1. COLISEUM

The Colosseum is the symbol par excellence of the power and glory of ancient Rome. This amphitheater (a true masterpiece of engineering), which could accommodate up to 50,000 spectators. It was inaugurated by Emperor Titus in 80 AD with 100 days ofbloody and uninterrupted gladiatorial fights.

2. PALATINE 

A few steps from the Colosseum, the Palatine was the most exclusive district of ancient Rome, where they lived emperors, aristocrats and the most prominent personalities. The ruins, although evocative, can disorient the visitor, but give an idea of the grandiose dimensions of the dwellings and the luxury in which their inhabitants loved to live.

3. ROMAN FORUM

Descending from the Palatine, you enter the Roman Forum at the Arch of Titus, one of the great triumphal arches of imperial Rome. In ancient times the Forum was the nerve center of the city, where people crowded between courts, temples and stores. Here lived the vestals, while the senators discussed matters of state in the Curia lulia.

4. PIAZZA DEL CAMPIDOGLIO

Leave the For in Largo della Salara Vecchia and go up to the Piazza del Campidoglio, an extraordinary place designed by Michelangelo. The square, one of the most beautiful in Rome, sits atop the hill of the same name, one of the seven on which the city was founded. It was once the spiritual core of Rome and was home to the two most important temples in the city, the one dedicated to Jupiter Capitolinus and the one in honor of Juno Moneta.

5. CAPITOLINE MUSEUMS

The Capitoline Museums (p47), the oldest public museum in the world, are housed in two imposing buildings overlooking Piazza del Campidoglio.Campidoglio and house an important art gallery and a magnificent collection of ancient sculptures, including the Etruscan bronze statue of the Capitoline She-Wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, one of the symbols of the city.

6. VITTORIANO

Next to the Campidoglio stands the Vittoriano (p48), an immense building in white Botticino marble where, to tell the truth, no emperor ever set foot.emperor ever set foot there. It deserves a stop so that you can take the elevator up to its terrace, from which the view sweeps over the entire city below.

A PAUSE

The Caffarelli Terrace, the refined café of the Capitoline Museums, also accessible from a separate entrance, is ideal for an invigorating coffee break.