Rome is a city of unforgettable historic, religious and architectural significance. View the broken marble columns and ruins of temples of the Roman Forum, St. Peter's dome at sunset, spectacular artistic masterpieces, or make a wish for a future return at Trevi Fountain. At days end, pause with a scoop of world class gelato and enjoy the charm of a Roman evening.
Rome, Italy Attractions:
The Colosseum - No visit to Rome is complete without having seen the magnificent Colosseum. Now a mere shell, the Colosseum was designed for horse racing, animal fighting, and gladiatorial battles. Its name is believed to come from Nero's statue of Colossus that stood close by. Years after the Colosseum ceased to be an arena;  it was struck by an earthquake and later used as a quarry. The Colosseum and Constantine's Arch are lit at night offering a truly spectacular view. After visiting the Colosseum, head over to the Domus Aurea (Golden House of Nero). It faces the Colosseum offering more amazing views.
The Arch of Constantine - As a spectacular photogenic memorial next to the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine is particularly interesting because it is like a jigsaw made up of other monuments. The Arch was built in the beginning of the fourth century in honor of Constantine, following the victory over Maxentius. The Arch of Constantine is considered one of the last great monuments to be constructed by the Romans. It stands beside the Colosseum.
The Roman Forum - The Roman Forum was designed to be the center of social, political and economic life in the city. The Roman Forum was built between the Palatine and Capitoline hills, and it flourished as the center of Roman life in the days of the Republic before it eventually lost its prestige to the Imperial Forums.
There are only ruins, fragments, an arch or two, and boulders, but with a little imagination you can feel the history surround you. The best view of the Roman Forum at night is from Campidoglio, or Capitoline Hill.
Palatine Hill - Located next to the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill houses the ruins of several large villas that once belonged to wealthy Roman families. You can buy a combined ticket for the Palatine Hill and the Colosseum here to avoid long lines at the Colosseum.
Trevi Fountain - The Trevi Fountain is the most famous and beautiful fountain in all of Rome. Pope Clement XII commissioned Nicola Salvi to build a large fountain at the Trevi Square in 1732. Nicola Salvi based his masterpiece on the previous design by Bernini which had been halted a century earlier with the death of Pope Urban VIII. Construction of the fountain was finally completed in 1762 by Giuseppe Pannini.
According to legend, tossing a coin over your shoulder with your back toward the fountain will one day ensure a return to Rome.
The Pantheon - Of all the ancient Rome buildings, only the Pantheon, meaning "All the Gods", still remains intact. The Pantheon was originally Commissioned by Marcus Agrippa in 27 B.C and reconstructed by Hadrian in the early 2nd century A.D. This remarkable building, a perfect sphere resting in a cylinder, and the sole source of light from the dome's apex, the Pantheon is among the architectural wonders of the world. The walls are 25 feet thick, with bronze doors leading into the building weighing 20 tons each.
St. Peter's Square - St. Peter's Square is enclosed by Bernini's magnificent colonnade. As one of the most popular squares, St. Peter's Square has the largest number of visitors in the world. Millions of people wait here for the Pope's Sunday blessing or to enter the Basilica.
The Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel - The Vatican is among the most important historical sites in the world boasting one of the world's greatest art collections. As the smallest state in the world, occupying about one half kilometer of Rome, The Vatican is significant because of its amazing architecture, religious history, and artistic treasures.
In the 16th century, Pope Julius II della Rovere commissioned Michelangelo to paint the history of creation on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. No visit to Rome is complete without an excursion to The Vatican.
Visitors of Rome must also experience the Sistine Chapel. The Chapel was built between 1477 and 1481 and the walls were adorned by famous Renaissance artists, such as Botticelli, Perugino, Ghirlandaio.
In 1508, Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to decorate the ceiling. Michelangelo who considered himself a sculptor, not a painter worked for 4 years on this truly magnificent project. It is highly recommended that you bring along binoculars so you can see the exquisite details.
Galleria Borghese - The Galleria Borghese is displayed in twenty rooms across two floors. This spectacular gallery houses masterpieces such as Bernini's Apollo and Daphne, Titian's Sacred and Profane Love, Raphael's Deposition, and Caravaggio's Jerome.
The collection began with Scipione Borghese, who accumulated some of the greatest art of all time prior to his death in 1633. The amazing collection suffered greatly at the hands of Napoleon's notorious sister, Pauline, who sold most of the ancient collection. Ironically, one of the most popular pieces of sculpture in the gallery is a sculpture of Pauline in the pose of Venus Victorious.
