Ancient Destinations Italy

Stunning landscapes and delicious cuisines, Italy has it all for a perfect European vacation. The country also provides a great setting for adventure travel. Why not take a tour of ancient Rome or stare in awe of its Renaissance art? Italy offers travellers the pleasures of both la dolce vita and historical travel.

Photo: aewolf

One of Italy's most famous landmarks to visit is the Colosseum in Rome. This enormous amphitheatre was built during the reign of Emperor Vespasiano in 72 AD and was dedicated in 80 AD to his son Titus. In its day, the Colosseum was capable of seating 45,000 - 50,000 spectators!

The Colosseum is still a magnificent piece of Roman architecture. The building has eighty entrances and is 64 meters in height. It is considered an engineering marvel. The purpose of the Colosseum was to hold gladiatorial fights and other public spectacles. The fighters were usually slaves and/or prisoners that were placed in the subterranean chambers below along with wild animals. (More Photos)

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The Pantheon is another example of architectural engineering at its best. Construction began in Rome in 27 BC and it was later rebuilt by the Roman emperor Hadrian (AD 118 - 128). Originally, it served as a temple for pagan gods but it was then converted into a church in 609. The Pantheon consists of a large concrete dome that stretches 43 meters (142 feet) high. Within the temple, visitors can see five rows of twenty-eight square coffers that surround the insides of the dome. At the top of the dome there is the oculus (a large opening) where sunlight can enter inside. At the front of the temple there is a porch of eight Corinthian columns that are aligned in three rows. For those with an interest in Renaissance art, you will be happy to know that the Pantheon also contains the tomb of the famous Italian artist Raphael. (More Photos)

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One of the most surreal sites for travellers to visit is Pompeii. This ancient Roman city was founded by the Oscans in 600 BC and was later taken over by the Samnites. The city is located in Campania which is in western Italy. On August 24, 79 AD a volcano (aka Mount Vesuvius) erupted and sent down a wave of ash and rock that completely destroyed the city of Pompeii. (More Photos)

The entire city along with its inhabitants were completely smothered with the volcano's ash. Archaeological excavations has brought to light intact buildings, wall paintings and preserved human bodies. To aid in their preservation, modern excavators poured liquid plaster on the human bodies to keep them intact. The whole city of Pompeii is perfectly preserved in time.

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