Fall in love with the Italian city of Rome, as you explore its iconic heritage through its magnificent architecture and colourful history
The Colosseum
The elliptical-shaped Roman Colosseum is one of the most imposing structures in the entire world, built in 80 A.D. In Roman times, it used to be a four-floored (about the height of a 12-storey building) amphitheatre and could hold upto 70,000 spectators, coming from 80 entrances. Built of travertine, tuff, and brick-faced concrete, it used to hold gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, ship naval battles and much more. For special effects, there were 36 trap doors below the Colosseum. Partially destroyed by earthquakes and robberies, it is a symbol of Imperial Rome and attracts globetrotters from all corners of the world. Listed on the New7Wonders of the World, it also features on the Italian version of the five-cent euro coin.
The Trevi Fountain
A baroque beauty nestled between the historic palaces of the city, the Trevi Fountain is one of the 1352 fountains built in 4th century Rome. Recently refurbished by Fendi, this is one of the most visited spots in Rome, built at the junction of three roads, hence the name ‘Trevi Fountain’. Many famous movies have been shot here, including Roman Holiday, Three Coins in the Fountain, and even The Lizzie McGuire Movie. Evening is the perfect time to take a walk around the fountain, where gushing and revitalising waters from the fountain make its beautiful architecture come alive. It is also said that if you throw a coin into the fountain, you’re sure to return to Rome.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St Peter’s Basilica is one of the world’s holiest Catholic shrines and centre of Christianity. Built on the tomb of St Peter, the Basilica is a stunning example of Italian Renaissance architecture in Vatican City, the papal enclave within the city of Rome. It is the most renowned work of Renaissance architecture and the largest church in the world. The first Basilica stood for over 1,000 years, after which it fell into a state of disrepair, and Pope Julius II demolished and rebuilt it over a period of 120 years, designed principally by Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, and other famed architects of the time.
Piazza Navona
Piazza Navona is arguably the most elegant baroque square in Rome, featuring a colourful melange of artists, hawkers and tourists amidst the showy fountains – the grand centrepiece being the breathtaking Bernini fountain. Emperor Domitian built the stadium in 86 AD, for the purpose of hosting games, which could hold up to 30,000 people. For almost 300 years, Piazza Navona hosted the city’s main market. The flamboyant Bernini fountain features an Egyptian obelisk and muscular personifications of the rivers Nile, Ganges, Danube and Plate.
Il Chianti – Osteria Toscana
A lovely Italian restaurant, close to the Trevi Fountain, serving Tuscan delicacies with a wide range of Tuscan (and other) wines. Particularly famous for its unique beef dishes, the authentic restaurant also serves other Roman Classics in its artful ambience. Some of the must-tries include smoked cheese carpocio and cold meat starter plate, which features an excellent array of salamis, hams and cheeses, plus a couple of crostini. For the main course, the ‘Tiepidina’, a plate of rare beef with an aubergine sauce, makes for an outstanding fare.