No more than 360 visitors at a time are allowed on the ground floor, and no more than 90 are allowed on the upper floor, so reservations are essential.
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Where to eat in Rome, Italy:
Il Bacaro - You'd never know that you are just a short walk from Piazza Navona and the Pantheon. Excellent selection of wines and a great stop for a romantic meal.
Pizzeria da Baffetto - Old-fashioned pizzeria near The Pantheon serving some of the best pizzas in Rome. Can be crowded but well-worth the wait.
Taverna Cestia - Excellent traditional Roman restaurant offering a good selection of seafood.
Sapore & Arte - Excellent restaurant serving amazing potatoes, salads, bruscetta and sweet cakes.
Est! Est!! Est!!! - Established in 1900 this pizzeria is something you cannot miss in Rome. Situated in the area of Piazza della Republica, it is very easy to. Every pizza is outstanding, and the calzone, which is one of their specialties, is excellent too.
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To read more about Rome attractions visit http://www.romaturismo.it/v2/en/main.asp.
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BEST WESTERN Hotel Mondial
The BEST WESTERN Hotel Mondial is ideally located in the historical centre of Rome. The hotel is situated opposite of the Opera House, between the Roman Museum and the Exposition Hall. This family-run hotel offers you a friendly welcome, accurate service and attentive staff. You will be close to Rome's famous Via Veneto, the shopping areas and other famous Rome treasures such as Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, Roman forums and many more.
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BEST WESTERN Hotel Universo
The BEST WESTERN Hotel Universo is centrally located, within walking distance from the Opera House, railway station, Via Veneto, and the Roman National Museum.
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BEST WESTERN Hotel Artdeco
The BEST WESTERN Hotel Artdeco is located in the city center, between Via Veneto and the train station. The hotel is connected to the air terminal via the Catro Pretorio subway stop.
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BEST WESTERN Hotel Villafranca
The BEST WESTERN Hotel Villafranca is located near the historical town center and commercial business area. The hotel is situated within easy access to the train station and the Castro Pretorio subway connection to the air terminal.
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BEST WESTERN Hotel Canada
A superior class hotel in Rome, the BEST WESTERN Hotel Canada is located in the historical center, set in an elegant building of the 19th century, recently refurbished respecting the original architecture.
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BEST WESTERN Hotel President
This hotel in Rome is located within walking distance from some of the main archaeological sites and commercial areas. The BEST WESTERN Hotel President is set within walking distance from the Colosseo and the Domus Aurea. This property is well linked to the main roads to the city.
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BEST WESTERN Globus Hotel
The BEST WESTERN Globus Hotel in Rome is located only a few steps away from the University of Rome 'La Sapienza', very close to the main railway station Termini and the air terminal of Tiburtina station, also close to major historical and archaeological sites, where it is possible to organize original cultural visits.
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BEST WESTERN Hotel Rivoli
The BEST WESTERN Hotel Rivoli is located in the most elegant area of the city with convenient access to all tourist attractions. The BEST WESTERN Hotel Rivoli offers a quiet restful atmosphere. Take advantage of our grill room and of our solarium. Our rooms feature cable television, dataports and a coffee/tea maker.
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BEST WESTERN Hotel Piccadilly
The BEST WESTERN Hotel Piccadilly is a comfortable, small hotel centrally located in a commercial area. We are close to South Giovanni Laterano, the Colosseum, and convenient to metro and bus stations.
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BEST WESTERN Hotel Spring House
This Hotel in Rome is modern and completely refurbished, it is located in the historical centre of the city, just few steps away from St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museums. Careful service and comfortable atmosphere make it an excellent place for a pleasant stay for tourists and businessmen. The nearby subway, "A" line, "Musei Vaticani" stop, is far only 100 metres away, allows easy links to all the cultural and commercial sites of this magic city.
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BEST WESTERN Hotel I Triangoli
The BEST WESTERN Hotel I Triangoli is in a quiet residential area, approximately 24 kilometers southwest of the historical center of Rome, with easy access to the main highways and motorways. Easily reached from Fiumicino 'Leonardo da Vinci' and Ciampino airports. Our hotel is located near Rome's Ostia beach resort area and it is ideal for business and leisure staying. Only 16 kilometers from the Rome Trade Fair Center and close to Ostia Antica Archeological Excavations.
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