Structures

• The Coliseum -- its proper name is the Flavius Amphitheatre -- opened in 80 A.D. and held up to 70,000 spectators who gathered to watch gladiators, oratory performances and animal shows. Today, tourists can walk around the upper levels. The Constantine Arch, put in place to celebrate Constantine's victory over his co-emperor, Maxentius, sits next to the Coliseum.
  
  The Forum ruins are near the Coliseum. One of the world's most important archaeological sites, the Forum served as the city's social and political center, surrounded by shops and markets. Two monuments still standing at the Forum include the Arch of Septimius Severus and the Temple of Antoninus and Faustina.
  
  The Pantheon has the distinction of being the first temple built for commoners. Previously, all such structures were reserved for priests and vestals. The Pantheon is also a national mausoleum, housing the remains of the Italian royal family and artists such as Raffaello.
  
  

Squares and fountains

• Piazza de Spagna is perhaps Rome's most famous square and home to the Spanish Steps. It takes its name from Spanish Embassy that stood in the butterfly-shaped square in the 17th century. Campidoglio has served as a government seat since ancient times. The square and its staircase were designed in the 16th century by Michelangelo. Next to Campidoglio is Piazza Venezia. Its palazzo dates to the second half of the 15th century.
  
  Tourists flock to the Trevi Fountain, located in the heart of the city. The fountain took 30 years to build and inspired by sea mythology. While at the Spanish Steps, visitors can see the Fontana della Barcaccia, built in 1629 by Bernini in remembrance of the Tiber River flood in 1598. Another Bernini work is the Fontana del Tritone, built in the 1600s.
  
  

Cemeteries and Tombs

• The Cemetery of the Capuchin Monks contains four chapels boasting Baroque décor and serves as the final resting place for the bones of thousands of friars. The walls, ceilings and chandeliers are awash in bones and skulls. The Catacombs of St. Callixtus serve as a burial spot for Christian martyrs. They were built outside the city in the second century because Roman law banned burial within the city.
  
  

St. Peter and the Vatican

• St. Peter's Basilica, the world's largest church, overlooks a square of the same name. Inside is the famous Prieta sculpture by Michelangelo. Michelangelo is famous for his Sistine Chapel frescoes on the chapel ceiling.
  
  The chapel is one of many Vatican museums that are split into sections. Filled with statues, paintings, tapestries and archeological treasures, visitors can view more than 70,000 pieces.