Rome suggested itineraries

A tour of imperial Rome inevitably commences with the Colosseum. Known also as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum was the largest arena built in the Roman Empire, with a capacity for a staggering 50 thousand spectators. Erected in the 1st century A.D by the emperors of the Flavia dynasty, the Colossuem, since its inauguration, hosted only the most impressive of spectacles, including the legendary disputes between gladiators. Today, it is the Colosseum itself and not gruesome imperial games the object of admiration for the thousands of tourists which, each day, fill the arena's terraces. Close by, on the Colle Oppio, lies the Domus Aurea, residence of Emperor Nero, erected after the great fire which destroyed much of Rome of 64 A.D. The name of the palace, the "golden house", was inspired by the magnificent golden stuccoes of its ceilings.

Next to the Colosseum, there is another symbol of Rome: the Arch of Constantine. The triumphal arch was erected in the IV century so as to celebrate Emperor Constantine's victory over Maxentius at the Battle of Milvio Bridge on October 28, 312. The Arch of Constantine forms the gateway leading to the Imperial Forum, testimony of the greatness of Rome. Situated between the Palatine and the Capitoline hills, the forum represented the political and social center of ancient Rome for over a thousand years. Within the forum, today's visitors can admire important monuments constructed over the centuries by the various emperors: the Temples of Vespasian and Titus, and the temple built in honour of the deified Antoninus Pius and Faustina. Built in the III century, the monumental Arch of Septimius Severus was built to celebrate the victories of Rome over the Parthians. It is from the terrace of the Capitoline hill (Campidoglio), today home of the town hall and municipal council of Rome, that the most extensive view of the Roman Forum can be admired.

According to legend, it was on the Palatine Hill that Romulus and Remus were discovered by the she-wolf who subsequently raised them, and where Romulus later founded the city of Rome. What is certain, thanks to recent excavations, is that the area was already inhabited in the VIII century B.C. The hill was home to various sites of worship, including that of the Magna Mater. In addition, between the II and I century B.C., the Palatine Hill became the residential quarter of the Roman aristocracy, populated by numerous villas including that of the House of the Griffins, famous for the beautiful paintings still visible on its walls. Under the reign of Augustus, the Palatine Hill was chosen as the Empire's seat of power and imperial palaces were built here, including the Palazzo dei Cesari which today houses the Palatine Museum.

Between the Palatine and Aventine hills, there is the majestic Circus Maximus. The Roman circus served as hippodrome and venue for public games. Originally, it was 621 meters long and 118 metes wide, with a capacity for some 250 thousand spectators. Overlooking the Circus Maximus there is the Aventine hill, also known as the hill of San Saba. Traditionally, the hill was inhabited by the plebeians but it was also an active commercial center, thanks to its vicinity to the port on the river Tevere. From the Circus Maximus visitors quickly reach the Baths of Caracalla and the Appian Way, this latter considered to be the most important of the Empire's thoroughfares, a section of which is now protected within the Appia Antica Regional Suburban Park.