Rome 2013 - Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona is one of the most beautiful squares in Rome. The square was built on top of the Stadium of Domitian, built by Emperor Domitian in the 1st Century AD - which explains the long and oblong shape. In the centre of the square is one of the most impressive fountains in Rome - the Fountain of the Four rivers, designed by one of the great Italian artist and architect Bernini.

Facing the centre fountain is Sant'Agnese in Agone - a church designed by one of the main rivals of Bernini - Borromini. Though the work was attributed to Borromini - especially the main facade, many other architects were called in to work on the building. As a result the building reflects a mix of different architectural approaches. It is still an impressive building - especially the ornate interior which must have cost a fortune to execute. Visiting Europe - I am always amazed at how much money the clients and patrons were willing to lavish on the buildings, and how patient they were waiting for the buildings to take shape. Perhaps they did not have the distraction of super cars and Lear jets in those days.

Rome 2013 - The Colosseum

The Colosseum is just beside the Roman Forum and is probably an even bigger attraction though it is just a single building. It was started by Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD and completed in 80 AD, taking just 8 years - a remarkable feat considering the size and scale of the building. Clad in white marble and more then 10-storeys high, accommodating 87,000 spectators - it must have been quite a spectacle in its days. Even today it is an awe-inspiring sight.

The Colosseum was a political tool of the Emperor - built to provide free entertainment to the public in a bid to increase the Emperor's popularity. Of course we all know what happened in these arenas of doom - where gladiators fight to their death and thousands of animals were killed just for the sake of entertaining the masses. 

Putting aside images of the blood bath that must have happened here - the Colosseum is an ingenious feat of engineering and architecture. Amazingly it is still the largest amphitheatre in the World according to the Guinness Book of Records.

Rome 2013 - The Roman Forum

The Roman Forum is the most important historical site in Rome, and this was where ancient Rome itself was founded. Developed organically over centuries, this was the centre of the cultural, religious, and commercial life in the city. Now when you visit all you see are ruins, but these are the ruins of some of the most important buildings in Roman history. 

It is a strange feeling, standing on the same ground where senators and emperors used to stand thousands of years ago. In fact scenes from countless movies and TV shows start to play in your head. It took a while before I was able to calm my mind and appreciate what was right in front of my eyes. And the ruins were magnificent.

Rome 2013 - Along the River Tiber

The River Tiber flows through Rome and divide the city into the Eastern and Western sections. It is the 2nd longest river in Italy - the River Po being the longest. On the Eastern side is the old city where you find the Roman Forum, The Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and other popular historic sights. On the Western side is the Vatican City and other districts, most notably Trastevere which is becoming a popular destination for its trendy restaurants, pubs and cafes. 

We took a walk along the Tiber one evening. The East bank of the river is lined with sycamore trees with branches which arch toward the river - creating a beautiful tunnel of leaves which stretches for miles.

The river is crossed by several ancient bridges, some of which date from 27 B.C.

Along the way you will also see historical landmarks such as the Castel Sant'Angelo - a Mausoleum commissioned by Emperor Hadrian for himself and his family.

Next to the Castel is another interesting landmark - the  Corte Suprema di Cassazione, which is the Supreme Court of Italy. This handsome building was built in 1910 in the Renaissance and Baroque style.