameter of 43.30 meters<\/strong>, is a masterpiece of engineering: its interior height equals this diameter, creating a perfect sphere. At the top of the dome is an oculus<\/strong> measuring 9 meters in diameter, which lets in light from the sky and symbolizes the connection with the universe.<\/p>\nThe entrance portico is composed of 16 monolithic columns<\/strong> made of granite imported from Egypt, reinforcing the monument\u2019s grandeur. The Pantheon is today a Christian church<\/strong>, consecrated under the name Saint Mary of the Martyrs<\/em> since the 7th century, which has contributed to its excellent preservation.<\/p>\nIt houses the tombs of illustrious figures such as Raphael<\/strong>, as well as Italian kings like Victor Emmanuel II<\/strong> and Umberto I<\/strong>.<\/p>\nDiscover the secrets hidden in the columns and the pediment in our scavenger hunt on the must-see highlights of Rome<\/a>.<\/p>\nThe Trevi Fountain<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.parisenigmes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Fuente_de_Trevi_Roma_Italia_2022-09-15_DD_01.webp\")
The Trevi Fountain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is one of Rome\u2019s most famous Baroque monuments. It was designed by the architect Nicola Salvi, and construction began in 1732. After Salvi\u2019s death in 1751, the project was continued by Giuseppe Pannini, who completed the fountain in 1762.<\/p>\n
It measures approximately 26.3 meters high and 49.15 meters wide, making it the largest Baroque fountain in the city. The fountain is built against the fa\u00e7ade of Palazzo Poli, giving it a majestic structure inspired by a triumphal arch.<\/p>\n
At the center, the statue of Oceanus (Neptune) stands on a shell-shaped chariot, pulled by two sea horses guided by tritons. On either side of Oceanus, two other sculpted figures represent Abundance and Salubrity.<\/p>\n
The name \u201cTrevi\u201d is believed to come from the three streets (tre vie) that converge on the square where the fountain is built.<\/p>\n
The water that feeds the fountain comes from the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct, built in 19 BC. According to tradition, throwing a coin into the fountain over your shoulder ensures a return to Rome.<\/p>\n
Discover the meaning of the statues of this fountain in our scavenger hunt in Rome<\/a>.<\/p>\nSt. Peter\u2019s Basilica in the Vatican<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"St.](\"https:\/\/www.parisenigmes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1024px-0_Basilique_Saint-Pierre_-_Rome_2.webp\")
St. Peter\u2019s Basilica<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSt. Peter\u2019s Basilica, or Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano<\/em>, is the principal place of worship of Catholicism and is located in Vatican City. Its current construction began on April 18, 1506, under Pope Julius II<\/strong> and was completed in 1626.<\/p>\nAmong the most famous architects who took part in its construction are Bramante<\/strong>, Michelangelo<\/strong>, Maderno<\/strong>, and Bernini<\/strong>.<\/p>\nThe basilica features an architectural style blending the Renaissance<\/strong> and the Baroque<\/strong>, particularly visible in its monumental fa\u00e7ade and dome. Beneath the main altar lies the tomb of Saint Peter<\/strong>, one of the founding apostles, whom Christian tradition considers one of the first popes.<\/p>\nVisitors can explore the Vatican Grottoes<\/strong> beneath the basilica: a complex of chapels and tombs, some of which date back to the former Constantinian basilica.<\/p>\nInside, the basilica contains 45 altars<\/strong> and 11 chapels<\/strong>, each decorated with remarkable works of art.<\/p>\nSt. Peter\u2019s Square<\/strong>, in front of the basilica, was designed by Bernini: its semicircular colonnades symbolize the maternal arms of the Church.<\/p>\nCastel Sant\u2019Angelo<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"Castel](\"https:\/\/www.parisenigmes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/1024px-Le_Chateau_Saint-Ange_Rome_5977202877.webp\")
Castel Sant\u2019Angelo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nCastel Sant\u2019Angelo is an iconic monument located on the right bank of the Tiber, not far from the Vatican.<\/p>\n
Originally, it was the Mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian<\/strong>, built between 123 and 135 AD to house his ashes and those of his family.<\/p>\nLater, it was transformed into a military fortress<\/strong>, notably with the addition of bastions under Emperor Aurelian. Since 1277, the castle has been connected to the Vatican by a fortified passage known as the Passetto di Borgo<\/strong>, which served as an escape route for popes.<\/p>\nThe name \u201cSant\u2019Angelo\u201d comes from a legendary apparition of the Archangel Michael<\/strong> in 590: according to tradition, he lowered his sword as a sign of the end of an epidemic. At the top of the castle stands a statue of the Archangel Michael<\/strong>, created in 1753 by Peter Anton von Verschaffelt, replacing several earlier versions.<\/p>\nDuring the Renaissance, several popes transformed the castle into a palace; Paul III had richly decorated apartments installed there.<\/p>\n
