The Coliseum, the Vatican and the lake of Albano

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Rome's icon, and one of the seven wonders of antiquity, is the Coliseum, or Flavian Amphiteathre. Very few know that it related with the destruction of Jerusalem by emperor Titus, as the war booty and the enslaved Jews were used for its construction.

The Coliseum was built by covering a little lake in the lowest part of Nero's "Golden House", the spectacular estate which the emperor had built for himself. With innovative concepts, as concrete (still standing to this day) and as the production line (with slaves, naturally), the Coliseum was built in a few years. Wild animals were slaughtered for fun ("Venationes" or hunts), or were forced to hunt and kill prisoners. Gladiator fights were the highlight of the gruesome show. Today the Coliseum and the surrounding monuments are a scenic, romantic sight.

The Vatican, aerial view from a hot air balloon.

Rome hosts downtown the Vatican, the smallest state in the world, yet with 800 million faithfuls around the globe. Built on top of the alleged burial site of St. Peter, the basilica is the largest in the world. Its dome designed by Michaelangelo is 136 Mts. high, and it stands out against the skyline from any point in Rome (it is thus dubbed by Romans "Il cupolone", the Big Dome, compared to the other 400 or so in Rome). From left to right in this photo snapped from a hot air balloon you see Bernini's colonnade, St. Peter's basilica, the Vatican palaces (the farthest right, of brown colour, includes the Sixtine Chapel). The quarter in the forefront is Borgo Vaticano, the quarter to the right of the Vatican is Prati. Past the Vatican gardens you see Rome western quarters, and finally the Mediterranean sea.

The lake of Albano, seen from the Villa del Cardinale. On the opposite crest of the lake you can see Castel Gandolfo, and after it you can see Rome indistinctly, in the distance.

Finally, a pictureque panoramic photo of one of Rome's most cherished charms, the carriages or "Carrozze". You find them parked in stands near the major sights (Coliseum, Pantheon, Spanish Steps etc.).

The carriage stand by the Spanish Steps, at the beginning of Via delle Carrozze (Carriages Street).

Surely a ride is most romantic (also by bycicle, you will find bike rentals near the major sites), however be careful as some carriage drivers are renowned to rip off tourists with high prices at the end of the ride (also without giving receipts). So make sure you clarify the price before you begin the ride, and that a receipt is given to you after it.

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