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 Anglican Church with Special Events |
Via del Babuino, 153 Rome Italy +39 06 3600 1881 http://www.allsaintsrome.org/ |
Founded in 1816 by Reverend Corbet Hue as an English Chaplaincy in Rome, All Saints Anglican Church conducts church services and holds concerts and fully staged operas commissioned by the Accademia d' Opera Italiana. The church itself was constructed from 1882-1887 and the spire was added in 1937. For service times and events please visit the website. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Ancient Roman port ruins |
717 Via dei Romagnoli Rome, Rome 00119 Italy +39 6 5635 8099 http://www.itnw.roma.it/ostia/... |
For at least 600 years this was a busy port, but the area declined suddenly following a reduction in commerce, and the onset of malaria. Covered by sand and mud that accumulated over the centuries, it was perfectly preserved and has therefore survived intact. The Baths of Cisiarii and the Baths of Neptune can be seen, with their lovely black and white mosaic floors. The theatre has been restored, a series of large masks having been set on to blocks of rock that originally adorned the building. Leaving the main street, you reach the areas where the inhabitants used to live, the style of the homes differing according to whether the residents were workers, or traders and shippers. Workmen and sailors lived in "insule", like present day blocks of flats, while the richer classes had fine homes decorated with colourful mosaics and statues. The remains that have been discovered are exhibited in the museum nearby, which also displays bas-reliefs and objects connected to the cult of Mithra, very popular in Imperial Rome. Admission: EUR 5 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Todd Martin  |
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 Photo: Laurence Gonsalves |
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 Photo: Ron & Jeff Phillips |
 Photo: amoilmare |
 Photo: Derek Enz |
 Photo: Christine Pilote |
 Photo: Lauren Westfall |
 Photo: Cattolicaus |
 Photo: Jean-Marc Fondeur |
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A walk through history |
42 Via Appia Antica Rome, Rome 00179 Italy +39 6 512 6314 / +39 6 513 0682 http://www.parcoappiaantica.org |
The ancient Appian Way was the most important of the consular roads. It was inaugurated in 312 B.C. by censor Appius Claudius Ciecus after whom it was named. The road was especially important for economic reasons as it connected Rome with the south of Italy. Initially it only went as far as Capua along the Pontine marshes, but was later extended to Benevento and then all the way to Brindisi, which encouraged trade with the eastern Mediterranean. This last stretch lost importance however when the Appia Traia Way was opened that stretched down to Bari. Lined with pines and cypress trees, the road is very attractive, particularly where the original paving can be seen. There are many remains of Roman constructions that testify to its ancient splendor and archaeological importance. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Simon Laird |
 Photo: Ben Gedrose |
 Photo: ott1mo |
 Photo: Danny Nicholson |
 Photo: Ben Gedrose |
 Photo: Liam Relihan |
 Photo: garbaland |
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 Photo: Kurt Naks |
 Photo: Eliina Viele |
 Photo: Carol H. Goodfriend |
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 Photo: Mike Rogers |
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 Photo: Phillip Kotecki |
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 Photo: Jennifer Sandberg |
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A hymn to peace |
Lungotevere in Augusta Rome 00186 Italy +39 0636003471 |
The altar, commissioned by the Senate following pacification work launched by Emperor Augustus, dates from 9 BC. The first panels were found in 1500 and ended up in Paris and Florence. Made from marble and beautifully sculpted, probably by Greek artists, the panels formed an enclosure around a base with an altar in the centre. The figures are from the imperial family. Restoration work was begun in 1938. Now the altar is protected by a glass covering. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: alessandro silipo |
 Photo: alessandro silipo |
 Photo: Tiziana Meciani |
 Photo: Massimiliano Giani |
 Photo: Alex Hung |
 Photo: Claudio La Rosa |