The monument has five levels<\/strong>: they include ancient remains, medieval halls, prison cells, papal apartments, and panoramic terraces.<\/p>\nToday, the castle houses the National Museum of Castel Sant\u2019Angelo<\/strong>, with collections of weapons, paintings, and historical objects, and offers an exceptional viewpoint over Rome from its terrace.<\/p>\nThe Baths of Caracalla<\/strong><\/h3>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.parisenigmes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Thermae_of_Caracalla_Panorama.webp\")
The Baths of Caracalla<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Baths of Caracalla (Thermae Antoninianae<\/em>) were built between 212 and 216 AD<\/strong> under Emperor Caracalla.<\/p>\nThey were one of the largest and most luxurious bath complexes of ancient Rome, covering an area of approximately 11 hectares. According to historians\u2019 estimates, the site could accommodate up to 1,600 bathers<\/strong> at the same time.<\/p>\nThe baths were supplied with water via a special branch of the Aqua Marcia<\/strong> aqueduct, known as the Aqua Antoniniana.<\/p>\nThe complex included several rooms: a caldarium<\/strong> (hot bath), a tepidarium<\/strong> (warm bath), a frigidarium<\/strong> (cold bath), and a large swimming pool (natatio).<\/p>\nExcavations have revealed numerous works of art: statues (such as the Farnese Hercules), mosaics, frescoes, and more.<\/p>\n
There was also a mithraeum<\/strong>, an underground sanctuary dedicated to the cult of Mithras, discovered in the galleries of the baths.<\/p>\nThese baths remained in use until the 6th century; they were abandoned after the aqueducts were destroyed by the Goths in 537. Today, the ruins are among the most impressive in Rome, with some sections of walls still reaching 30 meters in height<\/strong>.<\/p>\nThe site is also used today for cultural purposes: concerts and opera performances are sometimes held there, in a highly evocative historical setting.<\/p>\n
The Via Condotti<\/h3>\n![\"Via](\"https:\/\/www.parisenigmes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Via_dei_Condotti.webp\")
Via Condotti<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nVia Condotti (or Via dei Condotti<\/em>) is Rome\u2019s most prestigious shopping street.<\/p>\nIt begins at the foot of the Spanish Steps<\/strong> (Piazza di Spagna) and connects this square to Via del Corso.<\/p>\nIts name, \u201cCondotti,\u201d comes from the channels<\/strong> (or conduits) that, in Roman times, carried water to the Baths of Agrippa.<\/p>\nToday, Via Condotti is a major hub for luxury shopping: it is home to designer boutiques such as Gucci, Prada, Dior, Valentino, Herm\u00e8s, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, and many others. The street is part of the Roman \u201cTridente,\u201d an urban triangle formed with Via del Corso and other shopping streets, highly popular with stylish tourists.<\/p>\n
It is also home to a historic caf\u00e9: the Antico Caff\u00e8 Greco<\/strong>, opened in 1760, which has welcomed figures such as Goethe, Byron, Keats, and Liszt.<\/p>\nThe buildings on both sides of the street feature elegant Baroque architecture<\/strong>, enhancing the chic atmosphere of this thoroughfare.<\/p>\nObelisco di Montecitorio<\/h3>\n![\"Obelisco](\"https:\/\/www.parisenigmes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Obelisco_di_Montecitorio_Roma_5251330758-683x1024.webp\")
Obelisco di Montecitorio<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Obelisco di Montecitorio<\/strong> is an ancient obelisk made of red Egyptian granite from Heliopolis, erected during the reign of Pharaoh Psammetichus II (around 595\u2013589 BC). It was transported to Rome in 10 BC by Emperor Augustus, who used it as the gnomon (pointer) of a vast monumental sundial (the Horologium Augusti<\/em>) on the Campus Martius.<\/p>\nThe obelisk stands 21.79 meters high, and approximately 33.97 meters including the base and the sphere topped by a globe. The monument bears Egyptian hieroglyphic inscriptions celebrating Pharaoh Psammetichus II, making it a valuable direct testimony of ancient Egypt.<\/p>\n
Having fallen and broken into several fragments between the 9th and 11th centuries, it was rediscovered in 1748 and restored by Pope Pius VI, then re-erected on Piazza Montecitorio between 1789 and 1792 under the direction of architect Giovanni Antinori. Today, the obelisk stands in front of Palazzo Montecitorio, seat of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, and is a major symbol of Rome\u2019s ancient heritage.<\/p>\n
Discover the secrets of the hieroglyphs on this obelisk through our scavenger hunt in Rome<\/a>.<\/p>\nThe Monument to Victor Emmanuel II (Altare della Patria)<\/h3>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.parisenigmes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Piazza_Venezia_-_Il_Vittoriano_cropped.webp\")
