Cheap Rome Vacation Packages
Rome is capital and the largest city of Italy. It is also known as the Eternal City because it is where the legendary Roman civilization was born, a civilization that went on to defeat almost all the major superpowers of its time. Today the city is an endearing mix of old and modern, past and present, history and culture. During the last 2500 years of proud existence, Rome has been focally involved in exerting an immense cultural and strategic influence over the world as an exceptionally intelligent, armed civilization that had immense respect for its culture, religion and architecture.
Places of Interest in Rome
Roman Colosseum
The Colosseum is the world’s biggest amphitheatre in the centre of the Italian capital. Its construction was completed in 80 AD and is believed to accommodate between 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. Roman Colosseum is known for hosting the aggressive Gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, political executions, reenactments of famous battles and some dramas based on Classical Roman mythology in the older times. Although partially ruined because of earthquakes and natural erosion, the Colosseum is still an iconic symbol of the golden days of Imperial Rome.
Vatican City
Next to Jerusalem, the Vatican City is perhaps the most sacred place in Christendom and this reputation precludes its respectable history. A visitor would be impressed with the unique collection of artistic and architectural masterpieces that lie within the boundaries of this place. The star attraction here is St. Peter's Basilica. It has a circular open space in front and is bordered by small palaces and gardens. This basilica was erected over the tomb of St. Peter, the Apostle and is known as the largest religious building in the world. Here’s something you wouldn’t like to miss inside St. Peter's Basilica- it is Michelangelo's masterpiece, Pieta and it is supported by some beautiful altars by Bernini and other notable artists.
The Pantheon
The Pantheon is one of the best preserved monuments of ancient Rome. Completed in 125 CE by King Hadrian, this imposing structure is hallmarked by its magnificent dome with a hole at its top. This arrangement is more like a modern window opening into the 2000 year old Roman architectural genius. Also of note is the dome - it is the largest masonry dome in the world and is even larger than that of Saint Peter’s Basilica. The reasons for its construction remain largely inclusive, but it is still believed that the Pantheon was used as a religious place of worship or as the preferred seat of a public appearance for a Roman emperor.