Hopping off a plane and into the romantic city of Rome is one gigantic step back in time. The Italian capital is a living museum where ancient wonders rise from every cobblestone and corner café. Rome is aptly nicknamed the Eternal City, home to some of the most historic and iconic landmarks in Europe. Visitors can enjoy brushing up on their history, wandering the charming streets, or taking in the awe-inspiring architecture. In this guide, learn more about some of Rome's most renowned ancient wonders that reveal the city's rich and enduring legacy.
The Colosseum (Colesseo)
On your list of ancient wonders to visit while in Rome, the Colosseum will no doubt be the top choice. The landmark is possibly the city's most famous and recognizable ancient monument, built in 80 AD. The massive amphitheater was once host to gladiator battles, animal hunts, and public spectacles of all kinds. More than 50,000 spectators could attend events at a time, within the walls of one of the greatest feats of Roman engineering.
The Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
The Forum was once the city center in ancient Rome for politics, commerce, and religion. Temples and basilicas remain on the site and visitors can wander the well-kept ruins. Its victory arches shaped the Roman Empire for over 1,000 years. Julius Caesar was the first Roman to be declared a god so to honor him, Augustus built the Temple of Caesar (Tempio del Divo Giulio) in the Forum. Visitors can stand on the exact place where Caesar was cremated. Fresh flowers are often spotted, left by visitors, on an altar in the temple ruins to honor his life and legacy.
The Pantheon
The Pantheon was another temple built to honor all Roman gods. Rebuilt around 126 AD, the famous landmark boasts its stunningly preserved dome. Its oculus, the perfect circle in the dome's center, is the only source of natural light in the building. Sunlight streams through the Pantheon's oculus during the day, moving across the building interior like a sundial. As one of the world's best preserved ancient structures, the Pantheon still functions as a church.
Palatine Hill (Colle Palatino)
Legend has it that Romulus founded Rome right on top of Palatine Hill. The site offers sweeping views of the Forum and Circus Maximus. Roman mythology points to it being the most symbolically important of Rome's seven hills. The hill used to be home to the city's most luxurious palaces, gardens, and private stadiums. Archeology fans are in for a treat: ruins dating back from the Republican period to the Imperial era can be explored.
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The Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)
The Appian Way stretches from the very heart of ancient Rome out into the countryside. Once a military and trade route, it is one of the oldest roads of the historic city. The layers of gravel, stone, and mortar have stayed intact for more than 2,000 years, a true testament to Roman engineering. As is was forbidden to bury people within the city walls, the via became lined with mausoleums and tombs of the wealthiest Roman families. Today, visitors can view villa ruins, ancient mosaic flooring, and original Roman aqueducts, along with more recent medieval watchtowers and Renaissance farmhouses.
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Rome's ancient wonders transport us back into a world of gladiators, gods, legends, and myths. Amongst the ruins and cobblestones, stories emerge from long ago to trace the footsteps of history. The Roman civilization shaped the world in more ways than one. A visit to the Eternal City's ancient iconic landmarks will no doubt inspire and invigorate!