 Photo: Steven Connor |
 Photo: Fabrizio Lonzini |
 Photo: Stefano Fiorani |
 Photo: Paul Tognotti |
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 Photo: Massimiliano Apollonio |
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Tribute to Constantine |
Via San Gregorio Piazza del Colosseo Rome, Rome 00184 Italy +39 6 48 8991 (Tourist Information) |
The Arch of Constantine is particularly interesting because it is like a jigsaw made up of other monuments. It was built using material from Trajan's Forum, from where the statues of the Dacian prisoners and the friezes representing Marcus Aurelius were also taken. The Arch was erected at the beginning of the fourth century in honour of Constantine, following the victory over Maxentius. It is considered one of the last great monuments to be constructed by the Romans. It stands beside the Colosseum in the huge square which in summer is the site for one of the events of the 'Estate Romana'. A huge screen is hung from the arch, onto which films and videos are projected. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Thomas Blount |
 Photo: rayced |
 Photo: Kathie Zaccaria |
 Photo: Dean Christakos |
 Photo: Simon Bunn |
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 Photo: Ernie Bello |
 Photo: Vic Liu |
 Photo: adamkcarson |
 Photo: get directly down |
 Photo: Dennis |
 Photo: Ian Shadford |
 Photo: Peter Watts |
 Photo: Jessica |
 Photo: Juan de Dios Santander Vela |
 Photo: Joe Walters |
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 Photo: Rick Payette |
 Photo: Chuck Heeke |
 Photo: Gary Fennelly |
 Photo: Kaliq Mansor |
 Photo: Giuseppe Finocchiaro |
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A 1000 year old arch |
Via Claudia Rome, Rome 00184 Italy +39 6 48 8991 (Tourist Information) |
In all probability, this arch was the ancient Porta Celimontana of the Servian walls, the first defensive walls raised by Servius Tullius, which were later used to support the Neronian aqueduct. The single arch gateway was raised by Consuls Cornelius Dolabella (from whom it takes its name) and Junius Silanus. On the wall to the right of the arch you will see a portal with an interesting mosaic shrine built by the Cosmati in the 13th century. Dolabella Arch stands at the crossroads of the Via Claudia with the Via S. Paolo della Croce before you reach the Largo della Sanità Militare. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Modern catacombs |
174 Via Ardeatina Rome, Rome 00178 Italy +39 6 513 6742 |
Located behind the Catacombe di Domitilla, this is also an old burial site of Christian martyrs. More than three hundred people, mainly Jews, political prisoners, and even a priest and a 14-year-old boy, were brought here and killed. After this massacre, the German troops blew up the tunnel leading to the Chamber of death in an attempt to destroy all traces of the crime. This modern catacomb can be visited together with the Museum of the Resistance and modern sculptures by Coccia and Basaldella. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Republican temples |
Largo Torre Argentina Rome, Rome 00186 Italy +39 6 48 8991 (Tourist Information) |
The ancient buildings that can be seen here were discovered during excavation work in the 1920s. The four temples from the Republican era were named A, B, C and D. Temple C is the oldest, Temple A is from the 3rd c. BC, and some of the flooring and mosaics of Temple B are still visible. Though Temple C was built in 100 BC, the mosaic decorations were added during a later period. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rachel Ziemba |
 Photo: Colin Seymour |
 Photo: ho-ling |
 Photo: Jeffrey E. Babich |
 Photo: Raphaël Chabloz |
 Photo: dougiepunk |
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Pasquino's rival |
49 Via del Babuino Rome, Rome 00187 Italy |
This little fountain, somewhat hidden behind the flocks of scooters that surround it, was dubbed Babuino because of the ugliness of the statue that represents a Sileno with his bagpipe. It was erected during the papacy of Gregory XIII in the second half of the 16th century and was thought of as a rival to the statua del Pasquino, and the lesser-known Babuinate were rivals to the famous Pasquinate. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ray Flynn |
 Photo: Orin Hargraves |
 Photo: Aprille |
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Old time police |
