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The Coliseum (Colosseum)
Often considered the
symbol of Rome, this magnificent ruin is indelibly linked to the
past glory
of the Roman Empire, and its subsequent decay and
fall.
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Details
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Opening
Hrs:
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From end March to
end August: 9 am - 7.30pm; until 7pm in September, until 6.30pm
in October, until 4.30pm from end October to mid-February
and until 5pm from mid-February to end March.
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Pricing:
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Full ticket: EUR 20;
discounted ticket: EUR 10 (for EU residents between 18 and 24).
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Getting
Here:
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Metro Line B: Colosseo, or bus 87
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The Imperial Forums
Begun by Julius Caesar as an answer to the overcrowding of Rome's older forums, this vast
area was once the centre of Roman life. Though mostly ruined today, there are still intriguing
signs of its past grandeur and archaeological work continues in and around the site today.
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Details
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Pricing:
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Admission is free; guided tour is EUR 3.50
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Getting
Here:
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Via de Fori Imperiali. Metro: Colosseo. Keep to the right side of the street
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Capitoline Hill
An administrative centre during ancient Roman times, in 1538 the papal government decided to restructure it and tasked Michelangelo to do it. His elliptic design is a splendid example of how to
deal with the awkward geometry of the buildings and the requirements of the commission. The centerpiece of the piazza is a replica of the famous bronze statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
The original is now housed indoors to preserve it from pollution.
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The Pantheon
One of the most complete Roman Imperial era buildings still standing, the Pantheon boasts the largest masonry vault ever built in its dome, with a hole in the middle to admit sunlight into the building. Originally used as a temple, it has served as a church and is now the final resting
place of Italy's first two monarchs, and the painter Raphael.
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Details
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Opening
Hrs:
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Monday to
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 pm; Sunday: 9 a.m.
to 6 p.m. Closed Christmas Day, New Year's Day and May 1. |
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Pricing:
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Admission is
free. |
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Getting
Here:
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Piazza della
Rotonda, Rome, Italy
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Vatican
the smallest sovereign state in the world exists for the sole purpose of hosting the headquarters
of the Roman Catholic Church - the Holy See. Start off with the enclosed circular St. Peter's
Piazza and the magnificent Basilica. From its sculpture - Michelangelo's Pieta, and the small
statue of St. Peter whose toe was traditionally kissed by devotees, to the heavy carvings of
the canopy near the alter and the brightly decorated altar itself, the basilica is a testament to
the glories of the Roman Church and its legacy. You may even bump into one of the many
religious events held here, which typically result in crowds of thousands in the Piazza.
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Museums of the Vatican
Housing a superb collection of antiquities and artwork ranging from ancient Egyptian, Imperial Roman, Medieval and Renaissance works, these storehouses have some of the greatest treasures
of Western Civilization.
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Details
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Opening Hrs:
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April-October: Open Mon-Fri, 8:45am - 3:45pm (admission until 2.20pm);
November - March: Mon-Fri,
8.45am-1.45pm (admission until 12.20pm ). Open Sat, 8.45am - 1.45pm (admission until 12.20pm) year-round.
Open
and free on the last Sunday of the month, same hours as Sat.
Closed Catholic holidays.
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Pricing:
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Full ticker EUR
12; reduced ticket EUR 8 (26 or under with ISIC card).
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Castel Sant' Angelo (Hadrian's Mausoleum)
Once a key fort in the city's defense system, this was originally the tomb of Emperor Hadrian.
During a siege in the 16th Century, the
jeweler - sculptor Benvenuto Cellini was a heroic defender
on the ramparts of the Castel. Puccini's famous opera Tosca has the heroine falling to her death
at this site.
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The Spanish Steps
Gathering place of large numbers of people. The staircase is an impressive structure connecting
the Church of Trinita dei Monti with the square known as Piazza di Spagna, and was named for
the Spanish Embassy located there.
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Trevi Fountain
This statue dedicated to Neptune has a famous legend attached - he (or she) who throws a coin
over his shoulder and into the fountain will be blessed with a return trip to
Rome someday.
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Details
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Getting
Here:
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Piazza di Trevi. Near Via Del Corso and Via del Tritone Underground exit: Barberini
Buses: 52,53,61,62,63,71,80,95,116,119,175,492, and 630.
Exit Via del Tritone
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The Appian Way
Once the main Roman highway to the eastern coast of the Italian Peninsula, this road is lined
with tombs of Roman citizens, many of monumental dimensions. Cars run on parts of this road
on weekdays and Saturdays, but some parts are closed on Sunday.
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