1.The Pantheon
As one of Rome’s most well-preserved monuments, we couldn’t forget about the Pantheon. It’s well-known for having the largest dome of its kind at the time that it was built. It was the biggest dome for over 1300 years until Brunelleschi built the Duomo in Florence. Of course, this was after he studied the Pantheon for inspiration! Despite its colossal weight, the dome of the Pantheon is fully supported by the structure beneath it, which is still considered an incredible feat today. It was initially designed as a pagan temple for Roman Gods, but in the modern day, it serves as a Christian church. The Pantheon that stands today is not the original structure: it was damaged and burned down several times over the centuries but was always restored to its former glory as closely as possible.
2.The Trevi Fountain
Instantly known as Rome’s most famous fountain, the Trevi Fountain has also been established as the largest and most beautiful in Rome. It originated way back in 19 BC when it served as the end point of the Aqua Virgo aqueduct. It was originally built during the Renaissance period and its construction was directed by Pope Nicholas V. The fountain’s final appearance was completed as of 1762, with Nicola Salvi and Giuseppe Pannini completing a large amount of the work. The fountain became a famous tourist attraction because of a myth, which originated in the 1954 film ‘Three Coins in the Fountain’. Throwing a coin from your right hand over your left shoulder meant that you would return to Rome, fall in love with an attractive Italian, or get married. The result depends on how many coins you throw. Because of its popularity, over a million euros’ worth of coins accumulate in the fountain every year. The money has been given to good causes as a form of support since 2007.
3.The Spanish Steps
The Spanish Steps are a set of 135 steps in the historic center of Rome, situated between the Piazza du Spagna and Piazza Trinità dei Monti. The steps were designed in the 18th century by Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi. You may wonder about the name: Spanish Steps? In the center of Rome? This originated from the Spanish Embassy being as the foot of the steps, so naturally, the name extended over. And here’s a fun fact: the steps feature in famed film A Roman Holiday, where Gregory Peck’s character bumps into ’50s film icon, Audrey Hepburn. The fountain at the foot of the steps is named Fontana della Barcaccia, which translates to ‘Fountain of the Ugly Boat’. Why, you ask? One of Rome’s legends states that the building of the fountain was inspired by a flood, during which a fishing boat travelled through Rome all the way to the square. The more you know! If you’d like to visit the Spanish Steps and other Roman monuments, we make it easy with our Best of Rome tour.
4.The Colosseum
Because not beginning with the symbol of Rome would just be wrong, now wouldn’t it? With over 80 entrances and the capability to hold 50,000 spectators, it comes as no surprise that the Colosseum is one of Rome’s most famous monuments. It was commissioned around 70 AD and opened in 80 AD for the purpose of gladiatorial combat and animal fights. Expertly crafted from stone and concrete, the Colosseum has columns from both the Doric and Corinthian orders. When the 20th century came around, about two thirds of the original structure had been destroyed by a variety of elements. Luckily, restoration efforts began in the 1990s and have consistently continued over time. With underground access, the gladiator’s arena entry and multiple levels to climb, we can’t help but recommend a visit! If you’re intrigued
5•piazza Navona
Renowned for its stunning Baroque architecture and iconic fountains, Piazza Navona owes its distinctive shape to its origins as a stadium in ancient Rome.Although Gianlorenzo Bernini’s barnstorming Fountain of the Four Rivers is its signature calling card, other fountains gracing the square are hardly less impressive. The fountain of Neptune on the north side of the piazza features the ancient sea god engaged in a lively battle with a sea monster, as a horse beats desperately at the water as he seeks to flee from the scene of conflict. Nowhere encapsulates the essence of Rome’s rich history and artistic heritage better than Piazza Navona!
Here’s a few more of Rome’s famous monuments
•piazza venezia
•Basilica san Peter
•castlel sant’Angelo
•campo de fiori
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