Piazza di Porta Metronia Rome, Rome 00184 Italy |
The zone of Navicella is named after the stone reproduction of an ancient Roman ship in the fountain in front of the church of Santa Maria in Domnica. In this area, the remains of ancient buildings have been found - in particular, nymphaeums and houses. These remains are thought to have been the original barracks of the Fifth Cohort. Until 1820, to the south of the church only the remains of a building dedicated by the 5th Cohort to the Emperor Caracalla had been found, but in 1931, following work on the entrance of the Villa Celimontana, further remains were found of the same building. The entire building is extended on the right of the church as far as Porta Metronia but its limits are unknown. This uncertainty is compounded by the discovery, inside the church, of the remains of various rooms with decorated walls that may have belonged to the same barracks. It is known that the church was built beside or above a public building that had lost its original function by the 7th century. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Working-class housing |
16 Via San Paolo alla Regola Rome, Rome 00186 Italy +39 6 48 8991 (Tourist Information) |
The four-storey Palazzetto degli Specchi, two levels of which are underground, was built during the imperial period. The lowest level was probably built parallel to the river with an open court before it. The residents were mostly people of modest means who worked at the port or in the markets. A washing area and various medieval storerooms for amphoras are still visible. A pile of pig teeth from the 6th century suggests that the building also contained a slaughterhouse. Visit: by appointment Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Part of the city walls |
Viale di Porta Ardeatina Rome, Rome 00154 Italy |
The name 'Bastione Ardeatino' indicates the section of the ancient Aurelian city walls, which were rebuilt by Antonio da Sangallo il Giovane in 1536. He was given the task of restoring the city walls by Pope Paul III in 1530 because the Pope feared the possibility of a Turkish attack. The 'Bastione' is also known as the large bastion of Sangallo, taking its name from its illustrious maker. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Totila district |
Via di Santo Spirito Rome, Rome 00193 Italy +39 6 48 8991 (Tourist Information) |
Borgo is a very old district of Rome that lies between the Vatican and the Tiber. Its name comes from 'Burg', the German word for fort, which was used by the barbarian leader Totila who took the city from the Romans in just a few days. During the Roman era the land belonged to Agrippina, the mother of Caligula. Nero's Circus was built here and it was considered a strategic point. In 848, Pope Leo IV had the walls of the Vatican city built to create a papal citadel, the "Leonine City". The four main roads of the district - Via Alessandrina, Via Borgo S. Angelo, Via Borgo Vecchio and Via di Santo Spirito - were embellished with small squares and fountains. Churches, monasteries and the hospital di Santo Spirito were built given the religious nature of the area, where the martyrdom of St. Peter and the first Italian Christians took place. It was over Peter's tomb that the most famous basilica in the world was built. Major events modified the appearance of the district: the unification of Italy, and 10 years later the choice of Rome as capital of the new country; and the destruction of the residential blocks between St. Peter's and Castel Sant'Angelo to build the main road that leads to the basilica. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Passageway to salvation |
Via Della Conciliazione Rome, Rome 00193 Italy +39 6 48 8991 (Tourist Information) |
The Passetto, also known as the Borgo Corridor, is a long and winding passage that connects the Vatican to Castel Sant'Angelo. It was conceived by Pope Boniface IX and restored by John XXIII who understood the importance of the passageway for the safety of the popes. During the sack of Rome in 1527, it was used by many of the curia and even pope Clement VII, who managed to save themselves by heading to Castel Sant'Angelo. The walls date back to different periods and feature papal crests, arrow slits and arcades. There are the remains of towers that were built during previous efforts to restore it. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Unlucky bridge |
Lungotevere Pierleoni Rome, Rome 00186 Italy |
