Rome, the capital of Italy, is a beautiful city with an exciting history. It dates back to around 753BC, and is one of Europe's oldest cities. Visitors can discover the rich and diverse history of Rome by visiting any number of its stunning attractions.
It is home to a wealth of museums with impressive collections, and a variety of stunning buildings and monuments of historical and architectural interest. It's essential to plan a trip carefully to make the most of this incredible city. Must visits include the world famous Colosseum, the Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter's Prison.
The Colosseum - site of gladiator battles
The Colosseum was the largest amphitheatre throughout the Roman Empire, and is perhaps the most famous construction in Italy. It was completed in 80AD, and provided a venue for entertainment purposes. Spectators were able to enjoy gory gladiator contests, executions, and plays.
Of notable interest is the elliptical shape of the Colosseum, which was unusual for its time. There are 3 tiers of arches and columns. The columns on each tier are of different styles, including Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian. Set against the backdrop of modern streets the Colosseum delivers an impact with its timeless beauty. Although the Colosseum is partially ruined, it's still an impressive construction.
The Sistine Chapel with its fresco decorated walls and ceilings
The completed construction of the Sistine Chapel dates back to 1481. Its design by Baccio Pontelli, for Pope Sixtus IV, boasts stunning renaissance architecture. The interior wall panels are richly decorated with frescoes that depict scenes from the life of Jesus and Moses. These were created by highly esteemed artists of the time, including Botticelii, Perugino, and Ghirlandaio, in the late 15th century.
Michelangelo was commissioned to paint the chapel ceiling in the early 16th century. This was a massive undertaking, and his frescoes cover over 5 thousand square feet. One of Michelangelo's most impressive works, The Last Judgement, can still be seen to this day. The Sistine Chapel continues to be in use, and provides the venue for pope elections.
Mamertime Prison - Saint Peter's Prison
Mamertime Prison is thought to have been constructed around the year 7BC. It served as a prison until 4AD, and was the site of detention and executions. According to legend, it is here that Saint Peter was held captive and eventually crucified upside down.
The prison is located under the church of San Giuseppe dei Falegnami, and can be accessed via a staircase. The upper room of the prison was constructed in 2BC, and is a trapezoidal shape. Upon the wall is a plaque that details famous prisoners including when and how they died. Within the lower room is a small altar with a relief of Saint Peter, and a column to which Saint Peter and Saint Paul were tied. Within these gloomy rooms, visitors are able to get an insight into the horrors that prisoners of Ancient Rome endured.
Tip: Rome is a popular destination that attracts flocks of visitors every year. Long queues can often be avoided by purchasing entrance tickets in advance.
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Like London, Paris and Rome, New York is one of the world's great cities; a place which everyone knows something about, regardless of whether they have been there or not. The Big Apple has made its way into the public consciousness, and the very name suggests excitement. New York can trace its history back to the 17th century, when it was a Dutch colony called New Amsterdam.
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