History of Gladiators - How Many Untold Stories and other Rome, Italy Things to Do Tips

We visited the Coliseum twice, the first time, a Sunday, we left the line as it was very crowded and we could come back mid week. When you are close up to the stadium you realise the size of the stadium, walls towering towards the sky. Look at the attached photos and you will see how small the people in the crowd are relative to the walls. Examining the huge stone blocks used in the construction you will marvel at the work of the tradesmen, little mortar is used and the precision used in cutting the blocks resulting in a perfect tight fit is the reason why this building is still standing after 2000 years.
When we toured with the guide we were informed the Romans flooded the lower underground area and where the chariots raced there was a timber floor covered with sand.
The amphitheatre has a circumference of 1730 feet and the height of 187 feet and the stadium could hold 80,000 people and clear in 10 minutes through the numerous entrances. It is well worth the effort to take time and go inside to appreciate this great stadium.

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Address: Piazza del Colosseo
Directions: Take the Metro train to station Colosseo.

The Spanish Steps are located in Piazza di Spagna where the boat shaped fountain of the Barcaccia stands. The steps have been a meeting place for young Romans and tourists for centuries. It is a great place to visit in the cool of the evening, just sit on the steps and watch the world go by. Very often entertainment is provided, however it is not really needed as there is always something to watch , whether it be the flower seller approaching tourists or beautiful young Romans hoping to be noticed.
There are many restaurants nearby which can cater for all tastes and budgets. Via Condotti, one of Rome's most elegant and expensive shopping streets runs off the piazza towards Via del Corso.

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Address: Piazza di Spagna,
Directions: Very close to the Spgna Metro rail station

We passed through this market several times during our stay. It was a colourful market, just like a farmer's market and operates Monday to Friday. We had lunch at one of the small restaurants on the side of the square, it was a good place to rest and watch the world go by.
At night the square is very busy as it is lined with bars and trattorias.

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Directions: Near Via dei Cappellan

We visited this fountain 3 times during our holiday, once during the evening. At all times there were many tourists present, all trying to get the closest to the fountain whilst their friend took a photo. At times it was hard to get in front of the fountain to toss a coin over one's shoulder and make a wish.
The fountain was designed by Nicola Salvi, and built durimg the period 1732 to 1762 and is a most elaborate fountain.

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Address: Plaza di Trevi
Directions: Just off Via dei Corso, turn into Via della Muratte.

Touring Rome in late September sometimes can be hot and tiring, there is always the need to find a resting spot with something to refresh and help cool you down. Nothing better than one of the many Gelati Bars (Ice Cream Parlours) scattered throughout the city. The only problem is the gelati is so nice it can become contagious, no wonder it is recognised as the best ice cream in the world. The presentation within the shop is so colourful that it is impossible not to buy.On Sunday afternoon you see whole families strolling through the streets and eating gelati.

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Address: Throughout the City of Rome

The Pantheon is the best preserved building of ancient Rome, it is in magnificent condition and is hard to believe it was built in the year 27 BC by Marcus Agrippa and dedicated to the planetary gods.It holds the tombs of Raphael and the Kings of Italy.

The temple has been plundered over the centuries and a Pope had the bronze ceiling of the portico melted down to make the canopy over the main altar at St Peter's ( see my Vatican City VT Page for photo).
The interior of the building is huge, magnificent marble floors sloping to drain holes to remove rainwater let in through the intentional hole in the top of the dome. This dome is considered the most important achievement of ancient Roman architecture.
Entry is free and the building is open every day.

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Address: Pizza della Rotonda, Rome

This church is one of the oldest in Rome and was built in the second half of the 10th century.It is situated inside the Roman Forum and is surmounted by a lovely Romanesque-style bell tower.
We walked into the Roman Forum on a Sunday morning after visiting the Coliseum, it is only 5 minutes walk. We went to see the Church but could not get entry as a large wedding had taken place and the bride and groom were having photos. It was interesting to see the strong family gathering with children of all ages in their best clothes. We thought it was good to see such an historic church being used by the community.

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Address: Roman Forum
Directions: Just 5 minutes walk from the Coliseum

We walked down to the Monumeento Vittorio Emanuele in Piazza Venezia and whilst walking around the Piazza we came upon an orchestra playing to the crowd. As it was very warm we decided to take a rest and drink and listen to the music. It was Sunday lunch time and there were many local families in the Piazza enjoying the music and other entertainment.

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Address: Piazza Venezia
Directions: Located to the side of the piazza in front of the Vittorio Emanuele Monument.

Situated very close to the Coliseum on the west side is the Arch of Constantine which was built to honour the Emperor for his victory over his rival Maxentius at the battle of Milvian Bridge in AD 312. It is the most famous Roman triumphal arch.There is no entry fee as it is in the middle of a road.

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Address: West side of Coliseum
Directions: Take metro rail to station Colosseo.

This temple is in fairly good condition relative to others in the Roman Forum. Erected in the year 141 AD in honour of Faustina the wife of Antoninus Pius'. We had a rest under a tree opposite the temple, a great place to be on a hot day.

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Address: Roman Forum, near the Coliseum