Originally named Emilius, (193 B.C.), this was the first stone bridge: it was suitable for the passage of heavily laden carts that could not cross the Sublicius bridge, which was made of timber. Its slanting position meant that it was prone to water damage, and half the bridge was destroyed by a violent flood in the late 16th century. This is why it is called Ponte Rotto (broken bridge). Today it can best be seen from the Palatino Bridge. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Trevor Schwellnus |
 Photo: tracy madaj |
 Photo: Monica Penalba |
 Photo: robotika |
 Photo: Veronica Holmes |
 Photo: Israfel Rayne |
 Photo: Simona Mizzoni |
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The cumbersome fountain |
Piazza Campitelli Rome, Rome 00186 Italy |
The fountain in the Piazza di Campitelli was designed by Giacomo della Porta. It was originally placed in the centre of the square, before being moved, by order of Pope Innocent XI, away from the Chiesa di Santa Maria in Campitelli following the church's restoration and enlargement. The fountain is fed by the Acqua Felice and is decorated with various friezes and large masks from which the water spurts. It bears the coats of arms of four influential local families and the effigies of the Senate and the Roman people. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Historical executions |
Piazza Campo de' Fiori Rome, Rome 00186 Italy |
Tradition says that Campo dei Fiori was named after the woman loved by Pompey, Flora, but it is more likely to have come from something a bit less romantic: in the 14th century, Campo dei Fiori was a long-abandoned field filled with flowers. In the second half of the 19th century the square was used for a colourful market that has been held each morning since then. It was also the scene of many executions, most notably that of Giordano Bruno, the philosopher who was burned here in 1600. The statue dedicated to him replaced a fountain that was moved to the nearby Chiesa Nuova square, and a reproduction of it was moved to the side of the Campo dei Fiori. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Daryoush Mansouri |
 Photo: Dan Nelson |
 Photo: Nazila Merati |
 Photo: Rachel Ziemba |
 Photo: Sergio Calleja (aka SuperKeko) |
 Photo: Aaron May |
 Photo: Sergio Calleja (aka SuperKeko) |
 Photo: Nazila Merati |
 Photo: Daryoush Mansouri |
 Photo: Meagan Snow |
 Photo: Matan Rochlitz |
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Crypt of the Capuchin Monks |
Via Vittorio Veneto 27 Rome 00187 Italy |
Creepy, bizarre and completely captivating, the crypt of the Capuchin Friars is worth the venture off the well beaten tourist path in Rome. The crypt, or cemetery of sorts, lies under the church of Santa Maria della Concezione dei Cappuccini. Since 1764 the bones of over 4,000 deceased Capuchin Franciscans were arranged in elaborate, decorative floor to ceiling designs spread throughout five rooms. Each room highlights certain bones, and the designs even extend onto the light fixtures. Skulls flanked by shoulder blades create angelic figures looming above on the ceiling and the final room contains the skeleton of a child grim reaper and the inscription 'what you are, we once were too and what we are now, you will be'. Morbid, but like nothing you have ever seen before or could even imagine. -Sophia Coyne Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Music among the ruins |
52 Viale Terme di Caracalla Rome, Rome 00153 Italy +39 6 575 8626 http://www.archeorm.arti.benic... |
These baths were built in the 3rd century A.D. by the Emperor Caracalla, and they operated for about two hundred years, before the barbarian invasions and the subsequent interruption in the water supply. The area was abandoned for a certain time, and then in 1400 the first excavations began, uncovering works that can be found in Palazzo Farnese and the Vatican Museums. As well as the ruins of the baths, there are the remains of a temple dedicated to the god Mithra, conserving the benches used for the mystic meals taken by the followers, the floor in white mosaic with black strips, and the hollow where the blood pouring down from the sacrifices collected. In August, the baths provide the backdrop for opera performances. Admission price is about EUR6. The hours are seasonal but generally start at about 9a and the venue remains closed on Mondays from 1p onwards. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A safe hideaway |
