Roman Landmarks

When one thinks of Rome, the first thoughts are, rightly so, of the history of that city. Perhaps you think of the center for Catholism, the Roman Empire, Hadrian, or Julius Caesar.

All that will be addressed in the history section for Roma...this article will share a more up-to-date description and opinion of the landmarks in Rome.

The Colosseum

Sunken below street level, you'll find the Colosseum still stands as the chief monument to historic Roman greatness. Cars speed around the landmark--watch yourself when crossing the street--and pedlers line the sidewalks selling anything from miniture models of Italian sites to bobble-headed Popes. African immigrants wander the tourist areas with trays of overpriced novelty lighters, and you'll be able to pose with a 'Roman Guard' outside of the Colosseum walls for a price. The 'public' toilets are pay per use (and about as attractive as that sounds).

You'll purchase a ticket to walk through the entry arch, and feel incredibly small to imagine the Colosseum in completion--as it's name suggests, the colossal size dwarfs you. Truly a landmark of gigantic proportion, mentally and physically, you may need to sit in a carved travertine bench to 'take it all in'. Advice to take plenty of pictures while you're at it...I love revisiting that feeling when going over photo albums.

Trevi Fountain

There's a saying that if you throw a coin into the Trevi Fountain, you will return one day. I must say, I did so twice, and within the year, visited Trevi Fountain on three separate occasions. Be careful when tossing your coin, though--the marble around the fountain is constantly wet, thus, slippery.

An interesting 'planned event' for the Trevi Fountain (which is remains of the ancient Roman aquaduct) is to toss a coin from your home country within it. I tossed an American penny one time, and felt as if I'd left a bit of myself behind...creating a longing to return.

Of course, the general opinion in travel books is that the Trevi Fountain is one of the most beautiful in Rome. I disagree...however, could be the days I visited were mostly overcast, and the place had throngs of tourists. It is impressive; as with a few Roman fountains, the theme is mythological sea creatures/gods, with the center figure being Neptune (Poisiden to those familiar with the Greek name), with his 'animal', two horses, flanking him.