Here are some more of the architectural gems that Rome has to offer, just find a holiday rental in Rome and begin exploring!
3. Pantheon
The magnificent Pantheon is a beautifully preserved temple dating back to 117AD. Built under Emperor Hadrian in honour of the ancient Roman pagan gods, it was given to Pope Boniface in 608 AD by the Byzantine emperor Phocas and was used as a church thereafter. It is a building of ingenious design and construction that was far ahead of its time. The soaring Dome, in particular, is immensely impressive. Inside, the church is richly decorated with paintings, stone carvings, statues and frescoes. Located in the Piazza della Rotonda in Rome, it is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 6.30pm and Sun 9am to 1pm.
3. Pantheon
The magnificent Pantheon is a beautifully preserved temple dating back to 117AD. Built under Emperor Hadrian in honour of the ancient Roman pagan gods, it was given to Pope Boniface in 608 AD by the Byzantine emperor Phocas and was used as a church thereafter. It is a building of ingenious design and construction that was far ahead of its time. The soaring Dome, in particular, is immensely impressive. Inside, the church is richly decorated with paintings, stone carvings, statues and frescoes. Located in the Piazza della Rotonda in Rome, it is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 6.30pm and Sun 9am to 1pm.
4. Crypt Of Santa Maria Della Concezione
A more unusual architectural gem in Rome is the creepy crypt of Santa Maria della Concezione. Located on the upscale Via Veneto, the church is dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and was built in 1626 by Cardinal Antonio Barberini, the younger brother of Pope Urban VIII. The real interest in this site, however, is what lies below. When the Capuchins moved to the Via Veneto site, they brought the bones of around 4000 friars and placed them under the church. Some of the bones are arranged in patterns on the walls and ceilings, something akin to mosaics, and whole skeletons are set into niches and dressed in robes. Visitors first began trickling into the crypt in the 18th century but it was only officially opened to the public in 1851. The crypt usually doesn't have queues and is open from 9am to 7pm.
A more unusual architectural gem in Rome is the creepy crypt of Santa Maria della Concezione. Located on the upscale Via Veneto, the church is dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and was built in 1626 by Cardinal Antonio Barberini, the younger brother of Pope Urban VIII. The real interest in this site, however, is what lies below. When the Capuchins moved to the Via Veneto site, they brought the bones of around 4000 friars and placed them under the church. Some of the bones are arranged in patterns on the walls and ceilings, something akin to mosaics, and whole skeletons are set into niches and dressed in robes. Visitors first began trickling into the crypt in the 18th century but it was only officially opened to the public in 1851. The crypt usually doesn't have queues and is open from 9am to 7pm.
5. Altare della Patria
The Altare dell Patria, was created in order to commemorate King Vittorio Emanuele II of Savoy and the Risorgimento (unification of Italy), as he was a key figure in the movement. Made of marble from Botticino in the province of Brescia, it features multiple allegorical statues, reliefs and murals by a range of artists from all over Italy. It measures 80 meters by 120 meters wide and consists of a large flight of stairs leading up to a massive colonnade. To the right and left of the main entrance are two fountains and at the centre is the colossal equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel. Below is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Inside there is a museum and a panoramic elevator that offers a stunning view of the city.
Of course, there is still much more to do and see in this great city but we hope that these amazing architectural gems will help you ease into the exploration of Rome.
The Altare dell Patria, was created in order to commemorate King Vittorio Emanuele II of Savoy and the Risorgimento (unification of Italy), as he was a key figure in the movement. Made of marble from Botticino in the province of Brescia, it features multiple allegorical statues, reliefs and murals by a range of artists from all over Italy. It measures 80 meters by 120 meters wide and consists of a large flight of stairs leading up to a massive colonnade. To the right and left of the main entrance are two fountains and at the centre is the colossal equestrian statue of Victor Emmanuel. Below is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Inside there is a museum and a panoramic elevator that offers a stunning view of the city.
Of course, there is still much more to do and see in this great city but we hope that these amazing architectural gems will help you ease into the exploration of Rome.
Photo credits
picture 1: Roberta Dragan / CC BY-SA 2.5;
picture 2: Dnalor 01 / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: Roberta Dragan / CC BY-SA 2.5;
picture 2: Dnalor 01 / CC BY-SA 3.0