Rome
A Historical Encounter

The Italian capital and neighbouring Vatican City are a major pull for tourists visiting Italy who are left awed by some of the most spectacular architectural delights of the world that they can find here.

1. Marvel at the Colosseum

Located in the centre of Rome, this amphitheatre is the largest ever built in the Roman Empire. It will give you an interesting insight into the history of Rome dating back to 753 BC, or nearly 2800 years ago. Since it is one of the wonders of the world, it definitely demands your attention. To avoid the long queues at the entrance, please purchase the ticket online. Unfortunately, the magnificent arena that used to stage all the events and the infamous fights is closed for the visitors. Nevertheless, it makes for a beautiful backdrop that can be captured well in a photo frame. With the ancient infrastructure you can spot modern escalators that make you pause for a moment and indulge your senses in the striking contrast.

2. Walk in the Royalty of Castel Sant’Angelo

The grandeur of the palace, located on the banks of the River Tiber, can be seen from miles away. The road leading to the palace has sculptures on both the sides. As the dusk begins to fall, the entire river is lit up with lamps all around, making for a breathtaking view. Inside the palace, an Englishspeaking guide will direct you through the palace taking you back in the Roman history when it was used as a prison, residence and a shelter for protection. One end of the Castel connects to the Vatican through a long covered passageway that was built to provide refuge to the Popes, which, of course, is now closed. You can even fine dine at one of the exotic terrace restaurants inside the palace.

3. Bring Back the Holy Spirit at St. Peter’s Basilica

The Basilica that is in the Vatican City is regarded as one of the largest churches in the world and also one of the holiest Catholic shrines. Hence, before you visit this church, you have to pay special attention to your clothes. Yes, if you think wearing short clothes or clothes that expose your arms or legs, can get you smoothly pass by the entrance, you are in for a surprise. You will see many girls hanging outside the queue for not being in appropriate outfits and hence have to make their way to a nearby shop to buy a long scarf in order to cover themselves. However, a little effort is indeed worth it as the magnificence and relevance of the church are something you wouldn’t want to miss. The Dome of the basilica offers another fascinating aspect. To get to the top of the Dome, you have to scale up through the narrow steps. There’s an entry ticket that comes in the combinations of – lift and stairs or ascent walk and stairs with of course a variation in the price as well. It will leave you breathless but gives an amazing bird’s-eye view of the grand square of the church.

4. Get an Architectural Clue from Pantheon

If you are an architect or have even a miniscule interest in architecture, a visit to the Pantheon is a must while in Rome. From the outside it comes across as a rectangular structure but the picture is circular inside. The oculus on top of the dome is until today a source of natural light for the Pantheon – is the modern world taking a cue? It is noteworthy that the length to the oculus and the diameter of the interior circle are the same. Also, one can still find inscriptions on the building giving a true insight into the history of this Roman temple that can be traced back to AD 118 and 125.

5. Take a Leisurely Walk at Piazza di Spagna

After immersing yourself completely into the Roman history, you can come to this square at the foot of the Spanish steps. With the Bernini fountain in the middle and a staircase that takes you up to the Church of Trinita dei Monti, it makes for a beautiful sight. You will witness a number of people simply sitting on the staircase, relaxing, chitchatting and soaking up some sun. Right across the square, it’s a delight for shopaholics—what with numerous luxury brand shops such as Gucci, Valentino and many more. If you don’t want to blow a hole in your wallet, you can still stroll, gazing at the shop windows, listening to the music being played by artists on the streets or climb up the stairs for a panoramic view from the Pincio Hill.