Rome has long been called the 'Eternal City,' having been a dominant city through much of the history of 'Western Civilization.' It is awe inspiring to stand in the middle of the Roman Forum and picture yourself as Julius Caesar; ordering armies to conquer foreign lands or enjoying the brutal games at the Colosseum.

Some of the most wonderful ruins of Europe lay in the heart of Rome. Amazing structures such as the Colosseum, the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, the Forum, the Pantheon, the Circus Maximus, the Baths, and of course The Vatican still remain for the world to enjoy.

Monument to Victor Emmanuel II

Referred to deprecatingly as 'The Typewriter' or 'Wedding Cake,' this great white pile was inspired by Roman imperial buildings. Officially the 'Altar of the Fatherland,' it celebrates Italy's unification in 1870 and is dedicated to the first King, Victor Emmanuel II.  It rises in Piazza Venezia and is called also 'Victorian'. It was built, using white limestone, in 1885 and was inaugurated in 1911 but it took almost twenty years to be completed. Two sentries of honor continuously watch the tomb the Unknown Soldier which keeps the remains of an unknown soldier who died during the World War. 

An enormous flight of steps, flanked with winged lions and two bronze 'Vittorie', leads to the Altar of the Fatherland.  In the middle of this monument there is the gigantic equestrian statue of king Victor Emmanuel II, realized in bronze by Enrico Chiaradia. Behind, the monument shows a grandiose porch with columns 15 metres high and two colossal bronze quadrigae with winged 'Vittorie', realized by  Carlo Fontana e Paolo Bartolini.

The flying horses and chariots at the top are what any self-respecting public building would have had in Ancient Rome. Its blinding white marble probably typified the mega-buildings that once clogged the Roman Forum behind it.

The Colosseum

Although partially destroyed, the Colosseum is still enormous, one of the largest Ancient Roman ruins. In A.D. 70, the emperor Vespasian began construction of the 45-50,000 seat stadium (that's larger than some baseball stadiums of today!). The building was completed in A.D. 75 and inagurated by Vespasian's son Titus. It was used for shows, mostly gladiatorial combats and wild beast hunts.

Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain is the most famous of all the Roman fountains. The fountain shows the sea god in his chariot. The tradition here is to throw a coin into the fountain to ensure your return to Rome.

The Pantheon

The Pantheon was a temple in honor of the Olympic gods; in fact, the word pantheon is Greek for 'of all the gods.' It is the best- preserved of all the Roman monuments. The original Pantheon was constructed by M. Vispanius Agrippa in 27 B.C. The Pantheon we see today, however, is a reconstruction built by the Emperor Hadrian, perhaps after a fire. In A.D. 609, Pope Boniface VIII received the building as a gift from the emperor of Byzantium. He made it into a Christian church dedicated it to the Madonna and the martyrs.

Roman Forum--Temple of the Castors 

The Temple of the Castors was dedicated by Postumius to the Dioscuri, demigods who, according to legend, appeared on the Roman Forum to announce the victory of the Romans over the Tarquins in 494 B.C. The temple was erected by Postumius' son on January 27, 484 B.C. The temple underwent many transformations throughout the centuries. At one point, Tiberius dedicated it with the names of him and his brother Druso. There is some dispute over the origins of the remains of the temple. Some think the three columns are from restorations by Trajan, while others hold that they are from restorations by Tiberius.

Roman Forum--Arch of Titus

The Arch of Titus was dedicated to Titus for his victory over Judea by the Senate, the Roman population, and Titus' brother Domitianus in 79 A.D. Inside the arch are engravings depicting the conquest of Jerusalem.

Roman Forum--Arch of Septimius Severus

Erected in 203 A.D. to honor Septimius Severus for his victories, the Arch of Septimius Severus has an interesting history. The arch has an inscription on top to Septimius Severus and his son, Caracalla, but upon closer inspection one can see that part of the inscription hides another inscription. Apparently the arch was originally dedicated not only to Septimius Severus and his son Caracalla but also to Severus' other son, Geta. After Severus' death, the two sons divided the imperial power, but less than one year later, in 212, Caracalla killed Geta and became Emperor. Of course Caracalla wanted to destroy any memories of his brother, so he covered the reference to Geta with a different inscription.

Roman Forum--Temple of Antoninus and Faustina

The Temple of Antoninus and Faustina was built in 141 A.D., during the reign of Antoninus Pius to honor his wife Faustina. The Senate dedicated the temple in her memory and proclaimed her a goddess after her death. Antoninus' name was added after his death, and placed first.

Piazza Navona

The Piazza Navona is one of the reasons that Rome is also known as the 'City of Fountains.' Built where a Roman stadium (Domitian's Stadium) once existed, the piazza is home of the Fountain of the Four Rivers (Fontana dei Fiumi), built by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, as well as the Neptune Fountain . At each end of the Piazza there are small fountains. As you stroll the piazza, you sense the opulence and beauty that filled Rome in the 17th and 18th centuries. You can also see another one of Bernini's famous sculptures--a large-tusked elephant supporting an Egyptian obelisk, as well as the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone.

Spanish Steps

The Spanish Steps were named after a local 17th century ambassador's residence. No ordinary staircase, the steps are a bewildering mix of curves, straight flights, vistas, and terraces, usually covered with huge pots of flowers and lounging sightseers. Although the views from the top are superb, most people cluster around the Piazza di Spagna at the foot of the steps.  Piazza di Spagna is a meeting place for foreigners and Italians alike. In its days this area attracted artists like Stendhal, Balzac, Wagner and Liszt. Nowadays you re more likely to meet street artists here, though.