The Monument to Victor Emmanuel II<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, also known as the Vittoriano<\/strong> or Altare della Patria<\/strong>, is a massive structure located between Piazza Venezia and the Capitoline Hill. It was designed by architect Giuseppe Sacconi<\/strong> and built between 1885 and 1911.<\/p>\nThe monument celebrates the unification of Italy and pays tribute to Victor Emmanuel II<\/strong>, the first king of the unified Kingdom of Italy.<\/p>\nIt is made of white marble quarried in Botticino, in the province of Brescia, giving it a very distinctive brilliance. At the center stands an equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel II, sculpted by Enrico Chiaradia, approximately 12 meters<\/strong> high.<\/p>\nThe monument is adorned with two quadrigas (four-horse chariots) topped with allegories: the Unity of the Fatherland<\/strong> and Liberty<\/strong>, sculpted respectively by Carlo Fontana and Paolo Bartolini.<\/p>\nAt the base lies the Altar of the Fatherland<\/strong>, which houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier<\/strong>, a symbol of remembrance for Italian soldiers who died in wars.<\/p>\nInside the Vittoriano is the Central Museum of the Risorgimento<\/strong>, which traces the history of Italian unification.<\/p>\nThe Catacombs of Rome<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.parisenigmes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Roma_Catacombe_di_San_Sebastiano_4.webp\")
The catacombs of Rome<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Catacombs of Rome are a vast underground network of Christian cemeteries, made up of more than sixty catacombs forming hundreds of kilometers of galleries.<\/p>\n
These galleries were initially dug as quarries or former sand pits, before being transformed into funerary hypogea.<\/p>\n
The first Christian catacombs date back to the 2nd century, when Christian communities wished to bury their dead \u201cnear the martyrs\u201d (burial ad sanctos<\/em>). Roman law forbade burials within the city walls; the catacombs were therefore dug on the outskirts to comply with this rule.<\/p>\nSome catacombs, such as those of Saint Callixtus<\/strong>, have several levels of galleries\u2014up to five stories\u2014and descend deep underground. The Catacombs of Saint Callixtus, one of the most important Christian cemeteries, extend for nearly 20 km of galleries and contain the tombs of 16 popes.<\/p>\nThe catacombs were not used solely as burial places: they also became sites of pilgrimage, especially after the legalization of Christianity by Constantine\u2019s Edict in 313.<\/p>\n
Today, some of these catacombs are open to the public: for example, the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian, Saint Callixtus, Priscilla, Domitilla, or Saint Agnes.<\/p>\n
Piazza Navona<\/h3>\n![\"Piazza](\"https:\/\/www.parisenigmes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Piazza_Navona_Roma_-_fontana_fc07.webp\")
Piazza Navona<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Piazza Navona<\/em> is an iconic square in Rome, known for its lively atmosphere, caf\u00e9 terraces, and street artists.<\/p>\nIt is built on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian<\/strong>, dating back to the 1st century, and retains its characteristic oval shape.<\/p>\nIn the 17th century, under Pope Innocent X<\/strong>, the square was transformed into a masterpiece of Baroque art with spectacular fountains.<\/p>\nThe Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi<\/em> (Fountain of the Four Rivers), sculpted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini<\/strong> in 1651, stands at the center of the square, topped by an obelisk. The four rivers represented\u2014the Nile, the Ganges, the Danube, and the R\u00edo de la Plata\u2014symbolize the four continents known at the time.<\/p>\nAt one end of the piazza stands the Fontana del Moro<\/strong>, designed by Giacomo della Porta and enhanced by Bernini. At the other end, visitors can admire the Fountain of Neptune<\/strong>, another fine example of Baroque art.<\/p>\nIn the past, every weekend in August, the square was flooded to create a \u201clake,\u201d a water festival organized by the Pamphili family; this tradition lasted until the 19th century.<\/p>\n
Church of Sant\u2019Ignazio di Loyola<\/h3>\n![\"Church](\"https:\/\/www.parisenigmes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Church_of_SantIgnazio_di_Loyola_-_interno.webp\")
Church of Sant\u2019Ignazio di Loyola<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Church of Sant\u2019Ignazio di Loyola is located on Piazza Sant\u2019Ignazio<\/strong>, in the historic center of Rome. It was built starting in 1626<\/strong> at the initiative of Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi<\/strong>, nephew of Pope Gregory XV.<\/p>\nThe ceiling of the nave is adorned with an impressive trompe-l\u2019\u0153il fresco<\/strong> painted by the Jesuit artist Andrea Pozzo<\/strong>, depicting the \u201cEntry of Saint Ignatius into Paradise.\u201d<\/p>\nThere is no real dome: Pozzo painted a false \u201cdome\u201d in perspective to create the illusion of a cupola.<\/p>\n
Column of Marcus Aurelius<\/h3>\n![\"Column](\"https:\/\/www.parisenigmes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/La_Colonna_di_Marco_Aurelio_5966172297-683x1024.webp\")
Column of Marcus Aurelius<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Column of Marcus Aurelius<\/strong> is a Roman victory column located in the center of Piazza Colonna in Rome, Italy, erected in honor of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. It was built between 180 and 193 AD, probably after the emperor\u2019s death, to celebrate his victories during the Marcomannic Wars against Germanic and Sarmatian tribes.<\/p>\nThe column is inspired by Trajan\u2019s Column: it is made of marble blocks with a spiral frieze sculpted in relief depicting the military campaigns of Marcus Aurelius. The spiral wraps around the shaft and shows scenes of battles, marches, and military activities, forming a visual narrative of his campaigns.<\/p>\n
