Rome is called the Eternal City - indeed, in its more than 2000-year history, it has intricately incorporated the traces of past eras and events and the fruits of modern culture and progress. To see the main attractions of Rome, you need, perhaps, more than one month, but tourists and amateurs of shopping in Rome are usually very limited in time, so they invariably ask themselves: "What to see in Rome in the first place?" your attention a brief overview of the cult places of the Italian capital, which are worth a visit by all means.
St. Peter's Cathedral in Rome
The shining white dome of St. Peter's Basilica is the heart of the Vatican and the center of the entire Catholic world. During the reign of Emperor Nero in place of the present sanctuary, there was a circus, in the territory of which Christians were constantly executed. Here, according to legend, Saint Peter himself was given death. In 326, in memory of the martyr was built Basilica of St. Peter, and when it decayed, in 1452, by the decision of Pope Nicholas V, began the construction of the cathedral, in the design of which involved almost all the major architects of Italy: Bramante, Raphael, Michelangelo, Domenico Fontano , Giacomo della Porto.
Fountain of Four Rivers in Rome
The Fountain of the Four Rivers in Rome continues the list of attractions that are worth seeing. It is located on Navona Square, which is full of unique monuments of history and architecture. The fountain was created by the project of Lorenzo Bernini and is set next to the pagan obelisk in order to celebrate the victory of the Catholic faith over the pagan. The composition, symbolizing the strength and power of Italy, consists of four figures of the gods of the largest rivers of the world from four continents: the Nile, the Danube, the Ganges and the La Plata.
Fountain of Love in Rome - Trevi Fountain
The main fountain of Rome was built in 1762 by the project of Nicolo Salvi. It is an outstanding composition 26 meters high and 20 meters wide, depicting the sea god Neptune racing in a chariot surrounded by his retinue. It is called a fountain of love, probably because there is a tradition of throwing into it three coins - the first in order to return to the city again, the second - in order to meet your love, and the third - to guarantee a happy family life. And loving couples consider it compulsory to drink from special "tubes of love" located in the right part of the fountain.
Sightseeing in Rome: The Colosseum
The Coliseum is the oldest amphitheater, still striking architectural perfection. In ancient times gladiatorial fights were held here, at the price of victory in which there was life. Its full name is the Flavian Amphitheater, since its construction was carried out during the reign of the three emperors of this dynasty. In its history the Coliseum managed to visit the fortress of influential Roman families.
The structure suffered significant damage to numerous earthquakes, and fragments of its walls were used to build some palaces.
Sights of Rome: Pantheon
The temple of all the gods, built around 125 AD. It is a rotunda covered with a vaulted cupola. In antiquity, services were held here and sacrifices to the revered Roman gods: Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, Saturn, Pluto and others. Later it was turned into a Christian temple, famous for the fact that within its walls are the relics of the outstanding figures of Italy.
Sistine Chapel, Rome
The most famous chapel of the Vatican was built in the XV century by Giovanno de Dolci. Glory to her brought Michelangelo, who for many years painted her arches with monumental frescoes. Here and to this day, especially solemn ceremonies are taking place, among which the Conclave is the process of electing a new pope.