Viale Valadier Rome, Rome 00187 Italy |
The Casina was originally a farmhouse, transformed by Valadier into a small neo-classical villa with terraces, loggias, columns and capitals for Cardinal Della Porta. The bust of astronomer Angelo Secchi stands in the small square in front of the house and, if you look carefully, you will see a small hole that indicates the point where the meridian passes through Rome. The Casina was originally built on an ancient Roman water tank whose pipes were used as a hiding place during the Sacking of Rome in 1527. Now it is a fashionable café-restaurant where artists and intellectuals meet. It is reached by going up the Viale D'Annunzio towards the Pincio, then taking the Via Belvedere, and finally the Via A. Mickievicz. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Simone Petraczek |
 Photo: Riccardo Piccioli |
 Photo: downehall |
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The fall of Tosca |
50 Lungotevere Castello Rome 00193 Italy +39 6 328 691 http://www.castelsantangelo.com/ |
The splendid fortress of Castel Sant'Angelo was originally built as a mausoleum for the Emperor Hadrian in 139 AD. In the 10th century AD it was transformed into a castle, then, 500 years later, into the elegant residence of Pope Alexander VI Borgia. Michelangelo designed the marvellous main court for Pope Leon X and many of the rooms inside are decorated with frescoes of great beauty. It's also been used to house prisoners, including the sculptor Benvenuto Cellini. The terrace offers a fine view of the river Tiber and opera lovers will know that this was where the final act of Puccini's opera "Tosca" took place. The building is now a museum with a fine collection of suits of armour. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: peppe yakanama |
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 Photo: Michele Diodati |
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The first testimony of St Petronilla |
280/282 Via delle Sette Chiese Rome, Rome 00147 Italy +39 6 511 0342 http://www.catacombe.domitilla... |
Domitilla's catacombs are part of a vast funereal complex, a necropolis that contains monuments from the 1st century AD Santa Petronilla and the martyrs Nereo and Achilleo are buried in this area. The bodies of the two martyrs are in the underground basilica, whose entrance bears an inscription in their honour dictated by Pope Damaso. In one of the numerous cubicles there is a painting of matron Veneranda entering paradise accompanied by the martyr Petronilla. This is probably the first document that refers to Petronilla as a martyr; indeed, it dates from the first half of the 4th century. Part of the catacombs is reserved for the tombs of children, and there are images of Love and Psyche depicted as children surrounded by floral decorations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Anthony Majanlahti |
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Underground frescoes |
430 Via Salaria Rome, Rome 00199 Italy +39 6 8620 6272 http://web.tiscali.it/catacomb... |
On Via Salaria, near to Via Ada, are the catacombs of Priscilla. Seven popes were buried here, victims of emperor Diocleziano's persecutions, along with various saints and three hundred presumed martyrs. The catacombs extend along two levels. Benedictine nuns act as tour guides. The older, upper level, dates from the beginning of the 3rd century - a date which is confirmed by the stamps on the building which are from the Caracalla era. In the vaults of the gallery of sarcophagi there is a famous painting depicting Mary with the Baby and the prophet Isaia, from the early 3rd century. The most important funerary monument is the Cappella Greca, so-called on account of the two inscriptions in Greek painted on the plaster of a nook. The catacombs are covered in frescoes with images taken from the Old and the New Testaments. Admission is EUR5. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Sherri Barras |
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Popes' Catacombs |
110/126 Via Appia Antica Rome 00179 Italy +39 6 5130 1580 |