It stands about 30 meters high (around 100 Roman feet) without the base, which adds several more meters to its total height. In 1589, Pope Sixtus V had the column restored and replaced the original statue of the emperor at the top with a statue of Saint Paul, which still stands there today.<\/p>\n
Inside, the column is hollow and contains a spiral staircase, once used to access an observation platform but now closed to the public.<\/p>\n
Discover the secrets of the reliefs on this column through our route covering the must-see highlights of Rome<\/a>.<\/p>\nTemple of Hadrian<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.parisenigmes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/tempio_adriano-web.webp\")
<\/p>\n
The Temple of Hadrian<\/strong> is an ancient Roman temple located on Piazza di Pietra in the center of Rome, dedicated to Emperor Hadrian, who was deified after his death. Construction of the temple may have begun under Hadrian himself but was completed around 145 AD by his successor, Antoninus Pius.<\/p>\nOriginally, the temple featured a complete colonnade with Corinthian columns. Today, eleven columns on the northern side are still visible, incorporated into a later building. In the 17th century, the remains of the temple were integrated by architect Carlo Fontana into the Palazzo della Dogana di Terra, which today houses, among other institutions, the Rome Chamber of Commerce.<\/p>\n
The surviving columns, approximately 15 meters high, rest on a podium several meters tall and form the remaining fa\u00e7ade of the temple. Decorative reliefs depicting Roman provinces and other architectural motifs once adorned the interior and base of the temple; some of these reliefs are now preserved in museums.<\/p>\n
Discover how many columns this temple originally had and uncover its secrets through our Rome scavenger hunt<\/a>.<\/p>\nPalazzo Colonna \u2013 Galleria Colonna<\/h3>\n![\"Palazzo](\"https:\/\/www.parisenigmes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Palazzo_Colonna_Hoffassade.webp\")
Palazzo Colonna<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nPalazzo Colonna is a vast palatial complex located in the heart of Rome, at the base of the Quirinal Hill, near the church of Santi Apostoli<\/strong>.<\/p>\nIt has belonged to the Colonna family<\/strong> for more than twenty generations, making it one of the oldest private palaces in Rome. Part of the palace is built over the ruins of an ancient Roman Serapeum<\/strong>, reflecting the site\u2019s long continuity.<\/p>\nThe origins of the palace date back to the 13th century, when it served as a family fortress; according to tradition, Dante is even said to have stayed there during a visit to Rome.<\/p>\n
During the 17th and 18th centuries, the palace was transformed into a Baroque residence. The palace\u2019s private garden<\/strong>\u2014accessible from the gallery\u2014extends over the area of an ancient Roman temple dedicated to Serapis.<\/p>\nThe Galleria Colonna<\/strong>, about 76 meters long, houses an exceptional art collection, including paintings by Carracci, Guido Reni, Tintoretto, Bronzino, Veronese, and many others. The palace\u2019s salons feature frescoes celebrating, among other events, the role of Marcantonio II Colonna<\/strong> at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. The Palazzo Colonna<\/strong> is open to visitors.<\/p>\nSciarra Gallery<\/h3>\n![\"Sciarra](\"https:\/\/www.parisenigmes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Galleria_Sciarra.webp\")
Sciarra Gallery<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Sciarra Gallery<\/strong> is a richly decorated covered passageway located in the center of Rome, between Via Marco Minghetti and Piazza dell\u2019Oratorio, near the famous Trevi Fountain. It was created between 1885 and 1888 as a courtyard within the Palazzo of the Sciarra Colonna family, and later transformed into a pedestrian passage covered by an iron-and-glass roof.<\/p>\nThe architectural project blends and restores different styles and was entrusted to architect Giulio De Angelis, influenced by English Art Nouveau (Liberty). The wall frescoes decorating the gallery were painted by Giuseppe Cellini and depict allegories of feminine virtues such as modesty, strength, fidelity, and patience.<\/p>\n
The decorations also include scenes of 19th-century bourgeois life\u2014such as gardening, dining, and music\u2014as well as literary references, including a presumed portrait of Gabriele d\u2019Annunzio. Originally part of the Palazzo Sciarra Colonna, the gallery reflects the prestige of the Sciarra family at the end of the 19th century.<\/p>\n
Discover the secrets of the frescoes painted in this passage through our route covering the must-see highlights of Rome<\/a>.<\/p>\nMuseums to See in Rome<\/h2>\nCapitoline Museums<\/h3>\n![\"Capitoline](\"https:\/\/www.parisenigmes.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Italie_Rome_Musee_Capitole_Palazzo_Nuovo_Salon_Centaures_20042008_-_panoramio.webp\")
Capitoline Museums<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
The Colosseum, or Flavian Amphitheatre, is a massive oval amphitheatre located in the heart of Rome.<\/p>\n
