Of all towns, the Eternal City is also
the most scenic. Roaming about Rome you will be amazed by the countless
piazzas, fountains, masterpieces, elegant palazzi, modern and ancient
Roman monuments, more churches than you could imagine, for the chic
streets and tiny yet picturesque alleys, for the character and art
you'll find everywhere.
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Rome's centre seen from the Janiculum
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Also from any dome, or from any of its hills, the majestic beauty
of Rome appears. The view from the Janiculum hill is the most impressive.
According to De Brosses, an 18th century French diarist, it was sufficient
in itself to justify the journey to Italy. The most striking feature
is the forest of domes and monuments filling the skyline, silhouetted
against the Alban Hills (Castelli Romani).
From left to right you can see: the dome of the church of St. Agnese
by F. Borromini, the imposing Palazzo Farnese, the dome of San Carlo
al Corso, the facade of the Palazzo Medici and behind it the Borghese
gardens, the shell-like dome of the Church of St. Ivo alla Sapienza
by F. Borromini, the high dome of Sant'Andrea della Valle (behind
it you can see the dome of the Pantheon, resembling a flying saucer), the dome of the
Church Holy Trinity of the Pilgrims, the imposing spherical dome of
the Church of San Carlo ai Catinari, the long and elegant Palazzo
Quirinale, the dome of the Church of the Gesu', Trajan's Column, the
Torre Spaccata (broken tower), the Altar of Fatherland or Vittoriale,
the Church of Ara Coeli (Altar of the Skies), Capitol Hill (with the
Municipality and Palazzo Conservatori), St. Mary Major (background
with two domes and a belfry), and the dome of the Synagogue (forefront,
quadrangular).
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Opposite view, from the roof garden
of one of our properties (Palazzo Altieri, near Capitol
Hill).
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ROMAN FORUM
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The Roman Forum seen from Campidoglio
(Capitol Hill)
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The view of the Roman Forum is also fascinating. This panoramic
photo was taken from Capitol Hill. The palace immediately to the
left is Rome's Municipality since ancient times. Today it hosts
the Municipality and the Mayor's office. From left to right you
can see the Torre Spaccata (the broken tower), the church built
on top of St. Peter's jail (Mamertino), the arch of Septimius Severus,
the Curia or Roman Senate (behind it), the Sacred Way (where tourists
are walking), the Temple of Saturn (with its high columns, it was
the seat of the Roman State Treasury). At its right you can see
the remains of the Basilica Julia. The hill to the right is the
Palatine, and in the background you can see the profile of the
Coliseum.
ST. PETER and THE VATICAN
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The realm of geometry, harmony, elegance,
and space, St. Peter reminds visitors of the great mission
it symbolizes, with its clear shapes and awesome dimension.
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Acqueduct Claudius (37-58 AD) at its
arrival in Rome
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To visit the other quarters, please go to:
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Roman Homes homepage: Rome apartments villas vacation rentals accommodations apartments in Rome |