The catacombs of San Callisto, known for more than two centuries as the Church of Rome's cemetery, contain the tombs of nine popes buried in the Crypt. They extend over approximately 20km on four floors. Strangely enough, the tomb of Callisto I, martyred in 200 while celebrating a mass in Trastevere, is not to be found here. The most visited sites are obviously the papal 'crypt' and Santa Cecilia's sepulchre. These places were accidentally discovered by the scholar Giovanni Battista de Rossi, who entered a vineyard and noticed two unusual structures; one was converted into a farmhouse and the other was used as a wine shop and contained bottles of wine. Acquiring the land with the consent of Pope Pius IX and starting excavations, he found some relics, which led to the final discovery of the entire complex. Admission is EUR5. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Morgan Johansson |
 Photo: Martin Gordon |
 Photo: flosofl |
 Photo: Points North |
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Tomb for a Roman |
Piazzale Ostiense Rome, Rome 00154 Italy |
This monument is the tomb of Caius Cestius, Praetor and Tribune of the plebeians during the reign of Emperor Augustus. Cestius, who had visited the pyramids in Egypt, decided to create one for himself as a tomb. Made in white marble, it is incorporated in the Aurelian walls. During the second half of the 17th century, while the base of the pyramid was being cleaned, various pieces of columns were found, along with marble bases with the names of the descendants of Caius Cestius engraved on them, and a bronze foot. Inside the monument, there were no precious objects, probably because a law had been passed forbidding excess luxury and the burying of gold. As a result, the gold-embroidered clothing belonging to Caius was sold, and the heirs used the money to erect the large bronze statue, of which just the foot remains. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nigelito |
 Photo: zacharym |
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Episcopal Church in the Heart of the City |
Via Nazionale 16a (corner of Via Nazionale and Via Napoli) Rome 00184 Italy |
Built in 1873, the Church of San Paolo entro le Mura (St Paul's Episcopal Church within the Walls) was the first non-Roman Catholic church to be constructed in the city. The mid-sized church features beautiful painted murals and is frequently used as a concert venue due to its great acoustics. Today the church serves a multi-cultural congregation and houses the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center. For concert and church information, please visit the website. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The dream factory |
1055 Via Tuscolana Rome, Rome 00173 Italy +39 6 7229 3207 http://www.cinecittastudios.it... |
This is known as Hollywood on the Tevere; it had its golden age in the 1960s when great American film producers came to Rome, requiring use of the city's studios for their works. Cinecittà was founded in 1937 and many famous actors have walked through the entrance on Via Tuscolana: Fellini created his masterpieces here, Sergio Leone brought his spaghetti westerns to life in these studios and many of the industry greats have been on these sets. Cinecittà is at present enjoying a revival, playing host to several foreign productions. In the summer there are cinematography exhibitions, concerts and guided tours. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: L Lee |
 Photo: L Lee |
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Fighting in an ancient arena |
Via del Circo Massimo Rome, Rome 00153 Italy |
In the 4th century B.C., Circus Maximus was one of the largest stadia in Rome, with a capacity of 250,000 seated spectators. It was the venue for horse racing, athletics tournaments and animal fighting. The last races held there were in 549 A.D. Another very popular sport was marine battling: the arena was filled with water and fights between light boats took place. The tower is from medieval times. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paolo Margari |
 Photo: Tania De la Paz |
 Photo: Phil |
 Photo: Phil |
 Photo: Giulia Bucelli (Swee |
 Photo: Vince |
 Photo: Dennis Hansen |
 Photo: Dalglish Chew |
 Photo: D. Drake |
 Photo: nickandsteph2006 |
 Photo: Ritzo ten Cate |
 Photo: Becky Hill |
 Photo: mattomatto |
 Photo: Bird OnAWire |
 Photo: T. E. Watts |
 Photo: Joe Cooper |
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Hours go by |
17a Via de' Filippini Rome, Rome 00186 Italy |
