Rome, Italy (Point of interest)

Just 300 yards from the Colosseum stands the Basilica San Clemente, famous for its magnificent frescoes and 12th-century mosaic of the Cross as the Tree of Life. In summer, it hosts Rome's popular festival of operas and concerts.... Continue reading →

The boat-shaped Isola Tiberina (Tiberina Island) sits in the River Tiber, connected to Trastevere via Cestio bridge. Once home to the Temple of Aesculapius, today visitors have a 10th-century church to visit. In summer the Cinema Festival takes pla... Continue reading →

Hadrian's temple to the gods, the Pantheon in central Rome is extraordinarily well-preserved. Visitors stand inside and gaze up at the skies through the oculus, the nine-metre hole in the dome, then pay homage at Renaissance artist Raphael's tomb. ... Continue reading →

Bustling Piazza Navona in central Rome, is perfect for people-watching. Built in the 15th century, its lavish fountains and open-air bars make this a popular meeting point, where Romans sip lattes and browse for bargains from street traders. Origi... Continue reading →

Fully restored between 1655 and 1660 by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Rome's Santa Maria del Popolo Church features masterpieces including Caravaggio's Crucifixion of St Peter. Fans of Dan Brown's best-seller Angels and Demons can look for clues in Raffael... Continue reading →

Santa Maria in Trastevere dates back to 1138. There's been a church on this site since the 4th century. Visitors step inside to admire the 13th-century gold mosaics and sniff the incense-laden air.... Continue reading →

Situated inside the Vatican City in Rome, the marble-floored St Peter's Basilica is amongst the largest churches (with the largest brick dome) ever constructed. It features the works of some of the greatest Renaissance artists, including Bernini an... Continue reading →

The Trevi Fountain, in central Rome, depicts Neptune's chariot pulled by winged horses. This baroque masterpiece by Nicola Salvi was immortalised in Fellini's film La Dolce Vita. Throw a coin into the waters to ensure your return to Rome. Original... Continue reading →