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The Highlights of Rome
By Morten Elm | October 18, 2009
The foundation of Rome was laid about 2,700 years ago. As the center of the Roman Empire, it has been an important part of the European history in centuries. Today it is the center of the Catholic Church. So wherever you go, you will see remains of the ancient Rome.
The impressive amphitheatre Coliseum is one of the most interesting relics of the ancient Rome. It was originally build to house 55,000 spectators, who were entertained with fights against wild animals and gladiator fights.
Emperor Vespasian ordered the building of the Coliseum in 72 AD. Then there were a lot of other coliseums around the Roman Empire; from El Djem in North Africa to Arles and Nimes in France. Since there has been missing maintenance, destructions and even theft; but the Coliseum is still a must see sight.
The St. Peter’s Basilica (also called St. Peter’s Cathedral) is another must see in Rome. And if there is one building, which defines the Vatican State, it is the St. Peter’s Basilica. It is just not the center of the smallest country in the world; it is also the center of the Catholic universe.
It took more than one hundred years to build the St. Peter’s Basilica, and many famous architects have set their distinctive mark at the construction. There are many interesting sights in the cathedral, but the most impressive is the dome drawn by Michelangelo. From here you have a perfect view of most of the Vatican State.
Another must see sight in the Vatican State is the main chapel of the Vatican Palace called the Sistine Chapel, where the ornamentation was made by Michelangelo. The amazing fresco Judgment Day is seen as his masterpiece from his mature years. The work was started in 1535 and finished in 1541.
Many years ago Rome was the center of international trade. The finest craftsmen moved to the city and started to processed material from all the exotic places of the Roman Empire.
You can still find handicraft in Rome. In Palazzo delle Esposizioni you can buy designs from a lot of famous, Italian designers. If you are more into clothes, you find all the large, Italian fashion houses around the Spanish Steps. Here you can buy Prada, Gucci and Giorgio Armani.
You can also find several markets in Rome. Food is found at Campo deFior and old books at Mercato delle Stampe. Everything else can be found at Porta Portese.
Morten Elm is writing about city breaks in Rome on Storbyferie in Rom. Read more about the shopping in Shopping in Rom.
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