Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If you don't feel comfortable traversing the huge city on your own
these tours are a great way to see them with an expert tour guide.
St. Peter's Basilica:
Having the distinguished honor of being the world's largest church, St. Peter's Basilica is
definitely the center of all things Christianity and played an important role in the shaping
of Rome's religious power. It's located on Vatican Hill just across from the Tiber River.
Its placement is symbolic since it was the site where Saint Peter died and is buried. This
grand structure took a span of over one hundred years to finish and was worked on by some
of the greatest Italian architects of the era. The interior of the church is stunning and will
amaze all who enter it. With its impressive architecture, décor and design, once you enter
the church you'll begin to realize the scope of how massive it truly is. Don't forget to make
the trek up to the dome (by elevator or stairs) for an amazing panoramic view Rome!
Travel Tip:
There is a bit of a dress code in order to be allowed
entry into St. Peter's Basilica. Shorts, tank tops, and short skirts are
not permitted. You will be turned away if you are in violation of
the dress code.
Palatine Hill (Palatino)
Located on the centermost hill of the seven famous hills of Rome, Palantine Hill has a his-
tory that's even older than the city itself. In its prime, Palantine Hill was once built up with
magnificent palaces and buildings boasting the wealth of the prosperous Roman Empire.
It's located between some of the very popular tourist attractions such as the Colosseum,
Circus Maximus, and the Roman Forum. Today the hill has impressive ruins throughout, as
testament to the time when Romans built their palaces to last. Here there is a lot to explore,
especially if you're a traveler looking for a chance to see old Roman ruins up close and
personal.
Pantheon
Another famous building within the walls of Rome is the Pantheon. This magnificent feat
of Roman architecture is still standing after being built more than 1,800 years ago. The
name of Pantheon comes from the term used meaning “all Gods” because it was used as
a temple to worship all of the Roman Gods. The building has sixteen giant pillars, each
weighing around sixty tons. It's said that the stone was quarried in Egypt and transported to
Rome on barges and other large boating vessels. In the year 609, the Pantheon was conver-