Its construction began between 70 and 72 AD<\/strong> under Emperor Vespasian and was completed in 80 under Titus. Originally, it was called the Amphitheatrum Flavium<\/strong>, in reference to the Flavian dynasty.<\/p>\n It could accommodate between 50,000 and 70,000 spectators<\/strong> for gladiator fights, wild animal hunts, or reenactments of battles. Its elliptical shape, approximately 189 m<\/strong> long and 156 m<\/strong> wide, was designed to optimize visibility and crowd circulation.<\/p>\n The Colosseum featured a velarium<\/strong>, a retractable awning supported by masts and ropes to protect spectators from the sun.<\/p>\n Beneath the arena was an underground network (the hypogeum<\/strong>) that allowed for the spectacular entrance of gladiators and animals. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Colosseum was heavily looted: its stones were reused for other constructions in Rome.<\/p>\n Several earthquakes (notably in 1349) damaged the structure, explaining its partially ruined state today.<\/p>\n The Roman Forum (Forum Romanum) is a vast archaeological site located between the Palatine, Capitoline, and Quirinal hills in Rome. In Antiquity, it was the nerve center of Rome\u2019s political, religious, judicial, and commercial life.<\/p>\n Originally, the Forum valley was marshy; it was drained thanks to the construction of the Cloaca Maxima, one of the very first Roman sewer systems.<\/p>\n During the Republic, the Forum hosted political institutions such as the Curia (the Senate), as well as commercial porticoes and judicial basilicas. In the Imperial era, prestigious monuments were erected there: the Temple of Vespasian and Titus, the Arch of Septimius Severus, the Basilica of Maxentius, among others.<\/p>\n The Arch of Titus, built around the year 81, commemorates Titus\u2019s victory in Jerusalem and still gives the Forum a monumental appearance today.<\/p>\n The Column of Phocas<\/strong>, erected in 608, is the last monument built in the Forum; it bears the name of the Byzantine Emperor Phocas.<\/p>\n After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Forum gradually fell into oblivion; it was buried, looted, and used as a stone quarry.<\/p>\n Today, the Roman Forum is part of a major archaeological circuit that also includes the Colosseum and the Palatine Hill, attracting millions of visitors.<\/p>\n The Pantheon of Rome is an ancient building located on Piazza della Rotonda<\/strong>, built to honor all the gods.<\/p>\n The original building was constructed by Marcus Agrippa<\/strong> between 27 BC and 25 BC, as indicated by the inscription on the pediment: \u201cM. AGRIPPA L. F. COS TERTIUM FECIT\u201d<\/em>.<\/p>\n The current Pantheon was rebuilt between 118 and 125 AD under Emperor Hadrian<\/strong>, after several fires.<\/p>\n Its dome, with a diameter of 43.30 meters<\/strong>, is a masterpiece of engineering: its interior height equals this diameter, creating a perfect sphere. At the top of the dome is an oculus<\/strong> measuring 9 meters in diameter, which lets in light from the sky and symbolizes the connection with the universe.<\/p>\n The entrance portico is composed of 16 monolithic columns<\/strong> made of granite imported from Egypt, reinforcing the monument\u2019s grandeur. The Pantheon is today a Christian church<\/strong>, consecrated under the name Saint Mary of the Martyrs<\/em> since the 7th century, which has contributed to its excellent preservation.<\/p>\n It houses the tombs of illustrious figures such as Raphael<\/strong>, as well as Italian kings like Victor Emmanuel II<\/strong> and Umberto I<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Discover the secrets hidden in the columns and the pediment in our scavenger hunt on the must-see highlights of Rome<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Trevi Fountain (Fontana di Trevi) is one of Rome\u2019s most famous Baroque monuments. It was designed by the architect Nicola Salvi, and construction began in 1732. After Salvi\u2019s death in 1751, the project was continued by Giuseppe Pannini, who completed the fountain in 1762.<\/p>\n It measures approximately 26.3 meters high and 49.15 meters wide, making it the largest Baroque fountain in the city. The fountain is built against the fa\u00e7ade of Palazzo Poli, giving it a majestic structure inspired by a triumphal arch.<\/p>\n At the center, the statue of Oceanus (Neptune) stands on a shell-shaped chariot, pulled by two sea horses guided by tritons. On either side of Oceanus, two other sculpted figures represent Abundance and Salubrity.<\/p>\n The name \u201cTrevi\u201d is believed to come from the three streets (tre vie) that converge on the square where the fountain is built.<\/p>\n The water that feeds the fountain comes from the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct, built in 19 BC. According to tradition, throwing a coin into the fountain over your shoulder ensures a return to Rome.<\/p>\n Discover the meaning of the statues of this fountain in our scavenger hunt in Rome<\/a>.<\/p>\n St. Peter\u2019s Basilica, or Basilica Papale di San Pietro in Vaticano<\/em>, is the principal place of worship of Catholicism and is located in Vatican City. Its current construction began on April 18, 1506, under Pope Julius II<\/strong> and was completed in 1626.