Wander Rome's Wonders
Rome is a city that brings out the adventurer in everyone, tapping the lines of navigation deep within travelers' bones. Pick a starting point, work in a circle and hope that you end up at one of your original destinations. If you get lost, it's of no concern; There are dozens of sights to see in Rome -- sometimes the most impressive ones are conveniently left off the maps.
Here are four must-see destinations in this astounding city:
The Colosseum
When in Rome, don't miss the looming ancient Roman legacy -- the Colosseum. Mostly intact, though somewhat weather-beaten, the structure (dedicated in 80 A.D.) held about 70,000 people and is believed to have sustained four centuries of uninterrupted use.
Underground chambers housed stage equipment, animals and gladiators before events. Serviced mechanically by counterweights, elevators lifted the entertainment crew and animals into the main arena. A wooden floor lay atop the underground barracks and was covered by a bed of sand. You can tour the Colosseum free of charge.
The Pantheon
Built between 118 and 125 A.D., the Pantheon (Greek for "all the gods") was erected as a temple for pagan worship. Converted into a Christian church in the 7th century, the building remains almost perfectly preserved. The tomb of Renaissance artist Raphael occupies the third tabernacle.
Looking up from the floor of the main hall, the center of the ceiling is a hole with a diameter of 9 meters (almost 30 feet). This oculus remains uncovered, allowing sunlight and rain to pour through the opening. Inside the hall, a tour guide recalled a beautiful sight -- visitors holding open umbrellas inside on a rainy day.
Trevi Fountain
Northeast from the Pantheon crossing Via del Corso, you will find the magnificent Fontana di Trevi, an 18th century fountain that is considered the most famous of many in Rome. In a memorable scene of Federico Fellini's "La Dolce Vita," Anita Ekberg wades in its lower pool with her co-star Marcello Mastroianni and a kitten.
Supposedly, the Trevi can grant any wish, if you toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain. It's said if you toss one coin, you will come back to Rome someday. Throwing two coins denotes finding a great love. According to one sardonic tour guide, if you throw three coins, you are hoping for a successful divorce.
The Vatican
Governed solely by Pope John Paul II in judicial, executive and legislative powers, Vatican City is the smallest independent country in the world. It includes such resplendent sights as Saint Peter's Basilica (one of the world's largest Christian churches), the Sistine Chapel and magnificent frescoes, including Raphael's "School of Athens" and Michelangelo's "The Last Judgement" and the "Creation of Adam."
Inside the Vatican, you can purchase a message on parchment that was blessed by Pope John Paul II and send it directly to your house (the Vatican has its own postal service). You must cover your legs and shoulders to enter St. Peters. Proper clothing is monitored at the door.
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