Rome

ROME
Few cities can hold a candle to Rome, the vibrant Italian capital, packed with history and bursting with sights.

The 'Eternal City' has been attracting visitors for two millennia and is still one of the most exhilarating destinations in the world.

Everyone wants to visit Rome, to immerse themselves in centuries of civilisation:- “ Rome was not built in a day”. As the saying goes :- ' When in Rome,do as the Romans do',  but in a city filled with two millennia of history, there's much to do and even more to see, and it would be hard to expect to see over 2,500 years of history in just a few days.

The ancient ruins and monuments tell the story of an amazing past, it leaves a deep impression on all who see it for the first time. Compared to London or Paris Rome is not large and the central areas are reasonably compact and the best way to see them is on foot.     Among Rome's more renowned historic attractions are:-

Colosseum 
The mighty roman amphitheatre occupying a site just east of the Roman Forum, built for 50,000 spectators that staged every kind of entertainment, from spectacular gladiators show to animal hunts and naval battles.

Roman Forum
To wander through the ruined Roman Forum, political & social centre of ancient Rome - the cradle of civilisation is for many tourists the ultimate experience.

Pantheon
The hugely impressive temple dedicated to all gods

The Vatican & St Peter Basilica
Spiritual centre of Catholicism and the famous Sistine Chapel, with its fine frescoes by Michelangelo, a masterpiece of Italian arts.

Trevi Fountain
The most famous and arguably the most beautiful fountain in all of Rome.

The Catacombs
The early Christian did not use the term "Catacomb - Cemetery" this word is of a Greek origin meaning " Resting place".
The Christian catacombs began in the second century. In compliance with the Roman law, which forbade the burial of the dead within the city walls all catacombs were located outside the city. After the persecutions they became real shrines of the martyrs and the centre of devotion and pilgrimage.

Caracalla & Diocletian Baths
The Caracalla baths,huge complex housed bathing facilities for more than 1,600 people built in 212 AD. These baths were known for their rich interior, which feature marble seats, mosaics, bronze statues, and gardens.

Emperor Diocletian, who reigned in Asia and never set foot in Rome, strove to outshine Caracalla, by commissioning the largest bathing establishment the Romans had ever seen which could accommodate 3.000 bathers. The complex was actually a multifunctional leisure centre which housed gymnasiums, libraries, art galleries and even brothels.