<\/p>\n Among the most famous architects who took part in its construction are Bramante<\/strong>, Michelangelo<\/strong>, Maderno<\/strong>, and Bernini<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The basilica features an architectural style blending the Renaissance<\/strong> and the Baroque<\/strong>, particularly visible in its monumental fa\u00e7ade and dome. Beneath the main altar lies the tomb of Saint Peter<\/strong>, one of the founding apostles, whom Christian tradition considers one of the first popes.<\/p>\n Visitors can explore the Vatican Grottoes<\/strong> beneath the basilica: a complex of chapels and tombs, some of which date back to the former Constantinian basilica.<\/p>\n Inside, the basilica contains 45 altars<\/strong> and 11 chapels<\/strong>, each decorated with remarkable works of art.<\/p>\n St. Peter\u2019s Square<\/strong>, in front of the basilica, was designed by Bernini: its semicircular colonnades symbolize the maternal arms of the Church.<\/p>\n Castel Sant\u2019Angelo is an iconic monument located on the right bank of the Tiber, not far from the Vatican.<\/p>\n Originally, it was the Mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian<\/strong>, built between 123 and 135 AD to house his ashes and those of his family.<\/p>\n Later, it was transformed into a military fortress<\/strong>, notably with the addition of bastions under Emperor Aurelian. Since 1277, the castle has been connected to the Vatican by a fortified passage known as the Passetto di Borgo<\/strong>, which served as an escape route for popes.<\/p>\n The name \u201cSant\u2019Angelo\u201d comes from a legendary apparition of the Archangel Michael<\/strong> in 590: according to tradition, he lowered his sword as a sign of the end of an epidemic. At the top of the castle stands a statue of the Archangel Michael<\/strong>, created in 1753 by Peter Anton von Verschaffelt, replacing several earlier versions.<\/p>\n During the Renaissance, several popes transformed the castle into a palace; Paul III had richly decorated apartments installed there.<\/p>\n The monument has five levels<\/strong>: they include ancient remains, medieval halls, prison cells, papal apartments, and panoramic terraces.<\/p>\n Today, the castle houses the National Museum of Castel Sant\u2019Angelo<\/strong>, with collections of weapons, paintings, and historical objects, and offers an exceptional viewpoint over Rome from its terrace.<\/p>\n The Baths of Caracalla (Thermae Antoninianae<\/em>) were built between 212 and 216 AD<\/strong> under Emperor Caracalla.<\/p>\n They were one of the largest and most luxurious bath complexes of ancient Rome, covering an area of approximately 11 hectares. According to historians\u2019 estimates, the site could accommodate up to 1,600 bathers<\/strong> at the same time.<\/p>\n The baths were supplied with water via a special branch of the Aqua Marcia<\/strong> aqueduct, known as the Aqua Antoniniana.<\/p>\n The complex included several rooms: a caldarium<\/strong> (hot bath), a tepidarium<\/strong> (warm bath), a frigidarium<\/strong> (cold bath), and a large swimming pool (natatio).<\/p>\n Excavations have revealed numerous works of art: statues (such as the Farnese Hercules), mosaics, frescoes, and more.<\/p>\n There was also a mithraeum<\/strong>, an underground sanctuary dedicated to the cult of Mithras, discovered in the galleries of the baths.<\/p>\n These baths remained in use until the 6th century; they were abandoned after the aqueducts were destroyed by the Goths in 537. Today, the ruins are among the most impressive in Rome, with some sections of walls still reaching 30 meters in height<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The site is also used today for cultural purposes: concerts and opera performances are sometimes held there, in a highly evocative historical setting.<\/p>\n Via Condotti (or Via dei Condotti<\/em>) is Rome\u2019s most prestigious shopping street.<\/p>\n It begins at the foot of the Spanish Steps<\/strong> (Piazza di Spagna) and connects this square to Via del Corso.<\/p>\n Its name, \u201cCondotti,\u201d comes from the channels<\/strong> (or conduits) that, in Roman times, carried water to the Baths of Agrippa.<\/p>\n Today, Via Condotti is a major hub for luxury shopping: it is home to designer boutiques such as Gucci, Prada, Dior, Valentino, Herm\u00e8s, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, and many others. The street is part of the Roman \u201cTridente,\u201d an urban triangle formed with Via del Corso and other shopping streets, highly popular with stylish tourists.<\/p>\n It is also home to a historic caf\u00e9: the Antico Caff\u00e8 Greco<\/strong>, opened in 1760, which has welcomed figures such as Goethe, Byron, Keats, and Liszt.<\/p>\n The buildings on both sides of the street feature elegant Baroque architecture<\/strong>, enhancing the chic atmosphere of this thoroughfare.<\/p>\n The Obelisco di Montecitorio<\/strong> is an ancient obelisk made of red Egyptian granite from Heliopolis, erected during the reign of Pharaoh Psammetichus II (around 595\u2013589 BC). It was transported to Rome in 10 BC by Emperor Augustus, who used it as the gnomon (pointer) of a vast monumental sundial (the Horologium Augusti<\/em>) on the Campus Martius.<\/p>\n The obelisk stands 21.79 meters high, and approximately 33.97 meters including the base and the sphere topped by a globe. The monument bears Egyptian hieroglyphic inscriptions celebrating Pharaoh Psammetichus II, making it a valuable direct testimony of ancient Egypt.