By Carl Pruit
The city of Rome--filled with history and culture--provides many locations and attractions that will make any vacation a memorable experience. From the ancient Roman landmarks like the Coliseum and Pantheon to its historical sites like the Catacombs or St. Peter's Basilica, there is much to see and do here. If you have never been to Rome, check out all the amazing places the city has to offer.
Vatican Museums
Created as a place to store some original sculptures in the early 1500's by Pope Julius II, the Vatican museum has grown over time to include collections from Egypt, archaeological discoveries from Etruria and ancient discoveries from early Christian history. It also houses some magnificent tapestries from the 15th through the 17th century. It even has a gallery of maps that have been collected over many centuries by the various Popes.
Tickets for the museum can be purchased online to prevent having to wait in line, allowing you quicker access to the exhibits. The museum also includes several gift shops and restaurants for your convenience.
Vatican Museums
Viale Vaticano, 00165
Rome
Phone: 0039 06 69884676
Baths of Caracalla
Built in A.D. 217 by the Emporer Caracalla, the baths of Caracalla were constructed on Celian Hill, a very prestigious part of the city. This special location was a popular place for the wealthier Roman citizens to live, overlooking the rest of the city. These baths became a very desirable place for relaxation and health. They were also an informal meeting place for Roman authorities to conduct business. The baths of Caracalla included spas, an open air swimming pool, gardens, a library, massage rooms and even an exercise area, and it could accommodate a many as 1,600 people at one time. It covered an area of over 27 acres. The baths existed for over 300 years until they were destroyed by attacking Goths. You can find the baths of Caracalla just a short walk southeast of the Circus Maximus near the center of Rome.
Baths of Caracalla
Via delle Terme di Caracalla
Rome
Via Appia Antica (Appian Way)
See one of the cities often overlooked--yet very important--places when you take a walk down the Appian Way. This road dates back to around 312 B.C. It's one of the oldest roads around Rome. The Appian Way is now a national park and closed off to traffic, but it has played a special role in the history of Rome. As a main roadway into Rome during the height of Roman power, it is said that the heads of many Christian martyrs were put on stakes and lined the roadway as a warning for speaking out against Roman authority. The Appian Way also has several historic structures like the Church of Domine Quo Vadis, where it is believed to be the place on the road where St. Peter met Jesus. Visitors can get to the Appian Way by means of a bus called the "Archeobus" that will take you from the downtown terminal out to the entrance of this historic road.
Resources
About the Author:
Carl Pruit has been a freelance writer since 2005, specializing in service journalism and travel. His work has appeared on various websites. Born and raised in California, Pruit attended Contra Costa Community College in San Pablo, Calif. and received an associate degree in the administration of justice.