This clock tower, with its alternately concave and convex sides, was designed and built by Borromini in the first half of the 17th century. It was placed at the top of the monastery of the Oratorio of San Filippo Neri. The structure is in wrought iron, and below the clock there is a lovely mosaic of the Madonna della Vallicella that was designed by Pietro da Cortona. The original clockwork mechanism is conserved in the Museum of Rome. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Vickie Smith |
 Photo: Jeremy Snead |
 Photo: Attila Juhász |
 Photo: MichelinStar |
 Photo: Sylvia McPherson |
 Photo: stinger101 |
 Photo: leahbrooks.com |
 Photo: Simon Booth |
 Photo: Jennifer Jones |
 Photo: jimjim421 |
 Photo: Kairee |
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The symbol of Rome |
Piazza del Colosseo Rome, Rome 00184 Italy +39 6 700 4261 / +39 6 700 5469 http://www.museidiroma.com/col... |
No visit to Rome is complete without having seen its magnificent Colosseum, a vast amphitheater with seating for 55,000 that was designed as a horse racing circuit and arena for animal fighting and gladiatorial battles. Upon its completion, spectacular 100-day celebrations were organized as part of the opening ceremony in 72 AD. Its name is believed to come from Nero's enormous statue of Colossus that stood close by. The admission charges are about EUR9 (plus EUR2 for exhibitions, also valid at the Palatine), and audio guides are available for an small additional fee. Guided group tours cost only EUR3.5 more per person, and can be a great deal as the line for this tour tends to be much shorter. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: jonrawlinson |
 Photo: B. Utesch |
 Photo: Jordan |
 Photo: Abner Breban |
 Photo: Steve Dodd |
 Photo: Bill McIntyre |
 Photo: bengal*foam |
 Photo: Camille Breaux |
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A couple's last residence |
9 Via di Porta San Sebastiano Rome, Rome 00179 Italy +39 6 6710 3819 |
The vault, widely used from the time of Augustus, was highly suited for mass burials. The name is derived from the shape of these sepulchres, whose walls had niches capable of holding hundreds of urns containing the ashes of the deceased. The vault of Pomponius Hylas is one of the most interesting, reached by a small staircase with statues of two griffins on each side to protect the sepulchre from the evil eye. The interior contains brightly colored mosaics depicting birds, vines and dancers in a garden. There are also portrayals of mythological figures like Achilles, Ochus, and Orpheus. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A surprise in the courtyard |
2 Via Pescara Rome, Rome 00182 Italy +39 6 48 8991 (Tourist Information) |
This may seem like any other Roman yard, but it's not; check out the two trapdoors! You descend a steep stairway and wind up in a simple vault lined with burial niches which hold the urns of the dead. With brightly coloured frescoes of flowers and birds on show, the only sadness around is represented by two tragic masks that watch over the place. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The account of a victory |
Piazza Colonna Rome, Rome 00187 Italy |
This large column was erected after the death of Marcus Aurelius to commemorate his victories over the barbarians. The reliefs on the column illustrate battle scenes and soldiers escorting files of prisoners. It is similar in style to Constantine's arch and it is probable that the same artist worked on both. The statue of Marcus Aurelius on the tip of the column was replaced by one of St Paul of which copies can be seen at the Museo della Civiltà Romana in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Scott MacLeod Liddle |
 Photo: Sarah Stafford |
 Photo: Jacqueline Cullimore |
 Photo: Cameron Booth |
 Photo: Eoghan Sweeney |
 Photo: Gabriele Barrale |
 Photo: Chris van Dyck |
 Photo: Antonia Hayes |
 Photo: Maja Kogej |
 Photo: abigail.haley@btinternet.com |
 Photo: Luth Brodie |
 Photo: Steve and Clare |
 Photo: Jennifer P. |
 Photo: Steph & Josh Bovell |
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Flowers for the Virgin Mary |
Piazza Mignanelli Rome, Rome 00187 Italy |
The ancient Roman column became the base of a Christian monument in 1800. Pope Pius IX pronounced the creed of the Immaculate Conception and had a statue of the Madonna placed on the top of the column. Since then, the Immacolata is celebrated on 8 December, when a fireman climbs up to the statue and places a garland of flowers around her. In earlier times, Pope Pius himself would climb up to pay homage to the statue. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alan Hodge |
