Eternal City of Rome

Rome, the Eternal City is one of the world's most fascinating capitals. It is packed with piazzas, churches, archaeological sites, amazing architecture and works of art — not to mention enthralling street cafes, shops, markets and fountains.

With each passing year, the Italian capital continues to grow in popularity among foreign tourists.

The famous adage Rome was not built in a day can be applied here because you just cannot see the whole city in a day since there are over a thousand attractions. You need at least ten days to enjoy a holiday here.

But one always has to draw up a list of what to see.

The Colosseum in Piazza del Colosseo is Rome's most famous landmark and an unmissable attraction. This classic ruin, also called Amphitheatre Flavium, was once a sports and circus arena with a capacity of 50,000. It was inaugurated in 80 AD.

Its neatly arranged stands show impeccable planning in the by-gone era. The Emperor was given a VIP area followed by aristocrats and Vestal Virgins in the front. The rest of the crowd, including slaves and women were pushed to the back rows at the top.

This world-famous amphitheatre's walls could tell a thousand stories for it was the scene of many gruesome gladiator fights over two millennia ago.

According to historians, more than 4,500 wild animals brought from Africa were killed for the gory opening event. Ancient Romans would flock here for entertainment where gladiators fought with ferocious animals such as lions.

Today, visitors can walk through the tunnels from where gladiators and wild animals made their appearances.

Criminals who were sentenced to damnatio ad bestias were thrown unarmed and fed to the lions.

Fontana di Trevi, the largest and the most famous Baroque Fountain, has its own attraction.

The 25-metre high and 20-metre wide landmark is popular with visitors who come to see the central figures of the fountain Neptune or the God of the Sea flanked by two Tritons — one a very unruly sea horse and another docile animal, symbolising two contrasting moods of the sea.

According to tradition, those who come to see it have to throw a coin into the water guaranteeing safe return home.

The 113-year-old Villa Borghese Gallery houses not only one of the best art galleries in the Italian capital with a wealth of priceless rare pieces of art, but also has a beautiful public park.

Sciopione Borghese, an Italian Cardinal who founded this gallery in Piazzale Del Museo was himself a collector of modern and ancient art and was also a patron of arts.

The Vatican Museums or the Papal Museums and Galleries is one place which will impress you. As you walk past the massive bronze door, you will be transported out of Italy and into the world's smallest country: The Vatican even though it is on the Italian soil and just some five kilometres north of the city centre of Rome.

The massive 42,000 square metres museum complex which began in 1506 was restored to its present form in the second half of the 18th Century. It houses priceless works of art — over 70,000 pieces which are on display and a further 50,000 preserved in the vaults.

It is impossible to see the entire museum in one day though you can take a six-hour tour there to see some parts of it — either way you are promised an incredible stroll.

The Sistine Chapel, considered a masterpiece, is truly worth a visit for its rich history and examples of life from every era.

All the Popes have taken personal interest in this museum ensuring its continuity for posterity.

One of the most-recognisable landmarks in Rome for its marble façade and big dome is the St Peter's Basilica in Piazza San Pietro, Vatican City.

This religious historic building is not only the largest church in Rome but also the place for global pilgrimage. You will surely be full of admiration for its stunning sculptures and truly wonderful architecture of this vast church.

You can climb the steps up to the top of the dome for one of most breath-taking views of the Rome skyline.

The magnificent Piazza Navona is a welcome sight after walking around the winding streets of Rome. This spectacular place is a true example of an architectural miracle in the heart of this Eternal City.

This has been a traditional meeting place for locals and is well-known for its market, processions and spectacles such as the mock naval battles.

Take a break in one of the many open-air-cafes dotted around here and enjoy the seasonal fairs around Christmas time. In the summer the piazza is full of street performers, fortune-tellers, painters, caricaturists and buskers.

This is only a small sample of what you can see in Rome. The city has so many attractions that you will simply be spoilt for choice.

Crime is rampant as I experienced while travelling in the tram on my way to the forex bureau when a man standing next to me slipped his hand into my tight trouser pocket trying to yank out my wallet loaded with Pound Sterling notes and credit cards. I grabbed his hand whilst it was still in my pocket and yelled at him. He apologised profusely with one of the lamest excuses "Oh sorry, I thought I had put my hand inside my pocket!"