Head for the Colosseum When In Rome

Visitors to Italy may be spoilt for choice when searching for a city to explore - Venice and its canals, the northern cultural and business centre of Turin, Milan and its design and fashion heritage, and the two cultural centres of Naples and Florence. Indeed, they all welcome millions of visitors each year and enjoy world-renowned attractions. In fact, Italy is the fifth most-visited country in the world, with over 43.7 million people choosing to travel there.

For various reasons though, Rome can prove a fascinating city to head for. The Vatican itself is reason enough for millions of tourists to head there each year – one of the factors making Rome the third-most visited city in the European Union.

Rome’s landmarks and places of interest include such well-known sites as St Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, the Trevi Fountain in the Quirinale district, and the Piazza di Spagna, one of the most popular meeting places in Rome. With such a wealth of possible sightseeing opportunities, it can be difficult for some visitors to decide where is best to start.

However, most people begin with arguably the best-known landmark, the Colosseum. Standing at around 48 meters high, it is considered one of the greatest feats of architecture and engineering to come from the Roman Empire. Located just east of the Roman Forum, it was built between 70 and 72 AD by the emperor Vespasian. It was not completed until 80 AD by Titus and modifications continued for many years to come.

Originally known as the Flavian Amphitheater, the Colosseum is now mainly in ruins. When first built and used, though, it could accommodate around 55,000 spectators. It was used primarily to entertain the public, with the emperor at the time arranging games and events that included gladiatorial fights to the death. One grim estimation states that 500,000 people and more than one million animals may have died in the Colosseum games.

The huge building enjoyed a fascinating history as Rome grew and developed around it, but also suffered damage through various incidents; an earthquake destroying the majority of the southern side. The use of specific parts of the building in the construction of new landmarks - such as St Peter’s Basilica - would then ensure that the Colosseum would be at the heart of Rome for centuries to come.

Luckily for most Europeans, the duration of flights to Rome is relatively short and accessible, so some of the world’s best attractions are right on their doorstep. However, visitors from the wider world also continue to visit, many simply to catch a glimpse of the Colosseum.

But those that do visit will not be disappointed by the sheer amount of attractions to explore in Rome; in addition to learning in more detail about the history of one of the best-known and most-popular cities Italy has to offer.

Article Source: http://www.mycontentbuilder.com

Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.

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