<\/p>\n Having fallen and broken into several fragments between the 9th and 11th centuries, it was rediscovered in 1748 and restored by Pope Pius VI, then re-erected on Piazza Montecitorio between 1789 and 1792 under the direction of architect Giovanni Antinori. Today, the obelisk stands in front of Palazzo Montecitorio, seat of the Italian Chamber of Deputies, and is a major symbol of Rome\u2019s ancient heritage.<\/p>\n Discover the secrets of the hieroglyphs on this obelisk through our scavenger hunt in Rome<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, also known as the Vittoriano<\/strong> or Altare della Patria<\/strong>, is a massive structure located between Piazza Venezia and the Capitoline Hill. It was designed by architect Giuseppe Sacconi<\/strong> and built between 1885 and 1911.<\/p>\n The monument celebrates the unification of Italy and pays tribute to Victor Emmanuel II<\/strong>, the first king of the unified Kingdom of Italy.<\/p>\n It is made of white marble quarried in Botticino, in the province of Brescia, giving it a very distinctive brilliance. At the center stands an equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel II, sculpted by Enrico Chiaradia, approximately 12 meters<\/strong> high.<\/p>\n The monument is adorned with two quadrigas (four-horse chariots) topped with allegories: the Unity of the Fatherland<\/strong> and Liberty<\/strong>, sculpted respectively by Carlo Fontana and Paolo Bartolini.<\/p>\n At the base lies the Altar of the Fatherland<\/strong>, which houses the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier<\/strong>, a symbol of remembrance for Italian soldiers who died in wars.<\/p>\n Inside the Vittoriano is the Central Museum of the Risorgimento<\/strong>, which traces the history of Italian unification.<\/p>\n The Catacombs of Rome are a vast underground network of Christian cemeteries, made up of more than sixty catacombs forming hundreds of kilometers of galleries.<\/p>\n These galleries were initially dug as quarries or former sand pits, before being transformed into funerary hypogea.<\/p>\n The first Christian catacombs date back to the 2nd century, when Christian communities wished to bury their dead \u201cnear the martyrs\u201d (burial ad sanctos<\/em>). Roman law forbade burials within the city walls; the catacombs were therefore dug on the outskirts to comply with this rule.<\/p>\n Some catacombs, such as those of Saint Callixtus<\/strong>, have several levels of galleries\u2014up to five stories\u2014and descend deep underground. The Catacombs of Saint Callixtus, one of the most important Christian cemeteries, extend for nearly 20 km of galleries and contain the tombs of 16 popes.<\/p>\n The catacombs were not used solely as burial places: they also became sites of pilgrimage, especially after the legalization of Christianity by Constantine\u2019s Edict in 313.<\/p>\n Today, some of these catacombs are open to the public: for example, the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian, Saint Callixtus, Priscilla, Domitilla, or Saint Agnes.<\/p>\n The Piazza Navona<\/em> is an iconic square in Rome, known for its lively atmosphere, caf\u00e9 terraces, and street artists.<\/p>\n It is built on the site of the ancient Stadium of Domitian<\/strong>, dating back to the 1st century, and retains its characteristic oval shape.<\/p>\n In the 17th century, under Pope Innocent X<\/strong>, the square was transformed into a masterpiece of Baroque art with spectacular fountains.<\/p>\n The Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi<\/em> (Fountain of the Four Rivers), sculpted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini<\/strong> in 1651, stands at the center of the square, topped by an obelisk. The four rivers represented\u2014the Nile, the Ganges, the Danube, and the R\u00edo de la Plata\u2014symbolize the four continents known at the time.<\/p>\n At one end of the piazza stands the Fontana del Moro<\/strong>, designed by Giacomo della Porta and enhanced by Bernini. At the other end, visitors can admire the Fountain of Neptune<\/strong>, another fine example of Baroque art.<\/p>\n In the past, every weekend in August, the square was flooded to create a \u201clake,\u201d a water festival organized by the Pamphili family; this tradition lasted until the 19th century.<\/p>\n The Church of Sant\u2019Ignazio di Loyola is located on Piazza Sant\u2019Ignazio<\/strong>, in the historic center of Rome. It was built starting in 1626<\/strong> at the initiative of Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi<\/strong>, nephew of Pope Gregory XV.<\/p>\n The ceiling of the nave is adorned with an impressive trompe-l\u2019\u0153il fresco<\/strong> painted by the Jesuit artist Andrea Pozzo<\/strong>, depicting the \u201cEntry of Saint Ignatius into Paradise.\u201d<\/p>\n There is no real dome: Pozzo painted a false \u201cdome\u201d in perspective to create the illusion of a cupola.<\/p>\n The Column of Marcus Aurelius<\/strong> is a Roman victory column located in the center of Piazza Colonna in Rome, Italy, erected in honor of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. It was built between 180 and 193 AD, probably after the emperor\u2019s death, to celebrate his victories during the Marcomannic Wars against Germanic and Sarmatian tribes.