Welcome to Rome

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The Colosseum

Tour stop audio transcript

Welcome to The Colosseum – one of the Ancient world's most significant structures. Construction of this architectural masterwork took place from 72 to 80 AD, during the reign of Emperor Vespasian, and his successor and son, Titus. In its prime, this largest amphitheater in the world had a capacity of close to 50,000 people. Then named Flavian Amphitheatre, The Colosseum hosted the public killings of thousands of slaves, prisoners, and animals as entertainment for the masses. Only about a third of its original stone and concrete structure still stands; a monument to an empire, brave warriors, shocking violence, and later, a site of religious significance to many Christians.

The Vatican

Tour stop audio transcript

Vatican City is the world's smallest independent state and contains some of the world's most treasured symbols of Christianity, including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. From St. Peter's Square, the heart of the city, visitors can also view St. Peter's Basilica – the world's largest Christian basilica, capable of hosting 20,000 people; a 4,000-year-old Egyptian Obelisk; and the Papal Apartments. The Fountains of St. Peter's Square, built in the 15th and 17th centuries, respectively, have been hugely influential throughout Europe. Visitors to Vatican City can also visit 11 museums and the Vatican Gardens, which span nearly 60 of the city's 110 acres. A glimpse at any of these sites exposes visitors to some of the most revered art and architecture in the history of Western Civilization.

Spanish Steps

Tour stop audio transcript

Visitors to the Spanish Steps in the Piazza di Spagna will ascend the widest stairway on the continent. Their ultimate goal? The Trinita dei Monti, a late Renaissance Roman Catholic church. These famous steps were conceived as the result of a design competition in 1717. Underdog, Francesco de Sanctis, took the honors. The freshwater fountain prominent in the square, the Fontana della Barcaccia (or Fountain of the Old Boat), predates the steps by about a century.

Trevi Fountain

Tour stop audio transcript

One of the world's most recognizable fountains, Fontana di Trevi (or Trevi Fountain) has inspired visitors since 1762. Designed by Nicola Salvi to replace an earlier iteration, the fountain was built over the course of 30 years, and completed after Salvi himself had died. This spectacular fountain features Neptun, flanked by Tritons, attempting to tame a wild seahorse. Also featured in the fountain's design is a young virgin who – according to legend – discovered the site and led Roman soldiers there. According to yet another legend, if you toss a coin in the fountain, you are guaranteed to visit Rome again someday.

Piazza Venezia

Tour stop audio transcript

Located in the city center, at the intersection of several of Rome's historic main streets, is the Piazza Venezia. The square is located at the base of Capitoline Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome and an early Roman citadel. From here you can see a trio of palaces: Palazzo Venezia, Palazzo Bonaparte and Palazzo delle Aste, as well as Trajan's Forum. The piazza's prominent statue is a monument to Victor Emanuel II; a symbol of Italian unification.

Piazza del Popolo

Tour stop audio transcript

Located at the city's northernmost entrance (formerly the Porta Flaminia), lies the Piazza del Popolo. This is where three famous Roman streets intersect (Ripetta, Babuino and Corso), forming the "Tridente." It's also where you'll find the twin churches (Santa Maria di Montesanto and Santa Maria Miracoli) as well as Santa Maria del Popolo, home to some of the world's most famous paintings and sculptures.

Villa Borghese

Tour stop audio transcript

Once an architect's private residence, today the Villa Borghese is a sprawling, 148-acre public park; home to the Galleria Borghese and the Borghese Gardens. Many notable works are housed at the estate, from ancient to Renaissance to modern art. Just some of the artists whose pieces are featured here include Raphael, Rubens and Bernini. Among many other attractions, the gardens – architected in the English landscape style – feature their own square, temple, and zoo.

The Pantheon

Tour stop audio transcript

Along with The Colosseum, The Pantheon is one of Ancient Rome's most famous structures. Built during the reign of Emperor Augustus before 14 AD, and rebuilt during the reign of Emperor Hadrian around 126 AD, The Pantheon originally served as a temple to the gods of Pagan Rome. More recently, The Pantheon has served as a Roman Catholic Church. The building is meticulously preserved, showcasing the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome in the rotunda, magnificently ornate oculus and trademark Corinthian columns.

Piazza Navona

Tour stop audio transcript

The Piazza Navona is located on the former grounds of the Domiziano Stadium; a venue dedicated to public games in the 1st century AD. Toward the end of the 15th century, the Piazza hosted the city market. Today the piazza is an open, public square where outdoor events and presentations are held. Piazza Navona features many noted sculptures and fountains, including the "Fountain of Four Rivers" by Bernini.

Castel Sant'Angelo

Tour stop audio transcript

The Mausoleum of Hadrian, usually known as Castel Sant'Angelo (English: Castle of the Holy Angel), is a towering cylindrical building in Parco Adriano, Rome, Italy. It was initially commissioned by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum for himself and his family. The building was later used by the popes as a fortress and castle, and is now a museum. The Castel was once the tallest building in Rome.

Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

Tour stop audio transcript

In front of this basilica stands the world's tallest obelisk at 140 feet. It was originally built in the 15th century BC for Pharaohs Tuthmosis III and Tuthmosis IV. Emperor Constantius returned this to Rome in the year 357.

St Maria Sopra Minerva Basilica

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