 Photo: Phillip Stephens |
 Photo: John Pruitt |
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Revolving box for foundlings |
Borgo Santo Spirito Rome, Rome Italy |
Adorned with elegant arches, it has a beautiful Bregno marble portal, which is decorated with friezes, garlands of flowers and fruit, and with the Della Rovere coat of arms. Because of its elegance and harmony, this portal is also known as the Porta del Paradiso. The Corsia also stands out for the Octagon that rises above it, enriched with mullioned windows and decorated with coats of arms and medallions, and the entrance archway is by Bernini. The revolving box for taking foundlings into convents is preserved on one side of the building - it took in unfortunate newborns and alms. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michael Dawes |
 Photo: Henrique Prochmann |
 Photo: joan brull |
 Photo: Nicholas O'Donnell |
 Photo: sknaB nolA |
 Photo: Andrew Vorzimer |
 Photo: sergiomontini.com |
 Photo: JGV |
 Photo: Bisbi |
 Photo: jun pie |
 Photo: sinisa predavac |
 Photo: la federica |
 Photo: 19761977 |
 Photo: Carlos T.A. Brasil |
 Photo: Laura Cruz Martín |
 Photo: Gabriela Giardino |
 Photo: Renata Murari |
 Photo: Honey in the Sunshin |
 Photo: Henrique Palazzo |
 Photo: Marco |
 Photo: Roberto Costa Pinto |
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The great pinecone |
Viale Vaticano Rome, Rome 00193 Italy +39 6 48 8991 (Tourist Information) |
Inside the Vatican Museums you will find the Cortile della Pigna between the Sistine Salon, the Museo Chiaramonti, the Galleria dei Candelabri, the Museo Pio-Clementino and the Museo Gregoriano Egizio. The cortile is part of Bramante's Belvedere courtyard and was given the name because of the large bronze pinecone in front of the large niche. It was actually mentioned by Dante in the Divina Commedia. It dates from the Roman era and was found in Agrippa's Baths near Piazza Navona. It was probably created by the sculptor Salvius and may have been part of a fountain. It was later placed in the atrium of St Peter's with two bronze peacocks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John Keogh, jv21.com |
 Photo: Erin Willett |
 Photo: Billy Sabatini |
 Photo: Kathy Richards |
 Photo: Mark Becker |
 Photo: Bruno Reddy |
 Photo: Tatiana Mac |
 Photo: Kenneth Kunin |
 Photo: johnww@btopenworld.c |
 Photo: Jennifer Lindblad |
 Photo: Kiewie |
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Ambitious project |
Via della Domus Aurea Cancello Colle Oppio Rome, Rome 00184 Italy +39 6 8530 1756 (Booking) |
Said to have been 25 times larger than the Colosseum at the height of Nero's reign, it took 15 years of restoration work before the remaining rooms of this immense palace were opened to the public. The interior is rich in walls covered with frescos, gold, gemstones, and mother-of-pearl, and ceilings tiled in ivory, with openings for creating a shower of flowers and perfumes. After Nero's death, his successors attempted to eradicate his memory and eliminate every possible trace of this palace; fortunately for history this remained. Reservations are necessary, see official tourism website for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Hewson |
 Photo: Fabio Lalli |
 Photo: jasapp12345 |
 Photo: lotuschan |
 Photo: Catherine Gowen |
 Photo: Gino Sdoia |
 Photo: Luca Picillo |
 Photo: Annette Cormack |
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Home Of The Lazio Blues |
Via dello Stadio Flaminio Rome 00185 Italy +39 6 323 6539 http://www.rbs6nations.com/spl... |
The enormous stadium is home to the Italian Rugby team. It plays host to the Six Nations Rugby tournament, and has a seating capacity of about 27,000 spectators. The home team backed by the cheering crowd takes on the might of European giants in the oldest rugby tournament in the world. The atmosphere at the stadium is amazing, and the chanting almost never stops. The stands are full of energetic enthusiasts carrying flags, banners, and some even walk-in with colorful face paint to cheer their teams. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Roberto Pompili |
 Photo: Hugh Robertson |
 Photo: Roberto Pompili |
 Photo: Shane Horan |
 Photo: Alessandro Cola |
 Photo: chiara morghenti |
 Photo: Debbie Sim |
 Photo: Rob |
 Photo: Lutetia |
 Photo: Pierdante Romei |
