Things to do in Grottaferrata

Originally completed eighty years after the birth of Christ, the Colosseum was the largest of the amphitheatres constructed by the Roman Empire, at one time regularly hosting 50,000 spectators for the sort of brutal entertainment that was depicted in the film “Gladiator”.

This is the largest Baroque period fountain in the whole of Rome and a timeless masterpiece that was designed by Nicola Salvi and Giuseppe Pannini. The Trevi Fountain takes its name from its positioning at the junction of three roads. At night, the fountain is bathed in golden light, and is simply spectacular.

Probably the most famous staircase in the world, Rome’s Spanish Steps have a romance all of their own. The Spanish Steps are relatively young compared to other ancient attractions in Rome, but they still have an interesting history. Built in 1717, and designed by architects Francesco de Sanctis and Alessandro Specchi, this staircase of 138 steps was intended to offer better access to the Trinita dei Monti church. The design of this classic monument incorporates curves, straight lines, vistas and terraces into a design that is generally considered to blend seamlessly and elegantly into the surrounding architecture of the piazza.

The Piazza Navona is generally considered to be one of the best examples of Baroque architecture even within the treasure trove of architectural greatness that is Rome. The exquisite square gained its façades in the mid-17th century as commissioned by Pope Innocent X, with the Pope choosing renowned artists such as Bernini, Borromini and Rainaldi to turn this piazza into yet another Roman example of great artistry. Rainaldi is also known for having built the Palazzo Pamphilj, which faces the Piazza Navona, another spectacular building which has housed the Brazilian Embassy in Rome since 1920.

As a city, Rome is blessed with architectural splendour. This magnificent temple has stood for over two millennia and is testimony to the awesome power and ruthless ambition of the legendary Roman Empire.

The lofty dome at the heart of St. Peter’s Basilica is a famous symbol of Vatican City – the world’s smallest autonomous state – and one of many lofty contributions to the Late Renaissance and Baroque periods of architecture.

Embrace the hustle and bustle as people from all over the world converge beside the charming Sinking Boat Fountain in the Piazza di Spagna. Almost every visitor who steps foot in Rome finds themselves at this busy piazza at some point. Admire the lovely fountain, climb up the iconic Spanish Steps and see frescoes inside the rustic French Chiesa della Trinita dei Monti.

Rome’s premier green space, Villa Borghese is not only home to glistening lakes and peaceful gardens, but also contains several interesting cultural institutions. Amble along the pathways and lawns, view a collection of stunning Renaissance masterpieces at the Galleria Borghese and check out rare pre-Roman artifacts at the Museo Nazionale Etrusco.