Completed in 80 CE, this amphitheater, the largest of its kind in the ancient Roman empire, held 50,000 people who witnessed gladiatorial contests and theatrical productions.

Then ruins of the ancient Roman Forum, the center of republican and imperial life for a thousand years, stand in testimony to a once spelendid civilization.

This central place of worship for Catholicism was built in the 15th-16th centuries by the masters of the High Renaissance near the space where the first monument to Peter was built, thought to be located near the place of his crucifixion.

Pope Julius II commissioned this sculpture for his tomb in 1505. It's found in in the church of San Pietro in Vincoli in Rome

Located in St. Peter's Basilica

This wonderous spot, with frescoes and ceiling by Michelangelo, is just part of the Vatican Museums, which encompass more than a dozen collections. Visiting hours are limited and your time inside the chapel will be short and require a long wait. But it is unquestionably worth it.

Apartment of Pius V

This building was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in 135 CE to serve as his mausoleum. Hadrian's ashes where placed here in 139, as were those of his successors until Caracalla in 217 CE. It later served as a fortress, a prison and residence of popes, and has finally become a museum

No longer thought to be burial places for persecuted Christians, there are more than 40 of these subterranean sites now unearthed; several can be toured.

This palace belonged to the family of Pope Urban VIII. It contains Roman statuary and Etruscan relics. It's most famous work is the Nile Mosaic, depicting life in ancient Egypt. In 1625 the underdeveloped site was purchased by Maffeo Barberini (later Pope Urban VIII) who was responsible for directing the completion of the design, the work of three renowned architects (Carlo Maderno, Francesco Borromini and Gian Lorenzo Bernini).

This building has an interesting history. The current Middle Ages structure was completed at the end of the 11th century. Prior to that it was the site of a 4th century basilica constructed from the home of a Roman nobleman. That building in turn had been placed over the foundation of a building destroyed in the great fire of 64 CE.

The Roman Emperor Caracalla built these public baths between 212 and 216 CE. They remained in use until the 6th century. The complex included libraries with Greek and Roman books, a gymnasium and pools of varying temperatures - the warmest was heated through a furnace system and the use of mirror to redirect sunlight.

This is a medieval reproduction of a statue depicting the founding myth of the city, the suckling of Romulus and Remus by a she-wolf.

Under the foundation of the Church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo a whole complex of Roman houses has been uncovered, including some twenty rooms - a fascinating look into the past.

This terra cota statue dates from the 6th century BCE and is considered one of the great treasures at the National Etruscan Museum.

This is about the only time of day that this tourist attraction is not mobbed.

The painting is entitled "Rest during the flight from Egypt" (painted c1597)

Just one of the many treasure at the Galleria Borghese.

Tour the ruins of the once grand little town where the emperor and retinue of thousands escaped teeming viae of Rome.

This museum houses the National Museum of the 21st Century Arts in a spectacular building designed by Zaha Hadid and opened in 2010. The collection includes works by Anish Kapoor, Gerhard Richter, Francesco Clemente and others.

This archeological site, some 19 miles from Rome, served as the port of ancient Rome. Due to changes in topography it now sits two miles from the ocean. Many ancient buildings, frescoes and mozaics survive there.

Just one of the treasures at the Etruscan National Museum.

When Mt. Visuvius erupted over two days in 79 CE it completely buried the town in 15 feet of pumice and ash. The town was only rediscovered in 1749 and has since been partially excavated, revealing life from that day frozen in time.

Uncovered in Pompeii.

If you think gelato is just ice cream, you probably confuse Ferraris and Vespas.

This monument, completed in 1935, was built to honor the first king of a unified Italy.

Pick up all the fixings for a picnic in Rome.

Pictured: Hotel Raphael, just one of many hotels available with just a click on this image's link.

Villa Lante at Bagnaia contains a magnificent Mannerist garden of surprise built in the mid-16th century.

When it's said "All roads lead to Rome." This was one of the roads.

Located in the Piazza Navona, this fountain was begun in 1574, but the scuptures were not added for 300 years.

Remarkably intact for a building constructed by Hadrian in CXXVI! One-stop praying to all the gods.

Cardinal Ippolito d'Este of Ferrara built this little retreat for himself, which is best known for its captivating gardens.

Built over centuries, this palace is the result of contributions by many Italian architects. It now is the official residence of the President.

Apparently, being proclaimed a god did not avert death.