<\/p>\n The column is inspired by Trajan\u2019s Column: it is made of marble blocks with a spiral frieze sculpted in relief depicting the military campaigns of Marcus Aurelius. The spiral wraps around the shaft and shows scenes of battles, marches, and military activities, forming a visual narrative of his campaigns.<\/p>\n It stands about 30 meters high (around 100 Roman feet) without the base, which adds several more meters to its total height. In 1589, Pope Sixtus V had the column restored and replaced the original statue of the emperor at the top with a statue of Saint Paul, which still stands there today.<\/p>\n Inside, the column is hollow and contains a spiral staircase, once used to access an observation platform but now closed to the public.<\/p>\n Discover the secrets of the reliefs on this column through our route covering the must-see highlights of Rome<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Temple of Hadrian<\/strong> is an ancient Roman temple located on Piazza di Pietra in the center of Rome, dedicated to Emperor Hadrian, who was deified after his death. Construction of the temple may have begun under Hadrian himself but was completed around 145 AD by his successor, Antoninus Pius.<\/p>\n Originally, the temple featured a complete colonnade with Corinthian columns. Today, eleven columns on the northern side are still visible, incorporated into a later building. In the 17th century, the remains of the temple were integrated by architect Carlo Fontana into the Palazzo della Dogana di Terra, which today houses, among other institutions, the Rome Chamber of Commerce.<\/p>\n The surviving columns, approximately 15 meters high, rest on a podium several meters tall and form the remaining fa\u00e7ade of the temple. Decorative reliefs depicting Roman provinces and other architectural motifs once adorned the interior and base of the temple; some of these reliefs are now preserved in museums.<\/p>\n Discover how many columns this temple originally had and uncover its secrets through our Rome scavenger hunt<\/a>.<\/p>\n Palazzo Colonna is a vast palatial complex located in the heart of Rome, at the base of the Quirinal Hill, near the church of Santi Apostoli<\/strong>.<\/p>\n It has belonged to the Colonna family<\/strong> for more than twenty generations, making it one of the oldest private palaces in Rome. Part of the palace is built over the ruins of an ancient Roman Serapeum<\/strong>, reflecting the site\u2019s long continuity.<\/p>\n The origins of the palace date back to the 13th century, when it served as a family fortress; according to tradition, Dante is even said to have stayed there during a visit to Rome.<\/p>\n During the 17th and 18th centuries, the palace was transformed into a Baroque residence. The palace\u2019s private garden<\/strong>\u2014accessible from the gallery\u2014extends over the area of an ancient Roman temple dedicated to Serapis.<\/p>\n The Galleria Colonna<\/strong>, about 76 meters long, houses an exceptional art collection, including paintings by Carracci, Guido Reni, Tintoretto, Bronzino, Veronese, and many others. The palace\u2019s salons feature frescoes celebrating, among other events, the role of Marcantonio II Colonna<\/strong> at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. The Palazzo Colonna<\/strong> is open to visitors.<\/p>\n The Sciarra Gallery<\/strong> is a richly decorated covered passageway located in the center of Rome, between Via Marco Minghetti and Piazza dell\u2019Oratorio, near the famous Trevi Fountain. It was created between 1885 and 1888 as a courtyard within the Palazzo of the Sciarra Colonna family, and later transformed into a pedestrian passage covered by an iron-and-glass roof.<\/p>\n The architectural project blends and restores different styles and was entrusted to architect Giulio De Angelis, influenced by English Art Nouveau (Liberty). The wall frescoes decorating the gallery were painted by Giuseppe Cellini and depict allegories of feminine virtues such as modesty, strength, fidelity, and patience.<\/p>\n The decorations also include scenes of 19th-century bourgeois life\u2014such as gardening, dining, and music\u2014as well as literary references, including a presumed portrait of Gabriele d\u2019Annunzio. Originally part of the Palazzo Sciarra Colonna, the gallery reflects the prestige of the Sciarra family at the end of the 19th century.<\/p>\n Discover the secrets of the frescoes painted in this passage through our route covering the must-see highlights of Rome<\/a>.<\/p>\nThe Roman Forum<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Pantheon<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Trevi Fountain<\/strong><\/h3>\n
St. Peter\u2019s Basilica in the Vatican<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Castel Sant\u2019Angelo<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Baths of Caracalla<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Via Condotti<\/h3>\n
Obelisco di Montecitorio<\/h3>\n
The Monument to Victor Emmanuel II (Altare della Patria)<\/h3>\n
The Catacombs of Rome<\/h3>\n
Piazza Navona<\/h3>\n
Church of Sant\u2019Ignazio di Loyola<\/h3>\n
Column of Marcus Aurelius<\/h3>\n
Temple of Hadrian<\/h3>\n
<\/p>\nPalazzo Colonna \u2013 Galleria Colonna<\/h3>\n
Sciarra Gallery<\/h3>\n
Museums to See in Rome<\/h2>\n
Capitoline Museums<\/h3>\n
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