Marvel at the remains of the first and largest stadium for public games built in the entire Roman Empire, and the model that inspired many more since. At over 2,000 feet long and nearly 400 feet wide, and accommodating more than 150,000 spectators, it continues to hold the prestigious title as the world’s largest stadium ever built. Famously known for its death defying chariot racing, the stadium also hosted gladiatorial games, animal hunts, plays, religious and public ceremonies, parades, and elaborate parades.

The Baths of Caracalla were not just thermal baths, but the most impressive and well preserved surviving example of an Imperial bath and recreational complex in Antiquity. Built by Emperor Caracalla in approximately 212 AD, the bath complex was able to accommodate up to 10,000 people at a time with 1,600 bathers in a vast area covering approximately 1,000,000 square feet. The massive complex included an Olympic size swimming pool (natatio), a cold baths (frigidarium), a hot baths (caldarium), and exercise courts (palastrae). Throughout an intricate two level subterranean network of rooms and passageways were service areas that operated the baths, and systems that drained liquid waste into underground sewage channels.

There is truth in that during ancient times, “all roads lead to Rome”, as Romans were excellent road builders...and Via Appia (Appian Way) is testament to that. Named after the magistrate who initiated its construction, Appius Claudius Caecus, the road was built to connect Rome to Capua at a time when the region of Campania was forming a joint political existence with Rome. . Built in 312 B.C., Via Appia is remarkably straight with few exceptions due to topographical factors. During ancient times, surveyors were only able to create straight routes. Along the way, “pit-stops” were created where horses could be changed and travelers could eat and rest. The Ancient Appian Way is impressively well preserved where you can get an overall idea of what an ancient Roman road used to be like. Within the original stones, you can see the grooves created by chariot and wagon wheels that traveled through here for centuries.

Bringing fresh water to Rome gave the city the possibility to grow and flourish, and this was done through the incredible achievements of aqueducts. Roman engineers understood the principles necessary to allow water to move uphill and downhill through the aqueducts as it traveled long distances. While large portions of the aqueducts were underground, some were above ground, especially as the aqueducts neared the city of Rome. Fresh water was brought from the distant hills and it generously poured from Rome’s many public fountains. Some of these ancient aqueducts continue to be in use today in varying capacities.

In the charming Piazza della Rotonda you will visit the Pantheon, one of the most impressive architectural monuments of Ancient Rome. After nearly 2,000 years, this ancient monument is also the longest in continuous use in the world, its survival due to its exceptional strength and stability, and its 7th century conversion into the church of St Mary of the Martyrs. What the Pantheon is most famous for is its impressive dome that has inspired architects for centuries. It was also the largest concrete dome in the world until the 1958 CNIT building in Paris. In the center of the coffered dome is the oculus, a round opening that allows light and the weather to enter inside the circular interior. Entry tickets to the Pantheon are € 2 per persona and can be bought on site.

A testament to Ancient Rome’s golden age of architectural wonders by ambitious Emperors. Inside this great complex you can see the famous Trajan’s Column, a victory column comprised marble bands that detail Trajan’s successful military campaign against Dacia (present day Romania) whose spoils paid for the construction of the forum. Below you’ll see numerous foundations and columns that once belonged to Greek and Latin libraries, Hall of Liberty, Temple of Trajan, and Basilica Ulpia. In the background in a semi circle once stood the unprecedented Trajan’s Market, the ancestor of today’s shopping centers that also functioned as civil and administrative centers.