Rome – Campitelli-Celio

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Campitelli and Celio are two of the rioni of the center of Rome. Campitelli includes the vast archaeological area of the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill, as well as the Capitoline Hill. Celio instead extends southwards from the Colosseum, and includes various historic landmarks.

✪ Colosseum

The Colosseum (Colosseo) is one of the most famous landmarks of Rome and all of Italy, and the largest amphitheater in the world. Inaugurated in the year 80 CE, it was originally known as Flavian Amphitheater (Amphitheatrum Flavium in Latin, Anfiteatro Flavio in Italian), after the Flavian dynasty that ruled the Roman Empire at the time. Its current name might come from a colossal statue of Nero that was placed nearby and was later destroyed. During its golden age, the huge arena could host between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, and was used for various spectacles such a gladiator contests, animal hunts, and even naval battles. Abandoned in the Early Middle Ages, it was later turned into a fortress and some of the materials were removed to build other structures. The Colosseum was restored in the 19th century and then turned into a tourist attraction. The building now houses a museum dedicated to the history of the structure, and various areas can be visited.

✪ Arch of Constantine

The Arch of Constantine (Arco di Costantino) is the largest Roman triumphal arch in the world, located next to the Colosseum. The arch was erected to celebrate emperor Constantine’s victory over Maxentius in the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, and was inaugurated in the year 315. The structure features elaborate reliefs, some of which were part of earlier monuments, and a large inscription.

✪ Roman Forum

The large archaeological area located between the Colosseum and the Capitoline Hill is known as the Roman Forum (Foro Romano) and, during the golden age of ancient Rome, it was the main social and commercial hub of the Roman Empire. Now it houses several ancient ruins. Starting from the Colosseum, the ancient road known as Via Sacra, which crosses the Roman Forum, leads to the Arch of Titus (Arco di Tito), built during the 1st century. Next to it are the medieval Basilica of Santa Francesca Romana, the Roman Forum Museum (Museo del Foro Romano), and the ruins of the Temple of Venus and Roma (Tempio di Venere e Roma). Nearby is the 4th-century Basilica of Maxentius (Basilica di Massenzio), the largest building in the area. The northern side of the Roman Forum features a church known as Basilica of Santi Cosma e Damiano, which includes the small Temple of Romulus (Tempio di Romolo). Next to this basilica is another church, the Church of San Lorenzo in Miranda, which is located inside the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina (Tempio di Antonino e Faustina), one of the largest temples in the area. The center of the Roman Forum features the House of the Vestals (Casa delle Vestali), the residence of the priestesses of the adjacent Temple of Vesta (Tempio di Vesta). More ancient temples are located further west, such as the Temple of Divus Iulius (Tempio del Divo Giulio) and the Temple of Castor and Pollux (Tempio dei Dioscuri), while the nearby Church of Santa Maria Antiqua is the oldest Christian monument in the Roman Forum. Along the Via Sacra are the ruins of the Basilica Julia (Basilica Giulia) and the 7th-century Column of Phocas (Colonna di Foca), while on the northern edge of the Roman Forum are the Basilica Aemilia (Basilica Emilia) and the Temple of Peace (Tempio della Pace). Next to these ruins is the Curia Julia (Curia Iulia), the seat of the ancient Roman senate, located in front of the Lapis Niger, a shrine dating from around the 5th century BCE. Next to the Lapis Niger is the large Arch of Septimius Severus (Arco di Settimio Severo), inaugurated in the year 203. Behind this triumphal arch are the ruins of various other temples, such as the Temple of Saturn (Tempio di Saturno), the Temple of Vespasian and Titus (Tempio di Vespasiano e Tito), and the Temple of Concord (Tempio della Concordia).

✪ Palatine Hill

The Palatine Hill (Palatino) is a hill located south of the Roman Forum, and connected to the vast archaeological area that also includes the Colosseum. This is supposedly the place where Rome was founded, and was later the place where the emperors resided. The Palatine Hill now includes the ruins of several ancient structures. Much of the hill is occupied by the large complex of the Palace of Domitian. The three main areas of the palace are the Domus Flavia, the Domus Augustana, and the Stadium (Stadio Palatino). Adjacent to the Stadium is the Domus Severiana, which includes the ruins of some ancient thermae. Between the Domus Flavia and the Domus Augustana is the Palatine Museum (Museo Palatino), which houses many archaeological finds from the surrounding area. On the western edge of the Palatine is the House of Augustus (Casa di Augusto), which was the private residence of the first Roman emperor, and is located above a group of Iron Age foundations sometimes identified as Casa Romuli, the legendary dwelling of Romulus, founder of Rome. Next to the House of Augustus are the House of Livia (Casa di Livia) and the Temple of Magna Mater (or Temple of Cybele) (Tempio della Magna Mater o Tempio di Cibele). The northwestern area of the Palatine features the Farnese Gardens (Orti Farnesiani), a 16th-century botanical garden which includes the ruins of another imperial palace, the Domus Tiberiana. Various other minor structures and ancient ruins are also located on the Palatine Hill.

