Gladitorial Glory and other Rome, Italy Things to Do Tips

It is frightening to think about the number of people that died for the entertainment of the Romans, however it is rather impressive their endeavor to build the facilities in which they did so, especially considering the technology that was available at the time.

The Colosseum or Flavian Amphitheater was constructed through the reign of several emperors. Construction began in the reign of Vespasian, continuted in Titus' reign, and completed by Domitian. It is large enough to have accomodated 50,000 spectators. In the bowels of the Colosseum, underneath its wooden arena, there were a series of rooms and passages that were built to accomodate animals and to facilitate the staging of events. Although there is only one entrance into the Colosseum now in modern times, in its hayday, there were 80 entrances/exits that helped diffuse spectator traffic.

HOURS:
Oct-Jan 15 daily 9am-3pm
Jan 16-Feb 15 daily 9am-4pm
Feb 16-Mar 17 daily 9am-4:30pm
Mar 18-Apr 16 daily 9am-5pm
Apr 17-Sept daily 9am-7pm

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Phone: 06-700-4261
Address: Piazzale del Colosseo, Via dei Fori Imperiali

The Pantheon was one my favorite structures in Rome. It is the only one of the many ancient structures that somehow survived through the ages to be intact for modern times. It is breathtaking and real. It was originally constructed in 27 B.C. by Marcus Agrippa. It was later reconstructed in 2nd century A.D. by Hadrian.

Originally used in the worship of Roman gods, the Pantheon was used for animal sacrifices in the center whilst the smoke escaped through the hole in the dome at the top, the oculus. Michaelangelo had studied this dome before designing the dome of the Vatican. Ironically, the Pantheon was reconsecrated to be a Catholic church and is also known by the name of Chiesa di Santa Maria ad Martyres.

ADMISSION: Free

HOURS: Mon-Sat 8:30am-7:30pm and Sun 9am-6pm

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Phone: 06-6830-0230
Address: Piazza della Rotonda
Directions: METRO: Piazza di Spagna

The Basilica di San Pietro is a living museum as well as a place of worship. It is built just to the right of Nero's Circus, where Peter was reported to have been crucified. Constantine commissioned the original basilica to be built in 324 over Peter's tomb. The current basilica was built between 1500 and 1600 in the High Renaissance and baroque styles. Many of Italy's great artists leave their artistic marks here (i.e. Michaelangelo, Raphael, etc).

The Basilica's most famous piece would be Michaelangelo's Pieta. When you walk into the basilica, look to the right. Under protective glass (it was attacked once in the 1970s) is one of the Vatican's greatest treasures. Although the artist was in his early twenties, the sculpture attests to his skills as an artist even at such a young age.

The most devout Catholics kiss and/or rub the feet of the 13th century bronze sculpture of Peter that sits near a corner pillar to the right.

You cannot possibly miss the canopy that sits under the dome of the basilica, the baldacchino. This was constructed in 1524 by Bernini. It canopies over the papal altar.

The other things that really struck me were the incredible mosaics. Such detail and care was given to the construction of the mosaics that they actually looked like paintings until further scrutiny is given. Absolutely spectacular!!!

Also, fell free to wander downstairs to the grottoes of the Vatican and see the tombs of the popes. Behind the glass in the grottoes is what is considered to be the tomb of Saint Peter himself!!!

You can also visit the treasury. It is filled with jewel-studded chalices, reliquaries, and copes. If you wander over to the sacristry, you will find the Historical Museum (Museo Storico). It houses many Vatican treasures there on display.

ADMISSION:
Basilica - Free
Stairs to Dome - 3.50€
Elevator to the Dome 4€

HOURS:
Basilica (including the sacristy and treasury) Oct-Mar daily 9am-5:15pm; Apr-Sept daily 9am-6:15pm.

Grottoes daily 8am-5pm.

Dome Oct-Mar daily 8am-5pm; Apr-Sept 8am-6pm

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Phone: 06-6988-4466
Address: Piazza San Pietro
Directions: METRO: Ottaviano/San Pietro (you have to walk a few blocks to get to the Piazza San Pietro).
Website: http://www.vatican.va/

A must do is the climb up the dome of San Pietro. The sights that it offers of Rome and the Piazza San Pietro are breathtaking and spectacular!!!

ADMISSION:
Stairs to Dome - 3.50€
Elevator to the Dome - 4€

HOURS:
Dome Oct-Mar daily 8am-5pm; Apr-Sept 8am-6pm

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Directions: METRO: Ottaviano/San Pietro (you have to walk a few blocks to get to the Piazza San Pietro).

The sculpture to the right of the grand entry way of the Basilica di San Pietro deserves its own tip. The sculpture depicts the Virgin Mary holding the body of Christ after His death. It was sculpted by the great Michaelangelo when he was but a young artist. Yet, it demonstrates his great artistry even at such a young age. In fact, Michaelangelo was a barely known artist until he sculpted Pieta. In 1498, he was commissioned to sculpt this amazing piece. It was unveiled during Jubilee 1500. When it was revealed, many thought it to have been sculpted by other artists of the time. In his anger, he carved his name into the sash. Afterwards, he reflected on his rage and vowed never to sign another piece again!

When you cast your eyes on the sculpture, let it take your imagination into it as you watch the gentle folds of the fabric and the anguished forms of mother and son. Note also the youthful face of Mary. Others have depicted her as an older woman, however, Michaelangelo used his artistic liberties and depicted her as a young woman.

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Address: Basilica di San Pietro
Directions: METRO: Ottaviano/San Pietro (you have to walk a few blocks to get to the Piazza San Pietro).

The Spanish Steps or the "Scalinata di Spagna" are rather crowded I must say. The lure of the fountain at the base of the steps keeps people there at any given hour of the day. There is some gelati to be had around the area. Most alluring of all are the many high-end shops that make their home nearby. There are some flower vendors, restaurants, and jewelry stores around. There are also the usual clothing stores.

Colorful flowers grow in large pots by the side of the steps. Youngsters mill around smoking, chatting with friends. Its a relaxing atmosphere that is a good respite from the heavy go go go environment that Rome is acccustomed.

The Piazza di Spagna is named such because the Spanish Embassy was once headquartered there. Climb the Spanish Steps and you will find yourself in front of a church. From the vantage point here at the Trinità dei Monti, you can gaze down the Scalinata di Spagna and just watch the people going about their business.

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Address: Piazza di Spagna
Directions: METRO: Piazza di Spagna