✪ Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini) is a museum complex located on the Capitoline Hill in Rome, facing Piazza del Campidoglio. One of the oldest museums in the world, it was opened to the public in 1734, but it can trace its origins to 1471, when Pope Sixtus IV donated a collection of ancient bronzes to the people of Rome. The main building of the complex is Palazzo dei Conservatori, which features many richly frescoed halls and houses numerous artworks, including several ancient Roman statues and the Etruscan bronze sculpture of the Capitoline Wolf (Lupa Capitolina), one of the most popular symbols of Rome. Here is also a rich art gallery with paintings dating between the Middle Ages and the 18th century. A tunnel links this palace with Palazzo Nuovo, which hosts the other half of the museum complex, crossing the Tabularium, an ancient Roman building that once served as a state archive. Palazzo Nuovo hosts more ancient Roman sculptures and artworks.

✪ Vittoriano

Also known as: Altare della Patria

The Vittoriano is a huge monument dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of the modern Kingdom of Italy, erected between 1885 and 1935. The structure features a tall portico with a colonnade and numerous sculptures and decorations dedicated to the Italian Risorgimento. The monument houses the Altare della Patria (“Altar of the Fatherland”), which features the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Tomba del Milite Ignoto). The complex also hosts the Central Museum of the Risorgimento (Museo Centrale del Risorgimento), a rich museum dedicated to the Italian Risorgimento also featuring the Shrine of the Flags (Sacrario delle Bandiere), a collection of historic flags. Part of the complex is also used to host temporary exhibitions. Next to the entrance of the Vittoriano is an ancient Roman sepulchre dating from the 1st century BCE.

Mamertine Prison

The Mamertine Prison (Carcere Mamertino) is an ancient Roman prison located just outside the Roman Forum. Originally built in the 7th century BCE, this is supposedly the place where Saint Peter and Saint Paul where imprisoned. The prison is now located underneath the Church of San Giuseppe dei Falegnami, a 17th-century church hosting various artworks.

Piazza del Campidoglio

Piazza del Campidoglio is the square located on top of the Capitoline Hill and surrounded by the buildings of the Capitoline Museums and Palazzo Senatorio. Erected starting in the 12th century and later reworked, Palazzo Senatorio is the city hall of Rome. The square was designed by Michelangelo and features a replica of the Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius (Statua Equestre di Marco Aurelio), while the original, dating from the 2nd century, is inside the Capitoline Museums. A long staircase known as Cordonata Capitolina, also designed by Michelangelo, leads from the road below to Piazza del Campidoglio.

Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli is a church located on the Capitoline Hill, between Piazza del Campidoglio and the Vittoriano. Originally erected in the Early Middle Ages and later reworked in Romanesque and Gothic style, it became one of the most important churches of Rome. The basilica houses numerous decorations and artworks, including a large 15th-century fresco by Pinturicchio. A steep staircase climbs the hill and leads to the church.

Insula dell’Ara Coeli

The Insula dell’Ara Coeli is an ancient Roman building dating from around the 2nd century and located next to the staircase that leads to the Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli. The structure is one of the few remaining examples of a Roman insula, an apartment block, and also features some shops (tabernae).

Tarpeian Rock

The Tarpeian Rock (Rupe Tarpea) is a cliff located on the southern edge of the Capitoline Hill. In ancient Rome, it was used as an execution site, with criminals being thrown down the cliff. Now it features a panoramic terrace with a view on the Roman Forum, and it is surrounded by a park.

Basilica of Santi Quattro Coronati

The Basilica of Santi Quattro Coronati is a historic religious complex located near the Colosseum. The first church here was founded in the 4th century, and was later reworked and expanded with the addition of other buildings. The complex features various decorations and large frescoes, including a well preserved cycle dating from the 13th century housed in the Oratory of San Silvestro.

Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo

The Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo is an ancient church founded in the 4th century on the Caelian Hill in Rome. Restored various times during the Middle Ages, it features a richly decorated Baroque interior. The church is best known for the archaeological area under the basilica, where the ruins of some Roman houses were found. Dating between the 1st and 4th century, these are among the best preserved examples of Roman residential buildings, and feature a series of ancient frescoes.

Basilica of Santa Maria in Domnica

The Basilica of Santa Maria in Domnica is ancient church on the Caelian Hill in Rome. Founded in the 5th century, the church was rebuilt in the 9th century and features a large apse mosaic dating from this period. The church also houses Renaissance and Baroque artworks and decorations.

Villa Celimontana

Villa Celimontana is a villa with a large park located on the Caelian Hill in Rome. The villa was built in the 16th century and later reworked a few times. The large gardens of the villa, now a public park, feature various attractions, including an ancient Egyptian obelisk dating from around the 13th century BCE.

Tomb of the Scipios

The Tomb of the Scipios (Sepolcro degli Scipioni) is an ancient tomb used by the Scipio family between the 3rd century BCE and the 1st century CE. Even though the most notable members of the family were not buried here, various ancient sarcophagi and statues have been found in the large complex.

Porta San Sebastiano

Porta San Sebastiano is a monumental city gate located along the Aurelian Walls in Rome. Erected in the 3rd century and later reworked, the imposing structure features two large towers and various inscriptions. The gate houses the Museum of the Walls (Museo delle Mura), an archaeological museum focused on the history of the ancient walls of Rome. Next to Porta San Sebastiano is the Arch of Drusus (Arco di Druso), which was likely erected as part of an aqueduct in the 3rd century.